hattles

If memory serves me right, they were introduced in late 1991. I purchased my HK/Benelli SBE in March 1992 for $685. HK was the importer and HK is on the gun, but the gun was made by Benelli. It certainly revolutionized my shooting ability and confidence, especially in the early days of steel shotgun shells. It had a high gloss wood finish and a polished blue barrel and receiver. They went to the "satin" finish after that, then introduced the black synthetic model, which I purchased in '96. Benelli recently went through my original SBE and it still is a great shooter. I also am shooting a new Vinci now, which I really like.

Just an FYI on your LOP. I'm 5'8" also and prefer a 13-3/4"LOP. I purchased the 13.5" RH-LOP gel pad for the SBEII and put in the C shim and it fits me perfect. The gel pad was expensive though. I bought minefrom Brownells for $116 and then discovered my local Benelli dealer had them for $95.

If they are CRIO PLUS they will work just fine.

I have two new Tom Knapp Signature Gold 12ga. CrioPlus extended chokes for sale...I paid $84 and am willing to sell for $65 shipped. Reason for selling, I got a set as a gift for my Vinci. 1. skeet 2.modified PM me for any questions.

I guess it would boil down to economics. The SBEII would be my first all around choice, with the Vinci and M2 running neck and neck. There are fair prices on used guns, and I would consider GunBroker.com as a reference, starting point if you want the best deal. I bought my Vinci for $1150 and have seen like new used ones as low as $1000...The SBEII will def be pricey, but either way you'll end up with a great shooter.

I would think that any gunsmith that can smooth and crisp a handgun or rifle trigger would be able to do the same with a shotgun trigger. Good luck with it.

The function of the inertia system is similar except the Vinci's system is a straight back recoil(no spring or movement in the stock) as opposed to the recoil back and down(into the spring in the stock) on the M2. I find the Vinci to have a very differant feel, a more solid sound from the action. This might be the result of the "straight Back" action which is quieter than the M2 or SBE.

I recently purchased a new Vinci on GunBroker for $1150 and am shooting 1oz loads at the skeet range without a hiccup. I've got a couple of buddies that have been shooting M2's for a few years. I have been shooting an older SBE(18 years) also and decided to buy the Vinci after handling it. I love the fit and finish and it shoots great. I would take a shot at the Vinci, but either way you'll end up with a great shooter.

Why do you want to "improve" your trigger? Is it to hard to pull?

I'm looking at having a "duracoat" finish applied to my SBE barrel. This website is pretty comprehensive and prices are very reasonable. http://www.jimsgunsupply.com/index2.html

Never ever store your gun in a case. Always clean it and let it breath. Buy a good anti-rust oil like the Inhibitor and I think Remington makes anti-rust applications for firearms. I'm having a "duracoat" finish put on my 18yo SBE barrel because I am hunting in salt marshes almost exclusively now.

I have only good things to say as my own experience with Benelli CS was great. They took care of me at no charge on my 17yo HK/SBE when I expected to pay for it.

I might add, that there was no visible bulge to bee seen with the naked eye, as I had visually inspected the barrel, although I wasn't looking for a bulge, prior to giving him my recommendation. They now refuse to return his old barrel to him, unrepaired and unshootable so that he might have an independent gunsmith evaluate the bulge.

I had looked at the gun prior to sending it in, and the guy is a stand up guy. He hunts in salt water conditions out of a boat and could never recall having any obstructions in his barrel at any time. The big issue was that the barrel ring was not brazed properly therefor it was defective from the factory. Benelli acknowledged that. It was their reluctance to work with him to a happy medium they both could live with, which was a fair price on a new barrel. It was he that had to present that scenario to them, not vice versa. They tossed $5400 worth of sales because they took the hard line, and it wasn't necessary to take that stance as he was willing to take some of the blame. They first told him a new barrel would cost him $475, they wouldn't even offer him abarrel at their cost. You figure it out.

My new Benelli Vinci digested 1oz max dram loads right out of the box. It is also a smoother shooter than my SBE, but the inertia recoil is straight back rather than pushed down into the stock.

check out gunbroker.com for used guns and new. I picked up my new Vinci for $1150 and a used SigP226 for $425. Sold a few also.

Desert Eagle 50 and a S&W Mdl 29-44Mag. No substitute for cubic inches.

Good question? I don't anticipate any problems because it locks up so tight, but you don't know until it happens.

I bought one and loaded it the same ole way I loaded my SBE. I usually drop one in the chamber, safety on of course, and then load the magazine. No problems here.

Has anybody experienced Benelli's poor customer service? My buddy shoots a 3yo M2 and the barrel ring broke away from the barrel. He contacted Benelli CS and shipped it to them. After 2 months, they told him his barrel had a bulge in it and, even though the barrel ring broke off, they would not cover it under warranty. After sending a letter to them and multiple phone calls that did nothing more than get him upset, they offered him a $75 discount on a new barrel. That was a slap in the face of someone who's intent was to purchase 3 more Benellis($5400 worth lost) this year for himself and his wife and son. He finally asked them to meet him halfway and bought a new barrel for $150. He had to ask them, they didn't even try to resolve this any differently. The new camo barrel had bubbled and pitted camo on it and looks like garbage. Needless to say, he will never recommend or buy another Benelli, although he loves his M2. I have a 17yo HK/Benelli SBE(and 3 others) that had ejection problems, contacted them and sent it back early 2009, recieved it back fully repaired and was very happy with them. I told him not to worry because Benelli stands behind their shotguns. Apparently not!

My buddy shoots a Benelli M2 and the ring broke off(bad braze). Sent it in to Benelli CS, they told him his barrel had a bulge and they wouldn't cover the gun under warranty. He fought with them, they wouldn't budge and told him he had to buy a new barrel. He finally asked them, after repeated calls and a nice letter, to meet him halfway. They finally agreed on $150 for a barrel then sent him a barrel that had a bad camo finish, bubbling and pitted. Their CS sucks!

I have seen them as low as $1299, but most pricing is $1399 and up. Gunbroker.com and GunsAmerica.com

Don't waste your time and money on it..Buy a new Vinci. I am locating some Vincis' online through gonbroker for as little(?) as $1299...

I would also recommend getting the 26" barrel on the SBE...as the receiver is a little longer...I have been shooting an HK imported 26"- SBE since 1992 at everything from skeet to 12lb Honkers and don't feel the need for the extra 2" of weight on the barrel. I think it swings better also.

Unless you are rich or just hit the lottery, use steel. All that other stuff just breeds highballers.