Benelli B76 Target

Harry Callahan

Harry Callahan

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Stumbled across this rare bird recently, a Benelli B76 Target in 9mm. These pistols have a fixed barrel like a Steyr GB, HK P7's and few others, a unique inertial locking action patented by Benelli called "inertia lock". A majority of these fixed barrel pistols were short lived, the Benelli is no exception and about 7000 were manufactured in various calibers/versions; 9x19 (B76), .32 ACP (B77), .30 Luger (B80), 9x18 Ultra(B82) and single action only 9mm or .32 S&W Long in the competition version (MP3S), a sport version of the B76 (9mm) and B80 (7.65 Para) was also available with the same specs as the MP3S but fitted with a DA/SA trigger with lightened SA pull.

This one is the target version with the adjustable rear sight of the sport model. It was manufactured in 1981 (date code AH) and is in near new condition inside and out, I suspect that very few rounds were fired. The finish is like black chrome, very deeply polished. Similar to the finish of my high polished Sig P210-1.

Enjoy the photos!

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Harry, I remember reading about these pistols in Gun Digest, et al. many years ago; but, I have never seen one in the flesh, so to speak. You have a real beauty there!
 
Thanks guys. Love the look of it, makes me think that the Pininfarina house could have a role in the design, the lines are like crossing a F40 to an old Dino 246 GT Coupe with it's blocky square edges mixed with rounded area. Indeed a pure Italian design.

The trigger pull in DA reminds me of the Sig P226, it's rather long and on the heavy side (around 10#). The SA is very sweet, a little more take up than the two stage of my P210-6 target but the break of the Benelli SA trigger is like glass and definitely lighter than the former which is very impressive. I suspect that the trigger in this target version is the same as the Sport since after watching the 4K (Lifesizepotato) video on it, it's definitely lighter than the standard B76 shown and is pretty much like the Sport version's trigger.
 
Abman said:
I have an owner's manual for that firearm, next time I come across it I'll contact you for mailing instructions.
Click to expand...

I would gladly accept your offer. The pistol came with two original magazines that look new but no styro-cardboard outersleeve box or any papers, sadly.
 
I like that, when you first posted, I was thinking 22 because of the model #, Never seen one before. You find the neatest stuff.
 
Harry Callahan always seems to find the neat stuff out there - both in handguns and rifles.

He is also super knowledgeable about the rare items as well. If you have a question just wait for him to post an answer to your question.

I actually saw one of these in 9X19 sell for quite a price at auction a couple years ago I think - but then time flies by so it could have been longer now.

I enjoy my Benelli target in 22lr. (I am a rimfire addict.)
 
I have had a lot of different 22's over the years, but never a Benelli target 22, for some reason, My main thing is Hi-Standards, thou I did shot Hammerli's for a few years, great guns,
Have shot GSP's but never liked them.Last few years I seem to shoot more center fire for some reason.
 
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