Frenchie

I think you're correct. The rubbing is happening when I put the barrel and forearm back on during reassembly. I noticed that there is some rubbing of the barrel to the magazine tube during this process. The bold handle doesn't come into play on the M2 like the SBE. I don't think anything is moving when shooting. I think the wear is coming from the re-assembly process. I'll have to be more carefull as I think that I am causing the wear when putting things back together after cleaning. I'm going to look at my buddy's SBE II to see if he has the same problem. Thanks for your response. I love this gun!!! I've never bought myself a top line gun, so I want to take care of it as best I can. When I spend $1000 on a shotgun, I plan to leave it to my son, so I want it to last as long as possible. I have learned that fine weapons such as this are an investment, so my parnoia to keep it perfect is a result of what I've learned about great guns from my father. I plan to have many good years out of my new Benneli!!!!

What do you mean by "has to move"? Please explain. I don't think it's normal. Well, maybe it's not normal. I assume there is some thermal expansion of the barrel. When I got the gun new and cleaned it, the wear was not on the top of the magazine tube. After shooting it, there was wear on the magazine tube. Asked a friend and he said he saw the same thing on his SBE II, but I haven't looked at his gun yet. Has anyone else seen this wear. The black powder coat on the magazine tube is worn away by contact from the barrel. The cap was screwed all the way down, and the forearm was tight, with no movement. Just wondered if anyone else saw this or if it was anything to be concerned about.

What do you mean by "has to move"? Please explain. I don't think it's normal.

Shot 75 shells through my m2 this past weekend. The gun was great. Cleaned it when I got home and noticed that the black finish on the top of the magazine tube had some wear where the barrel comes in contact. There was no significant wear that could be felt, but the powder coat was removed slightly. Also, there was a small spot on the under side of the barrel. I hope this is normal, it's probaby just being picky. Has anyone else seen this wear. I know the barrel has to move when firing. Please advise.....

I just picked up my new M2 today and it looks great. I cleaned it up and am all ready to shoot this weekend. What type of shells did you shoot through yours when breaking in? I typically shoot an O/U Lanber with the cheap Wal-Mart Federals, but am willing to step in up for my new investment. The manual recommends standard "field loads", but that could mean 3" or 2-3/4". I want to break it in right from the beginning. Please let me know. I can't wait to squeeze a few off, the gun is awesome, and I think I got a fair deal at $977.

I have not looked at the Franchi 712 or the Winchester X2. I will....thanks for the advice. I also like the short forearm and the way the gun throws to my shoulder better than the Browning or Beretta. The gun feels less "clunky" than most of the gas operated models I've looked at. I guess my original message was to find out if the M2 handles the lighter loads better than the SBE II. I plan to turkey hunt with the gun and have to believe that the 3.5" shells will buy me several more yards than the 3". I am still shopping around, but have gotten rave reviews from a couple of friends that shoot Benellis. One guy has the M2, but says that if he had it to do over again, he would get the SBE II for the 3.5" capability. I am in no rush, so I'm trying to get as much information before I spend my hard earned cash. I don't want to rush into anything..... [ 03-12-2006, 09:11 PM: Message edited by: Frenchie ]

Any recomendations? I've looked at the Browning Gold Hunter and the Beretta 391, but neither felt as good in my hands as the Benelli.

I am going to be buying a new shotgun in the next couple of weeks, and could use some advice. I am looking at the SBE II and love the way it feels, but am concerned about what I have read about it not cycling light loads consistently. I have read that the M2 handles the lighter loads better. I want this to be the last shotgun I purchase, so I want to purchase wisely. I will use the gun for shooting clays, turkey hunting, and possibly some duck hunting. I don't buy many guns, so when I do, I keep them forever. The Benelli's feel the best, but I don't want to be disappointed, especially if I get a bunch of jams at the trap range. Any recommendations from owners would be appreciated.

I am going to be buying a new shotgun in the next couple of weeks, and could use some advice. I am looking at the SBE II and love the way it feels, but am concerned about what I have read about it not cycling light loads consistently. I have read that the M2 handles the lighter loads better. I want this to be the last shotgun I purchase, so I want to purchase wisely. I will use the gun for shooting clays, turkey hunting, and possibly some duck hunting. I may want to buy a slug barrel eventually as well. Any recommendations from owners would be appreciated.