Benelli M2 vs. Franchi I-12

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WHkIiTlElTeArIL

New member
I am wondering if Benelli is all that better than a Franchi. I am thinking about getting two I-12's, but I am not dead set on that, so I would like to hear your opinions.
 
The guy behind me is a big time water fouler. He has both Benellie SBE II, SBE, and Franchi's and loves them all.
As far as better or not, you got me.
 
I have a SBE and love it. I have some pricier, prettier shotguns that I used to shoot Sporting clays and Skeet with, but now I shoot the SBE 95% of the time. To me it feels right and I just focus on the target and its there. It comes with adjustable shims so you can adjust the fitting. After the initial 100 shot break in I have never had a malfunction with 1 1/8oz loads to the heavier 3 1/2-inch loads. I put a recoil reducer in the stock, which made it nicer to shoot but you should not have to do that with the SBE M2. The SBE and the M2 have the same inertia driven bolt mechanism with the exception being the M2 holds 3” shells not 3 1/2". I used to have the Montefeltro and it was nice. There is no question that Franchi makes great guns but IMHO if you’re a die-hard waterfowler and hunt in extreme conditions get the Arkansas Purdy. The resale value will also be better with the Benelli. All that being said, I’m sure you will not be disappointed with either one.
 
I purchased my SBE the second year they were made. I have waterfowl hunted in some of the worst weather conditions possible and have never had any problems when other guns were freezing up and jamming. I have shoot quail, doves, and sporting clays with this gun. I promise you that you will not go wrong with a Benelli.
 
I'm a Benelli guy through and through! Never had mine fail regardless of the conditions and it flat out shoots. It's so effective my nickname for my Benelli is "Ole' Kill Devil" after the Civil War raider Sam Hidlebrandt's gun he killed so many Union troops with. I have so much confidence in mine that if I pull down on something I know it'll be DRT.
 
Benelli M2 but some deals out there on the M1 too. The M1 has a thicker stock, less plastic in the trigger group but not the stainless recoil spring. Some guys are reporting the new recoil pads on the M2 falling out and the third shell falling to feed. I would try the M2 for stock feel but its was to sharpe/pointed for me but of course that's just me
 
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I have had an M2 for nearly 2 years and I couldn't say enough good about the gun. Use it for just about everything, trap, upland, etc. It is really my go to shotgun. I also have a Franchi although it is the 912 model and I have it set up as a turkey gun. The Benelli is just so smooth and light compared to the Franchi, but 912 is set up for heavier loads with 3 1/2 in shells and also it has the older Franchi gas port system unlike the new I-12 which incorporates the Initia recoil system. The price difference between the 2 would make me look twice at the Franchi, 650-700 for the Franchi compared to 1,000 or more for the M2. If the I-12 is as light and smooth as the Benelli then it may well be worth the investment resale value aside otherwise go with the Benelli.

In response to the feed issues which was mentioned in a previous post I have shot well over 1,000 rounds (probably closer to 2,000 rounds through my M2 and have never had a feed problem. Has worked flawlessly.
 


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