vinnylv

One of the benefits of the red dots is the lack of parallax due to the zero magnification. What this means is that as long as the dot is on the target, the bullet should hit the bull. It's not like a regular scope that needs the reticle to be centered to eliminate parallax, otherwise the bullet will hit off target. Of course, the gun still needs to be held solidly, or you'll miss for that reason, but a quick shot, even if the dot is not centered, should still be on the bull.

I've had two manufacturers, Ithaca and Winchester, tell me to absolutely NOT use WD40. Rather than prevent rust, it might actually increase the chances of a rust problem. A gunsmith also told me the same thing---none of them knew about the other conversations, so I've accepted that it must be correct.

I forgot to mention, the Benelli case works well in your trunk or back of the truck. I wouldn't trust it to the gorillas that will be loading the plane!! I agree with Tucker, you can get a good aluminum case from Cabela's---if you have ANY insurance in your life, this one would be worth it. Within the cost of the trip, this is a minor item.

Butch, If you want to save yourself a lot of time on travel day, here's what you should do. We went to Africa last year, and found out that you can go to a nearby (live near the airport??) US Customs office, and complete a short Form, 4457, I believe it's called, which lists the firearm, serial #, etc., and let a customs inspector look at it and inspect your gun. They then put their stamp on the form. In that way, when you get to the airport, you show them that Customs has already inspected your gun and things go much faster. Also, when you come home, you have ready proof that you left with the gun and are not importing something new. Actually, the customs inspector let us put any valuables, e.g., cameras, binocs, video cam's, etc. on additional 4457's. There was no question about either the ownership, or purchase of any of the items we were coming into US with. It works well in both directions---good idea for anyone leaving the country to do.

Thanks for the response. I've never had this happen before, so I'm worried that it might have gotten into the wood. I'm wondering if anyone has a specific cleanr they're used? Also, I don't know where Morehead City is, but good luck with the hurricanes.

Can anyone let me know if they've found small water stains on the cheekpiece of the stock? I have the SBE II in walnut, and shot the other day in very hot weather. I just gave it a normal wipedown when finished with the silicone cloth, and when I went to clean the gun two days later, the stock looked dull, and I could see small water stains when held up on an angle. I can only guess it's from perspiration---it was very hot--- and I'm wondering what to use to remove the stains. I hope it's not into the finish, but am afraid to mess up the stock with the wrong cleaner. Any experiences/results from cleaning?? Thanks.

For what it's worth, we made a backboard from a 1/2 sheet of sheetrock (costs a few dollars) and went to my local butcher and asked for a roll of his brown paper which was almost used up. Got it for free. We covered the sheetrock with the brown paper and then attached a turkey target, as tucker said, to the middle of the target. You can change the brown paper and turkey head many times before the sheetrock collapses, then use the second half of the sheetrock. You'll then get a perfect look at the pellets in the kill zone, and where the rest of the pattern is actually hitting.

Thanks for getting back, and the recap. If they're the only ones to test with the gun, and given your results, it sounds like the Rhino is the way to go. Did some reading on the Rhino, and saw some write-ups---I'm impressed. Thanks again.

I've been shooting quite a few years, have had Winchester shotguns, and purchased aftermarket turkey chokes which have made a big difference at the patterning board. Over the last few years I purchased an SBE I, and love it. Recently bought an SBE II, and am learning that there are different "choke systems" used by Benelli. I know that they're not interchangeable, but I'd like to understand what is the difference between the Mobil and Optima, if anyone can explain. Also, I've seen Crio and Crio plus. This website shows available chokes for the SBE II as extended Turkey, but I can't find constriction specs. Trulock, and others, for example, shows constrictions to .660, .645, .640, etc. I know that constriction can be "too much of a good thing". Would any of these aftermarket (even the Benelli) give better patterns generally (I understand gun to gun), but am wondering if there'd be much improvement expected over the full supplied with the SBE's? I guess I'm asking if anyone has actually patterned the different chokes and what did they like? I'm not trying to evade an expense---it's just the "time" at the patterning board that seems harder to find than in the "old days". Can anyone offer a little education and results experiences??

Mudhen, Thanks, I know it was basic, that's why I started the original as I did. Being fairly new to Benelli, I was unaware of the"Mobil" vs. "Optima" systems. I'll have to look into that for my education. Given that third parties often make the extended's that can be substitued, I queried if that was the case here---obviously not. Thanks again for getting back.

Mudhen, Thanks, I guess I got my primary answers, but you apparently didn't understand one part, so let me translate.... The II has its threads recessed so that when you screw the choke in, the end of the choke is flush with the barrel. The SBE I has regular threads that end at the barrel tip. If I screw in the Crio, therefore, the last 1/2" protrudes from the end of the barrel, sort of like an extended third party "turkey choke" might. Since that last 1/2" seems "polished", I was asking if it was deliberately made to retro use with the older SBE I?? I've re-read and still think it's a valid question. Was your "No" addressing that question? Or, does someone else understand if Mudhen still doesn't??

At the risk of sounding dumb, but rather than screw up... I've recently mentioned that I bought an SBE II LTD edition, which came with Crio chokes. Can I use these chokes in the SBE I? That last 1/2 inch looks like it's finished as if it would be used in the gun with threads near the end, and protruding, but will the internal barrel match well with the inside end of the choke? Also, is there a real difference in improved patterns with the extended's???

My buddy just bought the Nova with two barrels. He went to the range with some Federal and Lightfield ?? slugs to zero the scope. He was getting great groups with the Federal and moved over to the other brand. These Lightfields, I think he called them were shooting nicer than the Federal, but more often than not the action couldn't be opened after firing. He had to work the release button and then it was hard to open the action and shuck the old round. Anybody ever hear of this kind of problem, or this ammo??

I'll throw in my 2 cents... My buddy was the first to move to a 3 1/2-er for turkey. He bought a Remington. The next year I bought the SBE and asked what loads he wound up using in the 3 1/2. His answer was "I don't use them, they kicked my butt and were no fun" With some trepidation, I prepared to shoot the 3 1/2 wondering what I was in for. The result, nothing!! In the SBE, the 3 1/2 is like a 3" with a bit of an attitude!! John thought I was busting his chops so he tried the SBE and was amazed. I tried his Rem, and quickly grabbed back my SBE!! Bottom line, if you go for turkey, the 3 1/2 makes a difference (at least 10 yds from the patterning board), and the SBE's the way to go. All the way down the line for lighter stuff the Benelli still showed equal or better patterns. You're really paying for a "gun for all seasons". I still take my 20 ga. OU for birds and rabbits when I don't feel like a 12, but the SBE does it all.

If no one minds, I'll try this one. CNEW, if you're actually shooting skeet (as opposed to trap) it's by definition a fairly close-range game. As far as "how far on average...", it's almost as much a function of the shells you are using. The only way to tell is to shoot at a patterning board at 20-30-40 yds. and look at the patterns you're getting with those shells. You will then know "how far on average..." Keep in mind that changing the shells you use will often change those patterns drastically. As a rule the skeet choke is designed for the close range of the game---that's how it got it's name!! Hope that helps.

Thanks, the shotgun is definitely GREAT, I'll be satisfied with an OK price. BTW, after posting, I did see someone on the net asking $2,695 for a Central Flyway!! I'm not really a "collector type", I bought it because I like the functioning of the black that I have and the looks of this one were impressive. It's just good to know that others find it desirable and it's one of few guns that will probably appreciate over time. Also, my son gets to "instantly inherit" the black, so he liked the deal also! Thanks for your help.

Tucker, $1,400 would be nice. I just spent $1,900. Tell me I didn't get burned?? Also, the dealer said they were doing 600 units, and the SBE shows #___ of 600. But the press release said 750 would be produced. Did they just change their minds??

Thanks for getting back. Actually, I did go out last night a buy the AF. It's my second SBE---I've got a black SBE I that's perfect, but the woodwork and metal on this one blew my socks off.. I'm still wondering if there's someplace to get the specs on the Limited's. I've searched the website and found nothing. Is that because it was a last year release? There were some "Executive" models, is that this year's "Limited"? I'm really curious to get some more info on my new purchase. Thanks again in advance, anyone.

I was in our local gunshop today and he showed me a SBEII Limited Edition "Atlantic Flyway" model. It was beautiful, but I'm wondering if there's any info on Limited's, has Benelli done this before, what's the track record, i.e., do they appreciate in value. Also, how do you verify the total run of the edition? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.