Benelli MR-1 factory guaranteed accuracy?

[Zen_Seeker]

So as the title states is anyone aware of a factory guaranteed claim of accuracy from Benelli and their MR-1 rifle.

I remember reading about a factory guarantee of 2MOA with respect to the Benelli MR-1 rifle somewhere (likely here on CGN) and now have been unable to locate any such evidence; am I dreaming or is this a reality.

Also while were at it if any of you have actually sat down (or laid) and shot a MR-1 for accuracy would you please offer up your accuracy experiences with this rifle and at what distance, with what optic and ammo. brand/type.

Thanks to all who reply, cheers D.

Wish I had seen this earlier... I just came back from testing my M305 and brought along my MR1 for some quick fire fun. Didn't try to do any tight groups but I got a 90 round 4.5" group at 60m.

In the past I've done 3 and 5 round groups 1" and 1.5" at 60m. All with the Norinco Brass FMJ 55gr, or Barnaul. (Don't recall which as I use both often.) My MVP has done a clover at the same distance with the same ammo but doesn't like the Norinco brass, primers seem to hard. If the MVP can't fire it in three tries the MR1 gets to try later, and never fails to fire it off. This was done last winter at the farm, still have the photos.

Scope is a Zeiss 4-9x42. Shooting from a camping chair with the rifle resting on a fence I nailed a 2x6 onto so the sandbag wouldn't fall off.

A few things to note;
1. It throws the shells everywhere and the location changes with each magazine. No idea why, doesn't matter which ammo I use.
2. Mounting a scope is tricky. I have the collapsing stock and for me to get a good check weld I needed to remove the rear iron sight. Later I put it back on but made the rings sit way forward so the rear of the scope floats over the rear iron sight.
3. My rings are quick release with the handles on the right side. So the ejected shells hit the handles, mark the brass, and might come lose in the future. I'll change this when I have reason as it's sighted in and working fine and I don't like to fix it if it isn't broken, so to speak.
4. Get Beowulf mags as you can put 15 rounds into them which makes target shooting that much more fun. They do tend to need pulling out rather than dropping free but that should get better as they get used more.


Hope that helps... If I remember next time I head out I'll see if I can do a good group of 3 & 5 to report on. Probably going to be a week or two though.

Zen

 

[Zeroed-In]

Wish I had seen this earlier... I just came back from testing my M305 and brought along my MR1 for some quick fire fun. Didn't try to do any tight groups but I got a 90 round 4.5" group at 60m.

In the past I've done 3 and 5 round groups 1" and 1.5" at 60m. All with the Norinco Brass FMJ 55gr, or Barnaul. (Don't recall which as I use both often.) My MVP has done a clover at the same distance with the same ammo but doesn't like the Norinco brass, primers seem to hard. If the MVP can't fire it in three tries the MR1 gets to try later, and never fails to fire it off. This was done last winter at the farm, still have the photos.

Scope is a Zeiss 4-9x42. Shooting from a camping chair with the rifle resting on a fence I nailed a 2x6 onto so the sandbag wouldn't fall off.

A few things to note;
1. It throws the shells everywhere and the location changes with each magazine. No idea why, doesn't matter which ammo I use.
2. Mounting a scope is tricky. I have the collapsing stock and for me to get a good check weld I needed to remove the rear iron sight. Later I put it back on but made the rings sit way forward so the rear of the scope floats over the rear iron sight.
3. My rings are quick release with the handles on the right side. So the ejected shells hit the handles, mark the brass, and might come lose in the future. I'll change this when I have reason as it's sighted in and working fine and I don't like to fix it if it isn't broken, so to speak.
4. Get Beowulf mags as you can put 15 rounds into them which makes target shooting that much more fun. They do tend to need pulling out rather than dropping free but that should get better as they get used more.


Hope that helps... If I remember next time I head out I'll see if I can do a good group of 3 & 5 to report on. Probably going to be a week or two though.

Zen

Hey Zen thanks for the input, looking forward to seeing what groups you can manage with your MR-1. Try and do #5 round groups (or even #10 round groups) at 100 yds. if you don't mind as many here myself included feel #3 round groups just aren't enough rounds to get a fair representation of a rifles capabilities.

As I highlighted your text could there be any correlation of the shells going everywhere and the shells hitting the scope mount handles?

Glad to here you're enjoying your Benelli and please post up your results (pic.'s are even better) when you have a chance.

Cheers D

 

[Zen_Seeker]

Hey Zen thanks for the input, looking forward to seeing what groups you can manage with your MR-1. Try and do #5 round groups (or even #10 round groups) at 100 yds. if you don't mind as many here myself included feel #3 round groups just aren't enough rounds to get a fair representation of a rifles capabilities.

30m & 60m are what I usually have room to setup do to the fields size and shape. If he lets me setup in the back field, which is rented out but turned, I can probably setup a clear 100m. I'm going next week if the weather stays good.

As I highlighted your text could there be any correlation of the shells going everywhere and the shells hitting the scope mount handles?

No as this was still happening prior to my adding a scope. My buddy noticed it as well when he had to clean up his rounds. Only the melt marks in the snow gave us a hint where each mags rounds got dumped. You'd do your 5/10/15 shots and then look in a half circle for the melt holes to remember where to pick up later. Been hit standing behind and to the right of him too.

Glad to here you're enjoying your Benelli and please post up your results (pic.'s are even better) when you have a chance.

I usually take pics so I can keep a record after changes or new setups, always switching scopes for some reason or other between rifles, but posting them will be an issue as I don't have any free accounts for places that host. I'll see what I can do if my dropbox isn't closed or dead.

L8r,
Zen

 

[geologist]

It's reliable, takes 10 shot LAR magazines and it is non-restricted.

I throw mine behind the seat of my truck if I'm going into the bush.

What's not to like?

Now I just need to find a narrow clamp on bayonet lug for that skinny 1/2" barrel.

 

[Zeroed-In]

Nice set-up Geologist. Is that a 20" barrel that's been cut down to 18.5" before being threaded (or un-cut)? If so is the accuracy the same (better/worse) after the threading...

Also how's the fit, i.e. cheek weld with the scope in that position? was there any thought of going to high rings and moving the scope rearward for a better set-up?

Do you know something we don't with the bayonet comment?

Cheers D

 

[geologist]

Nice set-up Geologist. Is that a 20" barrel that's been cut down to 18.5" before being threaded (or un-cut)? If so is the accuracy the same (better/worse) after the threading...

Also how's the fit, i.e. cheek weld with the scope in that position? was there any thought of going to high rings and moving the scope rearward for a better set-up?

Do you know something we don't with the bayonet comment?

Cheers D

Thanks. Yes, Dlask cut it to 18.5" and threaded it 1/2 x 28 so it accepts standard 5.56mm flash hiders. The flash hiders fit through the barrel retaining ring so you don't have to remove them to take the rifle down.

No change in accuracy post shortening.

Cheek weld is good with the 2x7 on the lower powers, at 7x I have to search a bit for the reticle and crawl forward a bit. I had higher Leupold Rifleman see through rings before but didn't like the height and the need for a strap on cheek pad.

I find that with the stock in the shorter positions it brings my eye height up enough that I get an OK cheek weld with the scope.

This rifle is setup more as a non-restricted, 10 shot plinker for hitting 8" pie plates quickly and easily from point blank range out to 200 metres which it does very easily.

 

[Zeroed-In]

^Great info. thanks so much for the detail(s) offered.

It's looking a better and better choice all the time.

Cheers D

 

[jackrabbit000]

It's reliable, takes 10 shot LAR magazines and it is non-restricted.

I throw mine behind the seat of my truck if I'm going into the bush.

What's not to like?

Now I just need to find a narrow clamp on bayonet lug for that skinny 1/2" barrel.

Looks great. The only thing that keeps me from buying one is the pencil barrel.

 

[Zeroed-In]

^ I suppose the pencil barrel being a little thicker (and or shorter) would make the appearance of the rifle better (IMO), however other then that the only downside (to the pencil barrel) is when rapid fire shooting (which would cause the groupings to open up more then with a heavy barrel).

Correct, or am I missing something?


However a thicker barrel would only add more weight, making for a front heavy balanced rifle.

I suspect this is the reason for the light "pencil" barrel since the MR-1 isn't in need of any more weight.

Cheers D

 

[geologist]

^ I suppose the pencil barrel being a little thicker (and or shorter) would make the appearance of the rifle better (IMO), however other then that the only downside (to the pencil barrel) is when rapid fire shooting (which would cause the groupings to open up more then with a heavy barrel).

Correct, or am I missing something?


However a thicker barrel would only add more weight, making for a front heavy balanced rifle.

I suspect this is the reason for the light "pencil" barrel since the MR-1 isn't in need of any more weight.

Cheers D

True, it is a portly rifle with the gas piston system. All the more reason to not hang a lot of accessories off the front end. I have a 850 lumen PD35 plus a cheap laser with a tape switch for pie plates at close range. I'll probably lose the laser.

 

[davide montini]

You should look at the heckler&kock sl-8 in .223 or the Swiss arms ..... Yes I know the price is way more ..but buy once and cry once ... My h&k is a lazer beam with 62 grains and heavier....... Hornady 68g bthp. And the 75g a-max just awesome !!!!!!its a total blast!!!! Of pure fun !!!!!!! Enjoy

 

[Zeroed-In]

True, it is a portly rifle with the gas piston system. All the more reason to not hang a lot of accessories off the front end. I have a 850 lumen PD35 plus a cheap laser with a tape switch for pie plates at close range. I'll probably lose the laser.

I agree, but at least with your MR-1 you can legally use the flashlight at a time when a flashlight is actually warranted.

You should look at the heckler&kock sl-8 in .223 or the Swiss arms ..... Yes I know the price is way more ..but buy once and cry once ... My h&k is a lazer beam with 62 grains and heavier....... Hornady 68g bthp. And the 75g a-max just awesome !!!!!!its a total blast!!!! Of pure fun !!!!!!! Enjoy

All good choices and I would definitely like a Swiss Arms NR Black Special/Classic Green, but at $4,000 to $5,000 it's a little to rich for me.

I've heard good things accuracy wise regarding the HK SL8, but they are heavy, use only #5 rd. mag.'s (I recognize there is an AR mag adapter, but that adds to cost and changes the rifle somewhat) and the stock can be a make or break proposition depending on how it fits...
Not taking anything away from the HK, because well they are an HK and that's a good thing usually, but this rifle won't only be used as a benchrest shooter.

For me the MR-1 would be a do all truck/bush rifle and range paper sniper too, while still being able to get close to SL8 accuracy with match ammo. or hand loads (as Caramel stated earlier MOA or better is possible from a MR-1 with hand loads), all for under $2,000 taxes in.

If I were looking exclusively for accuracy I'd just stay with a bolt gun for much less or use an AR at the range, but for one reliable and reasonably affordable (I say that wishing the Benelli was even more affordable) do it all NR semi. that uses AR mag.'s and feels really good shouldered (for me) the MR-1 is at the top of my list right now.

Cheers D

 

[Zen_Seeker]

Hey Zen thanks for the input, looking forward to seeing what groups you can manage with your MR-1. Try and do #5 round groups (or even #10 round groups) at 100 yds. if you don't mind as many here myself included feel #3 round groups just aren't enough rounds to get a fair representation of a rifles capabilities.

As I highlighted your text could there be any correlation of the shells going everywhere and the shells hitting the scope mount handles?

Glad to here you're enjoying your Benelli and please post up your results (pic.'s are even better) when you have a chance.

Cheers D

Well I made it to the farm with my MVP, MR1, and M305. Raining all day, windy with gusts, and brought my Bouvier des Flandres. Day went something like this;


Walked the middle of the 100 acres looking for any last minute groundhogs, none. (Then found out I forgot my hunting/target rounds at home on the island!)
Helped with a few barn chores and repaired a broken power cable.
Setup two stands at 110m in the back field away from the horses.

1. Dog was great but found every bramble and bur. Picture a big black sheep, wet, full of the dam burs. A mess I still need to clean up.
2. M305 did well. Maybe because the wind didn't bother it. But I've done much better at the range. Best group was of 5 rounds 1.75".
3. MVP and MR1 was doing about the same, which isn't right. Both managed about 2" groups of 15 rounds each, if I don't count one or two fliers.
4. Forgot hunting/target rounds and only had surplus Norinco brass/steel 5.56 55gr 1995 and TulAmmo .308 150gr steel/steel.

As I've done much better with both the MVP and MR1 at 100m I'm assuming my getting rained on and dealing with the wind gusts had a lot to do with it. I was rushing once I sighted in and had to remind myself to slow down. (I don't mind working in the rain but find play isn't as much fun unless hunting.) I need a stand or hut so I don't get soaked next time.

Didn't get home until after 8PM so the dog and guns only got a quick wipe down and de-burring. Targets are drying out. Both the dog and I are sore and tired still. Guns need to be cleaned first. Then the dog gets sheared. He's in for a surprise!

Since it was so bad I didn't post picks but I can if you want. Still have two days before I lose my Dropbox space.

Edit: Added links for pics.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/83phmeo02mk94mj/20150929-01.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ro5ku4fvzpc85d7/20150928-02.jpg

L8r,
Zen

 

[geologist]

2" with Norinco ball is good rainy day shooting. What scope are you using?

 

[Zen_Seeker]

2" with Norinco ball is good rainy day shooting. What scope are you using?

Vortex Viper HS-T VMR-1 4-16x44
Got it for my 30-06 but never got around to changing scopes. Kind of glad I didn't now...no surplus for the 30-06 so the M305 will get a lot more action. Also have the M14.ca extended rail.

 

[geologist]

Vortex Viper HS-T VMR-1 4-16x44
Got it for my 30-06 but never got around to changing scopes. Kind of glad I didn't now...no surplus for the 30-06 so the M305 will get a lot more action. Also have the M14.ca extended rail.

Nice glass! I only have a 2x7 on mine and couldn't do 2" on a rainy day (or a sunny day for that matter ) with Norinco ball.

Nice shooting.

 

[Zeroed-In]

Vortex Viper HS-T VMR-1 4-16x44

If I'm understanding you right, you're running the Vortex (good choice btw) on the MR-1?

If so, how high are the rings to clear the rear factory site and how is it for developing a good cheek weld with the high rings?

Btw 2" groups with Norinco is good on any day, so well done (and I hope your dog likes the trim).

Cheers D

 

[Zen_Seeker]

If I'm understanding you right, you're running the Vortex (good choice btw) on the MR-1?

If so, how high are the rings to clear the rear factory site and how is it for developing a good cheek weld with the high rings?

Btw 2" groups with Norinco is good on any day, so well done (and I hope your dogs like the trim).

Cheers D

The Vortex is on the Norinco.

I have a Zeiss 3-9x42 on the MR1. It's fine for the .223/5.56 as I only plan to use it at 200m or less. I only have cheap rings on the MR1 that are probably for .22LR but as they are quick release and high enough to clear the rear sight I use them. I'll post a pic so you can see what I mean. (The rings are both forward of the turrets, which I don't like to do, but with low recoil it's been fine.)
Here is a pic, the camo tape is no longer on it; https://www.dropbox.com/s/dlyco8kou5pyeyn/20150925-3.jpg

On my MVP I have a Bushnell Elite Tactical Scope LRS 3-12x44mm w/Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle. Perfect for groundhogs or coyotes.

By Bouvier, Bear, is 125lbs of muscle...he's allowing me to shave him now...with breaks for me to type...but he's not happy about it and chuffs once in a while to let me know he is suffering an indignity.

Hope that helps.
Zen

 

[Zen_Seeker]

Nice glass! I only have a 2x7 on mine and couldn't do 2" on a rainy day (or a sunny day for that matter ) with Norinco ball.

Nice shooting.

Thanks. I was disappointed and hoping for better especially with the MVP/MR1. But it was still a fun day. Next time I'll correct any sight changes and then go for 200m and lock-in. It's been over a decade since I shot 300m and the farm is the only place I can do it at. 200m is more practical and a lot of groundhogs are taken at 100m. Then I whistle and see how many more popup and get them at the same range or closer. (Don't know why they popup to look for the sound source but it works and I've taken a 4 group once or twice this way before they hide.)

M305 is still new to me and getting tweaked as I learn what it likes and doesn't. It's shaping out to be a reliable rifle that I might use for hunting. I'm better with my bolt 30-06 but time will tell.

Only thing I hate about getting older, at the moment, is my eyesight. New to glasses, can't look at things as close to examine, and can't see as far clearly. Sucks. At least the scopes help a lot. Wish I had the money/time to do more of this when I was in my 20s-30s.

L8r,
Zen

 

[Zeroed-In]

I have a Zeiss 3-9x42 on the MR1. It's fine for the .223/5.56 as I only plan to use it at 200m or less. I only have cheap rings on the MR1 that are probably for .22LR but as they are quick release and high enough to clear the rear sight I use them. I'll post a pic so you can see what I mean. (The rings are both forward of the turrets, which I don't like to do, but with low recoil it's been fine.)
Here is a pic, the camo tape is no longer on it; https://www.dropbox.com/s/dlyco8kou5pyeyn/20150925-3.jpg
Zen

Thanks for the pic. and info., I was trying to find the height of the rings necessary to clear the rear factory MR-1 site (with the Vortex 4-16 44 scope, being able to clear the rear site with the rear of the scope) so I could use the rings as they are correctly worn (one in front & one in rear of turrets and have full adjustability forward and rearward of the scope) and to determine if an adjustable cheek rest would be required, but I appreciate the reply.

I plan on using that exact Vortex scope if I go the route of a MR-1 rifle.

Cheers D