Benelli Shotguns, high quality or not?

Texas Man · June 16, 2009, 06:38 PM

I want to ask Benelli shotgun owners, 1 How there shotguns shoot, and 2, If they're satisfied with the gun compared to how their other models perform?

Doyle · June 16, 2009, 07:24 PM

I don't own one "yet", but their Super Nova pump will become my waterfowl gun when I move back to where I can start duck hunting again.

OttoJara · June 16, 2009, 07:28 PM

Doyle, not sure where you are from but there are some great duck hunting spots in Florida. Check with your local DU chapter for one near you.

Waterengineer · June 16, 2009, 07:31 PM

Wouldn't own a Nova because there are other pumpers I like but I have a semi-auto that is marvelous.

jmr40 · June 16, 2009, 07:40 PM

The Nova may well be the best engineered pump made, but it is just too clunky, thick, and ugly for me. I have really tried to like this gun, but keep coming back to the 870 in a pump because I shoot them better.

The M-1 and M-2 series of autoloaders however are possibly the best autos made. They are trim, light and point well for me. They are expensive, but worth it.

The Beretta 390-391 series are probably just as good as the Benelli's and would be a better choice for someone shooting a lot such as competetitive shooters because of their gas operating system and heavier weight.

As a hunter who covers a lot of ground I will tolerate a little more recoil to get the lighter Benelli.

sholling · June 16, 2009, 08:26 PM

If I had to sell off my collection my Benelli M1 Super 90 would be one of the last two long guns to go.

Doyle · June 16, 2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Doyle, not sure where you are from but there are some great duck hunting spots in Florida. Check with your local DU chapter for one near you.

Unfortunately, none are near here (Bradenton). The nearest of any quality is over at the big lake. When I retire, I'm going back to South Ga. SW Ga and NW FL have some fairly decent duck hunting.

Back to the subject of Benelli, lots of the professional duck guides up in the Ozarks use the Nova and Super Nova. Yes, they are a little ugly but they seem to take the abuse of being banged around in a boat year after year.

spyderdude · June 16, 2009, 11:03 PM

I think the Benelli Super Nova looks good and it shoots even better than it looks. I have the 18" barrel Defense model with pistol grip and ghost ring sights. I can shoot it way better than my Remington 870, and its more resistant to moisture. I do believe the USMC uses the Benelli M4, but is designated the M1014. I want to get the Benelli M3 which is semi-auto and pump action.

BigJimP · June 17, 2009, 12:04 PM

Benellli makes a lot of models ... pumps and semi-autos so not sure if you're asking about a specific model or not...

I own the Benelli Super Sport in 12 and 20ga - and I think they are very good guns, well made and have operated flawlessly for the 4 or 5 years I've had mine. In terms of a semi-auto / I prefer it over the Beretta, Brownings, Remingtons, etc ...

I've fired Benelli pump guns / and they're fine as well - but I don't own one. Personallly in a pump gun, I prefer the Browning BPS - and I have BPS models in 12 and 20ga and they've been very good guns. But that is not to say the Benelli pumps are bad guns / I just don't need another pump gun.

Scorch · June 17, 2009, 01:25 PM

Are they any good? Well, Benelli autoloaders are some of the best autoloaders made, quite possibly the best. For many years, I used to recommend the Browning A5 as the most reliable and rugged autoloader, but the Benellis have me reconsidering that. They are top of the line.

Benelli pumps are also quite good, but the ergonomics may take some getting used to (safety button at the front of the trigger guard instead of the back like most of us are used to, etc).

Superhouse 15 · June 17, 2009, 03:54 PM

I can't speak for the pumps, but my M1 super 90 is an awesome semi-auto. Reliable and high quality. Shoots low recoil buckshot all day long.

ActivShootr · June 17, 2009, 04:15 PM

I had a Nova for a while. It shot great with every type of ammo and was very reliable. It also rattled like a cheaply made child's toy. Not a quality I wanted in a turkey gun. As bad as I wanted to like the gun, I had to sell it in favor of something that didn't make noise when you were not shooting it.

The higher priced autos are more refined. You get what you pay for with them Eyetalian jobs.

clang · June 18, 2009, 11:07 PM

I've had a couple of Beretta 1201FP shotguns (still have one actually) which are just about the same thing as the Benelli M1 Super 90. Light, reliable and kicks like a mule. I still have one of the police versions, but for most other shooting I prefer the Beretta Gas System Autos over the Benelli Inertia Recoil system. They just don't kick as hard and are just as reliable.

Doyle · June 19, 2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

It also rattled like a cheaply made child's toy.

I had another brand of gun that rattled like this. It turned out to be the metal magazine plug they used. When switched out to a wooden plug, the rattle went away.

ActivShootr · June 19, 2009, 09:13 AM

This rattle was the forearm rattling around on the mag tube. I'm told they all do that. Shame too. It's a great gun if you don't mind the constant chatter.

earlthegoat2 · June 19, 2009, 12:22 PM

With the Nova, you get a tough workhorse that is seemingly indestructible. It rattles and its fugly though.

I would get a Franchi I-12 or Franchi 720 before I would get a 12 or 20ga Benelli. They are the same gun for way less moneys. Benellis do have good resale value though because of their cultish like loyalty among their fans and owners.

Anticonn · June 19, 2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

This rattle was the forearm rattling around on the mag tube. I'm told they all do that. Shame too. It's a great gun if you don't mind the constant chatter.

I just bought my first shotgun last weekend, a used Nova defender. I noticed this as well, I was unsure if it was "normal" or not, it could almost feel loose, but I can't find anything actually wrong with it. I figure my defense shotgun is supposed to make sounds before firing though, so it's all good

Have you found that the button on the underside of the fore end is stiff, and doesn't engage properly until the action is half way open? My button seems kind of inconsistent and I wonder if it didn't get beat up in a previous life. It's not a big deal though, unloading the mag before clearing the chamber only takes a few seconds, just curious.

It's also worth mentioning to anyone shopping for a Benelli that there are very few accessories available compared to, for example, an 870; Other than a mag extension, what you see on the gun shop shelf is pretty much what you get. There are a number of features I liked on the Nova over the Remmington and Mossberg models in the same price range, saftey/action lock placement, ghost rings, 3.5" chamber, etc.

By the way, I think the Nova looks great, maybe I just have poor taste

riggins_83 · June 19, 2009, 01:17 PM

My dad bought a Nova and after shooting it I like my Mossberg 500 Field even better. Nothing particularly wrong with the gun it just felt kinda cheesy to me.

seanie · June 19, 2009, 05:02 PM

I own a Super Nova with a 28" barrel and it's my favorite gun.

BUZ · June 25, 2009, 12:55 PM

I have several benelli's pump and semi autos. I really like them however on the nova pumps I have smashed my finger a couple times due to the odd shape of the forearm.

hickok45 · June 25, 2009, 07:20 PM

I've had a Super 90 for 20 years, and it's always performed quite well, both as a competition gun and as a tree trimmer. See my post on Farm Shotguns.

inSight-NEO · June 28, 2009, 08:10 PM

I own a SuperNova Tactical w/GR sights and IMHO, I consider it to be of exceptional quality and it is a great shooter.

Its very easy to break down for repairs/maintenance, the action is plenty slick and the hard chromed bore is certainly a plus, considering the price range of the shotgun.

In terms of any forend rattles, this mainly seems to be an issue with the Nova line. The SuperNova line has dealt with this, but the forend still rattles just a bit. But, then again, so does the forend of my Mossberg 590, along with any other pump shotgun I have ever held.

While some may not like its "space age" looks, with the Benelli, you get a lot of gun for the money.

halfmile · June 29, 2009, 07:22 AM

Super Nova = green shoulder. My bro in law won one and peddled it after shooting 2 shells.

That said, the autos are highly regarded for field usage. Buuuut.....you never see them used for skeet or trap. Too light in front, makes them whippy.

1100s rule.

HM

sholling · June 29, 2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

That said, the autos are highly regarded for field usage. Buuuut.....you never see them used for skeet or trap. Too light in front, makes them whippy.

I think that has a lot more to do with being too pricey for the casual trap shooter, and lacking the snob appeal of a fine double that many dedicated trap shooters desire. They are without a doubt the best pointing trap shooter I've ever had the privilege to use. I used to average 97 out of 100 on my once a month trips to the range. Not perfect but not a bad average for a once on month shooter.

greyson97 · June 29, 2009, 12:43 PM

I own a benelli m4.

Pros:
Will shoot ANY type of load and cycle
The softest recoil ever on a 12ga due to gas piston operated and weight
beautiful
rugged, reliable, dependable

Cons:
expensive. twice as expensive as a remy 1100 tac 2
heavy

I've shot around 500 light skeet and game loads. always cycled, no FTE or FTF. The sling broke and it fell and filled up with fine gravel. gouged the stock too.

I shook it out, and it fired 150 rounds and no hiccups.

I am very happy with my gun.

June 16, 2009, 06:38 PM	#1
Texas Man Member Join Date: June 16, 2009 Location: VV, Texas Posts: 52	Benelli Shotguns, high quality or not? I want to ask Benelli shotgun owners, 1 How there shotguns shoot, and 2, If they're satisfied with the gun compared to how their other models perform?

June 16, 2009, 07:28 PM	#3
OttoJara Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2008 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 459	Doyle, not sure where you are from but there are some great duck hunting spots in Florida. Check with your local DU chapter for one near you. __________________ The early bird may get the worm, but, the second rat, gets the cheese. "A fear of weapons, is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

June 16, 2009, 08:26 PM	#6
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	If I had to sell off my collection my Benelli M1 Super 90 would be one of the last two long guns to go. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society.

June 17, 2009, 01:25 PM	#10
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Are they any good? Well, Benelli autoloaders are some of the best autoloaders made, quite possibly the best. For many years, I used to recommend the Browning A5 as the most reliable and rugged autoloader, but the Benellis have me reconsidering that. They are top of the line. Benelli pumps are also quite good, but the ergonomics may take some getting used to (safety button at the front of the trigger guard instead of the back like most of us are used to, etc). __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

June 18, 2009, 11:07 PM	#13
clang Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2009 Posts: 119	I've had a couple of Beretta 1201FP shotguns (still have one actually) which are just about the same thing as the Benelli M1 Super 90. Light, reliable and kicks like a mule. I still have one of the police versions, but for most other shooting I prefer the Beretta Gas System Autos over the Benelli Inertia Recoil system. They just don't kick as hard and are just as reliable. __________________ If the horse don't pull you've got to carry the load.

June 16, 2009, 07:24 PM	#2
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	I don't own one "yet", but their Super Nova pump will become my waterfowl gun when I move back to where I can start duck hunting again.

June 16, 2009, 07:31 PM	#4
Waterengineer Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2006 Location: Aurora, CO and Palm Beach, FL Posts: 863	Wouldn't own a Nova because there are other pumpers I like but I have a semi-auto that is marvelous.

June 16, 2009, 07:40 PM	#5
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	The Nova may well be the best engineered pump made, but it is just too clunky, thick, and ugly for me. I have really tried to like this gun, but keep coming back to the 870 in a pump because I shoot them better. The M-1 and M-2 series of autoloaders however are possibly the best autos made. They are trim, light and point well for me. They are expensive, but worth it. The Beretta 390-391 series are probably just as good as the Benelli's and would be a better choice for someone shooting a lot such as competetitive shooters because of their gas operating system and heavier weight. As a hunter who covers a lot of ground I will tolerate a little more recoil to get the lighter Benelli.

June 16, 2009, 11:03 PM	#8
spyderdude Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Posts: 579	I think the Benelli Super Nova looks good and it shoots even better than it looks. I have the 18" barrel Defense model with pistol grip and ghost ring sights. I can shoot it way better than my Remington 870, and its more resistant to moisture. I do believe the USMC uses the Benelli M4, but is designated the M1014. I want to get the Benelli M3 which is semi-auto and pump action.

June 17, 2009, 12:04 PM	#9
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Benellli makes a lot of models ... pumps and semi-autos so not sure if you're asking about a specific model or not... I own the Benelli Super Sport in 12 and 20ga - and I think they are very good guns, well made and have operated flawlessly for the 4 or 5 years I've had mine. In terms of a semi-auto / I prefer it over the Beretta, Brownings, Remingtons, etc ... I've fired Benelli pump guns / and they're fine as well - but I don't own one. Personallly in a pump gun, I prefer the Browning BPS - and I have BPS models in 12 and 20ga and they've been very good guns. But that is not to say the Benelli pumps are bad guns / I just don't need another pump gun.

June 17, 2009, 03:54 PM	#11
Superhouse 15 Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2007 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 844	I can't speak for the pumps, but my M1 super 90 is an awesome semi-auto. Reliable and high quality. Shoots low recoil buckshot all day long.

June 17, 2009, 04:15 PM	#12
ActivShootr Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2007 Posts: 1,040	I had a Nova for a while. It shot great with every type of ammo and was very reliable. It also rattled like a cheaply made child's toy. Not a quality I wanted in a turkey gun. As bad as I wanted to like the gun, I had to sell it in favor of something that didn't make noise when you were not shooting it. The higher priced autos are more refined. You get what you pay for with them Eyetalian jobs.

June 19, 2009, 09:13 AM	#15
ActivShootr Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2007 Posts: 1,040	This rattle was the forearm rattling around on the mag tube. I'm told they all do that. Shame too. It's a great gun if you don't mind the constant chatter.

June 19, 2009, 12:22 PM	#16
earlthegoat2 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2009 Location: Lowcountry Posts: 373	With the Nova, you get a tough workhorse that is seemingly indestructible. It rattles and its fugly though. I would get a Franchi I-12 or Franchi 720 before I would get a 12 or 20ga Benelli. They are the same gun for way less moneys. Benellis do have good resale value though because of their cultish like loyalty among their fans and owners.

June 19, 2009, 01:17 PM	#18
riggins_83 Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Location: Wherever I may roam Posts: 1,505	My dad bought a Nova and after shooting it I like my Mossberg 500 Field even better. Nothing particularly wrong with the gun it just felt kinda cheesy to me.

June 19, 2009, 05:02 PM	#19
seanie Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 147	I own a Super Nova with a 28" barrel and it's my favorite gun.

June 25, 2009, 12:55 PM	#20
BUZ Member Join Date: June 24, 2009 Posts: 28	I have several benelli's pump and semi autos. I really like them however on the nova pumps I have smashed my finger a couple times due to the odd shape of the forearm.

June 25, 2009, 07:20 PM	#21
hickok45 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2000 Location: Nashville, Tn Posts: 212	I've had a Super 90 for 20 years, and it's always performed quite well, both as a competition gun and as a tree trimmer. See my post on Farm Shotguns. __________________ www.youtube.com/user/hickok45

June 28, 2009, 08:10 PM	#22
inSight-NEO Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2008 Posts: 608	I own a SuperNova Tactical w/GR sights and IMHO, I consider it to be of exceptional quality and it is a great shooter. Its very easy to break down for repairs/maintenance, the action is plenty slick and the hard chromed bore is certainly a plus, considering the price range of the shotgun. In terms of any forend rattles, this mainly seems to be an issue with the Nova line. The SuperNova line has dealt with this, but the forend still rattles just a bit. But, then again, so does the forend of my Mossberg 590, along with any other pump shotgun I have ever held. While some may not like its "space age" looks, with the Benelli, you get a lot of gun for the money. __________________ Guns are similar, for instance, to automobiles; in the hands of the sane and responsible, they are generally harmless. In the hands of the insane, careless or malicious, they both become deadly. Blame the person, not the means....mechanical/inanimate objects have no mind of their own.

June 29, 2009, 07:22 AM	#23
halfmile Member Join Date: April 5, 2009 Location: Green Bay, Wis Posts: 19	Super Nova = green shoulder. My bro in law won one and peddled it after shooting 2 shells. That said, the autos are highly regarded for field usage. Buuuut.....you never see them used for skeet or trap. Too light in front, makes them whippy. 1100s rule. HM

June 29, 2009, 12:43 PM	#25
greyson97 Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,284	Benelli M4 I own a benelli m4. Pros: Will shoot ANY type of load and cycle The softest recoil ever on a 12ga due to gas piston operated and weight beautiful rugged, reliable, dependable Cons: expensive. twice as expensive as a remy 1100 tac 2 heavy I've shot around 500 light skeet and game loads. always cycled, no FTE or FTF. The sling broke and it fell and filled up with fine gravel. gouged the stock too. I shook it out, and it fired 150 rounds and no hiccups. I am very happy with my gun.