Benelli shotguns. Italian Benelli shotguns: description, characteristics

Italian guns are highly reliable, practical and have the reputation of being the fastest weapons in the world. Among the most famous rifles of this country are the Beretta Silver Pigeon III, Perazzi MX8 Sporter, Beretta S010 Eell. Italian guns differ in characteristics, applications and prices, but they all deserve careful study by hunting enthusiasts. Separately, it is worth taking a closer look at the weapons produced.

History of origin

Benelli shotguns began to be produced somewhere in the 20s of the twentieth century. The company, which was initially involved in the production of motorcycles, trucks and mopeds, because of its love for mechanics, decided to succeed in the production of weapons. The first gun assembled at the plant was a double-barreled rifle with good hammers. In 1941, the first semi-automatic weapon appeared from a famous mechanic. Benelli smoothbore hunting rifles were launched into mass production only in the mid-1960s. Over time, this weapon was called the fastest in the world.

About the company and its history

In 1911, Señora Teresa Benelli and her six sons opened , which initially repaired mopeds and motorcycles, then designed an internal combustion engine for motorcycles and began producing mopeds, racing motorcycles and vans.

Soon one of the brothers, engineer Giovani Benelli, wanted to create his own weapon. And already in 1920, a double-barreled shotgun with horizontally located barrels and external triggers saw the light of day. However, Giovani did not put his invention into mass production. 20 years later, returning again to the idea of ​​​​creating weapons and taking John Browning’s system as a basis, D. Benelli independently developed a 12-gauge self-loading shotgun, while improving the trigger mechanism. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, serial production of this invention had to be postponed. After the end of the war, Benelli continued to produce motorcycles.

The turning point in the history and fate of the company was the mid-60s of the 20th century, when Engineer Bruno Chivalani, the inventor of the inertial reloading mechanism, came to Urbino and used this unique mechanism in a 12-gauge self-loading shotgun. In 1967, supporting the ideas of Chivalani, the Benelli brothers registered an armory and in the same year began production of the first model of a self-loading hunting rifle - Benelli 121. Subsequently, on the basis of this model, a number of more advanced hunting weapons with an inertial bolt were created.

Thanks to the continuous improvement of the quality of its products, the use of new technical and technological solutions, and modifications of the production process, it received quality certificates ISO 9001E, NATO AQAP 2110.

In 1983, it was sold by the brothers to the Beretta holding and became part of it.

Currently it produces several types of hunting weapons, which are in great demand among hunters in 76 countries around the world. The company's calling card is undoubtedly the inertial reloading system, but the company has also produced several models of weapons with gas and pump-action systems.

Benelli Comfort shotgun

The Benelli Comfort shotgun is rightfully considered the fastest smoothbore self-loading weapon. It has a 12 gauge and one of the best recoil systems. It's called the Comfortech System and is built on the principle that the lighter a firearm is, the lighter the recoil. Thanks to this system, the rate of fire of the Benelli shotgun is 34% higher than that of its competitors. This is achieved thanks to a new weight distribution system, improved comb design and better materials used in production.

Operating principle

The Benelli shotgun operates on the basis of an inertial reloading system. The operating principle of such a system is very simple. Under the influence of recoil force, the inertial spring is compressed, the rotary cylinder rotates and disengages, and the bolt moves back. During this, the sleeve is extracted. After this, the return spring begins to expand, pushing the bolt back. The bolt, in turn, grabs a new cartridge from the feeder and feeds it into the chamber. When the shutter takes its original position, the cylinder turns back and fits into the grooves. This is necessary to ensure that the bore is securely locked.

You will be interested! The evolution of Benelli Montefeltro reliability

If for some reason you need to replace ammunition, this can be done in two ways:

• manually opening the bolt and replacing the cartridge;
• use the magazine cutter.

As for the detachable modules, it is worth noting that when the butt is disconnected, the possibility of firing disappears. This is because the trigger spring must rest against the stock in order to be in working condition. Otherwise, it dissolves and cannot function properly.

Vinci's trigger action is most often described with the epithets “soft” and “smooth”. This is true. All elements of the gun are made in such a way as to provide maximum comfort during shooting. The shutter is quiet, the trigger is smooth, and recoil is barely noticeable.

Benelli Vinci tactical with pistol grip

Technical specifications Benelli Comfort

Main features of the rifle:

• Smoothbore hunting rifle.
• Carbine caliber – 12.
• The chamber has 72 mm.
• The tubular magazine, which is located under the barrel, has 4 or 3 rounds (12/70 and 12/76), depending on the modification.
• The receiver and safety guard are made of Ergal material.
• The handguard and stock are made of technopolymer components, which are equipped with notches called Air Touch. They provide good hand ventilation. Thanks to the special Comfort Touch treatment, holding the gun becomes as comfortable as possible.
• The barrel length can be 610, 660, 710, 760 mm, depending on this, the total size of the gun ranges from 1160 mm to 1300 mm.
• Weight depends on barrel length. For 710 mm it is 2.9 kg.
• The carbine is based on the Benelli inertial system. The trigger mechanism has the ability to change geometry.
• The length of the stock can be from 362 to 365 mm.
• The Benelli shotgun is designed for both right-handed and left-handed users.
• The butt plate is made of technogel, its factory size is 25 mm.
• The ventilated sighting bar is made of carbon fiber, the front sight is made of fiber optics, and is red in color for ease of aiming.
• The drop at the heel is adjustable to 50, 55, 60, 64 mm, and at the comb 37 mm.

The Benelli hunting rifle is very convenient to use. Thanks to its light weight, the hunter does not get tired; it is quite comfortable to use for single and serial shots.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the model include:

• Excellent ergonomics. Vinci is very comfortable to hold thanks to special non-slip coatings.
• Smooth movement of the mechanism. It works quietly, without vibrations and with softened recoil.
• Balance. Verified to the smallest detail, taking into account the individual anthropometric characteristics of people.
• Comfort.
• Possibility of using various ammunition.
• Good set, including a set of chokes.
• Acceptable price.

Flaws:

• As users note, sometimes the operation of the magazine cut button is disrupted.
• Despite the collapsible design, the dimensions of the gun are quite impressive. And transporting it in a standard case when disassembled is not very convenient.

Sometimes disputes arise over how appropriate it is for weapons in this segment to use high-capacity magazines. Shooters are of the opinion that it is quite possible to get by with three cartridges. And some connoisseurs argue that enlarged magazines spoil the appearance of the weapon and upset the balance.

Features of Benelli Vinci

The entire moving system of the weapon is adjusted by a single spring, making the Benelli Vinci gun reliable, easy to use and meeting all the requirements for effective shooting. The name comes from the Vinci inertial system.

This firearm exhibits amazing shot accuracy thanks to the slight barrel roll. Which, in turn, is achieved thanks to good balance and successful distribution of forces of the moving parts. The ability to quickly disassemble and reassemble a gun without tools was appreciated by most experts and ordinary hunting enthusiasts. The barrel of the weapon underwent cryogenic treatment, which increased its wear resistance and made it possible to use any ammunition, including steel. Almost every part of this gun has been modified, which greatly improves its performance and appeal.

Benelli Vinci – what makes this gun unique?

The Benelli Vinci single-barrel gun is designed on a modular basis, which includes three main systems that connect with each other with simple movements without the use of any additional tools.

The first system module includes the barrel and bolt box. To the second module there is a butt, and to the third there is a so-called carriage (housing).

Vinci is the first gun in the world to have a free-floating barrel in its design, which is located on the same axis with the modern and most reliable inertial reloading system Inertia System. Thanks to this, the gun has incredible ballistic characteristics that you will not find in any other hunting weapon.

Original magazine and stock

Among self-loading shotguns, the Benelli Vinci stands out for its ability to empty the magazine at the touch of a button. It won't be difficult to load this weapon. Thanks to the enlarged and rounded opening, cartridges are inserted into the magazine in a matter of seconds.

As for the butt of this Benelli shotgun, for the first time it can be removed and replaced without the use of special tools. In addition, thanks to the Comfortech Plus system, vibration and recoil have been significantly reduced. Removable butt pads in several sizes, as well as a fluted neck, allow these Italian shotguns to be customized to suit a specific hunter.

New generation comfort stock with revolutionary features

As for the second module, that is, the butt, here the Italian also used innovative technology. The fact is that the butt of the Vinci hunting rifle is the first in the world that can be removed and attached with incredible ease and simplicity without the use of any additional means or tools. It is enough to simply turn it to the side, and it is already disconnected from the receiver module.

However, this is not all the innovations regarding the Benelli stock. It is developed based on the new generation Comfort Tech Plus technology, which is revolutionary in its kind. We can highlight the following unique advantages of the Vinci shotgun butt that this technology has endowed it with.

Firstly, to absorb and minimize recoil, vibration and gun kick. On the butt diagonally, starting from the neck and ending with the heel, the designers made special slots that, when fired, allow it to compress, thereby taking on the lion's share of the kinetic energy.

And in combination with the specially shaped soft and wide butt pads of the Comfort Tech Plus system, the engineers were able to achieve a reduction in recoil and gun flip by 40%, thereby increasing the speed of re-aiming and firing the next shot by as much as 70%.

The buttplate and buttplate of the Vinci shotgun are removable and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. All this was done in order to maximally tailor the weapon to the individual anthropological characteristics of each hunter, in order to make the semi-automatic single-barreled gun, so to speak, one hundred percent yours.

Also, a similar function is also performed by the spacers that come with the weapon. They are installed on the connection between the receiver module and the butt.

The special corrugation of the butt neck, which is called a corrugated non-slip surface, eliminates any slipping of the hand and ensures maximum confidence when shooting.

The Benelli stock comb, in addition to its removal and replacement function, also has excellent sliding properties. This allows the cheek to glide perfectly during recoil, thereby minimizing the likelihood of any damage to the face due to vibrations and impacts.

Thus, Comfort Tech Plus technology ensures absolute comfort when using the gun at any intensity and duration.

Characteristics

Indicators and dimensions of weapons:

• The gun has a 12 gauge and is a self-loading smooth-bore hunting weapon.
• The chamber has a diameter of 76 mm and is made of the Magnum type.
• The weight of the weapon slightly exceeds 3 kg.
• Depending on the size of the barrel, the total length of the weapon can range from 1150 to 1250 mm.
• The stock and fore-end are made of technopolymer using the Comfortech Plus system. The bend is adjustable for right-handed and left-handed people and has a length of 365 mm. In the heel, from 45 to 60 mm died, and in the ridge - 39 mm.
• Pressing the trigger requires force, and if the bolt is not tightly closed, you will not be able to press it.
• The comb is made of elastomer and can be removed.
• The butt plate material is polyurethane.
• The magazine is designed to hold three Magnum and four regular rounds.

The Benelli shotgun has good accuracy, high rate of fire, light weight and excellent balancing.

Benelli Raffaello shotgun

In 1987, the Benelli Raffaello gun was released. It was immediately called the perfection in the world of firearms for hunting. The gun combines all the best qualities - lightness, good accuracy of fire, high rate of fire, ease of maintenance. Like most weapons, this carbine works on the principle of an inertial system. It has a small recoil, which significantly affects the shooting accuracy. A distinctive characteristic of Benelli shotguns is that they do not require regular cleaning. In principle, any weapon should be well maintained, but in this case, due to the absence of gunpowder combustion products, this does not in any way affect the performance of the carbine.

There are a large number of modifications of Benelli Raffaello shotguns. These are both 12-gauge and 20 and even 28 mm barrels.

Basic indicators

Classic "Raffaello" has the following characteristics:

• This is a self-loading smoothbore shotgun designed for hunting with an inertial reloading system.
• A trigger mechanism with variable geometry is used.
• The receiver is made of Ergal alloy, black, anodized.
• It has a butt length from the trigger bolt of 360 mm, which is only adjustable to the right.
• The ridge dead is 36.5 mm.
• The butt plate is bakelite.
• The material of the butt and fore-end is walnut wood.
• The magazine includes 4 regular cartridges and 3 magnums.
• The gun weighs 3 kg 150 grams.
• Trunk length - from 65 cm to 75 cm.
• The standard heel is 55 mm, but can be changed to 50 and 60, and for individual orders - 64 mm.
• Caliber – 12.

Raffaello guns will bring true pleasure to their owners.

Storage, transportation, care

Rules for storing weapons are determined by the legal framework. In Russia, this is the Federal Law “On Weapons” dated December 13, 1996 N 150-FZ, Government Decree of the Russian Federation No. 814 dated July 21, 1998, instructions approved by Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated April 12, 1999 No. 288. The rules for storing weapons stipulate that weapons and cartridges belonging to citizens are stored at their place of residence in compliance with the rules ensuring safety and security. Access by unauthorized persons must be prohibited. Rules for storing weapons at home require a locked safe or box made of high-strength material. It is allowed to use a wooden cabinet upholstered in metal.

During transportation, the weapon must be unloaded and the magazine, if possible, disconnected. It must be in a case. It is also possible to purchase a gun car safe. The main thing is that the means for storing and transporting hunting weapons have valid factory certificates and other documents.

The barrel should be cleaned after each shooting day. It is necessary to regularly clean and lubricate the bolt, trigger mechanism, and parts of the gun that interact with the environment. To care for your firearm, it is recommended to use only a proprietary cleaning kit and Benelli gun oil.

Modifications

During its existence, Benelli Raffaello went through several changes:

• "Benelli Rafaello Crio" is manufactured in several calibers - 12, 20, 28. The barrel of the model is subjected to cryogenic treatment, which contributes to better accuracy of fire.
• The Raffaello CrioEvo carbine is designed to use steel shot. Has increased wear resistance. Thanks to the Benelli Multilayer Barrier coating, the model is perfectly protected from corrosion.
• The Benelli Raffaello CryoComfort has the Comfortech system, and the handguard has the Window System.
• The Raffaello De Luxe shotgun has one distinctive feature - photo engraving on the receiver and Lux ​​class material.
• Benelli "Raffaello Elegant". In the manufacture of this model, “Extra” walnut wood is used, which has a unique texture.
• “Benelli Raffaello Elite” is an exclusive model that has gilding on the trigger and on the case in the form of an engraving.
• Carbine "Raffaello Special Lusso Varichoke" - nickel-plated receiver, can use up to 5 rounds.
• “Benelli Raffaello Special Magnum” is a modification in which for the first time the possibility of using Magnum cartridges was provided.
• "Benelli Raffaello 20 Slug". The model has a 20 gauge, the ability to change the sighting bar, as well as holes for installing optics.
• The Raffaello 121 shotgun weighs 2.9 kg and has a chamber length of 76 mm.
• Benelli "Raffaello SL121 Varichoke" is a smoothbore shotgun with a barrel length of 610 mm.
• The Raffaello 123 carbine is 1250 mm long and the magazine holds 4 rounds.
• Benelli Raffaello SL123 Slug. The barrel length of this model is only 500 mm. The muzzle constriction has the shape of a cylinder.
• The Benelli Raffaello SL123 Varichoke has a ventilated front sight and an aiming rib. Weighs 3.10 kg.

Other types of inertia "Benelli"

Other types of Benelli shotguns should also be mentioned.

This is the Benelli Super Vinci, which differs from the model discussed above in having a long chamber (86 mm), which allows the use of supermagnum cartridges. The Benelli M1 Super 90 is a versatile shotgun that can be used both for hunting and for sports shooting or performing combat missions. The model can be equipped with a magazine that holds 7 rounds. Improved types of the previous gun are called “Benelli M2”, “Benelli M3 Super 90”. With each modification, these universal carbines underwent a number of changes that were designed to increase the comfort of the owners, as well as the combat performance of the weapon.

There are guns in the Benelli line that are used only for sports and clay pigeon shooting. This is Benelli SuperSport, for example. For connoisseurs of luxury, the company produces the Benelli Executive carbine model. It is characterized by the use of expensive materials in production, engravings using gold.

Piece models

In connection with various holidays, mainly associated with the release of a certain number of weapons, special limited edition guns were produced.

So, in 2006 the Benelli Mania carbine was released. A total of 2,000 pieces were produced - 12-caliber and 1,000 - 20-caliber guns. The receiver was made of aluminum alloy and trimmed with gold engraving.

For the 2,000,000th release of the weapon, Benelli released the Bimillionaire model, on which the original engraving was applied using a laser, as well as gilded images of birds and animals.

Another one-piece model is the Benelli Dynamic. The butt of the gun is made of rare walnut with red veining. The plant ornament was applied by hand. Gold was also used for engraving. Additionally, the surface of the wood was treated with wax and oil.

Pump-action shotguns

The company also produced several pump-action shotguns. This:

1. Benelli Nova. A non-automatic shotgun, the peculiarity of which is the presence of a button that allows you to remove a cartridge from the magazine without inserting the next one.
2. Benelli Super Nova Comfortech. The forend and butt of the model are made of Rilsan technopolymer, which withstands environmental influences well. The butt plate on the butt of the gun has double ventilation.
3. Some modifications of the Benelli M3 Super 90 are made with a pump-action reloading principle.

The lineup

A wide range of hunting weapons has been developed. Let's look at some of the models in more detail.

Benelli M2 shotgun

The Benelli M2 model is a self-loading shotgun with a Benelli inertia mechanism, caliber 12 x 76. The model with a plastic lining and a polymer stock is designed to work in extremely difficult conditions, is reliable, and is therefore recommended for bird hunting. Minimal recoil, optimal balance, and no bounce when shooting are its main advantages.

The use of inertial system technology will allow you to conduct targeted fire with maximum comfort.

Benelli M3 shotgun

The Benelli M3 is a lightweight shotgun capable of firing single shots in two modes: with manual reloading after each shot using a movable forend and in a self-loading version, which allows you to shoot cartridges with a reduced or increased powder charge. Automatic weapon reloading is ensured by an inertial system. Reloading in manual mode - by moving the forend (pump-action method).

The model was conceived as a weapon for self-defense, but it also proved its worth in hunting, thanks to which it became very popular among lovers of this type of outdoor activity.

Benelli M4 shotgun

The Benelli M4 is Benelli's first semi-automatic shotgun with a gas-operated system, equipped with a flat front sight with a muzzle and an adjustable diopter sight, with a chrome-plated bore and a phosphated outer surface. In terms of the quality of materials, reliability and tactical and technical characteristics, it is one of the best shotguns.

Benelli Vince shotgun

The Benelli Vinche model is the world's first and only self-loading shotgun of a unique design, based on a modular system that allows it to be disassembled into three modules, even in the field, without any tools: the barrel, the carriage and the butt. This is ensured by an innovative fastening system. The stock of the Benelli Vince model is made using ComforTech Plus technology, which is a further development of ComforTech, recognized as the most effective system for absolute comfort. Vibration, recoil and barrel bounce are minimal. Anatomical ridges and butt pads of various sizes allow the stock to be perfectly tailored to the individual characteristics of a particular shooter.

Benelli Super Vinci shotgun

The Benelli Super Vinci is a semi-automatic weapon developed on the basis of the Benelli Vinci model, which has a high reloading speed, minimal barrel bounce and low recoil.
The Benelli Super Vinci design uses an inertial reloading mechanism, the In-Line Inertia Driven system, which operates coaxially with the barrel and is combined with it into one module. The inertial system of this model is simpler and more reliable, since it is driven by a single spring in the absence of complex parts. Hot, corrosive gases are removed from the barrel along with the remains of burnt powder and do not contaminate it. The design of the Benelli Super Vinci inertia mechanism allows the use of both 70 and 76 mm charges, as well as the most powerful supermagnum cartridges with a case length of 89 mm.

Benelli Raffaello shotgun

Benelli Raffaello is a semi-automatic inertial weapon, the reloading system of which operates due to the kinetic recoil energy, which provides a number of advantages over systems operating on the principle of barrel recoil or removal of powder gases, since it eliminates barrel vibration, does not require adjustment depending on the charge power and does not contaminated by the combustion products of gunpowder.

Another positive feature of the Raffaello line of shotguns is their simplicity of design, which ensures exceptional reliability in operation, as well as ease of disassembly and maintenance.

Benelli Montefeltro shotgun

The Benelli Montefeltro is a semi-automatic weapon with an inertial reloading mechanism, which does not have the disadvantages inherent in the gas vent mechanism and the system that uses the recoil of the barrel, such as clogging the gas vent system with combustion products of gunpowder or vibration of the barrel at the moment of firing and the need to adjust the brake depending on the power of the cartridge. When firing the Benelli Montefeltro, cartridges are used that provide the kinetic energy required for reloading.

The model is available for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. The left-handed shotgun is called the Benelli Montefeltro Mancino. They also produce an exclusive version of this model called Duca di Montefeltro in 12 gauge 20 gauge.

Benelli SBE II shotgun

The Benelli Super Black Eagle II is a semi-automatic hunting rifle designed, like all its variants, to fire 12-gauge cartridges with a case length of 89 mm, loaded with steel or lead shot. The reloading system of this model, as in all Benelli semi-automatic weapons, is inertial. The double-lug rotating combat cylinder reliably locks the barrel bore when using 12-gauge cartridges of any power. The barrel and receiver cover are combined into a common unit and, during a shot, are on the same axis with each other and with the bolt, which ensures exceptional combat accuracy.

The butt of this model is made of elastic polymer material Rilsan, which is resistant to impacts, scratches, corrosion and any destructive factors: humidity, temperature, chemicals. The stock is treated with a special Max-4 protective coating, which ensures high wear resistance and long service life of the stock. Some modifications of the Benelli SBE II are available with a walnut stock and forearm.

Benelli Comfort shotgun

I would especially like to note the Benelli Comfort self-loading inertial shotgun, produced in 12 gauge with a chamber length of 70 and 76 mm. Benelli Comfort is equipped with barrels of various lengths with fixed chokes and replaceable internal or external choke constrictions. The set of interchangeable chokes includes five choke devices: full choke, improved choke, half choke, weak choke and cylinder. The sighting bar with ventilation holes is made of metal.

In the manufacture of barrels, the cold forging method is used, and a chrome coating is applied to the inner surface to protect the steel from corrosion. The receiver is made of a durable and lightweight aluminum-based alloy - “Ergal”, which reduces the weight of the weapon.

The model is equipped with a patented Comfortech System recoil reduction system, thanks to which a reduction in recoil force was achieved, a reduction in barrel toss and time for preparing a second shot. Butt pads are produced with both right-handed and left-handed shooters in mind.

Benelli Nova

Benelli Nova is a smooth-bore non-automatic shotgun, reloaded using a pump-action method, that is, using a movable fore-end. The butt and receiver of the model are made as one whole. Benelli's new feature is the “Mag stop” button, designed to remove a cartridge from the chamber without feeding the next cartridge in the magazine into the chamber and located flush with the surface of the fore-end.

Benelli Super Nova

Benelli Super Nova Comfortech is a smooth-bore non-automatic shotgun with a pump-action reloading method. The forend and stock are made of Rilsan technopolymer material, resistant to environmental influences. The buttstock is equipped with a butt plate with a double ventilation system, which contributes to effective recoil absorption.

Weapon cost

Be sure to check out the Benelli gun. The price varies depending on the model range and modifications. So, you can buy a gun for 73,000 rubles (“Benelli Comfort”), or you can buy it for 164,990 rubles (“Benelli Vinci Camo Max-4”). The most expensive is the Executiv series. The price for this Benelli gun can reach 800,000 rubles. The cheapest model is Benelli Nova 50 12/89, around 50 thousand rubles. Whatever gun you choose, it will definitely be worth the money spent. After all, Benelli weapons are rightfully considered one of the best in the world.