das028
Member
"get a Limbsaver"
AMEN!!!
AMEN!!!
Benelli: worth the price?
- Thread starter Dan Tanna
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das028
Member
"That's not typical. Is there something wrong with it? Does he clean it? Are you shooting in extreme weather or something?"
I agree, there is something wrong with his fathers shotgun. 1187 and 1100 are great reliable shotguns when they are properlly maintained. My father uses a trap model. They are heavy as hell though, not relly fun when your in the field all day.
I agree, there is something wrong with his fathers shotgun. 1187 and 1100 are great reliable shotguns when they are properlly maintained. My father uses a trap model. They are heavy as hell though, not relly fun when your in the field all day.
Karbon
Member
We clean our guns after every use. Be both hunted 870 up untill three years back, with very little issues, couple of freeze ups, but that's it.
His gun was new and after 3 weekends he started having issues. O-rings about 2 times a season, conditions of our hunting I'm assuming.
As far as shooting conditions...we duck hunt in a swamp and have a Golden and a Black lab in and out of the water (muck, weeds, sand) all day. Plus up here in WI we can be hunting in everything from 50 to -10 in a mater of a few days. I guess that could be classified as extreme.
If you have a 1187, and are familiar with it, you would absolutly love the easy complete strip and clean of the M1. SIMPLE!
His gun was new and after 3 weekends he started having issues. O-rings about 2 times a season, conditions of our hunting I'm assuming.
As far as shooting conditions...we duck hunt in a swamp and have a Golden and a Black lab in and out of the water (muck, weeds, sand) all day. Plus up here in WI we can be hunting in everything from 50 to -10 in a mater of a few days. I guess that could be classified as extreme.
If you have a 1187, and are familiar with it, you would absolutly love the easy complete strip and clean of the M1. SIMPLE!
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
870s are quality arms also. I''ve been trying to wear some out since the Eisenhower Administration and failing nobly.
In all those years and at least 75K of shells, two firing pin springs are all that's broken.
Nigh 20K of shells in the last 6 years or so in the TB here have resulted in some wear marks on the mag tube. I can live with them.
Enjoy your Benelli. Other than bad triggers on the ones I've shot, they seemed to be nice shotguns.
However, a shotgun costing four figures should not have a bad trigger. This is not limited to Benellis.
In all those years and at least 75K of shells, two firing pin springs are all that's broken.
Nigh 20K of shells in the last 6 years or so in the TB here have resulted in some wear marks on the mag tube. I can live with them.
Enjoy your Benelli. Other than bad triggers on the ones I've shot, they seemed to be nice shotguns.
However, a shotgun costing four figures should not have a bad trigger. This is not limited to Benellis.
Bought my first Bennelli 2 years ago a used M1S90 for $700, worth every penny and more, just bought an M3 Tactical for $1000 worth every penny. If you want a Ford by a ford If you want a Ferrari buy a Ferrari. I like Ferraris lol. Choice is yours!!!
STiTkacik
Member
My 1187 has been trouble free for a good 1500 rounds now. Not one jam.
I am very anal about cleaning it though.
Speaking of Benelli. I want to get a Nova 12 gauge in the future for ducks. The price isn't too bad and I really like the pump's action.
I am very anal about cleaning it though.
Speaking of Benelli. I want to get a Nova 12 gauge in the future for ducks. The price isn't too bad and I really like the pump's action.
JohnBT
Member
"If you want a Ford by a ford If you want a Ferrari buy a Ferrari. I like Ferraris lol."
Ferrari of autoloaders => www.cosmi.net/uk/ukhome.htm
Benellis are very good, but they're not Ferraris.
John
Ferrari of autoloaders => www.cosmi.net/uk/ukhome.htm
Benellis are very good, but they're not Ferraris.
John
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Ferarri?
Benelli is a good quality truck, for some cash. On the other hand, Berettas aren't cheap, either, nor are Brownings or the Remington semiautos I'd buy, so it's not like the Benelli's price is way out of range, really.
But a Ferarri? You ain't SEEN a high-end shotgun yet, son, if you make that analogy. Toyota truck, Benelli is.
One can, if one chooses, spend 20-30 times as much on a shotgun, without ordering the fancy version.
I'm not doing that, myself, but in the eyes of a lot of shotgunners, a Benelli and an 870 are about the same thing.
Benelli is a good quality truck, for some cash. On the other hand, Berettas aren't cheap, either, nor are Brownings or the Remington semiautos I'd buy, so it's not like the Benelli's price is way out of range, really.
But a Ferarri? You ain't SEEN a high-end shotgun yet, son, if you make that analogy. Toyota truck, Benelli is.
One can, if one chooses, spend 20-30 times as much on a shotgun, without ordering the fancy version.
I'm not doing that, myself, but in the eyes of a lot of shotgunners, a Benelli and an 870 are about the same thing.
BTW did your dad buy the POS 11-87 Sportsman? That thing weighs as much as my 34" trap gun. Comparing that with a Benelli isn't fair.
The 11-87 Premier weighs about the same as an 870 or 391, give or take a few ounces. That's the one I would get, not the Sportsman, for a few reasons. I don't know what Remington did to make the Sportsman so overweight, but they shouldn't have done it!
Generally, Benellis are nice and light autoloaders, but the higher-end 11-87s aren't overweight. Well, maybe the Super Magnum, but we don't have many geese.
MCgunner
Member
ROFL. Well, I've got a Mossberg budget. But, you rich guys give me something to wish for.
I wouldn't mind more weight in an auto for waterfowl. The loads I shoot, I could use it. We DO have a lot of geese.
Spreadfire Arms
Member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2005
- Messages
- 1,312
benellis are great. however, on the range this week a guy was shooting a Benelli M1 14" Short Barreled Shotgun. it did not cycle Tactical Buckshot (low recoil).
just FYI. it cycled slugs really good though!
just FYI. it cycled slugs really good though!
Chuck R.
Member
I’m now on my second Benelli after being a die-hard pump-gun fan; 870s, BPS, and a MOD 12.
A few years ago I was transferred back here to KS and started doing a lot more waterfowl hunting out of layout blinds for Canadas & Snows, and layout boats for ducks. I then discovered the dreaded “short-shuck” when shooting in awkward positions (IE about 30% of layout shots). Hard left to rights are a real PITA while you’re trying to pump.
I then picked up my SBE.
The gun is simply a freaking waterfowl “weapon”. It hasn’t jammed in 6 seasons now. It’s been stomped on, gone swimming twice, and frozen up from my dogs shaking off water in the boat. One time after a “swim” it was stomped in the mud during the “recovery” process. I spilt the upper and lower receivers, washed it out in the water and went back to hunting. A lot of the cool camo finish is now gone, but it still doesn’t rust, gotta love that alloy receiver. It HAS to be the simplest, fastest gun to clean beyond maybe a single shot, and I can still tear down a Benelli completely a lot faster.
After the 1st four seasons with the SBE I bought my M1S90 “Tactical” for HD. Same results.
So I guess for me the answer is YES, Benelli’s are worth it.
There MIGHT be some guns with greater longevity, but based on my guns performance, IF it ever wears out, I’ll run out and buy another one.
Chuck
A few years ago I was transferred back here to KS and started doing a lot more waterfowl hunting out of layout blinds for Canadas & Snows, and layout boats for ducks. I then discovered the dreaded “short-shuck” when shooting in awkward positions (IE about 30% of layout shots). Hard left to rights are a real PITA while you’re trying to pump.
I then picked up my SBE.
The gun is simply a freaking waterfowl “weapon”. It hasn’t jammed in 6 seasons now. It’s been stomped on, gone swimming twice, and frozen up from my dogs shaking off water in the boat. One time after a “swim” it was stomped in the mud during the “recovery” process. I spilt the upper and lower receivers, washed it out in the water and went back to hunting. A lot of the cool camo finish is now gone, but it still doesn’t rust, gotta love that alloy receiver. It HAS to be the simplest, fastest gun to clean beyond maybe a single shot, and I can still tear down a Benelli completely a lot faster.
After the 1st four seasons with the SBE I bought my M1S90 “Tactical” for HD. Same results.
So I guess for me the answer is YES, Benelli’s are worth it.
There MIGHT be some guns with greater longevity, but based on my guns performance, IF it ever wears out, I’ll run out and buy another one.
Chuck
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
A couple of my 870s have considerable "Blind time". Maybe more than some guides. No short shucks, no glitches.
To each his own...
To each his own...
Gixerman1000
Member
I have only had my first Benelli (an M4 Tactical 11707) for a few weeks now and I only have about 300 rounds through it but I couldn't be happier with it, I still like my other shotguns (870,1187,500 & 835) but IMO my new M4 was worth every penny.
My M4 cycles everything from maxed out 3” magnum loads to my light #9 shot loads I use for skeet, effortlessly.
My M4 cycles everything from maxed out 3” magnum loads to my light #9 shot loads I use for skeet, effortlessly.
Chuck R.
Member
Dave,
My mistake, I thought it was a “Is Benelli worth the price?” not “Benelli Vs 870s” thread.
I liked my 870 when I had one, they’re rugged and cheap enough to use as a paddle in a pinch.
Chuck
My mistake, I thought it was a “Is Benelli worth the price?” not “Benelli Vs 870s” thread.
I liked my 870 when I had one, they’re rugged and cheap enough to use as a paddle in a pinch.
Chuck
No offense taken, but I must ask if you know the differences between the cheapo junk 870 Express models, and the Wingmaster models? As far as I can tell, the only difference is the amount of time and effort put into the polishing and finish work. The design, parts, and function is identical. If given the opportunity, I would bet that there isn't a bird, clay, or squirrel that a Benelli can "kill better" than either the 870 Wingmaster or Express. It all boils down to what you want to spend your money on.
A shooter accustomed to his 870 can place his follow up shots just as fast as a shooter accustomed to his Benelli, also.
But to answer the original poster's question: That's only something you can decide for yourself.
Quintin Likely
Member
I went from a Mossberg 590 to a Benelli M1S90, and I don't have any plans on going back. My gun has been 100% with whatever I've shot through it. It fits me well, and I know the manual of arms by touch and feel, don't have to think about anything on it. And besides that, it's cool and it's fun to shoot - those are my two main qualifiers for buying any gun.
Although I plan on picking up an 870 one of these days. I think it's written law somewhere, there has to be at least one 870 in every household.
Although I plan on picking up an 870 one of these days. I think it's written law somewhere, there has to be at least one 870 in every household.
JesseJames
Member
My God man. If I had the money to spend I'd slap it down in a heartbeat for a Benelli shotgun.
But my pockets aren't that deep and I have to be very judicious in how I spend my firearms fund.
I've handled some Benellis at the gun shop and I fell in love. Talk about pining.
They're relatively light, state-of-the-art, and second to none in build quality.
But my pockets aren't that deep and I have to be very judicious in how I spend my firearms fund.
I've handled some Benellis at the gun shop and I fell in love. Talk about pining.
They're relatively light, state-of-the-art, and second to none in build quality.
Terrierman
Member
I had trouble with an 11-87 that my gunsmith and Remington both tried to fix and both failed. I turned it into an M1S90 and really like the Benelli. It has been 100% reliable and IMHO worth the money I gave for it. I also own one of those classic 870 Wingmasters that predates both the now somebody else's problem 11-87 and the M1S90. I killed a LOT of ducks and geese with it before steel shot convinced me I needed a 3" gun. An ounce and a quarter of lead 5's stepping out there worked pretty good in the good old days! That Wingmaster will be part of the estate and that's that. The M1 is looking like it will be too, they are both reliable shotguns that I'm able to shoot reasonably well with and I see no need to let either one go on down the road. Does that make me wishy washy in this 870 v. Benelli microcosm?
dmarbell
Member
870 value and vent rib
>$200 to $250 Wingmasters aren't rare at all. Here's one:
>www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976676293.htm Wingmaster $199
>"Very Good Cond. Cap 4+1 ; Barrel 26"; Light contour Barrel, vent rib, ; >Sights Twin bead; Metal finish High polish blue; Overall length 46.5"; Stock >walnut; finish Hi-gloss;"
JohnBT and Dave Mc:
Per owner's reply, the above gun has 26" LC barrel with fixed modified choke. I am looking for an 870 value, but prefer 28-30" barrel. Many of the lower-priced ones have plain barrels. For a beginning skeet and clay shooter, is the vent rib barrel worth the extra money they seem to be asking for? I'd prefer the above gun in IC or skeet, and buy an extra barrel for full choke shooting.
What is the value of the vent rib?
Danny
>$200 to $250 Wingmasters aren't rare at all. Here's one:
>www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976676293.htm Wingmaster $199
>"Very Good Cond. Cap 4+1 ; Barrel 26"; Light contour Barrel, vent rib, ; >Sights Twin bead; Metal finish High polish blue; Overall length 46.5"; Stock >walnut; finish Hi-gloss;"
JohnBT and Dave Mc:
Per owner's reply, the above gun has 26" LC barrel with fixed modified choke. I am looking for an 870 value, but prefer 28-30" barrel. Many of the lower-priced ones have plain barrels. For a beginning skeet and clay shooter, is the vent rib barrel worth the extra money they seem to be asking for? I'd prefer the above gun in IC or skeet, and buy an extra barrel for full choke shooting.
What is the value of the vent rib?
Danny
JohnBT
Member
Heck, I don't know. Maybe $50 or $100? I grew up on shotguns with plain barrels and know they aren't necessary ( ), but I understand that a lot of people like the extra weight out front to help smooth out the swing.
www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976749614.htm - Wingmaster magnum
"99% in the box 870 with 3 chokes. F, imp. cyl. and mod. Choke wrench and instruction manual included. 28" bbl vent rib." - $360
I like this one: www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976666230.htm - $475
"REMINGTON 870 WINGMASTER LATE MODEL 12GA SHOTGUN. With 3 Remchokes and a 28" Vent Rib Barrel and 3" chamber. Has PRETTY wood figure. Gun grades at 99.5% with BOX and book. Will be SalesTax/TEXAS residents. ShippingExtra."
), but I understand that a lot of people like the extra weight out front to help smooth out the swing.www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976749614.htm - Wingmaster magnum
"99% in the box 870 with 3 chokes. F, imp. cyl. and mod. Choke wrench and instruction manual included. 28" bbl vent rib." - $360
I like this one: www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976666230.htm - $475
"REMINGTON 870 WINGMASTER LATE MODEL 12GA SHOTGUN. With 3 Remchokes and a 28" Vent Rib Barrel and 3" chamber. Has PRETTY wood figure. Gun grades at 99.5% with BOX and book. Will be SalesTax/TEXAS residents. ShippingExtra."
sm
member
Never warmed up to the Benelli's. In fact I have won quite a few, and never took them out of the box, or just called the gun shop and said I wanted to trade on something else.
I've tried to warm up, I've broken quite a few in trying.
Nothing against Benelli, just they did not fit me or task - or like me. Glocks don't like me either. *shrug* Some makes and models don't like some folks. Drop it, go on and find what works for you. Had some 'tree trimmers' folks that actually use shotguns to trim trees for a timber company , go thru the same thing. These guys use OLDer 1100s, and 870 pump guns now.
Vent Ribs :
"Vent" the heat mirage, and when "aiming" more than pointing with slugs offer some advantages. Takes a bit more doing to get nelphs out from under the rib, keep clean and maintained.
Folks that premount a gun, and especially have two beads, can make sure the gun is not canted.
Plain Barrels:
I grew up with plain barrels. I like them and Plain Barrelled guns like 870s, SxS, single shot shotguns... are more comfortable to use when using the shotgun as a boat paddle - especially it that silly bead you don't need is off.
I've gone to more simple, using Single Shot Shotguns, and 90% of these are Youth models.
Don't shoot like I used to - doing more passing forward in some areas while I let others pass onto me in others. See a bigger person can shoot a smaller gun - smaller person cannot always shoot a bigger heavier gun. So when I instruct, I use them simple youth sized single shots.
Awerbuck uses a "red gun" - I use a Youth Single Shot.
Works quite well for me, with a lady, or older fella with the green light to shoot again after detached retina is healed...still cautioned to start slow and less recoil.
Then again squatting down or being on knees to assist a kid, say a 9 y/o about so high - that gun fits them and lessons are shared.
Last Ducks I took were with this NEF Youth 20 ga I keep handy - real nice boat paddle to scuttle with too.
Taken everything from Doves [ limit of 15 here with only 11 shells ] to Spike Buck, to rabid critter control to evil mutant paint can at 75 yds with it.
Admit I am going backwards, bit turned off by all the marketing and "gotta haves".
I still like totin' a single shot while walking the property with a dawg. Still can shoot 5/5 using slugs on Low 7, and last time out shot 25/25 using one at regular skeet. One has to get the gun fed on them doubles of course - I was not shooting "ladies skeet".
Going backwards perhaps - then again some of us here besides me have some experiences.
Kinda like folks been married for a bit, you could not pay them to have to date in these times.
Then again I've been married, been divorced, and am single. Can't pay me "to date" - now if'n I want to hang out , go do something with a lady, I do - and they with me.
Some stuff just gotten too darned difficult, too much labeling, too much hype...grab a single shot, some ammo, the dawg, and walk the property for instance. Get back the Sun Tea is made and fix something to eat. Share the task, share the duties of fixing, cleaning up and ...actually communicate and have a conversation.
Must be the kicker - doing instead of wishing, doing instead of reading about it, doing instead of being too distracted by what folks are supposed to do , or what everyone is doing.
A tool is never any better than the user of said tool.
I've tried to warm up, I've broken quite a few in trying.
Nothing against Benelli, just they did not fit me or task - or like me. Glocks don't like me either. *shrug* Some makes and models don't like some folks. Drop it, go on and find what works for you. Had some 'tree trimmers' folks that actually use shotguns to trim trees for a timber company , go thru the same thing. These guys use OLDer 1100s, and 870 pump guns now.
Vent Ribs :
"Vent" the heat mirage, and when "aiming" more than pointing with slugs offer some advantages. Takes a bit more doing to get nelphs out from under the rib, keep clean and maintained.
Folks that premount a gun, and especially have two beads, can make sure the gun is not canted.
Plain Barrels:
I grew up with plain barrels. I like them and Plain Barrelled guns like 870s, SxS, single shot shotguns... are more comfortable to use when using the shotgun as a boat paddle - especially it that silly bead you don't need is off.
I've gone to more simple, using Single Shot Shotguns, and 90% of these are Youth models.
Don't shoot like I used to - doing more passing forward in some areas while I let others pass onto me in others. See a bigger person can shoot a smaller gun - smaller person cannot always shoot a bigger heavier gun. So when I instruct, I use them simple youth sized single shots.
Awerbuck uses a "red gun" - I use a Youth Single Shot.
Works quite well for me, with a lady, or older fella with the green light to shoot again after detached retina is healed...still cautioned to start slow and less recoil.
Then again squatting down or being on knees to assist a kid, say a 9 y/o about so high - that gun fits them and lessons are shared.
Last Ducks I took were with this NEF Youth 20 ga I keep handy - real nice boat paddle to scuttle with too.
Taken everything from Doves [ limit of 15 here with only 11 shells ] to Spike Buck, to rabid critter control to evil mutant paint can at 75 yds with it.
Admit I am going backwards, bit turned off by all the marketing and "gotta haves".
I still like totin' a single shot while walking the property with a dawg. Still can shoot 5/5 using slugs on Low 7, and last time out shot 25/25 using one at regular skeet. One has to get the gun fed on them doubles of course - I was not shooting "ladies skeet".
Going backwards perhaps - then again some of us here besides me have some experiences.
Kinda like folks been married for a bit, you could not pay them to have to date in these times.
Then again I've been married, been divorced, and am single. Can't pay me "to date" - now if'n I want to hang out , go do something with a lady, I do - and they with me.
Some stuff just gotten too darned difficult, too much labeling, too much hype...grab a single shot, some ammo, the dawg, and walk the property for instance. Get back the Sun Tea is made and fix something to eat. Share the task, share the duties of fixing, cleaning up and ...actually communicate and have a conversation.
Must be the kicker - doing instead of wishing, doing instead of reading about it, doing instead of being too distracted by what folks are supposed to do , or what everyone is doing.
A tool is never any better than the user of said tool.
Eightball
Member
Personally, I've seen Benelli's with much better QC than remington--at least recently. Granted, never seen a Wingmaster in person (a shame, I know), but all Benellis I have sold at the shop where I work are much better manufactured than 870s. That being said.......870s are built like tanks, and will always work, you just gotta deal with a rougher finish. The newer Benelli stuff is just that--new--and hasn't had as extensive amount of time to be dealt with yet.
I'd say Yes, the M2 is much better than the 870, mechanically speaking and speaking from quality. And it'll probably be around much longer, if the current "american companies going under" trend continues.
I'd say Yes, the M2 is much better than the 870, mechanically speaking and speaking from quality. And it'll probably be around much longer, if the current "american companies going under" trend continues.
jrou111
Member
I wanted a HD shotty.
I paid $325 for a brand new Benelli Nova Tactical with Ghost ring sights.
I love it, WELL worth the money.
I paid $325 for a brand new Benelli Nova Tactical with Ghost ring sights.
I love it, WELL worth the money.
JohnBT
Member
"I'd say Yes, the M2 is much better than the 870, mechanically speaking and speaking from quality."
Let's be fair here. You've never seen a Wingmaster and you're comparing the $900 to $1150 (ableammo site prices) M2 to an entry-level Express Magnum that costs $200 to $250 and doesn't even have a walnut stock. I would hope the M2 looks better.
John
Let's be fair here. You've never seen a Wingmaster and you're comparing the $900 to $1150 (ableammo site prices) M2 to an entry-level Express Magnum that costs $200 to $250 and doesn't even have a walnut stock. I would hope the M2 looks better.
John
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