I have a Benelli super Nova with the rifled barrel (24inch). It is deadly accurate at 100 yards. Slugs holes are all touching each other on the target. Amazing 12 gauge. I've noticed that the firing pin barely strikes the primer. When hunting when it's cold (-10 or less), the firing pin doesn't hit primer hard enough to set off the shell. Sent it twice for warranty and I get it back the same way each time. So this gun is useless. Anyone else have had this issue and a fix?
Benelli Super Nova doesn't fire when it's cold outside.
- Thread starter Seber
- Start date
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Disassemble the gun, clean it and run it dry for hunting, the few rounds you put through it during that time won't hurt anything. Obviously you'll want to lube it for range sessions.
This isn't a lube oil issue. It barely strikes the primer when it's plus 30 outside. It's almost like Benelli knows if they advance the firing pin, it will break. But I don't care if it breaks in ten years. I just want a useful, reliable hunting gun. I can strip it of all lube but I really don't think that's the problem. Thanks for your input.
If it's not lube related I would look at whether the firing pin spring is strong enough, check firing pin and bolt for burr's, and if the pin travels easily in the bolt, not hanging up anywhere. Check the firing pin itself, perhaps its slightly too short.
I'm not a doctor, but I played one on television.
I'm not a doctor, but I played one on television.
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Maybe the rifing pin spring isn't strong enough?
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
If it's temperature related then it's most likely a lube issue, firing pin springs don't tend to lose power in slightly cold temps like minus 10. Adding that getting light strikes at plus 30 makes a big difference to diagnosing your problem and if that's the case then even the slightest bit of lube at minus 10 will cause even lighter strikes.
The warranty station may not be able to duplicate your -10º scenario. I do know that S&W had issues with their SV models at those temps, which required a redesign. That cold weather changed the dimensions enough to cause malfunctions.
~ There may be enough crud and gunk in the wrong places that affect how things work in those temps.
~ Factory or reloads, either way try a different ammo. Some ammo may be cupped on the base, putting the primer farther away.
~ Push forward on the forearm while shooting, rather than pulling rearward, see if there is a change in function. Pulling rearward is designed to prevent the firearm from firing, there may be enough overlap in work/don't work to be an issue.
~ As mentioned above, get a new FP spring. That spring keeps the FP firmly to the rear so that the hammer gets a good whack. The hammer and it's plungers and springs must also be strong enough and move freely.
I suspect that you will need to spend some time ruling out one issue at a time.
Folks, the firing pin spring does nothing else but retract the firing pin back. So, the issue can't be the firing pin spring.
It is the hammer and I believe it is called the hammer spring that will hit the firing pin and push the firing pin forward.
Here is what I would do. If you are sure the issue is not related to lube .... I would go by elimination ...
1.) Buy an extra firing pin first ... replace it and try.
2.) If that does not solve the problem, I would get a whole new bolt assembly and switch the bolt assembly out ... and which includes firing pin, firing pin spring, extractor, etc.
3.) If that does not work, then next would be to switch out the trigger group with the hammer .... but then you can just get another receiver.
It seems you have a very unique barrel that shoots well. A unicorn! I would not get rid of that barrel.
But the receiver can be changed (switched out) and you should still get the same accuracy.
p.s.: And for a Benelli Super Nova .... "receiver" basically means a new gun without the barrel ....
It is the hammer and I believe it is called the hammer spring that will hit the firing pin and push the firing pin forward.
Here is what I would do. If you are sure the issue is not related to lube .... I would go by elimination ...
1.) Buy an extra firing pin first ... replace it and try.
2.) If that does not solve the problem, I would get a whole new bolt assembly and switch the bolt assembly out ... and which includes firing pin, firing pin spring, extractor, etc.
3.) If that does not work, then next would be to switch out the trigger group with the hammer .... but then you can just get another receiver.
It seems you have a very unique barrel that shoots well. A unicorn! I would not get rid of that barrel.
But the receiver can be changed (switched out) and you should still get the same accuracy.
p.s.: And for a Benelli Super Nova .... "receiver" basically means a new gun without the barrel ....
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I love the sound of a unicorn barrel. Weirdly enough Benelli rate of twist in the rifled barrel is meant for 2,3/4 shells. Started shooting 2-3/4 SST shells and got insane accuracy. I will start with the options you listed. Thanks for your help.
If you are shooting clover leaves at 100 meters with a 12ga rifled barrel and sabots .... then you achieved something that many have not achieved after spending a lot of time and money ... and many many many tries .... me included.
I have spend hundreds of dollars in ammunition (different 12ga sabots) and different barrels and in order to find a combination that would shoot clover leaves at 100 meters. And I never succeeded .... I never found that barrel ammo combination that would give me that accuracy ....
So, if your barrel and ammo combo shoots that well ..... hang on to it .... that is all I can say! You have something unique there!
However, the receiver doesn't play a big role in achieving this accuracy .... so worst case ... you could put that barrel on another Benelli Super Nova ... and you should still be shooting clover leaves ....
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Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
When the OP mentioned rifled barrel my thoughts immediately went to "rifle" and "striker spring" but you are correct 0faustus0, I should have said hammer spring but the result is the same, if it's hitting lightly at warm temps then a small amount of lube can slow it enough at low temps to cause light primer strikes.
If the firing spring is too long or too strong, it won't compress enough to allow the firing pin to protrude properly, or to strike with enough force. Not saying it is the cause of the issues, but neither should it be completely dismissed.
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