bambihunter

I have a 28" HK matte black/synthetic that I bought new when they first came out (seems like ~1991). I have bought and sold many shotguns since and this one always ends up in the field with me. So, I decided I wanted to add another field barrel to the mix as the 28" isn't the best for every situation. I have looked fairly thoroughly over the past few weeks for an original SBE (1) field barrel in either 24" or 26" and the ads around the internet are so misleading it is hard to tell whether it is for a I or II. So, a few questions: 1. I know they made a 26" barrel. Did they ever make a 24" field barrel for the original SBE in matte black? 2. Did they ever make a factory slug barrel for the same? 3. Are there ANY of the original barrels still available? If not, does anyone know the part numbers so at least I can search that way and keep an eye out? It sure would be nice to only have one set of chokes to deal with across multiple guns and barrels (I also have several HK/Benelli M3 folders) 4. I had bought a SBEII slug barrel and the required modified forearm (but have only test fitted it thus far). 5. Will the modified forearm required for the SBEII slug barrel to work on a SBE in previous question work also for a SBEII field barrel or are they different also? 6. Lastly, I believe the SBE barrels are chrome lined. Does that mean they can't be cut down to a shorter length or is that an old "wives tale"?

If anyone else is looking for one. I found this very helpful place that was able to order both a barrel and forearm for the original SBE. It wasn't cheap, total was $664 (barrel-499, forend-150, shipping-15). But at last the items are on their way to my house. I dealt with Nena and the whole experience was smooth. I don't know if they have access to more, but they indicated that it was no big deal to get this one. Their number is 812-536-5533 Dave's Gun Shop, Inc. PO Box 411 Holland, IN 47541

Thank you for your information. I appreciate it.

I am looking for a fully rifled black factory SBE slug barrel and modified forearm. I was told the SBE II barrel would work, but the forearm would not. Is this correct? If not, does anyone know where I can get a NIB one (or in perfect mint condition)? It doesn't show it anymore on Benelli's barrel and parts list. I don't really want the newer SBE's as much as the first one and after buying it from a HK rep back in the early 90's, I vowed I would never own another shotgun! I have now got tens of thousands of rounds through it and it still shoots as well today as it did when I bought it. I guess I didn't keep my promise, I did buy a Remington 1100 but it is a .410 gauge for my wife. If only Benelli made a .410 or 28 gauge!

I understand this was featured in a ban on imported firearms circa 1989 but I don't remember all the specifics. I am positive there was something BEFORE the AWB ever took effect as it kept me from getting a M3 folder like I wanted because the prices skyrocketed after the ban went into effect.

I've been skeptical about how the gel will hold up say 10 years down the road. I don't see how it could not harden and lose effectiveness. I sure hope I'm wrong though. While I am not bothered at all with recoil of shotguns I don't like the recoil of rifles (with scopes in front of my eyes). If the technology is sound and seems to last I might finally soften up my deer rifle instead of perpetually using my smaller rifles and carbines instead of my magnums...

I am not a FFL holder/dealer, but I thought there was a ban that affected IMPORTED shotguns and some certian other firearms circa 1989 that prevented guns from having features similar to the AWB design (you can have an extended magazine OR a pistol grip but not both or something like that). I do know for a fact that the Benelli M3 folders were affected by this and that is why they now sell for $2,500 instead of $1,200 like they should... I've gotten most of this info from reputable source on the forums at GunBroker.com but I don't have the best memory but I think I have the overall idea right. Anyone know the specifics?

Yes

A gun is only as good as the shooter, that's the way it is, and the way it always will be. I know deer shooters (note the lack of the word hunter) that will fire 5 to 10 shots at a running deer. I'm not keen on single-shots, but I sure don't see the use for more than 2 shots at an animal. If you can't hit it in two shots, then you likely need more practice. The same applies for wingshooting. A person must know what they can reliably drop thier quarry at or don't shoot. Everybody has had a wounded bird get away, and it doesn't feel good. However, yes, you can take a quail in particular at 25 yards very often with a full-choked .410. Yes, I do shoot further with my 12 gauge.

I wouldn't personally ever use a .410 for anything larger than dove, quail, rabbit, or squirrel except in survival situation. I like 28 gauge's too, but I've stuck with .410's because my favorite small mammal gun is my Savage 24 .22lr/.410 so a semi-auto .410 for skeet and small birds makes sense. Their only draw back is the high price of ammo for them. If I shot steel shot more often, I could see the benefits of a 10 gauge, but for me, the added size, weight, and recoil of a 10 gauge, I just wouldn't use it much. Like I said, if I can't drop 'em with a 12 gauge (even a 3.5" if needed) then I won't likely drop 'em with a 10 gauge... Maybe we'll both be lucky and they'll make 'em both!!!

Amen!

There's nothing obsurd about a .410 auto loader, how's it any different than a .22lr auto loader? Except for the cost of .410 shells, it has many attributes some find perfect. Such as low weight and recoil for my wife, very small shot pattern (great for me honing my skills) and also is great to keep from shooting up the small game too much. I see no reason for the M1014, but obvious some people like 'em... (to each thier own) Here's my semi-auto .410 (remington 1100 with full barrel set).

Nope, if I can't get 'em with a 3.5" 12 gauge load, I doubt I'll get 'em with a 10 gauge. I do wish they'd make a .410 though. My wife shoots .410 for skeet and I'll occasionally use one for rabbits instead of .22lr.

I haven't really looked at your other question so I don't know. Mine had cylinder choke in it, but I don't see why they couldn't have regular screw-in chokes. It's been years since I got rid of mine so maybe they have screw-in's and I just left cylinder in mine. I don't think any other barrel will fit the M3 without modification. I'd like to add too that the M3 isn't the best Benelli for field or skeet use. I'd personally say it (and maybe the M1014) are the best for home defense, but for game purposes most people are better served by the M1 or SBE. If you specifically would like a pump, the Nova is a fine gun. I now only have a Super Black Eagle. I have gotten rid of ALL of my other 12 gauge shotguns. It did everything I needed it to do so slowly I got rid of my others which included many fine O/U's. I only have one other shotgun and it's a Remington 1100 .410. I'd buy a Benelli .410 if they'd make one!

I found that mine wouldn't cycle all the time if I shot "from the hip" (meaning that the gun wasn't against my shoulder or other firm object). I never could get it to work with ANY 2 3/4" loads unless it was shouldered. That said, I do miss it and would like to buy jmikesteen's folder!

How 'bout a full set of sub-gauge inserts for an over/under like your Browning (but you'd maybe want to start with a 12 gauge for that). Personally, I use a 12 gauge for nearly everything and jump to a .410 for the few things that I think the 12 gauge is too big. Most of the time you can change the choke and/or dram/shot size to achieve a clean kill without damaging too much meat.

I wish somebody would "show me the money" or better yet, "give me the money". LOL

If the X-2 is the fastest, why doesn't Tom Knapp use it on the record-setting shots? Money?

Look for a place that actually has one in stock. I had a SBE slug barrel on order for 4 months before I cancelled the order and got something else.

There's some specifics to the M3 about adding a mag extention if it's a folder or true pistol grip (if I remember correctly it predates the AWB). If you're talking about the shoulder stock that has the pistol grip protruding from it you should be fine. I used to have a factory M3 folder and have regretted getting rid of it every since. They now run for 2,000 to 2,500 since that option isn't available to the public (and very few were sold that way). Yes you can shoot slugs if you shoot it through the cylinder choke, use sabot slugs unless you have a rifled slug barrel. If I remember correctly you can use rifled slugs or sabots if using a rifled choke tube. I was going to get a slug barrel for my SBE but after 4 months of waiting I cancelled my order and said heck with it and got another gun instead. I have no interest or experience with the 1014 so I'm not much help there...

I agree with the above post. If you absolutely have to have a gun to hold you by, just get a cheap used pump or something but definately save up for the SBE, you won't regret it. I have owned a lot of 12 gauges over the years in all types of actions (pump, semi-auto, doubles, even single-shot and bolt) and currently the SBE is the only 12 gauge I have. I liked some of the others, but since the SBE can do it all, why own anything else?

I have shot the X2, but never owned one. I have owned a lot of 12 gauge guns in all action types over the past 15 years, but the Benelli SBE is the only 12 gauge I currently have - that should tell you something. I really can't believe it could be easier to clean than the SBE. I can clean the SBE as quick as I can clean my bolt action deer rifles...

The shims that I think you are referring to won't affect your point of aim. They are simply to adjust how much drop your stock has to it. I think they can also be used to adjust the length of pull.

Great popapi... I think you'll be happy with it. If you ever want to go shooting or have any trouble with it, you have my number.

I'll say it again bullseye, you won't regret it.