FAQ

The notches indicate the choke tube constriction. A lower notch count means more constriction (tighter). A higher notch count means less constriction.

1 notch = Full
2 notches = Improved modified
3 notches = Modified
4 notches = Improved cylinder
5 notches = Cylinder

Our point-of-impact specifications are:

Up to 2"" left or right of point of aim
Up to 5"" above point of aim
Up to 2"" below point of aim

If you choose to pattern your shotgun from a stationary rest, we recommend that you follow the same specifications used by our factory. Benelli shotguns are tested with a patterning board 20 yards from the muzzle using the method illustrated below. Overlay the front bead (red circle in the illustration) and the mid-bead (small black dot on the illustration). The top of the front bead should be held at the bottom of the target center.

Benelli shotguns are designed to place a higher percentage of the shot pattern slightly above the point-of-aim. This patterning design has proven deadly on waterfowl, upland birds and clays for decades and gives hunters the advantage of a more open sight picture. Less barrel covering up your target means better visibility. By design, this equates to the center of the overall shot pattern being a few inches above the point-of-aim.

There are ways to adjust the point-of-impact. Options may include adjusting the shims or changing to a larger front bead. We recommend that you contact our customer service department if you have additional questions.

Maintenance may vary depending on the number of rounds fired, the type of powder in the shells, and the type of hunting for which the gun is used. Here are general guidelines.

Bore and exterior surfaces – Clean and oil after every outing
Bolt rails and recoil plunger assembly – Oil at the end of the day
Bolt and trigger mechanism – Clean powder fouling and debris as needed; frequency will vary, depending on the kind of ammo used
Gun, including the recoil assembly – Detail-strip, clean, and oil at the end of the season or any time the gun is submerged in water

These chokes are recommended for steel shot:

3 notches = Modified
4 notches = Improved cylinder
5 notches = Cylinder

Most people find that

The modified choke works best for pass shooting
The improved cylinder and cylinder chokes work well on decoying birds

There is no benefit shooting steel through a choke tighter than modified, and we do not recommend doing so.

It is a good idea to keep a light coat of oil on the tube to prevent corrosion. A Benelli shotgun is different from other shotguns on the market today. There are no moving parts under the forend to clean or oil. There is just a magazine tube.

These chokes are recommended for slugs:

4 notches = Improved cylinder
5 notches = Cylinder

A cylinder choke is recommended for shooting rifled slugs in a smooth-bore barrel. Sabot slugs should only be shot through our fully-rifled slug barrels.

It is not safe to shoot slugs through chokes tighter than those listed here.

Gather as much information as you can about the malfunction. For example, note exactly what load you were shooting, and whether the malfunction was sporadic or consistent (for example: always the third shot). The more you can tell us about the problem, the easier it will be for us to diagnose the malfunction.

Call the Benelli USA customer service department at (301) 283-6981 (option 2) or (800) 264-4962 (option 2) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.

The constriction on these chokes is very tight. Because steel does not compress, it can damage the barrel and choke as the shot charge passes through.

For patterns with steel shot, we recommend using Benelli extended waterfowl chokes for tighter patterns.

Yes. A gunsmith can change the safeties on all Benelli firearms to left hand. For safety reasons, only a gunsmith should perform this work.

To request work by Benelli gunsmiths, follow the simple steps on the Repair Request page of this website.

For the Super Vinci or Vinci shotguns…

Use the Super Vinci product manual or the Vinci product manual as a guide.
Remove the entire bolt assembly from the action.
Clean with a gun-cleaning solvent.
Let dry.
Lubricate with gun oil.

For all other models…

Remove the butt pad and stock from the receiver of the shotgun.
If your stock nut retaining screw looks like Figure A, proceed to step 3. If it does not look like Figure A, skip step 3 and proceed to steps 4 through 7.
Using a 17 mm wrench, unscrew the stock nut retaining screw. Be careful because it is under pressure from the recoil spring. Once removed, take out the recoil spring and plunger. Clean both parts and the tube, apply a light coat of oil to all parts, and reassemble. You are now finished.
Remove the trigger assembly. Hold the firearm over newspapers or towels. While holding the bolt in a half-open position, spray a cleaning solvent into the recoil spring tube at the rear of the receiver, where the link arm of the bolt rests. Work the bolt assembly back and forth so the solvent gets down into the recoil tube. Repeat until the gun solvent starts to come out clean.
Let the recoil assembly dry for 5 minutes.
Repeat the same process with gun oil.
Reinstall the stock and butt pad.