AndyUK

Thanks, GoBow, I'm looking for the Vinci with the slug barrel, as it it fitted with iron sights and I might then put an Eotech or similar on the action. I won't then have the issue of a slight change in zero each time I remove the barrel. Also, now that Benelli are selling 7 and 9 shot magazine tubes for the Vinci, it makes them a better option for the tactical / practical type competitions. All I need to do now is sell a kidney to pay for it!

As it says. I'm currently using a SuperNova with an Eotech sight as my slug gun (target shotgun comp.) and I've seen that an iron-sighted slug gun variant of the Vinci is advertised on the Italian website. Having the barrel and action as one, should help with accuracy if the sight (optic) is mounted to the action. Anyone have any experience of this? regards Andy

In England you would need a licence for those braces! Andy

Gents, The Italian gun company Breda (who still sell the 'original' SBE as the Grizzly) say, in their catalogue that the Grizzly / SBE uses an 'Ergal' alloy receiver, and Rilsan stock. I'm no metallurgist, but I reckon the barrels will be something like Nickel Chrome Molybdnum. Given the almost incestuous relationship between many of the Italian gun companies, I bet that the Benelli is the same. Certainly, Janes Infantry Weapons refers to the Benelli shotguns as having Ergal receivers, rilsan stocks and Nickel Chrome Moly barrels. Incidentally, Walther used to advertise their lightweight PP / PPK and P38 models as having 'Dural' alloy receivers, which was also used in aircraft and, I think, airships. Best regards Andy

First of all, as the original poster, my apologies for not coming back on this. I must admit I'd thought that this thread had 'died'! I do not actually own a 28 and have little more than an academic curiosity. The 28 is certainly a more serious proposition as a starter gun for a youngster or lightly built adult, than a .410". There I DO speak from experience. I started shot gunning with a .410" and it was a BAD move. A 28 or lightly loaded 20 would have given me a much better chance. If however, you look to Italy, it is common for them to shoot small songbirds etc. and maybe, they think that the 28 will leave something for them to eat. Plus, any possible reason to buy something else is automatically a good reason, in my book:D Andy

I have a 6 shot version on a SuperNova holding an EoTech 512.A65 absolutely no problems after 2000+ shells BUT I did have the receiver drilled and tapped by a gunsmith as it did not come pre-drilled/tapped. Rgds Andy

I see that Benelli have launched a new 28 gauge auto, called the Rafaello Crio 28. Are they available in the US - anyone have any experience? I think it's the first 28 that Benelli have produced. Rgds Andy

I'm unable to comment on 1) and 3) however, I do use a side saddle mount on my SN for competition and have found the one manufactured by Mesa Tactical to be entirely suitable. Dependent upon the SN model that you have, you might find it necessary to drill and tap the receiver to affix the side saddle. I have the 6 shot version and I do not find the gun 'unbalanced' with the row of shells on the left side of the receiver. I DO know that other people actively dislike this method of shell carriage. At the end of the day, the choice is down to you and your preferences / circumstances. I don't have personal experience of any other side saddle and cannot comment. Kind regards Andy

Simon - R, A friend of mine (who lives near Wakefield!) has a left hand SN and he set up the stock adjustment for a left hander - ordered a left hand butt plate (they angle the other way) and fitted a left hand (cheek?) cheekpiece. He shoots the gun very well and finds the right handed safety button is not a problem, as is. Regards Andy

Huklbrry, Benelli state that the reason for this system was to facilitate rapid exchange of different cartridges without causing unwanted rounds to feed from chamber e.g. you are out hunting rabbits with std. vel. 1 1/8 oz No.6s and you see a fox. Quick! Remove round from chamber, drop in a 1 1/2 oz. Magnum No.1 and kaboom - bye, bye Mr. Fox so goes the theory ... I've also heard that some people use it as a means of quickly emptying the chamber whilst they climb over an obstacle (empty chamber 'safe' gun) and then reload, without having to go through the process of a complete unload / reload drill. As I've never used a gun utilising this mechanism I cannot really say how good or bad the idea really is. Kind regards Andy

The wonderful thing about advice ..... you can ignore it! If you don't like the fact that people are trying to be helpful then don't ask questions. People here try to be genuinely helpful. Being abusive doesn't help and guarantees that no-one will try to be helpful to you in the future. AndyUK

Mesa's website and forum don't mention the Nova, only the SuperNova (obviously, plenty of mention of the autos). My dealings with this company have been very good - for a quick response ring them and they will tell you. it would be highly counterproductive of them to tell you it would work with a Nova if it wouldn't - you'd come straight back here and moan about it! As with all accessories one needs to learn a new 'manual of arms' to a certain extent. It may seem awkward until you've re-programmed yourself to the new layout. I'm not sure how a side rail would interfere with the trigger finger - I know two 'lefties' who've used mine without any problem. Indeed the issue that some right handed people have, where the wrist of the 'pump' hand catches the leading edge of the rail is NOT a problem at all for lefties. Personally, I would not use the 8 shot - stick with the 6 shot; the 8 is too long and shooting right handed you might catch your 'pump' hand more readily. At the end of the day, spend money on ammo and practice with any new accessories until you are fully attuned. All the best Andy UK

I think that they wrote the manual before they came up with the SN Tactical w/ pistol grip stock and couldn't be bothered to do a re-write. Given the number of people who flag this issue I would hope that they put an addendum into the next edition instruction manual! With regards to the need for a 'tactical' socket set (cammo or black?) they probably thought that individual police officers or soldiers would not be doing that sort of strip down on a regular basis. If a few of us, using the same model, are away on a shoot, we usually take one socket between the team. Actually, think of what the German Infantry used to do - you needed three soldiers to screw together their cleaning rods to make one rod of sufficient length to go through a barrel. I guess that when there were only two of you left barrel cleaning wasn't high on the priority list!! Andy

Adamlau, I can answer 2) I have a Mesa 6 shot rail on my SuperNova. Although I have 'normal' length (not gorilla!) arms, I've only had to move the angle of my wrist and not really moved my hand. I fully endorse the Eotech - it looks a bit big but it 'feels' OK on the gun and provides a great sight picture both indoors (low light level) and outside, too. Enjoy. Andy

What can I say? Personally, I think that the SN ranks amongst the top three pumps. I'm biased; it's number one! Frankly, nothing wrong with Mossberg, Ithaca, Remington or Winchester BUT Benelli have used modern design and materials to produce the very best pump extant! Best regards, Andy