Browning vs. Benelli

SWISS M109 · February 1, 2018, 06:34 PM

I am thinking of adding a Semi-auto rifle to my main hunting rifle (bolt 7mmRM), that is capable of taking care of any NA critter and also be a good fit for SHTF situations. If y'all could give me your opinions on this?
I am looking at the new Browning BAR Mk III BM & the Benelli R1. In a perfect world I would select one of the rifles, that is a) used (less $$), b) has a 10 rd. mag and c) is chambered in .308. But as you all know this is not possible. So, what would you guys do, where/how would you compromise?

Art Eatman · February 1, 2018, 07:24 PM

Leaving out the SHTF, which we don't discuss at this site, I figure that when defensive equipment is part of one's hunting gear, reliability in sustained rapid fire would be an important criterion.

Lprmcnit · February 1, 2018, 07:47 PM

An Ar-10 is an attractive option, though it is heavier than an AR-15. You can change out uppers (ensuring they are compatible with the lower you have chosen) so you could have a 308 upper, a 7mm WSM upper, 243 upper etc. its your choice. 10 and 20 round magazines are clearly an option. You also can use a convenient rail on it for mounting optics. Some like the M1A platform. I’ve been interested recently in the Keltec 308 RFB bullpup. Id stop by Cabelas or a major gun store and check out each. BTW as i understand it 7mm WSM has ballistics close to that of the 7mm REM mag.

ejb69 · February 2, 2018, 09:47 AM

I have been using a Browning BAR mkIII .308 for the past 2 deer seasons . It has worked well for me.

SWISS M109 · February 2, 2018, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lprmcnit

An Ar-10 is an attractive option, though it is heavier than an AR-15. You can change out uppers (ensuring they are compatible with the lower you have chosen) so you could have a 308 upper, a 7mm WSM upper, 243 upper etc. its your choice. 10 and 20 round magazines are clearly an option. You also can use a convenient rail on it for mounting optics. Some like the M1A platform. I’ve been interested recently in the Keltec 308 RFB bullpup. Id stop by Cabelas or a major gun store and check out each. BTW as i understand it 7mm WSM has ballistics close to that of the 7mm REM mag.

Your intro of the AR-10 into this discussion makes a lot of sense, and thank you for pointing out that this platform even supports the great 7mm WSM, which I was not aware of. However, here is the but: I am a, let's say "traditionalist", when it comes to hunting and I cannot see myself hauling a "black rifle" - of the AR or AK type - around the woods. That is why I specifically brought up the 2 rifles listed.

SWISS M109 · February 2, 2018, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejb69

I have been using a Browning BAR mkIII .308 for the past 2 deer seasons . It has worked well for me.

What was the motivator for you, to purchase the Mk III for deer hunting. Or do you do other hunting perhaps?

Palmetto-Pride · February 2, 2018, 08:31 PM

AR10 is the clear choice given your criteria.

ejb69 · February 3, 2018, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWISS M109

What was the motivator for you, to purchase the Mk III for deer hunting. Or do you do other hunting perhaps?

I hunt in northern Wi , in thick cover. Sometimes its nice to have a quick 2nd shot. Most of our group use the rem 7600. After using a 7600 for years I decided to get a semi auto rifle because I use a semi auto shot gun for small game and sporting clays.

I tried a rem 750 in .270 before the BAR. The 750 turned out be prone to jams and not very accurate. The BAR I have has never jammed or failed to fire . I get sub 2" 5 shot groups at 100yds with it .

SWISS M109 · February 3, 2018, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejb69

I hunt in northern Wi , in thick cover. Sometimes its nice to have a quick 2nd shot. Most of our group use the rem 7600. After using a 7600 for years I decided to get a semi auto rifle because I use a semi auto shot gun for small game and sporting clays.

I tried a rem 750 in .270 before the BAR. The 750 turned out be prone to jams and not very accurate. The BAR I have has never jammed or failed to fire . I get sub 2" 5 shot groups at 100yds with it .

Yep, makes sense to go semi-automatic. I hear exactly what you are confirming, in terms of reliability and accuracy. There is no doubt in my mind, that the BAR is a good rifle. I am waiting for some feedback that would hopefully include the Benelli. Let's see what the weekend brings. Thank you.

Wyosmith · February 3, 2018, 11:03 AM

I owned and used an R1 for several years. Mine was a 270 short mag. It was very finicky as to what load it shot well, but with a load of H1000 and a 160 grain Nosler it would keep all 4 shots on a quarter at 100 Yards. I have also shot various Brownings for many years and I have seen a few that just didn't seem to want to shoot accurately, but most shot well and a few shot REAL well. I had a friend in Nevada that owns a 270 that shot sub-MOA with 130 grain bullets.

I sold my R1 last year. It did all I ever asked of it on deer antelope and elk but I never warmed up to it like I have my Mausers. So I sold it to a friend. He likes it a lot however.

Now that I have used both, if I were to want to buy a non-military style auto for hunting, I think I would choose the Browning over the Benelli, and I'd take either over the Remington.
What I have seen with my old Benelli is that it was more finicky then the Brownings, in both accuracy and reliability. The old steel receiver BAR is also a bit heavy, but less then most AR10 styles of FALs.

For many years my favorite auto loader for hunting was an M1 Garand, but that was when I had 20/10 vision and I could make shots from close to over 400 yards easily with it. Now as I am getting old I can't see well in dim light, so I don;t hunt with the M1 much anymore. The M1 and the steel BAR are probably close in weight, but the M1 is a bit bulkier.

There are a few light weight AR10 style rifles that are offered too, and one of them would be what I would go after, before even the Browning if cost were close, but the only ones I know of that are not very heavy are priced so high that they are insulting to the intelligence of the buyers as a rule. I own a Ruger SR762 and it's been very reliable and shoots under 2" but it's a bit heavy, 10 pounds 9 OZ, with the scope and mount and a 10 shot Mag-pull mag fully loaded and it's WAY lighter then my Bushmaster (14 pounds) or my Armalite (13 pounds) were.

There are 1-2 AR10ish rifles that come in under 8 pounds without a scope but all I have seen under 8 pounds were prices SUPER high. So high that I would not even look one over once I saw the price tag. I could buy some very nice Merkle or Krieghoff rifles for that price and have something that was classy and held it's value better.

To have a 1500 dollar rifle and try to get 2000 is a "rip-off", but to try to say it's worth $4000+ is an insult.
"One rifle for the price of two and a half others which are nearly identical" is not worth a 2 pound reduction in weight to me, and I have not personally met a man it is yet. But PT Barnum was probably right, and I am sure they will sell some anyway.
Such a salesman must really believe we are stupid.

Anyway, thats what I think . Others may have their own ideas.

jmr40 · February 4, 2018, 12:03 PM

Quote:

I am thinking of adding a Semi-auto rifle to my main hunting rifle (bolt 7mmRM), that is capable of taking care of any NA critter and also be a good fit for SHTF situations. If y'all could give me your opinions on this?

I don't know of many who would recommend a semi for this role, especially when uses other than hunting are included. If you include survival this is exactly what the bolt action "scout" type rifles are designed for.

Any semi, even the good ones will not come close to the reliability and accuracy of a bolt gun. They weigh and cost a lot more. And the speed of repeat "aimed" shots just isn't that great with anything with more recoil than a 223 round.

Yea, you can unload the magazine in a general direction faster. But put up some targets at 50-100 yards sometime and see how fast you can fire 3 shots when all 3 MUST hit the kill zone of an animal. There simply isn't any real difference between any action type.

Since I'm not interested in a forward mounted scope I'd buy this. They come with a 3 round Accuracy International magazine, but 5 and 10 round magazines are available. Street price is under $400. The original version with standard magazines are tack drivers. This should be the same

https://ruger.com/products/americanR...ets/26974.html

If you've got about $1000 to spend one of these.

https://ruger.com/products/scoutRifl...eets/6829.html

Or this.

The Tikka isn't a true scout, but for about the same money the most accurate rifle you'll ever own. A little heavy, but can be kept right around 8 lbs scoped if you choose the scope and mounts carefully.

http://www.tikka.fi/en-us/rifles/tik...tactical-rifle

Bartholomew Roberts · February 4, 2018, 01:27 PM

If you are looking for a traditional styled .308 semi-auto that can take 10 round mags, you should add the FN AR to your list, and depending on how traditional you are, maybe an M1A?

T. O'Heir · February 4, 2018, 02:48 PM

"...how would you compromise..." Whichever is less expensive. Commercial hunting rifles are all pretty much the same. No need for a 10 round mag since a lot of places won't let you hunt with one. And hunting rifles are not made to withstand the vigour's of anything hitting a fan.
Plus an extra 4 round mag for the Browning runs $52.84 each.
No BNIB R1's in .308 according to benelliusa.com. Their .30-06 10 round mag runs $110 each though.
"...let's say "traditionalist"..." That says Standard Walnut stocked(although the Winchester semi'd M14 I have is a pleasant 9 pounds with the issue fibreglass stock. Pretty it ain't though.) M1A to me. Higher MSRP than the BAR or the R1. Mags are far less.

1MoreFord · February 4, 2018, 10:16 PM

I'd add the M1A to the list to look at.

davidsog · February 5, 2018, 09:23 AM

Quote:

I am thinking of adding a Semi-auto rifle to my main hunting rifle (bolt 7mmRM), that is capable of taking care of any NA critter and also be a good fit for SHTF situations.

What you are asking for is a Gerber Multi-tool in a rifle. Weapons are tools. You do not see mechanics disassembling engines with just a multi-tool.

The more functions you ask of a tool, the less it is likely to perform those functions.

Quote:

I cannot see myself hauling a "black rifle"

You might want to rethink this.

Why? Hunting is forgiving, combat is not.

Very graphic and do not click on it if you are not prepared to witness death. It is actual combat footage and illustrates the point of the unforgiving nature of combat. Here, a terrorist moves thru a road intersection under fire at a slow pace to the obvious result.

https://www.funker530.com/moves-slow-gets-shot-head/

So, a rifle more specialized for combat can certainly do a good job hunting.

A rifle specialized for hunting is at best compromised in combat.

A deer is not going to take your life and if you miss, you just go hungry or eat some cambium noodles that night, LOL.

If you are stuck on the hunting rifles, here is my suggestion:

http://www.browning.com/products/fir...-magazine.html

the possum · February 6, 2018, 03:22 PM

I looked at both of these in the past, and decided against the R1 since it's not available in .308, and only holds 3 or 4 shells (no higher-cap mags for it that I'm aware of). Plus, I had a little trouble getting past the modern Euro styling, but that's personal preference.

I went with the FNAR, which as others mentioned is basically the BAR hunting rifle set up to take 5, 10, or 20 round mags. Mine has the pistol grip, but they offered 'em with a traditional hunting type stock as well- some were California compliant models, and there was a target model with a laminated wood stock. These have a heavier barrel, but as davidsog just pointed out, you can now also get the lighter barreled BAR hunting rifle with the standard/traditional stock made to take detachable box mags. Browning's site doesn't come right out and say it, but I'm certain the 20 round FNAR mags would also work in it, if ya ever wanted to keep some extra firepower in yer pocket.

SWISS M109 · January 24, 2021, 11:57 AM

Thank you all for your input. I ended up buying an AR-10 from DPMS and I hated it. I am not saying it was a bad product, I just did not like the handling of it, in particular the charging handle being in the back of the action. Well, I was able to sell it without loosing a $ and I purchased the BAR Mark III BDM (wood) and I could not be happier. Love this little gun and it already helped me harvest a nice 7-pointer this past season. Thank the Lord for all the Blessings.

Scorch · January 26, 2021, 04:15 PM

Quote:

capable of taking care of any NA critter

Quote:

I am looking at the new Browning BAR Mk III BM & the Benelli R1. In a perfect world I would select one of the rifles, that is a) used (less $$), b) has a 10 rd. mag and c) is chambered in .308

Just food for thought:
IF you are looking for a rifle capable of taking ANY NA animal, 308 is not it. Not a bad choice for deer, black bear, even elk or moose, but leave grizzly out of it.
IF you are looking for a SHTF rifle that doesn't look scary like an AR, that's different, don't try a "one size fits all" approach.

February 1, 2018, 06:34 PM	#1
SWISS M109 Junior Member Join Date: July 17, 2017 Location: Senoia, GA Posts: 14	Browning vs. Benelli I am thinking of adding a Semi-auto rifle to my main hunting rifle (bolt 7mmRM), that is capable of taking care of any NA critter and also be a good fit for SHTF situations. If y'all could give me your opinions on this? I am looking at the new Browning BAR Mk III BM & the Benelli R1. In a perfect world I would select one of the rifles, that is a) used (less $$), b) has a 10 rd. mag and c) is chambered in .308. But as you all know this is not possible. So, what would you guys do, where/how would you compromise?

February 1, 2018, 07:47 PM	#3
Lprmcnit Member Join Date: June 3, 2012 Posts: 41	Semi Auto Rifle Choice An Ar-10 is an attractive option, though it is heavier than an AR-15. You can change out uppers (ensuring they are compatible with the lower you have chosen) so you could have a 308 upper, a 7mm WSM upper, 243 upper etc. its your choice. 10 and 20 round magazines are clearly an option. You also can use a convenient rail on it for mounting optics. Some like the M1A platform. I’ve been interested recently in the Keltec 308 RFB bullpup. Id stop by Cabelas or a major gun store and check out each. BTW as i understand it 7mm WSM has ballistics close to that of the 7mm REM mag. Last edited by Lprmcnit; February 1, 2018 at 07:48 PM. Reason: Spelling

February 2, 2018, 08:31 PM	#7
Palmetto-Pride Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,071	AR10 is the clear choice given your criteria. __________________ “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” -Margaret Thatcher-

February 3, 2018, 11:03 AM	#10
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	I owned and used an R1 for several years. Mine was a 270 short mag. It was very finicky as to what load it shot well, but with a load of H1000 and a 160 grain Nosler it would keep all 4 shots on a quarter at 100 Yards. I have also shot various Brownings for many years and I have seen a few that just didn't seem to want to shoot accurately, but most shot well and a few shot REAL well. I had a friend in Nevada that owns a 270 that shot sub-MOA with 130 grain bullets. I sold my R1 last year. It did all I ever asked of it on deer antelope and elk but I never warmed up to it like I have my Mausers. So I sold it to a friend. He likes it a lot however. Now that I have used both, if I were to want to buy a non-military style auto for hunting, I think I would choose the Browning over the Benelli, and I'd take either over the Remington. What I have seen with my old Benelli is that it was more finicky then the Brownings, in both accuracy and reliability. The old steel receiver BAR is also a bit heavy, but less then most AR10 styles of FALs. For many years my favorite auto loader for hunting was an M1 Garand, but that was when I had 20/10 vision and I could make shots from close to over 400 yards easily with it. Now as I am getting old I can't see well in dim light, so I don;t hunt with the M1 much anymore. The M1 and the steel BAR are probably close in weight, but the M1 is a bit bulkier. There are a few light weight AR10 style rifles that are offered too, and one of them would be what I would go after, before even the Browning if cost were close, but the only ones I know of that are not very heavy are priced so high that they are insulting to the intelligence of the buyers as a rule. I own a Ruger SR762 and it's been very reliable and shoots under 2" but it's a bit heavy, 10 pounds 9 OZ, with the scope and mount and a 10 shot Mag-pull mag fully loaded and it's WAY lighter then my Bushmaster (14 pounds) or my Armalite (13 pounds) were. There are 1-2 AR10ish rifles that come in under 8 pounds without a scope but all I have seen under 8 pounds were prices SUPER high. So high that I would not even look one over once I saw the price tag. I could buy some very nice Merkle or Krieghoff rifles for that price and have something that was classy and held it's value better. To have a 1500 dollar rifle and try to get 2000 is a "rip-off", but to try to say it's worth $4000+ is an insult. "One rifle for the price of two and a half others which are nearly identical" is not worth a 2 pound reduction in weight to me, and I have not personally met a man it is yet. But PT Barnum was probably right, and I am sure they will sell some anyway. Such a salesman must really believe we are stupid. Anyway, thats what I think . Others may have their own ideas. Last edited by Wyosmith; February 3, 2018 at 11:22 AM.

February 4, 2018, 02:48 PM	#13
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...how would you compromise..." Whichever is less expensive. Commercial hunting rifles are all pretty much the same. No need for a 10 round mag since a lot of places won't let you hunt with one. And hunting rifles are not made to withstand the vigour's of anything hitting a fan. Plus an extra 4 round mag for the Browning runs $52.84 each. No BNIB R1's in .308 according to benelliusa.com. Their .30-06 10 round mag runs $110 each though. "...let's say "traditionalist"..." That says Standard Walnut stocked(although the Winchester semi'd M14 I have is a pleasant 9 pounds with the issue fibreglass stock. Pretty it ain't though.) M1A to me. Higher MSRP than the BAR or the R1. Mags are far less. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

February 1, 2018, 07:24 PM	#2
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Leaving out the SHTF, which we don't discuss at this site, I figure that when defensive equipment is part of one's hunting gear, reliability in sustained rapid fire would be an important criterion.

February 2, 2018, 09:47 AM	#4
ejb69 Member Join Date: January 3, 2013 Posts: 49	I have been using a Browning BAR mkIII .308 for the past 2 deer seasons . It has worked well for me.

February 4, 2018, 01:27 PM	#12
Bartholomew Roberts member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Texas and Oklahoma area Posts: 8,462	If you are looking for a traditional styled .308 semi-auto that can take 10 round mags, you should add the FN AR to your list, and depending on how traditional you are, maybe an M1A?

February 4, 2018, 10:16 PM	#14
1MoreFord Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2014 Location: Arkansas Posts: 244	I'd add the M1A to the list to look at.

February 6, 2018, 03:22 PM	#16
the possum Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2004 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 555	I looked at both of these in the past, and decided against the R1 since it's not available in .308, and only holds 3 or 4 shells (no higher-cap mags for it that I'm aware of). Plus, I had a little trouble getting past the modern Euro styling, but that's personal preference. I went with the FNAR, which as others mentioned is basically the BAR hunting rifle set up to take 5, 10, or 20 round mags. Mine has the pistol grip, but they offered 'em with a traditional hunting type stock as well- some were California compliant models, and there was a target model with a laminated wood stock. These have a heavier barrel, but as davidsog just pointed out, you can now also get the lighter barreled BAR hunting rifle with the standard/traditional stock made to take detachable box mags. Browning's site doesn't come right out and say it, but I'm certain the 20 round FNAR mags would also work in it, if ya ever wanted to keep some extra firepower in yer pocket.

January 24, 2021, 11:57 AM	#17
SWISS M109 Junior Member Join Date: July 17, 2017 Location: Senoia, GA Posts: 14	Thank you all for your input. I ended up buying an AR-10 from DPMS and I hated it. I am not saying it was a bad product, I just did not like the handling of it, in particular the charging handle being in the back of the action. Well, I was able to sell it without loosing a $ and I purchased the BAR Mark III BDM (wood) and I could not be happier. Love this little gun and it already helped me harvest a nice 7-pointer this past season. Thank the Lord for all the Blessings.