Jim630

Thanks guys for all the thoughts. I finally bought my R1 Comfortech in 300 WSM. I put the Zeiss Conquest 3.5x10 on top of it. When I was in the store, I compared the Leupold VXIII to the Nikon and Zeiss. I really thought the Zeiss was noticably cleaner and sharper then either of the other scopes. In fact I even questioned the counter guy regarding whether something was wrong the the VXIII. I am not as involved in this gear as some guys, but I had really expected the Leupold to be the best. I was surprised and even asked if something was wrong withe the VXIII. Tucker you'll be interested to know the R1 came in at 5 lbs on the trigger out of the box. I just dropped it back off for some trigger work. They think they can get it down to about 4~ lbs. I'll know what they got done in about 2 weeks. Anyone with thoughts on what shells I should shoot? The target is a Wisconsin Whitetail. I have about 50 rounds through the gun. Winchester XP3 (150), Fusion 165 and a Federal Accubond in 180. I did also go through the break in process Tucker and others suggested. It takes some time, but it was nice sunny day and enjoyable time with the new toy. I was getting iratic groupings however. I would get 2 shots just under an inch a part, then I would get one 2-3 inches away. Someone suggested the 5 lbs of trigger could be the culprit. Maybe it was me, maybe the trigger, maybe the ammo??? I should also add that my R1 is a Comfortech, and the recoil is relatively speaking light. I can't ever imagine getting scope bit by this gun. The first time out I was shooting in a t-shirt and eventually no shirt. It is pretty tame. thanks to all that have helped me to this point. Any other advice is appreciated. Jim [ 09-19-2006, 08:47 PM: Message edited by: Jim630 ]

The 4-5 stores I shopped were all exactly $1199; that is, for the Comfortech version. Not sure what the standard R1 sells for. Several hundred less I would expect. I just picked up a 300 WSM Comfortech for $1050 by getting the local store to price match a promotion Cabelas was offering. I am pretty sure Benelli sets pricing with authoirized dealers.

I began looking at the R1 Comfortech 300 WSM this past spring and finally decided to move forward. I have been bouncing back and forth between an auto and a bolt (Kimber 8400). I have always had an auto, and never had any problems with them literally in the 30 years I have been hunting. Cabelas is running a special that gives you a $150 credit for purchases over $500. Certainly enough reason for me to finally move foward. Next up is the scope. Hoping for some thoughts. The gun will be used almost exclusively for deer hunting in WI. It will hopefully end up out west some day looking for Elk. I was looking at the Leupold VXIII 3.5x10, in either the 40 or 50 mm objective. As I was brousing, I also saw a scope from Zeiss. It was the Conquest 3.5-10, with a 44mm objective. What few reviews I could find were favorable. Around here the Leupold is what most other scopes are judged against. Any thoughts on these two, or any other suggestiions? The guys at Cabelas really like the Nikons. thanks Jim

Dave, Did you recently buy the R1? If so, what gun is it. Glad to hear you like it. Jim

That is the gun I am hoping to buy, in the same caliber. The trigger weight is also what I found, which from what I have been told, is far better than earlier Comfortechs. What kind of groups were you getting? Can you also tell me whether you think the Comfortech stock has made a noticable difference in recoil? thanks

I met a Benelli rep at the Madison Deer and Turkey show this weekend. He explained why the WSM calibers were so slow to come out (apparently whomever makes their barrels, made 1500 of them 4" shorter than they wanted). We also took the R1 down, and talked about its accuracy. Take it for what it is worth, given that he reps the gun, but he said that groups of 1" at 100 yards should happen, and that would ramp up to 7-8" out at 400 yards. He indicated that he has been shooting the gun at these distances. This of would of course depend upon all of the variables (shooter, wind, etc). My impression was that this guy was a straight talker...but he was a sales rep. I also had my 2nd look at a 300 WSM and its trigger. Similar to what I saw a week or two ago, this was a 4-5 lb trigger that while not great, wasn't bad either. Benelli does appears to have improved the trigger on these newer guns. Lastly we talked about break in. He said I should shoot one round, then clean the barrel. Do that five times (shoot once then clean). Then shoot 3 rounds and clean. Do that 5 times. That will be 20 rounds and result in the gun being cleaned 10 times during those first 20 rounds. [ 04-03-2006, 07:35 PM: Message edited by: Jim630 ]

Garren, I would be interested in seeing how the Federal compares. When I called Benelli, the brand the recommended was Federal. The Hornady was clearly better than the Winchester in your outing. It will be interesting to see how the Federal compares. Jim

I too am interested in the 300 WSM. I called Benelli, and spoke with a product manager with your same questions. He said that I could expect groups of 1.5" at 100 yards, and 4" at 300 yards. That was all qualified by wind, shooter capability, and bullet type. They recommended a particular Federal and Winchester shell. The person I spoke to was not a front line operator. This person said he had shot the gun himself and was confident that baring any shortcomings in my ability to shoot, the gun should deliver these types of results. By contrast to a good bolt these aren't great, but they seem reasonable for a auto. And yes, Tucker's groups are pretty impressive. It would appear that the gun in the hands of a very good shooter can beat the numbers Benelli quoted. I can also say the gun feels very good on your shoulder. It fits me really well. Really well. I also spoke to a gunsmith about the gun. He told me he thought the gun was well made, and the comments weren't biased by him thinking that telling me this would result in my buying the gun. I have been snooping around regarding this gun for about 3 months now. How is life in New Orleans? I hope improving [ 03-29-2006, 10:18 PM: Message edited by: Jim630 ]

The 300 WSM in Comfortech is $1199 in Madison WI. I am thinking about buying it, but haven't yet. I can also say that the 300 WSM appears to have a better trigger than earlier versions. I could tell that it was smoother, and I had the gunsmith measure the pull. It came in at 4.5 lbs, and he thought he could get it down to 3.5-4.0 for about $50. Tucker301 indicated that earlier models were in the 7-8 lb range. [ 03-29-2006, 07:13 PM: Message edited by: Jim630 ]

The 300 WSM was $1199 here at a local gun shop in Madison, WI. They had 3-4 ComforTechs, but I only looked at the 300 WSM. The 30-06 was $1199 at Cabelas in Praire Du Chein Wi. Both guns were Comfortechs. Regarding the trigger pull. The 30-06 was at Cabelas about 2 weeks ago, and I have no idea how long it was on the shelf. The 300 WSM came in to the local gun shop on or about 3/21. Both were ComforTechs. The 30-06 was a scratchy fairly heavy pull. I was really amazed at how bad it was. I am not good enough to judge what the trigger weight was on the 30-06. It was heavy and scratchy. The 300 WSM was definately smoother, and the gunsmith measured the weight when I asked him to pull the trigger assembly out to tell me if he could improve it. He pulled it out, and measued the pull, 4.5 lbs, and indicated he could make it smoother still, and reduce the weight somewhat. He thought it would end up in the 3.5-4lb area. The shop I was at is a long standing gun shop in Madison, with pretty long term gunsmiths. I know one of the guys has been working there for 15-20 years, so I am inclined to think they know their stuff. Hope that helps answer a few questions. Jim

Finally saw a Comfortech 300 WSM. Very nice gun. This gun had a materially better trigger than the 30.06 I saw at Cabelas, but still not great. I had a gunsmith look at it as well. The trigger weight was 4.5 lbs. For $50 bucks he felt he could make it smoother, and get the pull under 4 lbs. He said that there were limits to what could be done for various technical reasons, but that he could make it noticably better. He thought he could reduce the pull by 1/2-3/4 pounds. The gunsmith also commented on how much he liked the gun for an automatic.

I was at Cabelas today and based upon what some people on this forum had said, I dry fired the R1. I did this in comparison to a Tikka T3 and a Sako 75, and actually a variety of other bolt actions. I also dry fired the Browning BAR. I was amazed. The R1 was a Comfortech 30.06. It was horrible. I could quickly get used to the slight movement before the trigger seemed to engage, but as I started squeezing, it was a gritty slid before the gun fired. It was literally like the metal surfaces rubbing weren't finished. I will say that I thought the gun came up wonderfully. It felt absolutely great to hold. But the trigger.... Ouch. Maybe there was a problem with this gun. They only had one on the shelf so I couldn't compare. Does anyone know if this is either normal, or whether it can be adjusted by a gunsmith? thanks

That design is definately very nice....someone, I hope you Tucker, should be a very happy guy.

thanks Tucker. I appreciate your opinion. One follow up, do you think the R1 is any more or less accurate at these longer distances than a Browning BAR? I am presuming not, but wanted to hear your thoughts. Incidentally, we are involved in deer drives and while I see deer browsing, I also see deer in a bit of a hurry. thanks again.

Gee, I guess I never realized how bad these guns looked....then again, I happen to think both look pretty cool

Tucker, What do you think the R1, 300 WSM, is capable of shooting at 300 yards? Certainly the gun is good at 100 yards and plenty past that. I am trying to understand the gun's limits. Whitetail in Wisconsin is my primary use, but the possibility of Elk out west is also something I would want the gun to do. I know the caliber is more than enough for whitetail, but I am hoping to get the bigger game option in one gun. I would like to think that 250-300 yards was within the guns reach, with practice on my part. 300 and beyond is not what I would ever try to do so I am not looking for that. thanks

NCBudman I was told that late Feb or early March Benelli was going to announce several versions of the R1 Comfotech in WSM calibers. The info came from a reliable source. I was inquiring about the 300 WSM and told to sit tight....it was coming.

yea right.... Looks like someone had some fun mocking an R1 up.

What is an R2-FL?

I have both and like the R-1 much better. It handles better and is lighter. The 300mag does kick a little but I still love it. Ivanab, is your BAR the new style, similar to the R1, or a BAR prior to that? [ 02-15-2006, 10:04 PM: Message edited by: Jim630 ]

I was told that later this month, February, Benelli was going to offer Comfortech R1s in several WSM calibers. This is a good sign toward that end.

GREAT NEWS!! I was told by a very reliable source that Benelli is expanding the calibers of the R1 ComforTech to include among others, the 300 WSM New calibers are are expected to be available in 30-60 days. Thanks Benelli....

GREAT NEWS!! I was told by a very reliable source that Benelli is expanding the calibers of the R1 ComforTech to include among others, the 300 WSM New calibers are are expected to be available in 30-60 days. Thanks Benelli....

Cordoba, Look at the forum on WSMs at R1 ComforTech in WSMs I would vote for a 300 WSM. When is the Shot Show? [ 01-21-2006, 08:01 PM: Message edited by: Jim630 ]

Thanks Glenn. I added my my name to the post in favor of the offering. Jim [ 01-21-2006, 07:49 PM: Message edited by: Jim630 ]