On January 4th I had a local gun shop order a new Benelli M2 20ga. I specifically wanted a 24" barrel because I wanted to use it for turkey hunting, but 26" wasn't out if a 24" couldn't be located. But no longer than 26". I left a $500 deposit and was told 4-8 weeks to get it in.
I checked in yesterday and they called the distributor. Was told if they put it on a ship from Italy today it would be 3 months before it would show up in the store. I'd already waited 2 months, and 3+ more was longer than I was willing to wait.
They did have a new 26" barreled 20 ga 870 priced at $499.95. I looked it over, liked it and left with it instead. The store ate the tax and let me have it for the $500 deposit I'd already made. Remington shotgun barrels are almost always shorter than advertised and this one measured 25 1/2". Since Benelli uses a longer receiver my 870 ends up only about 1" longer overall than the Benelli would have. That is close enough. And saving $800, (almost enough to buy 2 more 870's) didn't hurt.
Observations:
Real walnut and real cut checkering. The old reverse stamped checkering, even on a Wingmaster, was almost a deal killer for me. The wood finish looks like an old school tung oil finish which I like. The open pores of the walnut are visible. I never liked the bowling ball finish used on the higher end Wingmaster.
The metal is a matte finish similar to the old 870 Express but is a darker color and is better done. Perfect for what I'm going to do with it. They come with sling swivel studs from the factory now. I've not fired it yet, but it feeds and ejects perfectly. It needs a little breaking in, but otherwise is just fine.
Two minor QC issues. Mine came with 1 modified choke tube and 2 full choke tubes. No Improved Cylinder tube, which is the one I'd use most. I almost never use a full choke tube. If I need more than modified, I go straight to an aftermarket extra full turkey tube. And I already have one of those.
And it is 2 ounces heavier than the 6 1/2 lb advertised weight. I can pick up an IC choke tube, and I'm not really worried about 2 ounces.
Pics:
The receiver is now drilled and tapped for optics.
I checked in yesterday and they called the distributor. Was told if they put it on a ship from Italy today it would be 3 months before it would show up in the store. I'd already waited 2 months, and 3+ more was longer than I was willing to wait.
They did have a new 26" barreled 20 ga 870 priced at $499.95. I looked it over, liked it and left with it instead. The store ate the tax and let me have it for the $500 deposit I'd already made. Remington shotgun barrels are almost always shorter than advertised and this one measured 25 1/2". Since Benelli uses a longer receiver my 870 ends up only about 1" longer overall than the Benelli would have. That is close enough. And saving $800, (almost enough to buy 2 more 870's) didn't hurt.
Observations:
Real walnut and real cut checkering. The old reverse stamped checkering, even on a Wingmaster, was almost a deal killer for me. The wood finish looks like an old school tung oil finish which I like. The open pores of the walnut are visible. I never liked the bowling ball finish used on the higher end Wingmaster.
The metal is a matte finish similar to the old 870 Express but is a darker color and is better done. Perfect for what I'm going to do with it. They come with sling swivel studs from the factory now. I've not fired it yet, but it feeds and ejects perfectly. It needs a little breaking in, but otherwise is just fine.
Two minor QC issues. Mine came with 1 modified choke tube and 2 full choke tubes. No Improved Cylinder tube, which is the one I'd use most. I almost never use a full choke tube. If I need more than modified, I go straight to an aftermarket extra full turkey tube. And I already have one of those.
And it is 2 ounces heavier than the 6 1/2 lb advertised weight. I can pick up an IC choke tube, and I'm not really worried about 2 ounces.
Pics:
The receiver is now drilled and tapped for optics.
