Benelli recoil spring question

[Mike128]

How often do you need to change out the recoil spring on a Benelli M1?

I bought a used M1 that dates back to when HK imported them. The gun looks in great shape and I've used it for two seasons with no problems. This includes some sporting clays, ducks, and geese loads.

The reason I'm asking is because it seems very easy to pull the bolt back compared to other M1s and SBEs I've played with. If the gun is cocked and I put it down on the stock pointing straight up the bolt will actually slide open slightly and close again. I'm worried the spring is worn out and that I might be damaging the gun. On the other hand it works perfectly so why mess with it?

 

[jford1]

Unless you shoot competitions or bought it from someone who did you'll probably never have to replace it in your lifetime. Just because one gun feels harder to pull back doesn't mean theirs any thing wrong with yours. Benellis seem to be more reliable when they're worn in. You can have trouble shooting light loads with a heavy spring. If it shoots fine now then leave it alone.

 

[Sniper X]

It also might have the light load spring in it from Brownells. I need one for mine (H&K M1 Super()) because I need to use it in 3 gun and can't shooot anything over #7 at 2 3/4 in shells in my club. And my M1 won't cycle anything under #4 3in.

 

[Mike128]

If it does have a reduced power spring in place, is it still safe to shoot full power duck and goose loads?

 

[jford1]

Whether the recoil spring is worn out or just light it should still cycle and function fine. The recoil will get heavier and the wear on the action will be accelerated the less resistance the spring gives. Unless the recoil is abnormally heavy/sharp I would think the gun is safe to shoot. Replacement springs are relatively cheap at Brownells or Midway—just get one to compare yours to.

 

[Slimpickins]

I had a friend that had a brand new M1 right out of the box that the spring was weak on. We went goose hunting and when the first set of birds came in his gun didn't go off...He thought we had messed with it....When the next set of birds came in his gun didn't go off again. We got to looking @ it and when he would set the stock on the ground the bolt would open approx. 1/4" not allowing the firing pin to be active. This was a few years ago but he took it back to the dealer and they replaced it. To my knowledge he hasn't had anymore problems w/ it.... I certainly haven't had any problems out of mine yet! ( knocking on wood right now)....

 

[jford1]

On my two Benellis (both bought new) I can unlock the bolt like what was happening to your friend's gun if I thump the stock on the ground too hard. That's the way the recoil system works. If the spring is too light to lock the action closed consistently after cycling then it is dangerously light. If the gun wont cycle light loads then the spring is too heavy for that load. Everything in between is fine, however, even if the gun functions properly a lighter spring than necessary will cause heavier recoil and increased wear on the action.

 

[Slimpickins]

I agree, it will unlock the bolt if it's hit hard enough, but when we were looking @ his gun we would very gently put it down and it would unlock the bolt. I haven't seen anything like it since, It was a very very light spring.....And he was shooting 3 1/2 t shot loads....

 

[jford1]

Did Benelli fix it for him or did he just get a new spring? I haven’t had any trouble with mine opening unexpectedly under normal conditions.

 

[Slimpickins]

A local dealer fixed it for him @ no charge to him of course. I haven't had any problems whatsoever from mine and I've had it for a few years now....