Gear

The best second-hand semi-autos for under £850

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Option 3 Benelli semi-auto

We take a look at one of the lightest semi-automatic shotguns in its class – the Benelli Montefeltro.

£935.00

Mike George advises on buying second-hand semi-auto shotguns Over the years the Italians have made some super semi-autos. In the…

Why haven’t I recommended a particular model? Well, there are lots to choose from and they’re all good.

Like the new Browning A5, Benellis work on the inertia system rather than being gas-fed. The bolt turns as it moves forward and lugs engage with the mouth of the chamber, giving a very firm lock-up at the moment of firing. The first time I reviewed a Benelli I wrote “just like an AK47”, much to the amusement of the then importer.
It’s a “clean” system, with no gas ports and pistons to get fouled up with hard carbon deposits.
If you are looking at new guns, top of the range is the Rafaello Executive, with a recommended retail price of more than £4,000, but on the second-hand shelves there are plenty of models which will be well within the £850 budget. Twelve-bores seem to range in weight from seven to eight pounds.