Benelli Supernova Accuracy Problems?

jbmac · March 19, 2009, 10:50 AM

I recently purchased a Benelli Supernova for turkey hunting. It has the 24" barrell and the pistolgrip/full stock. I've tried patterning it with different brands of 3" turkey loads, #6, using both the stock full choke and an aftermarket Primos jellyhead. Here's the problem: Although pattern densities differed, the "center" of the pattern was 1' to the right and about 6" high at 30 yds. Thinking maybe it was me, three other friends verified the problem. Has anyone had this problem? It has the non adjustable 2 bead system. I could install a red-dot or sights with adjustable windage/elevation, but it seems to me that a quality gun should not be this far off! Should I address this with Benelli or does this just happen sometimes? Thanks for helping out a new member of the forum.

John

inSight-NEO · March 19, 2009, 06:02 PM

I have a Benelli SNT, but with GR sights, and have noticed it shooting high and right as well. Of course, I was able to adjust the rear sight to compensate for this, to a degree. Im thinking the front sight might need a slight adjustment as well. Either way, it now patterns great when using buckshot. When using slugs, Im still finding the POI to be a bit high/right of center. But, then again, Im thinking this may have a bit to do with my shooting technique and therefore, not completely attributable to the gun itself.

Anyway, for your specific issue, is it possible that the 3" loads might be causing you to flinch or that maybe the stock is prompting the need for a bit of over/ under compensation? The reason I ask this is that my other shotgun, a Mossberg 590 w/bead front sight, gave me a few issues as well. My first shot using this gun (from about 15 to 20 yards) resulted in a dead center pattern. However, every shot after that was high and to the left. I figured that somehow I was either pulling the weapon too much or possibly botching the trigger pull. With your situation, its too hard to say without actually firing the weapon in person.

Overall, if the barrel seems "straight" and the sights line up correctly, Im not sure exactly what to tell you on this one. All I can say is that I have indeed, as mentioned earlier, encountered this high/right pattern with my Benelli and would probably have no idea how to deal with it other than possibly improving/adjusting my shooting technique for this specific weapon. Maybe there is some weird issue with how the barrel is mating with the receiver upon re-installation (assuming you have tore this thing down already) or maybe something having to do with the stock. Im just not sure when it comes to adjusting POI when it comes to a shotgun equipped with beaded sights. For my Mossberg, I have just had to re-adjust my shooting technique a bit as I have no real sights to adjust.

If the barrels for this gun werent so costly, Id suggest possibly acquiring at least a rifle sighted barrel, ghost ring would be very nice as well, so that you would have a somewhat convenient way of adjusting the POI to within an acceptable degree.

But, if after all is said and done and this issue persists, it probably wouldnt hurt to contact Benelli and see what they have to say about the matter. Then, if all else fails, consider that red dot sight you were speaking about. If you do decide to go this route, just be absolutely sure to use Loctite Blue when mounting the sight. Also, I think Benelli recommends somewhere around 18 lbs. of torque for these screws. Good luck and keep us posted.....

jbmac · March 19, 2009, 08:58 PM

Thanks for the help. I shot it again today with another borrowed Jellyhead tube, on the money. I think it was just a fluke that the stock full choke shot right as well as the 1st jellyhead, even with 3 different shooters. I tell you what, I've shot 3" buckshot through it, but those damn magnum turkey loads seem to be almost painful. I'll pass on the 3.5's for sure!

RoscoeC · March 19, 2009, 09:12 PM

Your gun doesn't fit you. Are you right or left handed? Are you properly mounting and obtaining a good cheek weld? Are you holding your cheek up from the stock because the hard recoil smacks your cheek?

The two bead system is to confirm that you have the gun mounted correctly. Most highly experienced shooters use a single bead and a fair number use no bead at all. When you shoot the gun, ignore the rear bead.

The subject of gun fit is a large one, too complex to completely cover here. There are several good books that cover it well.

Most folks find that with some coaching and practice they can become proficient with an off the shelf shotgun provided they are of average stature. However, there are those that can't make it work without some adjustments to the drop and cast of the stock.

Technique is very important also. I don't know your background or experience, so if you are familiar with all this, just ignore it, but shotguns are not sighted like rifles, so the bead is just a guide. A properly fitting shotgun with proper technique will shoot where you look.

March 19, 2009, 10:50 AM	#1
jbmac Junior Member Join Date: March 19, 2009 Posts: 2	Benelli Supernova Accuracy Problems? I recently purchased a Benelli Supernova for turkey hunting. It has the 24" barrell and the pistolgrip/full stock. I've tried patterning it with different brands of 3" turkey loads, #6, using both the stock full choke and an aftermarket Primos jellyhead. Here's the problem: Although pattern densities differed, the "center" of the pattern was 1' to the right and about 6" high at 30 yds. Thinking maybe it was me, three other friends verified the problem. Has anyone had this problem? It has the non adjustable 2 bead system. I could install a red-dot or sights with adjustable windage/elevation, but it seems to me that a quality gun should not be this far off! Should I address this with Benelli or does this just happen sometimes? Thanks for helping out a new member of the forum. John

March 19, 2009, 06:02 PM	#2
inSight-NEO Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2008 Posts: 608	I have a Benelli SNT, but with GR sights, and have noticed it shooting high and right as well. Of course, I was able to adjust the rear sight to compensate for this, to a degree. Im thinking the front sight might need a slight adjustment as well. Either way, it now patterns great when using buckshot. When using slugs, Im still finding the POI to be a bit high/right of center. But, then again, Im thinking this may have a bit to do with my shooting technique and therefore, not completely attributable to the gun itself. Anyway, for your specific issue, is it possible that the 3" loads might be causing you to flinch or that maybe the stock is prompting the need for a bit of over/ under compensation? The reason I ask this is that my other shotgun, a Mossberg 590 w/bead front sight, gave me a few issues as well. My first shot using this gun (from about 15 to 20 yards) resulted in a dead center pattern. However, every shot after that was high and to the left. I figured that somehow I was either pulling the weapon too much or possibly botching the trigger pull. With your situation, its too hard to say without actually firing the weapon in person. Overall, if the barrel seems "straight" and the sights line up correctly, Im not sure exactly what to tell you on this one. All I can say is that I have indeed, as mentioned earlier, encountered this high/right pattern with my Benelli and would probably have no idea how to deal with it other than possibly improving/adjusting my shooting technique for this specific weapon. Maybe there is some weird issue with how the barrel is mating with the receiver upon re-installation (assuming you have tore this thing down already) or maybe something having to do with the stock. Im just not sure when it comes to adjusting POI when it comes to a shotgun equipped with beaded sights. For my Mossberg, I have just had to re-adjust my shooting technique a bit as I have no real sights to adjust. If the barrels for this gun werent so costly, Id suggest possibly acquiring at least a rifle sighted barrel, ghost ring would be very nice as well, so that you would have a somewhat convenient way of adjusting the POI to within an acceptable degree. But, if after all is said and done and this issue persists, it probably wouldnt hurt to contact Benelli and see what they have to say about the matter. Then, if all else fails, consider that red dot sight you were speaking about. If you do decide to go this route, just be absolutely sure to use Loctite Blue when mounting the sight. Also, I think Benelli recommends somewhere around 18 lbs. of torque for these screws. Good luck and keep us posted..... Last edited by inSight-NEO; March 19, 2009 at 06:20 PM.

March 19, 2009, 09:12 PM	#4
RoscoeC Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2006 Location: DFW Metromess Posts: 562	Your gun doesn't fit you. Are you right or left handed? Are you properly mounting and obtaining a good cheek weld? Are you holding your cheek up from the stock because the hard recoil smacks your cheek? The two bead system is to confirm that you have the gun mounted correctly. Most highly experienced shooters use a single bead and a fair number use no bead at all. When you shoot the gun, ignore the rear bead. The subject of gun fit is a large one, too complex to completely cover here. There are several good books that cover it well. Most folks find that with some coaching and practice they can become proficient with an off the shelf shotgun provided they are of average stature. However, there are those that can't make it work without some adjustments to the drop and cast of the stock. Technique is very important also. I don't know your background or experience, so if you are familiar with all this, just ignore it, but shotguns are not sighted like rifles, so the bead is just a guide. A properly fitting shotgun with proper technique will shoot where you look. __________________ “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." --Helen Keller "Do not cry havoc when you should but hunt with modest warrant." --William Shakespeare Glock Certified Armorer NRA Life Member

March 19, 2009, 08:58 PM	#3
jbmac Junior Member Join Date: March 19, 2009 Posts: 2	Thanks for the help. I shot it again today with another borrowed Jellyhead tube, on the money. I think it was just a fluke that the stock full choke shot right as well as the 1st jellyhead, even with 3 different shooters. I tell you what, I've shot 3" buckshot through it, but those damn magnum turkey loads seem to be almost painful. I'll pass on the 3.5's for sure!