SUBJECT: Benelli shotguns...

[Slugo]

one of the only shotgun brands I've never owned. I've shot quite a few of them, but could never pull the trigger, so to speak on one. The price for the target models is absurd, you can get a nice field grade Browning or Beretta O/U for the same money! The only two that sort of interest me are the Montefeltro and the M2 in 12ga with wood furniture.

Your thoughts!?!

 

[rbernie]

I've been shooting a Nova 20ga for a while now, and it's not been an unsatisfying experience. I still like my Wingmasters better, but for a weatherproof field gun it's a fine choice.

Truth be told, I am currently saving up for a Vinci. It's not the prettiest thing to look at and its trigger isn't the best, but it handles well in the store and there is something about it that makes me want to try it out.....

 

[Slugo]

the Vinci appears to be a very good gun. It just looks like something from Star Wars!!

 

[docnyt]

Recently acquired an M3 that converts from pump to semiauto literally with the flick of a switch. Shoots like a dream. Only thing I would change is an adjustable stock but apparently that is not an available option and it may be difficult to add an aftermarket one.

 

[DAP90]

My Benelli Supernova is my favorite shotgun. It really helped me become a better shooter. I don’t know if it’s just a good fit or the comfortech stock but I find it to be easier to shoot than my AL391; and that’s saying something. I wish I had bought the camo version so it looked a little less tactical but I can live with it.

I really want one of their semi autos with the same stock configuration but I already own a Beretta AL391 Urika Optima and while I like it I shoot the Supernova better.

I’d trade/sell it but I’ve used it for pheasant hunting and it has some battle scars. Nothing wrong with a little character but it would hurt the resale value. That and the price of the Benelli’s in general make me cringe while the Beretta is paid for and I shoot it well enough.

 

[brnmuenchow]

I also have my eye one the "Vinci", I have looked at it plenty of times and it seems like a great buy. I have been really happy with the Benelli "Supernova Tactical", for defense or just for fun. So after shooting "wingmasters" for years I have started looking into the Benelli market, and I haven't been disapointed.

 

[oneounceload]

Was able to shoot the Montefeltro - in a LH version. While it didn't like really light loads, it handled the basic 1200fps variety easily enough - nice gun. Seems the top tier of autoloaders is at the $2,000 mark now - at least from Benelli and Beretta

 

[txhoghunter]

I was fortunate enough to convince a hunting buddy to trade me his SBE II for my Beretta 3901 for a duck hunt this last year......and I regret giving it back

That was without a doubt the nicest, softest shooting shotgun I have ever had the good fortune to shoot. Now, I have one on my list of guns to save up for

Unfortunately that list grows a lot faster than my income

But the morale of my story is that I am a huge fan of Benelli and I prefer them to comparable Berettas that I have shot. (but a Beretta O/U is very hard to beat)

 

[esheato]

I have an M2 and it's decent enough. Not remarkable in any way, but it functions every time. Although if it walked off one day, I don't think I'd care.

I've always had a hankering for a 20 ga Legacy with some nice wood but after my ho-hum experience with the M2, I doubt I'll ever buy another.

 

[VA27]

I have an M1 that I'm extremely fond of. I had a Montefeltro and I was always afraid I'd scratch it. Go for the M2 with wood and get a set of plastic stocks if you plan on some rough stuff like waterfowl hunting.

 

[jmr40]

I like my M-1. Bought it used for around $550. It has proven to be just as reliable as any pump. It is just as easy to break down and clean as any pump, it is lighter and easier carrying than any pump.

I really like the 870, but they are getting lonely in the safe since buying the Benelli.

 

[Slugo]

I would love to find a nice used M1. Everybody I've met who has one, loves them! Basically, exact same gun as the newer M2...

 

[6x6pinz]

Good guns but the price point is a little high for what you are getting. The M2 is an extremely reliable action just a little to pricey compared to what can be had for the same $$

 

[oneounceload]

Good guns but the price point is a little high for what you are getting.

As long as folks are willing to pay the price, they are not priced too high

 

[wgp]

Had an M1 for years, great gun. I think it has failed only once, with a bad reload. I prefer it to the Montefeltro, I like the fat forend. I also prefer wood furniture to black plastic. My wears a 24" barrel, which is my favorite but seems to be unusual.

 

[rbernie]

Good guns but the price point is a little high for what you are getting.

I dunno if I'd call them overly expensive.

I can get a Vinci or a M2 Field locally or from Buds for around twelve Franklins. A quick survey of Buds web site reveals that a Beretta AL391 would also cost me around twelve bills, a Browning Gold sells for around a grand (as does the Win SX3), a Browning Maxus costs twelve, a Remington Versamax is selling for more than eleven bills, and most variants of the venerable 1100 cost close to a freakin' grand. About the only 'bargain' semiautos left are the Turkish imports and the low end variants of the 11/87 line.

Given the functional and design gaps between, say, a Remington 11/87 and a M2 Field or Vinci, I don't see the prices on the Benelli's as being all that out of line (so long as your tastes lean towards an autochucker in the first place).

Look at it this way - Remington hasn't been able to price the VersaMax significantly under the price point of the Benelli or Browning or Beretta autoloaders. That would seem to indicate the natural price point for a modern and reliable (cycle 2 3/4" light loads to 3" or 3 1/2" waterfowling loads without issue) semiauto shotgun is right around where the Benelli's find themselves.

 

[BruiseLee]

M1 Super 90 is awesome. Very, very reliable. Also very fast. Prefer it over my 870.