Benelli MR-1

sly

sly

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I may have been talked into purchasing one of these BUT I cannot get a consistent answer wrt which ammo it can take. The barrel is stamped with ".223" but I have been told that it will take 5.56 NATO. I do not want to break the "rules" and shoot ammo that is not stamped on the barrel so I thought I would ask for input from the gunnutz experts.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
sly said:
I may have been talked into purchasing one of these BUT I cannot get a consistent answer wrt which ammo it can take. The barrel is stamped with ".223" but I have been told that it will take 5.56 NATO. I do not want to break the "rules" and shoot ammo that is not stamped on the barrel so I thought I would ask for input from the gunnutz experts.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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My advice is to shop around some more before committing to the MR1.
 
blaxsun said:
My advice is to shop around some more before committing to the MR1.
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Blaxsun wouldn't be happy until he talks you into buying a Tavor (+ $1000) but not everyone likes those either.

It is my understanding that the Benelli MR1 is chambered for 5.56 but marked .223 on the barrel to make import/export of the rifle easier. Take that with a grain of salt as I am not an expert on the issue but from what I have read I wouldn't hesitate to use 5.56 in my rifle.
 
NoTarget said:
Blaxsun wouldn't be happy until he talks you into buying a Tavor (+ $1000) but not everyone likes those either.

It is my understanding that the Benelli MR1 is chambered for 5.56 but marked .223 on the barrel to make import/export of the rifle easier. Take that with a grain of salt as I am not an expert on the issue but from what I have read I wouldn't hesitate to use 5.56 in my rifle.
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Actually, I wasn't even going to suggest the Tavor (it's not for everyone, anyway). I was actually going to suggest that he look at an XCR (f**k, I think I just felt some rumbling under my house!) because it offers better value (is it colder in here or just me?) for the investment.

:evil:
 
blaxsun said:
Actually, I wasn't even going to suggest the Tavor (it's not for everyone, anyway). I was actually going to suggest that he look at an XCR (f**k, I think I just felt some rumbling under my house!) because it offers better value (is it colder in here or just me?) for the investment.
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The MR1 with a telescoping stock costs ~$600 less than the XCR-L. I have over 1000 rounds down range without a single failure to date and, at this point, I think it's safe to say my rifle is reliable. Others have been able to achieve impressive accuracy with handloads. I have mainly been shooting AE 55g ammo which goes bang every time but isn't what I would call accurate. I just tried Hornady Steel Match 55g and there was a noticeable improvement so I am looking forward to trying the 75g version.

Mounting a scope on the MR1 can be difficult and you will probably have to remove the rear sight. This can be difficult if the screws are as hard to remove as they were on mine so you might need help with this. If you go with a red dot sight this will not be an issue. I have added an extended top rail ($180 ATRS) and forward tri-rail ($80 Wolverine) to mine to allow more customization.

The best suggestion anyone can make is to go to your local gun shop and try shouldering the MR1, XCR-L, Tavor and others. Decide what you like and what you can afford and go from there.
 
I've got an MR1 in the EE that I'd be happy to sell you! Mounting an optic isn't the end of the world, I had a Millet DMS-1'on it but sold it. I put the rear aperture sight back on and it's just a question of using the right sized Allen wrench / torch wrench to unscrew them. If you can change a light bulb you can change the rear sight.

As for the 5.556 vs. .223 Rem I can't answer as I never thought to look into it. What I can say is that the MR1 will digest AE and Winchester no problem. I started reloading 55gr VMAX over Varget and shot a nice small group using the iron sights.

I would say that if they are marketed in the USA as 5.56 or are listed on the Benelli website as 5.56 I'd say you're good to go, I can't see Benelli manufacturing different chambers just for our market. .223 Rem will fire safely out of a 5.56 chamber.
 
Tikka223 said:
I've got an MR1 in the EE that I'd be happy to sell you! Mounting an optic isn't the end of the world, I had a Millet DMS-1'on it but sold it. I put the rear aperture sight back on and it's just a question of using the right sized Allen wrench / torch wrench to unscrew them. If you can change a light bulb you can change the rear sight.
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I wish this was always true but it isn't. I broke SIX T15 wrenches on the rear screw trying to remove the sight. That is why I advise people to get some help if it isn't as easy as changing a light bulb.
 
The MR-1 is a great rifle accurate and reliable it sit in the safe just beside my Black Special Target and they do get along great... JP.
 
I am very happy with my MR1. Seems more people are jumping on this rifle. Yes, customization may be an issue. The XCR wins here. Other than having to buy the custom top rail, the same that NoTarget has, I was able to put a magnifier behind my eotech. Otherwise, if you have the telescopic stock, you should have much issue with mounting optics as you can adjust your eyes in closer. If you are looking for something reliable, but relativley not expensive, the MR1 is a good choice. Stock, with Iron sights, it shoots super nice.

For the record, I only broke 1 screw taking the rear sight off. I just bought a few T15 bits to keep on hand, since its a common mounting screw.

For your original questions, I have also heard that it 5.56, stamped .223. Whoever tells you they are not the same, you can check the sticky in this section that tells you the differences.
 
furfaro said:
I am very happy with my MR1. Seems more people are jumping on this rifle. Yes, customization may be an issue. The XCR wins here. Other than having to buy the custom top rail, the same that NoTarget has, I was able to put a magnifier behind my eotech. Otherwise, if you have the telescopic stock, you should have much issue with mounting optics as you can adjust your eyes in closer. If you are looking for something reliable, but relativley not expensive, the MR1 is a good choice. Stock, with Iron sights, it shoots super nice.

For the record, I only broke 1 screw taking the rear sight off. I just bought a few T15 bits to keep on hand, since its a common mounting screw.

For your original questions, I have also heard that it 5.56, stamped .223. Whoever tells you they are not the same, you can check the sticky in this section that tells you the differences.
Click to expand...

I too enjoy my MR1. With an EOTECH it shoots dead on at 100 yds with AE223 bulk ammo. My only issue is brass marking on the receiver and barrel getting very warm. Nice using LAR mags though.
 
Reported. BS' account must have been hacked. NO way BS can SUGGEST A XCR, NO WAY, gonna be Fracking kidding Laugh2
blaxsun said:
Actually, I wasn't even going to suggest the Tavor (it's not for everyone, anyway). I was actually going to suggest that he look at an XCR (f**k, I think I just felt some rumbling under my house!) because it offers better value (is it colder in here or just me?) for the investment.

:evil:
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Anytime. I'll even go as far as chip in for bottle of loctite if OP opts for a XCR.:cheers:

OP: Forget the 223, my XCR 223 barrels only has 100 rounds vs. thousands on the 7.62 . Another expensive benefits of the XCR, simple barrel swap.
blaxsun said:
lol. That made my evening, thanks for the chuckle. ;)
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sly, I bought my MR1 used and assume it's had at least 1000 rounds put through it by the original owner. I don't plan to baby it, if it can't cut it, it can't stay.

So far I've fed:
1. Chinese Norinco yellow box, marked .223 Remington on the box, headstamp is a "C" at 10:00 o'clock, a "J" at 2:00 o'clock, and 93 at 6:00 o'clock. It's the Canada Ammo 1600 round stuff.

2. Some reloads from a surplus store marked Cedar Brass Co. with varying headstamps and even different bullets in the same box!

3. Some other surplus store fodder marked 5,56 mm Ball-55 Gr LOT FNM 82-1 on the box, and FNM 82-1 on the headstamp.

I am trying to see if this rifle is worthy or not, so the idea is to see if it will jam or do something untoward. So far I just get tired after several hours and hundreds of rounds. I've had no jams using either the stock mag, or a borrowed aluminum aftermarket 30 rounder with a rivet in the back. Avoid these as the rivet makes them a friction fit in the magwell. One Norinco round refused to fire even though the primer is well dented after being the fifth round in at least 3 mags.
At the next range session I will be testing a 30 rnd Norinco and a 20 rnd ProMag.

As a word of caution, with any different ammo, especially spooky reloads, start by putting just two rounds in the mag. When you fire it keep your face away from the action and try to pull the trigger with a hook. YMMV.
 
bc308 said:
sly, I bought my MR1 used and assume it's had at least 1000 rounds put through it by the original owner. I don't plan to baby it, if it can't cut it, it can't stay.

So far I've fed:
1. Chinese Norinco yellow box, marked .223 Remington on the box, headstamp is a "C" at 10:00 o'clock, a "J" at 2:00 o'clock, and 93 at 6:00 o'clock. It's the Canada Ammo 1600 round stuff.

2. Some reloads from a surplus store marked Cedar Brass Co. with varying headstamps and even different bullets in the same box!

3. Some other surplus store fodder marked 5,56 mm Ball-55 Gr LOT FNM 82-1 on the box, and FNM 82-1 on the headstamp.

I am trying to see if this rifle is worthy or not, so the idea is to see if it will jam or do something untoward. So far I just get tired after several hours and hundreds of rounds. I've had no jams using either the stock mag, or a borrowed aluminum aftermarket 30 rounder with a rivet in the back. Avoid these as the rivet makes them a friction fit in the magwell. One Norinco round refused to fire even though the primer is well dented after being the fifth round in at least 3 mags.
At the next range session I will be testing a 30 rnd Norinco and a 20 rnd ProMag.

As a word of caution, with any different ammo, especially spooky reloads, start by putting just two rounds in the mag. When you fire it keep your face away from the action and try to pull the trigger with a hook. YMMV.
Click to expand...

Better wear some safety glasses too!
 
burnaby said:
Anytime. I'll even go as far as chip in for bottle of loctite if OP opts for a XCR.:cheers:

OP: Forget the 223, my XCR 223 barrels only has 100 rounds vs. thousands on the 7.62 . Another expensive benefits of the XCR, simple barrel swap.
Click to expand...

not to mention the ability to get 1:7 barrels from wolverine.
and 6.8 kits
and adjustable gas block.
 
bc308 said:
sly, I bought my MR1 used and assume it's had at least 1000 rounds put through it by the original owner. I don't plan to baby it, if it can't cut it, it can't stay.

So far I've fed:
1. Chinese Norinco yellow box, marked .223 Remington on the box, headstamp is a "C" at 10:00 o'clock, a "J" at 2:00 o'clock, and 93 at 6:00 o'clock. It's the Canada Ammo 1600 round stuff.

2. Some reloads from a surplus store marked Cedar Brass Co. with varying headstamps and even different bullets in the same box!

3. Some other surplus store fodder marked 5,56 mm Ball-55 Gr LOT FNM 82-1 on the box, and FNM 82-1 on the headstamp.

I am trying to see if this rifle is worthy or not, so the idea is to see if it will jam or do something untoward. So far I just get tired after several hours and hundreds of rounds. I've had no jams using either the stock mag, or a borrowed aluminum aftermarket 30 rounder with a rivet in the back. Avoid these as the rivet makes them a friction fit in the magwell. One Norinco round refused to fire even though the primer is well dented after being the fifth round in at least 3 mags.
At the next range session I will be testing a 30 rnd Norinco and a 20 rnd ProMag.

As a word of caution, with any different ammo, especially spooky reloads, start by putting just two rounds in the mag. When you fire it keep your face away from the action and try to pull the trigger with a hook. YMMV.
Click to expand...

Holy crap, you are truly taking one for the team. Let me know how it works out. What I find funny is that I asked several dealers and no one had an answer for me. I tried to email Benelli but have heard nothing. I find it hard to believe that they would not try and address this issue espceically in light of the fact they advertise that it can handle 5.56 mm but only stamp the barrel with .223.
 
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