Masai Mara anyone heard of them?

[Grendeb]

Who are you to tell anyone what to do here with respect to feedback on shotguns
I have said it at least three times
To each their own
I am not poking you or any one else . Did you not see all of the smiles on my comments to Gunsaholic
Him I respect very much here , especially around shotguns and was joking with HIM. No body else
Perhaps you can comment when it is applicable to you and butt out when it is not
Don't worry I am done now and some day you will see if my comments will prove to be useful or not
I am open to cash bets
Cheers

Did want to upset you and I apologize for that.
I simply meant to say I heard you perfectly when you said to each their own multiple times.
It just seemed you're shutting other's ideas by saying it's crap but again excuse yourself by saying to each their own, it gets old and out of topics since the main thread is about the guns itself.
Again I didn't meant to upset you.

 

[3macs1]

Did want to upset you and I apologize for that.
I simply meant to say I heard you perfectly when you said to each their own multiple times.
It just seemed you're shutting other's ideas by saying it's crap but again excuse yourself by saying to each their own, it gets old and out of topics since the main thread is about the guns itself.
Again I didn't meant to upset you.

Do some digging the early feedback is out there if one believes the internet
One case
I got one of the Masai Mara shotguns. Got it in black with the tan cerakoted reciever. I’ll try to be as non biased as I can having spent my money on it. It’s a sweet gun. The bolt operation is the smoothest I’ve ever seen. It’s light, and it has cycled everything I’ve put in it without any malfunctions. The trigger is really smooth and light, and the trigger housing comes out with the push of a button so no knocking out pins. I also like the front sight and the fact that it comes with 5 chokes (even though you’re not suppose to use steel shot in two of them). Now for the bad stuff, the plastic on the case is typical Turkish garbage that came cracked and broken on the inside, the US importer Thomas Ferny &Co offer to replace it for a $25 shipping fee, but I figured it’s just going to be more children’s toy grade plastic so I’ll pass. Some Turkish goon screwed the magazine cap on so tightly that I had to use a tool to get it off, marring it up a bit. It didn’t come coated in cosmaline like I thought it would, but some moron decided to copy the benelli logo barrel clip with a sticker, so I spent about an hour scrubbing sticker residue off of the barrel, and you can still see where the sticker was. I was being really scrupulous and noticed machine marks on the bolt, just the be picky. But, that’s my two cents, I like it, got it for under $700 so that makes it worth it. It’s held up well so far, so we will see. I would recommend it despite its Turkish flaws, if you can get it for the right price. Compared to a franchi, it’s miles ahead and cost less.

case two
I would stay away. Especially if you’re hunting with it. One guy I follow got one sent to him by retay and in his videos he’s obviously having problems with it cycling 3” hunting loads, but of course he’s not going to say anything about it because they gave him a free shotgun. Plus they’re around $1000. Might as well get a franchi or the base model benellis without the comfort tech stock and know you’re going to get a quality gun. I know 3 guys that had problems with stoegers so I just stay away from Turkish guns anyway.

 

[lanis]

Grendeb,

You have posted a thread asking information and assistance about purchasing a Turkish shotguns, brand that have never before been available in Canada and has poor reviews in other countries.
All we are doing is doing just that, giving you informations and sharing our experience with you as you requested.

You are in luck this time! I will do you one better than that.

I have TWO Beretta semi shotguns, one is Beretta 391 Xtra Grain, other is Beretta 391 Camo, shot exactly one box of target shot at the skeet field and put away.
Because I am helpful person, just as 3macs1 is... you can have either for an excellent price, which is equal to Turkish no name, bad review shotgun costs.
There! Your search is over...

 

[gunsaholic]

I hear you. I too still have too many shotguns as you know and honestly any recoil operated semi doesn't impress me of any make or model
I have one of those 555 also in 28ga and had to change the firing pins in it other than that it goes bang now but it didnot have the issue common in them of both barrels firing the same time at least so far
I guess it is hard for me to give them a fair shake when I was raised with winchester 101's and browning citori in my hand all the time
take care

Yes, most of my shotguns are SxS'S now. I have 5 over/unders as of now. A Winchester 101, Browning 20 gauge superposed, a Simson, A Baikal and the Stevens 555. I had several over the years including Citoris and a Beretta but most I could not shoot well for some reason. One thing I must say about the 555 is that it fits me quite well. Have had no firing pin issues or double firing yet but the gun is young.

PS--I know you were joking with me.

 

[Grendeb]

Do some digging the early feedback is out there if one believes the internet
One case
I got one of the Masai Mara shotguns. Got it in black with the tan cerakoted reciever. I’ll try to be as non biased as I can having spent my money on it. It’s a sweet gun. The bolt operation is the smoothest I’ve ever seen. It’s light, and it has cycled everything I’ve put in it without any malfunctions. The trigger is really smooth and light, and the trigger housing comes out with the push of a button so no knocking out pins. I also like the front sight and the fact that it comes with 5 chokes (even though you’re not suppose to use steel shot in two of them). Now for the bad stuff, the plastic on the case is typical Turkish garbage that came cracked and broken on the inside, the US importer Thomas Ferny &Co offer to replace it for a $25 shipping fee, but I figured it’s just going to be more children’s toy grade plastic so I’ll pass. Some Turkish goon screwed the magazine cap on so tightly that I had to use a tool to get it off, marring it up a bit. It didn’t come coated in cosmaline like I thought it would, but some moron decided to copy the benelli logo barrel clip with a sticker, so I spent about an hour scrubbing sticker residue off of the barrel, and you can still see where the sticker was. I was being really scrupulous and noticed machine marks on the bolt, just the be picky. But, that’s my two cents, I like it, got it for under $700 so that makes it worth it. It’s held up well so far, so we will see. I would recommend it despite its Turkish flaws, if you can get it for the right price. Compared to a franchi, it’s miles ahead and cost less.

case two
I would stay away. Especially if you’re hunting with it. One guy I follow got one sent to him by retay and in his videos he’s obviously having problems with it cycling 3” hunting loads, but of course he’s not going to say anything about it because they gave him a free shotgun. Plus they’re around $1000. Might as well get a franchi or the base model benellis without the comfort tech stock and know you’re going to get a quality gun. I know 3 guys that had problems with stoegers so I just stay away from Turkish guns anyway.

That's the kind of feedback on the gun I was looking for.
Thanks a lot! and no hard feelings.

 

[3macs1]

That's the kind of feedback on the gun I was looking for.
Thanks a lot! and no hard feelings.

There is more starting to show but you have to look for it
No hard feelings here
take care
more

Let me understand, Braily, the choke manufacturer provides warranty for this Akuma Matata gun?
With no disrespect it looks like going to your dentist for back surgery, doesn't it?

I guess my question is, for the money, are they half as good as a Benelli? I just don't know if I would feel comfortable spending $1k on a Turkish gun with little history

 

[Falconflyer]

There is more starting to show but you have to look for it
No hard feelings here
take care
more

Let me understand, Braily, the choke manufacturer provides warranty for this Akuma Matata gun?
With no disrespect it looks like going to your dentist for back surgery, doesn't it?

I guess my question is, for the money, are they half as good as a Benelli? I just don't know if I would feel comfortable spending $1k on a Turkish gun with little history

Braily.... Akuma Matata............lol........ Too funny!

 

[dmcdam]

There is more starting to show but you have to look for it
No hard feelings here
take care
more

Let me understand, Braily, the choke manufacturer provides warranty for this Akuma Matata gun?
With no disrespect it looks like going to your dentist for back surgery, doesn't it?

I guess my question is, for the money, are they half as good as a Benelli? I just don't know if I would feel comfortable spending $1k on a Turkish gun with little history

I'm betting they'll be more than half if the US prices I've seen are all close to $1100.

Two things I think they have going for them (assuming they're as advertised) is an improved inertia system and some really nice walnut furniture. I read somewhere that a lot of the parts are being sourced from Italy.

 

[1963beretta]

I doubt anything has been sourced from Italy. Turkish firearms manufacturers have the most modern automated manufacturing processes and Turkish walnut can be some of the nicest walnut available in the marketplace. Hard to see what Italy can provide them that they cant already do for a lot less money

 

[Westward1]

I doubt anything has been sourced from Italy. Turkish firearms manufacturers have the most modern automated manufacturing processes and Turkish walnut can be some of the nicest walnut available in the marketplace. Hard to see what Italy can provide them that they cant already do for a lot less money

Makes sense to me. I think if given the budget, Turkish manufacturers could make guns that could compete quality wise with pretty much anyone. But that is not what the North American “distributors” want. They want something cheap with a large profit margin that may appeal to the entry market.

I have not seen one, but the Yildiz Pro Sporter is an example of a new strategy. The question is, will shooters take a chance and spend more money for a Turkish made gun with the reputation they have made pumping out low end products.

Did Spain’s shotgun industry not go through this 40 years ago ?

 

[stubblejumper]

I'm betting they'll be more than half if the US prices I've seen are all close to $1100.

Two things I think they have going for them (assuming they're as advertised) is an improved inertia system and some really nice walnut furniture. I read somewhere that a lot of the parts are being sourced from Italy.

At $1100 US, they won't be selling a lot of shotguns here. Most people turn to the Turkish guns that are cheap, they don't want to pay the same for a Turkish gun that they can buy a Maxus or Beretta 350 for.

 

[dmcdam]

At $1100 US, they won't be selling a lot of shotguns here. Most people turn to the Turkish guns that are cheap, they don't want to pay the same for a Turkish gun that they can buy a Maxus or Beretta 350 for.

They may find a niche because the Masai is an inertia gun so it would compare more favourably if it could slot in somewhere between a Franchi at $1200-$1300 and the Benelli M2 at around $2000.

 

[1963beretta]

There are other inertia drive Turkish shotguns on the market and have been for a while. The fact that this is not well known can be attributed to the smaller market for these guns here in Canada

 

[dmcdam]

There are other inertia drive Turkish shotguns on the market and have been for a while. The fact that this is not well known can be attributed to the smaller market for these guns here in Canada

I was just comparing it a couple of the more well known and 'accepted' inertia guns. The Weatherby Element can be had for somewhere around $1000, but the Masai appears to have some advantages such as much nicer wood and, if proven true, an improved inertia drive. Maybe they want to come in around $1300-$1500 mark and nibble away at the buyers who thought they'd have to save up another $500-$600+ to enter the Benelli range.

 

[1963beretta]

I was just comparing it a couple of the more well known and 'accepted' inertia guns. The Weatherby Element can be had for somewhere around $1000, but the Masai appears to have some advantages such as much nicer wood and, if proven true, an improved inertia drive. Maybe they want to come in around $1300-$1500 mark and nibble away at the buyers who thought they'd have to save up another $500-$600+ to enter the Benelli range.

If that is the strategy they employ, they wont be selling guns for very long here in Canada. They would have to offer their guns at a substantial discount versus the brand names they try to compete with, and that includes guns in the used market. In my opinion there arent enough people in the market for a $1200-1500 Turkish gun that is new to market with an unproven reputation. Their only competitive advantage to enter the market would be on price. Consumers will only pay premium prices for known premium products. And that is a luxury that is earned and created, not just given. This Masai company is far from that stage in their product life cycle. They need to build a brand first, and that will have to come at the sacrifice of margins. Lots of better and more reputable firearm companies have folded who had a lot more to offer then this new kid on the block.

 

[dmcdam]

If that is the strategy they employ, they wont be selling guns for very long here in Canada. They would have to offer their guns at a substantial discount versus the brand names they try to compete with, and that includes guns in the used market. In my opinion there arent enough people in the market for a $1200-1500 Turkish gun that is new to market with an unproven reputation. Their only competitive advantage to enter the market would be on price. Consumers will only pay premium prices for known premium products. And that is a luxury that is earned and created, not just given. This Masai company is far from that stage in their product life cycle. They need to build a brand first, and that will have to come at the sacrifice of margins. Lots of better and more reputable firearm companies have folded who had a lot more to offer then this new kid on the block.

If they're positioning themselves as a poor man's Benelli in the inertia guns, do you think a $500-$700 discount would be enough to entice some to buy a very good looking (subjective I know) walnut shotgun vs spending $2k+ to even hit the very bottom end of the Benelli's synthetic offerings? I think they could easily command a slightly higher price than the Franchi Affinity at $1200-$1300 in camo or black synthetic.

 

[1963beretta]

No chance. Franchi’s are by far not a “poor man’s” shotgun. Franchi has over 100 years of experience in manufacturing behind its name. Even though Franchi is no longer a manufacturer, Beretta recognized its brand strength and value to begin leveraging that brand to offer shotguns at a lower price point specifically to compete with these lower and relatively unknown brands. I wouldnt be alone in saying that I would rather purchase a Franchi any day over an unknown, unreputable turkish offering at anything close to the same price. And thats not even taking into account that Franchi offers an industry leading 7 year warranty that is backed by the worlds oldest company in existence. Try finding any sort of parts for anything turkish that doesnt involve either a generic pistol grip stock, or parts that would fit because it happens to be a 870 clone

 

[1963beretta]

I dont want to give the impression that im knocking on Turkish guns. I own two myself. But the two I bought were purchased because they filled a specific need and more importantly, the cost was ridiculously low. If they fail, no big deal...I wont be out of pocket enough to care

 

[dmcdam]

No chance. Franchi’s are by far not a “poor man’s” shotgun. Franchi has over 100 years of experience in manufacturing behind its name. Even though Franchi is no longer a manufacturer, Beretta recognized its brand strength and value to begin leveraging that brand to offer shotguns at a lower price point specifically to compete with these lower and relatively unknown brands. I wouldnt be alone in saying that I would rather purchase a Franchi any day over an unknown, unreputable turkish offering at anything close to the same price. And thats not even taking into account that Franchi offers an industry leading 7 year warranty that is backed by the worlds oldest company in existence. Try finding any sort of parts for anything turkish that doesnt involve either a generic pistol grip stock, or parts that would fit because it happens to be a 870 clone

But an Affinity would be considered a poor man's Benelli and positioned there on purpose to serve the entry level end of the inertia gun market. Based on what I'm seeing from the US pricing, they're trying to position themselves between the Affinity and the Montefeltro. Retay is offering a 5 year warranty fwiw. It'll take some time to see if their read on the market is correct, but making really nice looking guns is a good start.

 

[1963beretta]

Poor mans Benelli was a label given to Franchi buy those who did not want to pony up the cash for a Benelli. Beretta markets the Franchi brand as Franchi always did, and that a product geared toward upland hunters. The discontinuation of the 48 (upland semi) and the introduction of the new wave of Franchi semi’s (Affinity, Intensity) have allowed Beretta to introduce Franchi as an alternative in the waterfowl world. So basically, the Franchi lineup covers all types of wingshooting. Franchi’s inertia guns have set the bar as a lower to mid priced inertia semi. This turkish company will need to decide where their best chance of competing is. I believe they will fail in the short term if they think they can compete with Benelli’s premium offering or if they try to create a new segment that Franchi already is dominating. Then throw Stoeger into the mix, where I believe the company has the best chance of competing. But again, the lack of anything they bring to the table will make it a challenge for them if they dont come in at a price point well below to set themselves apart