Waldo1

Gosh Mudhen, thanks for clearing all of that up. I hope that you don't injure yourself as you frantically masturbate your ego. I'm obviously not the elite afficianado that you are, but I'd like to offer a couple of observations. 1. Benelli does not sell every gun that they make as fast as they can get them to market. Ever see them in a rack at a sporting goods store? Those are not sold, those are inventory. I have also been surprised by the number of retailers I've spoken to who still have inventory, but no longer carry Benelli firearms, with their reason generally being "because Benelli USA is too hard to work with". I'm sure that you've read numerous posts on this board from those frustrated by availability and customer service- more whiners? I don't think I'm the only one scratching my head as to their marketing philosophy. 2. Yes, some "true sportspeople" do want additional barrels and I am one of them. I'm impressed with the M1 platform and I want a shorter barrel to use in 3-gun matches so that retain familiarity with the weapon's controls whether I'm hunting or shooting. This "true die-hard" will find a barrel despite the long backorders. As far as this forum and any connection to Benelli's Customer Service is concerned, that would have been coincidental. I was simply looking for some information and was engaged in a conversation (of sorts). By the way, insinuating yourself into a thread and offering nothing worthwhile, but only pompous drivel is called "Trolling" and is generally considered bad form. 3. There is a solution for Benelli's terrible dilemma of incessant "demand, demand, demand..." Its called "supply, supply, supply..." and it has worked for many companies for many years.

Yeah, it looks like they are intentionally keeping supply tight to drive up/maintain higher prices. As with most manufacturing operations, I can only imagine that their cost per barrel would decrease if they manufactured more units. It seems like a short-sighted marketing plan. Longer-term, when potential consumers become aware that components and accessories are unavailable they will opt to purchase a competiitor's product. I have a hard time understanding how a company can increase their market share by NOT supplying product.

Edited for double-tap

[ 01-07-2006, 07:11 AM: Message edited by: Waldo1 ]

Certainly- at least I do. If I can purchase a barrel for $300, then why would I want to pay $400? And what do we call someone who wants to pay more than market price? We call that person a fool. So yes, I'd rather pay less for a Benelli barrel than more. My gripe is availability. When you go into a Dealer's shop and offer to pre-pay for them to order you a component and they say "No, I can't", then you have to wonder about both the Dealer as well as the Manufacturer. Looks more like Benelli's line of reasoning is that if their barrels were readily available, then their prices would have to drop a little.

Can someone explain what happened here with regards to this dealer? I went to Bass Pro Shop today to pick up a Limbsaver for my M1S90. I was ogling the shotguns and saw about 8 new Benellis. I asked if they had any M1 or M2 barrels in stock and the immediate answer was "No". I asked if they could order one for me and the answer was "No". I asked if they were an authorized Benelli dealer and the answer was "Of course!". I asked why they could not order me a barrel and the answer was "Because Benelli won't let us". I asked if they knew how I could buy a new barrel and they said to try Benelli's website... So, I can't buy direct from Benelli because I have to go through a Dealer, and I can't buy from a Dealer because Benelli won't let them order? Interesting marketing plan, but it probably doesn't net Benelli a whole lot of sales. Waldo1

WD-40 is a good penetrant and solvent, but an extremely poor preservative. It will NOT prevent rust on ferrous metals- even when wiped down and only placed in storage. Stay safe,

Too bad the barrels wouldn't interchange!!

Alberto, I don't know if this may be part of your problem, but 25% lighter recoil springs are available from this source http://www.gunsprings.com/RifleShotgun/Benelli_RsNF.html Stay safe, Waldo1

I finally picked this up the other day and I think that I did OK. Manufactured in 1989 (thanks again M1014!), M1S90, H&K import stamp on the right side of receiver. 26" VR barrel with green (Tru-Glow?) fiber optic sight, 7 round magazine, black synthetic furniture, knurled knob bolt handle, wrench, 5 choke tubes (may be Benelli, but not explicitlymarked as such) plus an extended 'Extra Full' turkey choke, and sling. Minimal blueing wear on the bolt rails and the inside of receiver, same for the face of the bolt-head. No rust or problems evident in the recoil spring or tube. Receiver has a few nicks/dings in it that look like transport/storage issues. Inside of receiver had what appear to be small chips of bark and flakes of leaves inside, but was pristine in every other respect. The previous owner also liked to bulldoze through the thick sh!t- I think I like him... The trigger group retaining pin has no marks/scratches/wear and it does not look like it had been removed often for cleaning, if at all. All of these factors lead me to believe that this gun has been used/carried, but not shot a great deal. I broke it down to components and cleaned/lubed all assemblies (a film of Lubriplate grease on the bolt rails). I'm very impressed with the design and hope that it shoots as well as it was intended. It was $650 for everything out the door.

So I'm assuming (perhaps incorrectly) that this would not apply to a 'pre-ban' shotgun? Stay safe, Waldo1

Im missing out on this one- Why would it not be legal? Waldo1

Jed, They make both 25% over and 25% under standard weight. http://www.gunsprings.com/1ndex.html Stay safe, Waldo1 [ 10-24-2005, 02:18 AM: Message edited by: Waldo1 ]

Griz- Love ain't cheap, but it can be bought. Try this link. http://www.e-gunparts.com/products.asp?chrMasterModel=4150zM1%20SUPER%2090%20FIELD&MC= Stay safe, Waldo1

I have seen them on GunBroker and Auction Arms' websites. You might try there? I also read over on ShotgunWorld forum that M1 and M2 barrels are interchangeable, but I have not seen that info corroborated from Benelli. Good luck and let me know how you make out. I would like to get a tactical barrel for my M1 someday. Stay safe. Waldo1

Tucker- Excellent response with the pic, but that guy is Principal Pedophile or whatever his name was. Ben Stein played Ferris' dead-pan teacher who called role. I do appreciate the help guys! I'll undoubtedly have more questions as time goes on. I'm no expert by a long shot, but cosmetically the major difference between this gun and the new ones I've seen has been the knurled bolt handle on this one. Have their been any major changes or product updates since this model was made in '89? Anything that should be changed for safety's sake? I noticed that the shell elevator on this one is designed differently and may be less prone to 'bite' when loading- we'll see. Thanks again! Waldo1

Bueller.... Bueller... Anyone??

OK, How about this; The receiver and bolt are marked "Benelli Armi System". Receiver is marked "Heckler & Koch Inc., Arlington Va". On the base of the receiver it looks like 'PEF' 'FINITO' and then the letters 'AU' inside a box. When did Benelli begin chroming their barrels? Any info is appreciated. Thanks, Waldo1

Thanks M1014! It looks like MO are the letters in the prefix. Thanks! Waldo1

I lost my composure while holding an earlier, used 12 ga M1S90 the other day. It has the 26" VR barrel with chokes and wrench, a mag extension and straight synthetic furniture. H&K import markings on the right side of the receiver, knurled steel rod bolt handle. Recoil springs feel light for a 12 Ga, especially when compared to a new M3, so it may need new springs. Serial# range looks like 77,3XX if that helps. Gun has a couple of small dings on the receiver, but does not appear to have been abused. Can anyone shed any light on what I have, any info on updates, manufacture dates, improvements or recalls that might be good to know about? Stay safe, Waldo1 [ 10-18-2005, 05:37 PM: Message edited by: Waldo1 ]