R1 Availability

[Lenbezaire]

I'm very interested in purchasing an R1 (as opposed to the BAR MK3) probably in 308 with wood stock.  Are they even making this rifle anymore?  I cannot find one in any caliber, in any finish, anywhere in OH or MI to look at / handle.  And Benelli Support won't answer any of my inquiries.  Any suggestions?

[Planetcat]

Eurooptic dot com has one in .308 with the comfortech stock.

https://www.eurooptic.com/benelli-r1-308-win-22-black-griptight-w-base-3-1-rifle-11778

And they have the wooden stock premium endurance model also in .308:

https://www.eurooptic.com/benelli-r1-endurance-308-win-walnut-semi-auto-rifle-11781

I have two R1's and a BAR shortrac in .308. I like all of them a lot and have had them for at least 8 years or more. The BAR is very accurate and less finicky with ammo than the Benelli's, but the magazine configuration is terrible. The fit and finish of the Benelli is better and the magazines pop in and out easily and are readily available. The comfortech stock really recoils much less than the wooden model, even in my .338 win mag version.

If you want an R1, I would get one of those two as they have become scarcer and scarer every year. Eurooptic is a great seller with fantastic service and professionalism. I've bought three rifles and a pistol from them - all without any hiccups. And I live across the country from their shop too. Keep us posted on what you decide.

[Lenbezaire]

Thanks for the feedback.  I like the R1 features / how you can customize it vs the BAR (LOP, 10 round detachable mag, comb height, iron sights, th'd barrel etc).  And if it works as well as my SBE II, THE Comfort Tech recoil reduction.  Although, not sure this would help much on 308?  But I've seen a lot of videos and comments of R1 poor MOA performance even with amo it likes.  What is your experience? 

This is my 1st rifle.  I have a 1911 & 3 shotguns: Benelli SBE, Beretta Silver Pigeon, Remington pump.  I hate to spend that kind of $s sight unseen.  Many gun shops are willing to order me one, but no one within 400 miles has one in stock.

[Planetcat]

My .30-06, .300wm and .338 wm are all sub MOA with the right lead bonded bullets. The .30's like 165 grain and the .338 likes 210-225 grain. Hornady Interbond/Interlock, Federal blue box soft points, or Federal Fusion shoot the best. I have to hunt with copper bullets and use Barnes or Federal Trophy Copper, but they're not as accurate as the others, but accurate enough to drop deer and hogs and decent ranges.

[LouMain]

Planetcat has good advice…my .308 R1 Comfortech has excellent performance with Federal Fusion 165 grain ammo. In my opinion, It’s a great Semi-Auto rifle, probably best suited for European driven hunts or hog hunts here in the USA where shooting on moving game is the focu.

[Planetcat]

Glad you're enjoying it! I’ve shot several hogs with my R1 .30-06 using the 165 grain fusion ammo. Mushrooms perfectly on them at all practical ranges.