Benelli Raffaello. Why has it been called the ideal gun for 25 years? Models

Description

The main feature of the Benelli Vinci shotgun is its simple, but at the same time extremely convenient design, based on a modular system. That is, the weapon can be disassembled into three main components without the use of a spare parts kit, which allows you to quickly disassemble the weapon and carry out its maintenance even in the field. Here are the three parts the model is divided into:

1. The first module is the bolt box and barrel. They are connected to the rest of the weapon using a special screw and thread. This also includes part of the inertial system, consisting of several return springs, a striker and other things.

Bolt box for Benelli Vinci shotgun

1. The second module is the carriage (receiver and handguard). This part is attached to the barrel using special carbines (to allow adjustment of the sliding cuff). Pins and couplings are not used with this connection, so disassembly is simple and quick.
2. The third module is the butt. It is attached to the casing using a special locking assembly and lock. To fasten the parts together, just screw the stock with a rotational motion. This approach allows you to quickly change the third module if necessary.

It’s worth looking at the Vinci stock in more detail, since it is this part of the weapon that eliminates the lion’s share of the energy generated during recoil. All thanks to the fact that the gun is equipped with the innovative Comfort Tech Plus system - an upgraded version of Comfort Tech, which was present, for example, in the Benelli Raffaello. The technology consists of 12 cutouts on the butt (making it more flexible), a special butt pad, and an adjustable comb.

Operating principle

Not everyone fully understands how the principle of operation of an inertial system differs from a gas exhaust engine. However, such a mechanism is considered several times more convenient than the one based on the principle of gas removal. Here's how it all works:

1. First, a shot occurs, and the smoothbore gun, according to the law of conservation of momentum, begins to “tear” back, which in the usual case leads to recoil.
2. A special return spring begins to accumulate energy, after which it compresses and opens the rotating bolt cylinder, removing it from the locking mode.
3. Once the bolt is fully open, the used cartridge case is ejected from the receiver by the action of the extractor.

1. Since the cartridges in the magazine are under constant pressure from another spring, new ammunition is fed into the receiver immediately after it is emptied.
2. After this, the return spring begins to expand, which leads to the closure of the bolt frame, locking of the chamber, and rotation of the cylinder to its original position.

Unlike a gas engine, such a reloading system does not lead to the loss of part of the energy from the ignition of gunpowder, so the power and accuracy of the battle do not suffer. Also, the inertial engine makes it possible to use cartridges with an increased load of shot and gunpowder, which is important for any hunter.

Design

As mentioned a little earlier, one of the main advantages of the Benelli Vinci shotgun is its unique design. The Italians decided not to make many complications, so that even a beginner could, if necessary, disassemble and repair the model. Of course, most design features are directly related to the inertial motor, but there are also fundamentally unique systems:

• the gun barrel is located on the same axis with the inertial motor, which reduces the likelihood of the gun being thrown up during recoil;

• the inertial system is activated using just one spring, which is located inside the bolt box, and the other mechanisms only “pick up” the inertia;
• there is a special stop on the barrel of the weapon, which is a metal plane - this allows you not to worry about the engine breaking due to strong recoil;
• the barrel of the weapon is cryogenically treated (–184 degrees Celsius) so that the metal has better strength and flexibility;
• the magazine is located in the first part of the carriage and is attached to the barrel block with a simple rotational movement (usually Benelli shotguns have a non-removable magazine);
• the ability to quickly remove cartridges from the magazine by pressing a special button - a significant plus in the weapon’s safety system;
• forend - deservedly considered one of the most comfortable in the segment (the full merit is due to the special corrugation, which negates the likelihood of the hand slipping);
• transverse safety - its button is located in front of the trigger guard and has a special indicator that allows you to quickly determine the firing position.

And these are just the main design parts that distinguish the Benelli Vinci from the rest of the guns. We did not say a word about the trigger mechanism, since it is nothing special.

Specifications

Another clear advantage of the Vinci gun is its technical characteristics, which can be found in more detail in the weapons passport. Here is a small table taken from there:

The accuracy indicator deserves special mention. When using 12-gauge cartridges loaded with No. 0 shot and 5 grams of Sokol gunpowder, the accuracy of the Vinci was 60% (shooting was carried out at a bench target from a distance of 50 meters).

Advantages and disadvantages

Based on information obtained from online reviews from real owners of Benelli Vinci shotguns, we have compiled a small list that outlines the main advantages of smoothbore weapons:

• excellent ergonomics - the Vinci weighs quite little, and it is very comfortable to hold it in your hands due to the butt adapting to the anatomy of the body and a special cut on the fore-end;
• smooth trigger movement - the firing pin operates quietly and without any vibration, and does not require much effort to press;

• balance - this parameter has been adjusted by Benelli to the smallest detail, so that the gun will not tilt forward or backward during aiming;
• the ability to use ammunition with an increased amount of gunpowder is an important aspect for any hunter who wants to get maximum performance characteristics from a weapon;
• excellent equipment - the kit with the gun contains not only a spare parts kit and documentation, but also several choke tubes and even a bottle of gun oil;
• cost - unlike the Benelli Raffaello gun (which will cost at least 170 thousand rubles), the price tag for the Vinci starts at around 140 thousand.

Of course, no weapon can be without flaws, and the Benelli Vinci is no exception in this regard. Although it should be noted that the model does not have many negative qualities, and they do not sound too repulsive:

• some models are defective - the magazine release button does not work properly and separates the ammunition container every once in a while;
• impressive dimensions - carrying a disassembled gun in a standard case is not very convenient.

Most hunters believe that the Benelli Vinci is worth the money. The standard version of the gun is not equipped with various engravings or a gold-plated trigger. All that the buyer will receive for 140 thousand rubles is a high-quality weapon with good ergonomics.

Benelli motorcycles

Benelli is a famous Italian manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters. The company is currently owned by the Chinese Qianjiang Group.

The company's history begins in Italy in 1911, which makes Benelli one of the oldest manufacturers of motorcycles. Initially, the company was a simple repair shop, which, however, could itself produce the necessary spare parts for bicycles and motorcycles.

Benelli created its first 75 cc two-stroke engine in 1920. It was immediately adapted to a bicycle frame, and the following year the company released a motorcycle with a modernized 98 cc engine. Two years later, one of the sons of the company founder begins to compete in the Italian championship. Riding a specially modified Benelli 175 motorcycle, he won in 1927, 1928, 1930 and 1931, and in 1931 the motorcycle was already equipped with a double camshaft (DOHC).

Before the war, Benelli managed to release a four-cylinder racing motorcycle with a 250 cc engine. see, and after that production practically stops until 1949. However, by 1951, Benelli produced a wide range of motorcycles - 98 and 125 cc light models and more powerful 350 and 500 cc bikes. The need for inexpensive means of transportation in post-war Italy made these models very popular and they successfully competed with other Italian brands.

In 1962, Benelli acquired the Motobi company and increased production and the number of employees. In 1969, the successful Benelli Tornado 650 model was launched, intended primarily for the US and UK markets. This motorcycle was distinguished by its reliability and good dynamic characteristics - the maximum speed was about 180 km/h. Production of this model continued until 1974, when it was replaced by the Multis series.

At the end of the 60s, Benelli, like many European motorcycle manufacturers, found itself in crisis due to fierce competition with Japanese companies. Although Benelli still sells a large number of popular 350cc motorcycles in the US market, Honda's more modern motorcycles have significantly reduced the company's market share.

In 1973, the Benelli company and its competitor Motto Guzzi were acquired by the Argentinean Alexandro De Tomaso. After this, the development and production of multi-cylinder powerful models such as the 350 Quatro and 500 Quatro, as well as an amazing motorcycle with a 6-cylinder in-line 750 cc engine, was launched. see. This allows Benelli motorcycles to successfully compete with Japanese models, but due to financial difficulties, in 1988 the company was reformed into Guzzi Benelli Moto SpA, and the factories in Pesaro, from which the history of Benelli began, are sold.

In the late 90s, the Benelli company began to revive, releasing successful models such as the Benelli Tornado 900 Tre sportbike and the TNT series. Now Benelli belongs to the Chinese Qianjiang Group and produces a wide range of motorcycles, from small-capacity scooters to powerful road bikes motorcycles.

Options and modifications

Apart from the basic model, the Benelli Vinci shotgun is also available in the market in various modified versions. These guns are tailored to the needs of professional hunters. Here is their brief description:

• Benelli Vinci Black ("Black") 76 - modification, made in dark colors, chamber 76 mm;
• Benelli Vinci Camo Max 5 - a gun in camouflage colors that blends with nature;

Benelli Vinci Camo Max shotgun in camouflage

• Benelli Vinci Tactical - tactical version of the Vinci-12-76 with various modules;
• Benelli Vinci Desret Dune - a gun with a unique design and the ability to quickly discharge;
• Benelli Vinci Amazonia Green - the model is replete with high technological innovations.

The Benelli Super Vinci version deserves special mention, which has an 86 mm chamber (for supermagnum cartridges) and a non-standard trigger guard shape. Such a weapon is useful for hunting elk, wild boar or bear.

Disassembly and care

The Benelli Vinci shotgun can be disassembled into three main components without the use of any tools. The parts are fastened by rotary rotation, so you will have to disassemble the gun by unscrewing one part from the other. This can be done even in natural conditions. Due to the modular design, you can quickly change types of butts right during the hunt. Assembly is carried out in reverse order.

Caring for Vinci weapons involves regular cleaning and lubrication of the product. It is best to use the spare parts kit that is included in the package for this purpose, and also acquire a bottle of universal weapon oil, for example, Ballistol. It is not recommended to pour lubricant inside the structure, as this can lead to the formation of a dense layer, which will not only worsen the dynamic performance, but also lead to the formation of a large layer of galvanized plaque.

The Benelli Vinci model is one of the most modern and comfortable shotguns from the Italian manufacturer. In the hands of a skilled hunter, this weapon will become a reliable tool for hunting almost any animal. The self-loading mechanism will faithfully serve its owner for many decades (subject to regular care). And the ability to quickly disassemble will be a pleasant addition for any hunter or athlete.

Links

• [www.benelli.it/en Official website]
• [www.benelliusa.com/ Official website of the representative office in the USA]