Indiana Bass Angler Posted April 29, 2021 Posted April 29, 2021 I picked up a Benelli Montefeltro this winter and was wondering if anyone has hands on experience with the gun. Or experience with the brand. I got the gun to do some sport shooting as well as bird hunting. My first impressions of the gun are great but I haven't had it out to do a day of shooting yet. 1 Quote
desmobob Posted April 30, 2021 Posted April 30, 2021 I have a Montefeltro 12ga. I also have semi-autos from Beretta (AL390, AL391, A300) and Franchi (48 AL). I bought the camo synthetic Montefeltro for duck hunting and only got out for a few hours with it this fall -- never fired a shot in anger. ? I have shot several rounds of skeet with it to get familiar with it and "break it in." I really like it! The only potential issue is the infamous "Benelli click" which can happen if the bolt isn't fully in battery: you pull the trigger and hear a click but no bang. This can happen if you try to very quietly ease the bolt forward vs. letting it go home unrestrained or if you somehow bang the gun down on its butt in the boat or duck blind hard enough to jar the bolt back a bit. Most guys who have been shooting Benellis for a long time say this issue is really a non-issue if you're aware of it and operate and handle the gun properly. Enjoy your new shotgun! 1 Quote
Super User gim Posted April 30, 2021 Super User Posted April 30, 2021 17 hours ago, Indiana Bass Angler said: I picked up a Benelli Montefeltro this winter and was wondering if anyone has hands on experience with the gun. Or experience with the brand. I got the gun to do some sport shooting as well as bird hunting. My first impressions of the gun are great but I haven't had it out to do a day of shooting yet. I have had a Montrefeltro for 15 years now. I take meticulous care of it. It still looks almost brand new too. Mine is a 26 inch barrel with a wood stock. It is my pirmary shotgun for pheasant hunting. My dog is the work horse, but its the shotgun that delivers the knock out punch. I have also occasionally used it for duck hunting early in the season when the primary birds are smaller ones like teal and wood ducks. Its lightweight and reliable. It is capable of a 3 inch shell but I prefer to only use 2 3/4 inchers because of the recoil. Since its so light, the recoil kinda sucks when I put a 3 inch shell in it. You will not be disappointed. As @desmobob already stated, just make sure the action is all the way forward after you've loaded up. I've never experienced that problem, but I make sure its ready to use every time too. 2 Quote
DaubsNU1 Posted April 30, 2021 Posted April 30, 2021 Got a first generation Benelli Super Black Eagle in 2001. Literature said the guy should cycle everything from trap loads up to 3-1/2" magnums...but mine had trouble with the light loads, jamming and hot cycling them. So I called Benelli customer service...talked to a lady who said I needed to "break in the gun" by cycling a few boxes of 3-1/2" turkey loads to "loosen things up." Did that, much to my shoulder's dislike...and the gun still would not cycle the light stuff. Called back and got connected with a Benelli gunsmith...he asked if the gals in customer support told me to cycle turkey loads...I said yes...he was a little ticked and said he's asked them to stop telling people that. He talked to me for about 30 minutes about my SBE, gave me some tips and tricks... His words: No need to break in the SBE...some are machined a little tighter than others Recommended silicone / Teflon lubricant applied liberally, especially on the bolt rails, and stock spring. Recommended never using "gun scrubber" cleaners, as they remove all traces of lubricant...you want the bolt to slide freely. Said to just wipe down gun with paper towels to get dirt and grime off...then apply more lubricant. Instructed me to hold the gun firmly in my shoulder when shooting...Inertia system needs that to cycle properly. Said the in-stock recoil reducers will impact light load cycling. Only use the mercury recoil-reducer when shooting lots of 3-1/2 mags Said the bore is chrome lined, does not need any lubricant...but it won't hurt. Recommended running bore snake and then calling it good Said no need for the after-market stainless stock springs. The OEM spring is good....just make sure to lubricate (I can verify this has worked for 20 years) I did all he recommended...and my SBE will cycle 1 oz. loads with no problems. It has been a great gun for 20 years! No complaints at all. Easy to disassemble and clean. Highly recommend! Of my hunting buddies, all but one of us shoot Benelli's. 3 Quote
Indiana Bass Angler Posted April 30, 2021 Author Posted April 30, 2021 21 hours ago, desmobob said: I have a Montefeltro 12ga. I also have semi-autos from Beretta (AL390, AL391, A300) and Franchi (48 AL). I bought the camo synthetic Montefeltro for duck hunting and only got out for a few hours with it this fall -- never fired a shot in anger. ? I have shot several rounds of skeet with it to get familiar with it and "break it in." I really like it! The only potential issue is the infamous "Benelli click" which can happen if the bolt isn't fully in battery: you pull the trigger and hear a click but no bang. This can happen if you try to very quietly ease the bolt forward vs. letting it go home unrestrained or if you somehow bang the gun down on its butt in the boat or duck blind hard enough to jar the bolt back a bit. Most guys who have been shooting Benellis for a long time say this issue is really a non-issue if you're aware of it and operate and handle the gun properly. Enjoy your new shotgun! Thank you! Ill make sure to keep the bolt in mind when im loading up! Thanks for the info on that! 2 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said: Got a first generation Benelli Super Black Eagle in 2001. Literature said the guy should cycle everything from trap loads up to 3-1/2" magnums...but mine had trouble with the light loads, jamming and hot cycling them. So I called Benelli customer service...talked to a lady who said I needed to "break in the gun" by cycling a few boxes of 3-1/2" turkey loads to "loosen things up." Did that, much to my shoulder's dislike...and the gun still would not cycle the light stuff. Called back and got connected with a Benelli gunsmith...he asked if the gals in customer support told me to cycle turkey loads...I said yes...he was a little ticked and said he's asked them to stop telling people that. He talked to me for about 30 minutes about my SBE, gave me some tips and tricks... His words: No need to break in the SBE...some are machined a little tighter than others Recommended silicone / Teflon lubricant applied liberally, especially on the bolt rails, and stock spring. Recommended never using "gun scrubber" cleaners, as they remove all traces of lubricant...you want the bolt to slide freely. Said to just wipe down gun with paper towels to get dirt and grime off...then apply more lubricant. Instructed me to hold the gun firmly in my shoulder when shooting...Inertia system needs that to cycle properly. Said the in-stock recoil reducers will impact light load cycling. Only use the mercury recoil-reducer when shooting lots of 3-1/2 mags Said the bore is chrome lined, does not need any lubricant...but it won't hurt. Recommended running bore snake and then calling it good Said no need for the after-market stainless stock springs. The OEM spring is good....just make sure to lubricate (I can verify this has worked for 20 years) I did all he recommended...and my SBE will cycle 1 oz. loads with no problems. It has been a great gun for 20 years! No complaints at all. Easy to disassemble and clean. Highly recommend! Of my hunting buddies, all but one of us shoot Benelli's. Thank you for including what the gunsmith told you that is all great knowledge. Ill watch some videos on lubricating the stock spring because I don't know how to even access that on the gun lol. Thanks again for all of that information! 2 Quote
desmobob Posted April 30, 2021 Posted April 30, 2021 2 minutes ago, Indiana Bass Angler said: Thank you! Ill make sure to keep the bolt in mind when im loading up! Thanks for the info on that! You're welcome. I'm betting you'll never have a problem. ? 1 Quote
Indiana Bass Angler Posted April 30, 2021 Author Posted April 30, 2021 4 hours ago, gimruis said: I have had a Montrefeltro for 15 years now. I take meticulous care of it. It still looks almost brand new too. Mine is a 26 inch barrel with a wood stock. It is my pirmary shotgun for pheasant hunting. My dog is the work horse, but its the shotgun that delivers the knock out punch. I have also occasionally used it for duck hunting early in the season when the primary birds are smaller ones like teal and wood ducks. Its lightweight and reliable. It is capable of a 3 inch shell but I prefer to only use 2 3/4 inchers because of the recoil. Since its so light, the recoil kinda sucks when I put a 3 inch shell in it. You will not be disappointed. As @desmobob already stated, just make sure the action is all the way forward after you've loaded up. I've never experienced that problem, but I make sure its ready to use every time too. I purchased the same gun set up. I love the wood stock over synthetic. Ive been using my 20 gauge Remington 1100 for pheasant hunting but I've been wanting to get a 12 gauge for the extra punch and mainly ammo availability. I was having trouble finding lower shot ammo and even went on a hunt with target rounds which was a nightmare. All my buddies could easily get their hands on 4-5 shot rounds in 12 gauge 1 Quote
Super User gim Posted May 1, 2021 Super User Posted May 1, 2021 The Benelli line of shotguns, whether it’s a Monty, SBE, Nova pump, etc are all very solid choices. The inertia driven system in their semi autos are better than gas operated systems. They run cleaner, they never jam, and they are lighter in weight. I also have a Benelli Supernova in camo that I’ve used for 14 years. I bought it one year after I realized the Monty wasn’t built for big shells needed for goose and turkey hunting. It has a comfortech recoil system so it reduces recoil when I’m shooting 3.5 inchers at turkeys. I didn’t get a turkey this spring but I have used that shotgun to harvest 9 turkeys in 14 seasons now. Quote
Indiana Bass Angler Posted May 2, 2021 Author Posted May 2, 2021 On 4/30/2021 at 9:27 PM, gimruis said: The Benelli line of shotguns, whether it’s a Monty, SBE, Nova pump, etc are all very solid choices. The inertia driven system in their semi autos are better than gas operated systems. They run cleaner, they never jam, and they are lighter in weight. I also have a Benelli Supernova in camo that I’ve used for 14 years. I bought it one year after I realized the Monty wasn’t built for big shells needed for goose and turkey hunting. It has a comfortech recoil system so it reduces recoil when I’m shooting 3.5 inchers at turkeys. I didn’t get a turkey this spring but I have used that shotgun to harvest 9 turkeys in 14 seasons now. Great to know they are that reliable! Ive only ran a couple boxes through mine and it functioned flawlessly. Its incredibly smooth and I hope to take proper care and keep it functioning perfectly. 1 Quote
DaubsNU1 Posted May 3, 2021 Posted May 3, 2021 The gun previous to my SBE was a Remington 1100 3" mag. It was a love-hate relationship from the start...loved the 30" full choke barrel (purchased the gun prior to steel shot mandate), it was great for waterfowl and turkey...a little heavy for upland, but I was in high school. Found a "Rem-Choke" barrel for that gun and it made more manageable with steel shot. But it jammed, and often! Tried all kinds of different approaches to solve the jamming problem...cleaned religiously. Had always read and heard "keep the rings dry" in the 1100, even tried WD-40...It would shoot a few times, then start jamming. I was about ready to throw the gun in the marsh and my buddy, who worked at Cabela's HQ in Sidney, asked if he could take and have a gunsmith look it over. Game changer! The gunsmith knew 1100's well -- his suggestion, keep those rings and rails dripping wet with silicone lubricant. He theorized that the powder residue gummed up the rings and caused the jamming. He strongly recommenced against WD-40. That gun never missed a beat after that. I once dropped it in the river on a cold November morning...pulled it out, shook it off, and proceeded to drop drakes : ) My Benelli has been just as good, if not better. The only time it has missed was due to operator error -- not getting the bolt properly forward, or the ever popular "forgot to put a shell in the chamber." I opted for the black-synthetic stock SBE. A few buddies got the camo dipped guns...we hunted the marshes a lot and found when you put a camo gun down in the marsh, it tends to blend in, resulting in a few panicked searches... 1 Quote
Indiana Bass Angler Posted May 4, 2021 Author Posted May 4, 2021 11 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said: The gun previous to my SBE was a Remington 1100 3" mag. It was a love-hate relationship from the start...loved the 30" full choke barrel (purchased the gun prior to steel shot mandate), it was great for waterfowl and turkey...a little heavy for upland, but I was in high school. Found a "Rem-Choke" barrel for that gun and it made more manageable with steel shot. But it jammed, and often! Tried all kinds of different approaches to solve the jamming problem...cleaned religiously. Had always read and heard "keep the rings dry" in the 1100, even tried WD-40...It would shoot a few times, then start jamming. I was about ready to throw the gun in the marsh and my buddy, who worked at Cabela's HQ in Sidney, asked if he could take and have a gunsmith look it over. Game changer! The gunsmith knew 1100's well -- his suggestion, keep those rings and rails dripping wet with silicone lubricant. He theorized that the powder residue gummed up the rings and caused the jamming. He strongly recommenced against WD-40. That gun never missed a beat after that. I once dropped it in the river on a cold November morning...pulled it out, shook it off, and proceeded to drop drakes : ) My Benelli has been just as good, if not better. The only time it has missed was due to operator error -- not getting the bolt properly forward, or the ever popular "forgot to put a shell in the chamber." I opted for the black-synthetic stock SBE. A few buddies got the camo dipped guns...we hunted the marshes a lot and found when you put a camo gun down in the marsh, it tends to blend in, resulting in a few panicked searches... Ive read that about the 1100 too and funny enough I never checked mine until this winter. I had the gun completely apart for a deep clean and found that the rubber ring was dry as can be and even starting to crack. I need to order a replacement ring for it. It runs perfect and always has but that cracked ring is probably going to start causing some issues. Thank for the tip about silicone lubricant. Once I get the replacement ill make sure to keep that in mind. 1 Quote
Super User gim Posted May 4, 2021 Super User Posted May 4, 2021 11 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said: But it jammed, and often! One of my Fathers hunting friends had a Remington 1100 Wingmaster for years and he had the same issue. Constantly jammed and failed, so he’d bring it in to a gunsmith for repairs. He told me he had taken it in 28 times over the span of 30 seasons. I can’t believe anyone would tolerate that many failures...often times during the hunt too. I’d put up with that twice. If my gun failed once, I’d bring it to a gunsmith. If it failed twice, I’d get rid of it. I can’t have failures when there’s ducks landing in the decoys, roosters flushing, or turkeys strutting. So what did he eventually do with it? Sold it for dirt cheap and bought a Benelli. Still shocks me that it took him so long. Some people are very stubborn. 2 Quote
DaubsNU1 Posted May 4, 2021 Posted May 4, 2021 11 hours ago, gimruis said: One of my Fathers hunting friends had a Remington 1100 Wingmaster for years and he had the same issue. Constantly jammed and failed, so he’d bring it in to a gunsmith for repairs. He told me he had taken it in 28 times over the span of 30 seasons. I can’t believe anyone would tolerate that many failures...often times during the hunt too. I’d put up with that twice. If my gun failed once, I’d bring it to a gunsmith. If it failed twice, I’d get rid of it. I can’t have failures when there’s ducks landing in the decoys, roosters flushing, or turkeys strutting. So what did he eventually do with it? Sold it for dirt cheap and bought a Benelli. Still shocks me that it took him so long. Some people are very stubborn. I kept thinking "maybe this time I can fix it..." I do remember after one particularly frustrating morning, holding that gun by the barrel, wanting to pitch it into the marsh. Ugh. 2 Quote
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