[Light Firing Pin Strike on SBE II]

I have a Benelli SBE II 12/28 LH I purchased new. Its 3 years old. I shoot only Skeet & Trap with it. I've shot several cases of shells with it. Lately (last 9 months or so), its been misfiring about 1 in 50 shells. When this happens, I eject the shell, examine it, reload it and on the 2nd trigger pull it fires - everytime. When examining the shell that misfires, the firing pin mark on the primer is very light. When this shell fires on the second try, the firing pin mark is deep like all the other shells that fired correctly. I only use fresh Federal or Winchester 2-3/4", #8, 1-1/8 oz, 3 Dram shells - I don't reload. And NO, I DO NOT "ease" the bolt to close the chamber. I let the bolt slam. The issue occurs whether the gun has been cleaned or dirty, internal parts lubricated well or not. Like I said, problem occurs approx 1/50 shots. In January, I sent the gun in to Benelli. Their gunsmith found nothing wrong and returned it. I did not use it for months since I was using my new Beretta SP O/U. A month ago, I used my SBE II at a wing shooting clinic and shot a case of shells (Winchester & Federal) with no misfire problems whatsoever. Then 2 weeks ago on the Skeet field, the misfires started again. Took the gun down - it wasn't very dirty. Cleaned and oiled everything again.

 

This is VERY frustrating! The Benelli Rep recommends to send the gun in again, or buy a bunch of parts to try and find what's wrong. I said, why? Will he find the problem this time? What could have changed after 12 boxes of shells? And further, I thought this gun had a 10 year warranty? Why do I need to buy a bunch of stuff to blindly "try" to find a fix?

 

The only thing I've seen while taking the gun down for cleaning that may be attributable to the issue, is a hardly perceptible "groove" you can't really see, but can feel with your finger nail on the firing pin at or about where it goes through the Locking head pin. But the gunsmith should have seen this when he examined the gun. This hasn't happened after 12 boxes of shells.

 

Wondering if anyone out there had a similar misfire problem with their SBE and what you did to resolve it.

[SBE II Forend Problem (See Pic)]

I have just bought a SBE II and have the same condition.The forend just doesn't fit snug enough around the barrel.I also(IMHO) feel the same way as the guy who posted this.We pay 1500.00 for a shotgun and need to use electrical tape to fix a condition that again(IMHO) shouldn't even exist.Fit and finish should be second to none on these guns.I'm not slamming Benelli ,not by any means.I think they are great guns.I have also emailed them in regards to this and will let everyone know how it works out.

 

I also have the same problem on my brand new LH SBE II I paid $1650 for. Contacted Benelli a number of times and ways. Waiting for a reply. My gun came with no spacers or rings for the forend.