Benelli R1?

[bobcat]

Right. The groups I mentioned would have been for 100 yards. I looked at the Benelli website and I don't see a 300 WSM offered either. But I know my cousin has one in 300 WSM. But he got his about five years ago. I guess they dropped the WSM.

I wouldn't buy it for long range accuracy, but for fast follow up shots.

[Quackin_Archer]

Ha he just called back He said it is a 24"

Thanks! That may just be the kicker. A very educated guy talked about the difference between 7mm mags, .300 WSM and .300 win mag, and the one thing he was adiment on was the barrel length on the .300 win. for 400 yard shot groups. Basically said if you want to take advantage of the reach then you must get the 26 inch at minimum. But that was for all brands. Very good write up from the guy. I appreciate your help fellas. Please continue with the info. Im still in the research mode  I would definately get atleast the 26 and consider the 28. I just wonder how it groups with the longer barrel??

[bobcat]

Ha he just called back He said it is a 24"

Thanks! That may just be the kicker. A very educated guy talked about the difference between 7mm mags, .300 WSM and .300 win mag, and the one thing he was adiment on was the barrel length on the .300 win. for 400 yard shot groups. Basically said if you want to take advantage of the reach then you must get the 26 inch at minimum. But that was for all brands. Very good write up from the guy. I appreciate your help fellas. Please continue with the info. Im still in the research mode  I would definately get atleast the 26 and consider the 28. I just wonder how it groups with the longer barrel??

A longer barrel doesn't have anything to do with accuracy. All it does is give the powder more time to burn and will give you a little more velocity.

[bobcat]

Question:  where are you seeing the longer barrel lengths being an option? I only see the magnums listed at 24 inches.   

[Bob33]

Actually barrel length can have an inverse relationship with accuracy.  Longer barrels are often less accurate.

Barrel length should play a small part in your decision.  There are far more important considerations like accuracy.

[carpsniperg2]

Question:  where are you seeing the longer barrel lengths being an option? I only see the magnums listed at 24 inches.   

I think he was just saying it in general, like longer barrels are better in some ways. I don't know that gun and don't know if they make it in other lengths. I think he was just making a general statement.

[Bob33]

You might want to read this, and share it with your friend.

 http://www.sniperschool.com/sniper-rifle-barrel-length

[bobcat]

http://www.benelliusa.com/rifles/benelli_r1_rifle.php

This shows the 30-06 with a 22 inch barrel and the 300 Win Mag and 338 Win Mag with 24 inch barrels.

[Rick]

I just looked at Benelli's website. Damn...that is one ugly rifle.

If I had to own a semi-auto,I'd be looking at a Browning.

[Bob33]

Just remember one thing: there is no such thing as a "400 yard" gun.  That is a myth promoted by gun manufacturers and blowhards.  To ethically shoot at long distances requires a lot of practice: a lot.  Lots of shooters hit targets at 1000 yards with .308s.  Your 300 Mag with a 15" barrel (if legal) would outperform it.

"This caliber", "that gun" or "that scope" thinking is marketing hype for the most part.  "Gotta have a 338 Lapua!" or "that scope is good to 1000 yards" sells product but has little correlation with reality.

Personally, I would suggest a good bolt action in a standard caliber like .308, 30-06, 270, 270 or 300 WSM.  Savage makes some great rifles for a fair price.  Used Rem 700s, Tikka T3s, and others can be had for around $500.

If you like the R1, buy it. If you end up not liking it, sell it and move on.  Life is too short to keep guns you don't like.

 



 

[Quackin_Archer]

Yea. The 26 inch barrel was from the write up. I must have just assumed it would be an option for the R1. I have been looking at a few different .300's. This one caught my eye first. Great info and write up about barrel length. I would have to agree about the longer shots and shooters skill. I really do not anticipate anything longer than 200 yards but I would want a gun that if I saw that trophy at 400 (and yes I will and do practice often) I would feel confident in taking it. I do like the quick follow up shot with the R1 but do not plan on it taking more than one bullet 

[bobcat]

Generally with rifles there is only one choice in barrel length. It's not like shotguns where you can choose 26, 28, or 30.

[RadSav]

Semi-auto's are prone to a lot of harmonic difficulties.  A longer barrel would only make things worse unless you have one heck of a gun.  Plus, the semi is usually for shorter range hunting and quick follow-up shots.  If you have the time to set up a rest or a bi-pod for that long barrel you have the time to use a bolt. 

I used to kringe every time a client would show up with a 26" barreled gun and say they can shoot a bear at 400 yards off hand.  It just doesn't happen!  For the vast majority of shooters 24" barrels are about as long as can be shot off hand well.  Again, unless you have one heck of a gun.

I spent a lot of time in my youth pounding metal to 1,000 yards.  And, if I may toot my horn a little I was always on the top of the rifle team board.  But, I still always cut my 26" magnum rifles down to 24" for hunting (if the rate of twist allows). If you and your gun are special and can shoot them in ALL hunting conditions all the power to you!  For myself and any client I've ever had in the field it's been too much.

I've been looking at the R1 in .338 myself as a backup gun on an upcoming Grizzly hunt.  The 24" barrel was one of the things that I liked most.  But, damn!!!  That's one ugly gun.  Starting to re-think and go with a 20" Ruger 338RCM or 21" 375 Sako Kodiak.

[Quackin_Archer]

http://www.benelliusa.com/assets/reviews/docs/BenelliR1GunHunter10-09.pdf 

Here is a review on their site.  Its out of a magazine, but pretty consistant with Carps review of the 1.5 inch grouping. I think I want to try to find this rifle and hold it for feel. Rick may think its ugly, (I think he just saw the gnarley cheek pad that is their tallest) but with the smaller cheek pad, I think its an attractive rifle. I just wish they had a shoot for a month trial period like mattresses    I wish they had more reviews regarding range.

[bobcat]

Range? It's gonna be about the same as any other "average" big game rifle. Should be good to 300 yards, and MAYBE 400 if you find a good accurate load that the rifle likes, and if you practice a lot.