Skybroom

I have a SBEII that I shoot well. I did not have to change any shims since the gun seems to fit well straight out of the box. (at least compared to my lifetime of pitiful shooting) I am interested in getting another benelli as a backup/upland/dove gun. Do all Benelli semi autos have the same high rib? Would the sight plane be the same for all models? I would like to get something that would fit just as well right out of the box. I assume the M2 would be the same but I have no experience with any of the other models.

Thanks! I will check into them.

What shells have you had good results with? I have Expert #3, Kent 1560fps #2, Kent (slower) #3, Black Cloud #3. I am hoping to find something that patterns well with the cheaper stuff.

Thanks MH. I think my best bet would be a skeet 2.

Does anyone know the size of the factory choke tubes that come with a SBEII? I don't know how exact the factory tubes are when comparing several tubes of the same type but even a close range would help me. I did some patterning using my factory IC and Modified tubes with several different steel duck loads at 40 yards. The IC tube was near terrible while the modified tube threw much better patterns with several of the loads. My problem is I rarely shoot at ducks as far as 40 yards and the Mod tube is too tight for close range shots. I think an aftermarket tube in between the factory Mod and IC would probably give me the best overall pattern density and spread but I don't have a clue as to what to look for. I don't have a way to measure my current chokes either. Anybody have numbers for the factory tubes or advice on where to look?

I had the same problem three or four years ago. I sent the trigger assembly to customer service and they fixed it and had it back to me in a few days. My safety was so stiff I could not operate it when my hands got cold.

I think you could store a few in that big white cooler too :-)

My SBE II works flawlessly with anything from 3 1/2" to the cheap 1 oz Wal-Mart shells. In two years it has jammed only one duck hunting trip. When I took it apart, I couldn't believe how much gunk and seeds had built up inside the receiver. I was extremely disgusted that day until I got back home until I saw the extent of the buildup. (I dont' clean it like I should) The SBE II is like the energizer bunny!

The camo will come off if you get chemicals on it. (gun scrubber, etc.) I would think black would look better longer, but the camo sure looks good when new. Can't help you with the barrell question.

Finally got to shoot some dove loads yesterday. Flawless performance with 1oz Federals and Winchesters. I mixed in a few 3" and 3 1/2" and everything worked great. Hopefully it will continue after 2-3 boxes on opening day. (I'm not a very good shot on doves).

Tucker, do you live near them?

I don't plan on using less than the recommended load (at least not the first light loads I try) and I already have too much crap to carry. The public area I dove hunt is a long walk and we bring guns, buckets, shells, water for us, water for the dog, bowl, etc. It's about enough to wear a person out in our usual 95 degree humid heat.

It seems like a lot of people can shoot lighter loads than the minimum recommended without any problems. I don't have time to try mine in the near future. My question is: Has anyone ever had trouble shooting the minimum recommended loads? Dove season starts soon and I don't want to waste my time on opening day. The only shells I have used so far are about 2 boxes of heavy duck or goose loads. I just don't know if I should use my old pump gun or take the chance on the Benelli.

If all the facts are as presented, definitely new barrell!

Actually, the owner of the UPS store is a former boss of mine. He called and left a message that day. I didn't get it until I got home from work. He remembered the box I originally shipped it in and did some research to find out if the sender was who I had originally sent it to. One of his employees signed for it and he didn't know about it for 2 days.