Comments on: Benelli Vinci Shotgun

By: Bob

Bob — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 02:59:48 +0000

I bought the Vinci last July and have had no problems with it till today, I got to the trap range and my rear bead was smashed down and barely half of it was viewable. I don’t know how it happened but i was shooting over the top of everything all day long. I have about 1200 shot cycled through it from pheasant loads to light target loads. I love the gun but this really aggravated me when i am going Pheasant hunting next weekend. Anyone have any thoughts on a quick fix because the gander mountain gun smith just happens to be on vacation this for the week.

By: Don

Don — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:38:46 +0000

David-Is it possible that you are not shouldering the gun properly??? This gun is recoil operated and therefore you must have a good solid mount to cycle the next shell. I am not trying to insult you, I had this problem myself. I bought the gun and shot cheap 2 3/4″ shells at the range without issue. Then I went to the outer banks were I needed to dress in winter clothing. In the excitement and extra clothing I wasn’t mounting the gun properly and had several cycling failures. When I realized what was happening I made it a point to mount the gun properly, and never had another problem. The failure to fire is what “I” consider a design flaw. When the weapon is loaded, if there is a slight impact on the stock (setting it down with any force) the bolt carrier group will ride back, thus, pulling the bolt from the chamber. When it rides forward with such little force it does not fully re-seat the the bolt into the chamber. You can see this because the extractor pin will be sitting at a 90 degree angle or the 3 o’clock position. The bolt can be re-seated by either pushing up on the extractor pin or pulling the charging handle half way back and releasing. I hope this helps, I love my SBEII.

By: duckwayne

duckwayne — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:34:47 +0000

want to purchase a mag-extension for my vinci can anybody help

By: gregg

gregg — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:41:34 +0000

If thay will give you a refund take it and run !!! Your wife is a angle . Do her justice and find a high quality gun with her . Thay sold her sales # s not the best shotgun .

By: David

David — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:06:11 +0000

I got a SBEII just before duck season and have not been happy with it. I, unlike others, am having trouble with heavy 3.5″ loads. I am shooting Black Cloud 2s so I know it is not because of cheap shells. It has not fired twice and has either jammed, not thrown a spent shell, or not picked up the next shell 6 times. I have shot 50 of those shells.
On the other hand I have shot 75 rounds of the cheapest 2 3/4″ shells you can buy and never had a problem. These are the only rounds that I have shot. Do I need to shoot more for a break in period or just give up and send it back? If you have any ideas to help me out please post them. I am in the same boat as many of you being that this gun in a gift from my wife and she is disappointed to hear that the gun is not preforming correctly.

By: gregg

gregg — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:49:35 +0000

Gregg – I emailed a gun writer after much frustration with benelli ! customer service is bad . that is why I demanded refund instead of a repair . And I will not buy another benelli for this reason . I found 3 people that had the same problem as me. They traded theirs in and lost money on the deal .( Benelli said I was the only one) ? with this problem so it did not pay to investigate . And meeting with the area rep was a waste of my time and money . He pawned me off on a gun smith that told me it did not fit me.( 5ft 11in 180# average build ). I shoot 5000 rounds min a year NSCA . I broke 49 of 50 first time with vinci gun down all 8 stations in skeet . Two eyes open hit everything hard . Who knows mabe he was right and I blew this out of proportion. Contact a top gun writer as this worked for me . Hope this helps good luck gregg.

By: Gregg

Gregg — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:37:00 +0000

Hey all I am back with an update. Still not 100% satisfied with the Vinci. I sent it back to Benelli to be looked at and I guess they did. I got the gun back but no report or no diagnosis just got it back and the guys at Bass Pro just said it should be good to go. I should mention that I got the gun back and the case was destroyed…three of the clips were broken off and the clear plastic that holds the barrel was cracked. I examined the gun and the front sight was broken off. Bass pro gave me a new front sight and a new aluminum case. They said there is no way to know who was at fault for all the damage (Bass Pro/Shipping/Benelli). I reluctantly took the gun after arguing with them for over an hour and half because I wanted a brand new gun. They basically made me whole by giving me a new front sight and a new case and there was nothing I could do. (Cabelas and local gun dealers get my business now.)

Getting to the gun. It went from mis-feeding every other shot to mis-feeding every 10 or so shots, the shells still get jammed after they are cycled out of the tube and the carrier can’t lift them up). An improvement yes but a workhorse Vinci that they boast about….no. I don’t know what else to do. I have left several messages at Benelli (Bass Pro is no help) but no call backs yet. I’ll keep you posted. If anyone knows any execs or benelli reps please have them post their contact info because I would love to talk to them.

By: KyW

KyW — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:44:29 +0000

there is a plug in the mag tube. there is a small screw at the top of the mag plug and be carefull the cap will fly off do to the spring tension, and remove the plug and then put it all back together then u have 3+1 or look at page 10 on your spare parts list book

By: Don

Don — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:09:06 +0000

KyW,
Excuse my ignorance, but how did you get 3 + 1 in this gun.

By: KyW

KyW — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:15:24 +0000

i have put 2000rds through my Vinci since had it, and have only had a couple problems with misfeeds but over all got to say i love the vinci just wish it held more than 3+1 rds

By: JeffH

JeffH — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:56:19 +0000

UPDATE…I bought my 26″ Vinci through Gunbroker.com (very reliable site) for $1150. Everyone was bidding on the camo models and ignorig the black ones. That said, I like the looks, had to read the manual to put it together, but is pretty simple and easy to do. My first outing was for diver ducks in Grizzly Bay in the delta east of San Francisco Bay. Hadn’t even fired it until then and dropped thr first three birds, first two with single shots and the third took three shots and tracked smoothly. I normally shoot a 17yo SBE and I will say, the Vinci shoots much, much softer. I was also shooting Fiocci 3″ 1-1/4 oz. 2’s. Deadly without fail. It was damp and foggy, but no rust issues. The Vinci is comfortable, and I don’t think ovepriced if one has patience and shops a little. Certainly cheaper than a Maxus or the new Beretta A-400. I really don’t need 3-1/2″ anymore. I have also put 6 rds of skeet without failure. I love the fit and feel and I like the looks of it.

By: Berzerk

Berzerk — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:32:31 +0000

Hi guys, new to blog. I own a sbe1 and absolutly love the fact it will shoot every time even when i drop it in 3 foot of swamp water, however it has the problem that many sbe’s have of not shooting where it is held. I know that the bolt is changed somewhat on the vinci, but is it still basically the same as to the point that it will shoot dirty, and i mean DIRTY? I am not one of these people who thinks that every thing i own is the best, but frankly, i cant find any other brand that will fire everytime dirty or not, this is important to me, not looks, brand, wood or plastic, it just has to take the abuse of being thrown in the bottom of a boat, dropped in the water, freezing temps, etc. Do any of you guys abuse your vinci this way and can say yes it will shoot or am i the only one who abuses their equipment this way. Please be honest and accurate, i dont want to invest 1400 for something i dont need or cant use. Thank you for your comments and happy holidays.

Berzerk

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:07:22 +0000

I’ve had my Vinci since July and I love it. The only problem im having is that it is rusting. I hunt ducks on Lake Erie and Ontario so it has never been in salty conditions. I would like know if anyone else is having this problem? p.s. and yes I wipe it down after every use and it is the black synthetic stock and black barrel.

By: William

William — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:08:11 +0000

I’ve had my Vinci since July. I’ve put plenty of target loads through it and so far have killed doves, teal, mallards and Canadas with it. Maybe three misfeeds the whole time.

Its light, therefore it kicks, but it is certainly manageable. It points better than any other hunting gun I have ever used.

It does need to be broken in, but any fine piece of machinery does.

By: Tom Davis

Tom Davis — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:45:38 +0000

Cheekez is a stick on pad to raise the drop, reduce recoil, etc. Probably any dense foam will work fine.

Good luck.

By: Eugene Wall

Eugene Wall — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:21:46 +0000

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that I work at Dicks, I run the gun dept. and have shot the heck out of the Vinci since I bought it. I didn’t pay full retail, but that is a benefit for those of us who regularly sell guns we can’t afford, to people who won’t listen to our advice about break-in. I ALWAYS suggest a full case of heavy loads, after a complete break-down and cleaning of the gun. That cosmolene is a bear on internals just so you know. I wasn’t too sure about it, because I am an ardent wood lover, and this is the 1st gun without wood I’ve ever bought. It may not be pretty, and in my opinion, it isn’t, but the birds don’t notice, they are too busy trying to get out of range, and most don’t make it!! It kicks less than my Remington 11-48, 16 gauge that I’ve shot since I was 10 and that was 36 years ago. I might even consider giving it up for the Vinci on upland birds!
Cheers!

By: Larry Olson

Larry Olson — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:55:39 +0000

I purchased a Vinci Camo in August. Shot it on doves and early pheasant and quail. Loved it, ugly but a natural pointer and I shoot it better than any of the other 20 some O/U’s and Auto’s that I have.
My big complaint is the safety. In warm weather no problem. In cold with heavier gloves you can’t find the safety. I would like to see a retro fit or an after market. I also have my doubts about shooting 7000 rounds in three days. Granted it shoots softer but not that much unless the guys were shooting light trap loads. I’m 6′1″ and 220#, shot trap for years and can take the recoil of about anything but this gun still has a bite to it if you are just shooting at a pattern board, especially with handicap loads or field loads .

By: dandh67

dandh67 — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 03:47:53 +0000

I have the Vinci and it’s a dream for fowl and fun. I primarily use a Ruger Red Label Sporting Clays for my target shooting and I tried this for fun on one round and it’s hard for me not to keep going back to it instead of my O/U. First assembly after purchase was a bear, I tried everything and, hate to say this, after ensuring the weapon was not loaded I had to forcibly slam the gun to the floor (on carpet, barrel pointed up alarmingly to my chest…thus the ensuring unloaded part) while holding the receiver module close to the barrel and voila, it made that extra 1/8 – 1/4 inch and seated and locked in fine. I’ve never had that tough of a time since trying to slide back the handguard retaining ring on an M-16 with sweaty hands and a DS yelling at me….. Anyhow what they say is true, it’s all easier, a breeze actually after that. (one thing I did also was, while surfing the net for 45 minutes I continuously worked the forearm locking “knob” to intentionally wear on the locking lug)…..Good luck, It’s an awesome piece of shooting technology, great gun. I’d love to give to my grandkids.

By: bobby savoy

bobby savoy — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:01:39 +0000

Thanks Tom,please clarify,”cheekez”.Bobby.

By: Tom Davis

Tom Davis — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:08:25 +0000

I had a similar problem. It is caused by the fact that the pistol grip is more vertical on the Vinci than other shotguns. Your middle finger ends up a lot closer to the guard. I stuck a piece of 1/4 foam cheekez on the backside of the trigger guard and the problem was solved.

By: bobby savoy

bobby savoy — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:19:13 +0000

Purchased new Vinci in Aug.,shot dove in sept., no problem.Shot duck,2 3/4 in.1/4 oz. in teal season.The trigger guard hits my middle finger with serious pain. I own several auto’s & pumps in 12 ga. & 10 ga. never had this problem.Any suggestions???

By: Adam

Adam — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:24:53 +0000

I just got the gun and it if the best shotgun i have and it already killed birds and its cheap!!

By: Clay

Clay — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:08:14 +0000

hey im 15 years old and currently shoot a browning 20 guage pump. i want to move up to a 12 gauge and am willing to pay $1000 or so. im looking to get a good gun for dove, skeet and maby turkey. is the Benelli Vinci a good pick or do yall have some better suggestions?

By: Tom Davis

Tom Davis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:38:43 +0000

Just a note about breakin. My Vinci came pretty much unlubricated. I soaked the bolt and reciever with Break Free and the gun worked pretty much flawlessly from the first shot.

Only problem was with some low velocity reloads that would not cycle. I’m thinking that anything slower than about 1150 fps will probably not work too well. Makes sense because the action is recoil driven after all.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:35:08 +0000

I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about this gun and very few bad ones. I’m looking into and i think I might buy one. And just a little heads up to all of you that are saying its an ugly gun, my personal opinion is that it’s new to many people and it doesnt have the looks of what we’re used to. So maybe after we see it a couple more times, we’ll get used to it and eventually think its better looking than we thought.

By: Dale

Dale — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:50:04 +0000

I bought a Vinci a couple of weeks ago and love it. I have shot 250 plus rounds of light loads at sporting clays range, so far no jams. Shoots better than my SBE II. Can’t wait until hunting season.

By: gregg

gregg — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:46:52 +0000

Gregg hunting season will be over . It took three months before my refund . Because I am the only one to be hurt from their new product their was no concern to investagate . Whats important . customer or profit . Hopefully your wife understands $1500.00 loss better than mine did . Good luck explaining .

By: Kyle

Kyle — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:17:44 +0000

Reckon I’ll throw an update in as well. I’ve put prob 800 rounds through my Vinci since my last post and with out a single stop in cycle. I love this thing and has become my go to shotty. Switching to a TruGlo bead made it all the better for me.
Gregg I’d say stick it out because this will shoot. (but if you do turn it into a Maxus I wanna know how they shoot haha)

By: Gregg

Gregg — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:18:52 +0000

Hey Commenters, just wanted to give an update. (By the way there are two Gregg posters…myself having the cycling problem and another gregg who returned his “cheek peeler”) just so there is no confusion to anyone following the thread.

My Vinci is on its way back to Benelli to be checked out. After about 200 rounds (mostly 1 1/8 oz.) still misfeeding. The gun shop told me they have sold a lot of Vinci’s and I was the first and only to come back with a problem so they are going to send the gun back. Unfortunatly bird season starts next weekend and they told me it could be several weeks before I get it back.

Depending on the results I may give up the Vinci. Going to the shop later this week to check out the Browning Maxus.

By: austin s

austin s — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:27:00 +0000

im only 14 ive got a remington 870 youth 20gauge and im ready to move up to a 12gauge and im willing to pay a little over 1grand for a new gun but i need some sugestions on benellis that may be better for a young shooter

By: tony petres

tony petres — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:46:14 +0000

Just an observation, directed at the folks who are so disappointed that the new guns are stiff and don’t function flawlessly. For gosh sakes, every thing (machine-wise, and that’s what we have here folks) I’ve ever seen or purchased, from cars to fishing reels to sewing machines require break-in. How could it be any different?

Shoot the guns for a sustained period. If problems persist, perhaps you might have a real problem. Never believe the marketers. It’s their job to sell you the gun, not reality!

By: Dean

Dean — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:22:47 +0000

I finally got around to shooting my Vinci and shot 2 boxes of 2 3/4″ Winchester 3.5 dram eq. 1 1/8 oz shot shells without any issues at all. Just like my SBE, I love it!

By: jason

jason — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:05:59 +0000

I just got a vinci and shot mine with absolutely no problems what so ever! It sounds like the people that have had problems are the people who bought their gun from someone who didnt know what they were selling. My salesman specifically told me that I had to shoot 2 boxes of 3 inch heavy loads to break the gun in properly. After the break in the gun will definitely have no issues. I haven’t hunted in about 7 years and wanted to get back into the swing of things and decided to buy the best and I truly believe I made the right choice! I love my gun!!!!! and cant wait to shoot it again. Well worth the money and the wait.

By: Martin in Lancashire

Martin in Lancashire — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:05:58 +0000

Well you guys are the lucky ones! We will not be seeing the Vinci in the UK until early 2010. Question for Benelli “Why release it on us more than half way through a season? You’d think they’d know that if we aren’t out hunting we either in the gun shop getting ready for opening day or we’re talking about what we’ll be shooting at and what with. I’ve shot Benelli for many years and early this summer traded one in for a Beretta Exstrema. Kept hearing just how easy it was to shoot and that it would knock the socks of my Benelli. Well they were right if you! if you took a good told of the barrel and got a good swing you could club my hold Benelli in to the high skeet trap house. Beretta may have removed much of the kick with their gun but they all so removed all the fun from shooting when they did. I’ve never felt so removed from what I was shooting at in all my years of using a Benelli as the day I first used an Exstrema. So much so that every night the next week I was on thintnet looking for a dealer with a good range of Benelli in stock. I’d set my heart on a Benelli Super Black Eagle, But tried a M2 on my shoulder in the store with 26 inch barrels and my faith in guns was restored even before I’d pulled the trigger. The M2 is up to now the easiest mounting, fastest target acquiring, smoothest recoiling, Benelli I’ve yet fired.
You may now be wondering why I’m going on about an M2 on a Vinci forum. Well here’s why. I was comparing the M2 to my old Nitro that I still wish I’d not swapped in for the Exstrema. Now if the Vinci as moved on as far from the M2 has the M2 has against the Nitro then the Vinci will be the next field gun I get, but I’ll not be swapping the M2 for a while yet. It’s the Midland Game Fair on the weekend of 19th of Sept so you never know Benelli may get their finger out and at least let some lucky souls have a feel of just what they have to look forward to next year.

By: Glenn

Glenn — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:03:26 +0000

Just another comment on the Vinci hard case. Th plastic cover inside was cracked when it came in to the dealer.

By: Glenn

Glenn — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:58:13 +0000

Took my new Vinci to the skeet range today and had a ball shooting 3 quick boxes of target loads with out any problems. I havn’t shot a shotgun in years but use to hunt dove with an auto 5 Browning. The Benelli is lighter and is so quick and easy to keep on target for a follow up shot. The recoil was not an issue, but I will step up to high brass the next time I shoot and see how it manages. It took me a while to get used to shooting again, but I was knocking down doubles at the end of my shoot. I love it and can’t wait to shoot it again.

By: Dean

Dean — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:27:31 +0000

Gregg, I hate to hear of your bad experience with your Vinci, expecially since my son gave me one for father’s day. I haven’t even fired it once yet, but I confirmed with the dealer that I would have to run at least 50 or so rounds through it before it would function perfectly. I hate that and like you, I’ve never had a shotgun that needed to be “broken in” before. I will be in a dove field next Saturday and I’m praying that the only malfuntion will be human error on my part. Kindest regards and best wishes.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:26:11 +0000

I’m glad mine is getting better. Put another 75 rounds of High brass through it the other night and switched back to the walmart specials. Had two misfeeds out of about 3 boxes of shells. Its getting better with every outing. If the darn thing wasn’t so comfortable to shoot I would probably be a little more upset. Perceived recoil being a little less than the my M2 and throws a little better. Can definitely hit with it.

As far as the case, I kinda like it haha! It all fits good in there.

By: gregg

gregg — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 23:08:14 +0000

I returned my cheek peeler . Still waiting for my fifteen hundred. Their will be NO benelli’s in my kids hands let alone my great great grandchildren

By: Gregg

Gregg — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:16:23 +0000

Shot another 50 rounds of Gun Club this morning. Only 3 mis feeds. I guess it is getting better…Still pissed I even have to “break in” a $1300 Benelli I am going to the store to pick up a few boxes of heavier loads and see.

If I didn’t love how smooth the action is on this gun…the comfort and feel. I wouldn’t continue to torture myself. Plus it was my 30th birthday present from my fiance so I am also sentimental about it. Going to make this POS work right if its the last thing I do. I believe in you Vinci!!!

Regarding the case. The plastic prongs to hold the barrel are snapped….it came that way.

-G

By: Cliff

Cliff — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:16:14 +0000

After a little over a case of shells, field loads & target, my Vinci has yet to malfunction in any way. My research indicates that the Vinci frame is going to be the flagship for Benelli’s field weapons. Looks like when your great great grandchildren wear out today’s SBEs & M2s, a Vinci derivative may be their only option.

ON THE OTHER HAND, the Vinci case STINKS OUT LOUD. My neighborhood is 0 for 2 in getting an unbroken case on delivery. I guess the marketing morons felt Benelli needed something different for the modular rollout. Any Vinci owners out there interested in starting a recall effort with a factory exchange for a modified M2 style case?

By: Bill E

Bill E — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:59:04 +0000

I got my Vinci on July 3 and have put about 500 rounds through it, all Gun Club, and have had no problems. Seems to recycle crisper now then when it was first new.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:37:24 +0000

Maybe they didn’t tell us the break in they did on those guns before that torture test haha. Just talked to a Customer Service rep at Benelli and she said I was on the right track with shooting the heavier stuff. She said may need to do a few more boxes before that spring gets fully broke in so that lighter loads will function properly.

By: Gregg

Gregg — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:25:17 +0000

I feel like I got a lemon or something. If you read through the Argentina torture test these guns where apparently put through “no matter what load or make it was, shell after shell cycled through the action without malfunction or failure to feed or eject. The ammo type varied from the dirty shooting, locally made shells, to imported federal, estate and fiocchi loads. No matter whether it was low-brass one-ounce loads or high-brass 1-1/8-oz. target loads the Vinchis banged away relentlessly.”

After reading something like that and experienced what i did…I have to think something is wrong.

Gregg

By: Kyle

Kyle — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:26:30 +0000

Gregg, I know the frustration (as you can tell in my above post)! Shot mine this weekend using Estate High Velocity 2 3/4″, 1 1/4 oz shot, 3 3/4 Dram high brass. 100 rounds with 0 failure! I couldn’t make it jam even just holding it to the side and pullin the trigger, it just worked! Switched back to my Federal loads and right off the bat it stopped on the second round, same problem, shell didn’t fully clear the mag tube. Fixed it and it pushed on with only 1 more stop in 25 shells. Maybe once you get a good case of heavy stuff through it, it’ll be a shooter….not sure what else to do. Unless i invest in more shells like that, looks like the M2 will still be hot come dove season!