Benelli MR1 - worth buying???

[Warrior Judge]

I do not have an "evil black rifle." I have plenty of shotguns and lever action rifles, but I lack an AR type rifle. The new Benelli MR1 looks interesting to me. Does anyone have any experience with this new rifle, or its close relation, the Benelli R1?

I don't have any "need" for such a rifle, but I'd like to add one or two to my gun safe. Any thoughts on this new Benelli, or any other recommendations for a reliable AR type rifle for under $2,000.00? For my purposes, the rifle(s) would be for fun/target shooting, not for daily carry or for life threatening situations (at least I hope not).


WJ

 

[kingofwylietx]

Free bump because I'd like to hear peoples opinions too.

 

[Dawico]

I don't think the MR1 is on dealers shelves yet. I will get one as soon as they are though. Benelli seems to be very hush-hush on a release date.

I love my R1 30.06. It has been very reliable and a soft shooter. My only complaint is accuracy. It is a 2" rifle. Hot, cold, 110gr, 180gr, dirty, clean, doesn't matter, 2". Even handloads and 168 gr match are the same. I know this is by no means bad, but I was hoping for better. I haven't taken the gas system apart to check for the erosion that other owners have experienced. That is next on my to do list. But, I have over 500 rounds through it, and have experienced no problems at all.

 

[DCortez]

With a $1299 msrp, I wonder how it stacks up to other guns in that price range.

 

[Mate]

Why would you pick this over an AR type rifle?

There's a whole world of support for the AR. With all of the different maker always competing against each other you always get cool/new/better/cheaper stuff. If something breaks on that rifle you've gotta go directly to Benelli for a part. If I need an AR part I can go either to a friend, or to a myriad of vendors.

And at 8lbs unloaded, Benelli can keep it. The ARGO system works great in the shotties, but I'm always kind of leary when the first gen of anything comes out. If you really want it, let them get the bugs worked out on it, if there are any.


Just my opinion.

 

[DirtyD]

Why would you pick this over an AR type rifle?

There's a whole world of support for the AR. With all of the different maker always competing against each other you always get cool/new/better/cheaper stuff. If something breaks on that rifle you've gotta go directly to Benelli for a part. If I need an AR part I can go either to a friend, or to a myriad of vendors.

And at 8lbs unloaded, Benelli can keep it. The ARGO system works great in the shotties, but I'm always kind of leary when the first gen of anything comes out. If you really want it, let them get the bugs worked out on it, if there are any.


Just my opinion.

Agreed... I have been going back and forth on an XCR versus an AR, and made up my mind based upon the fact that if I need parts for an XCR, where do I get them? If I need parts for an AR, well that really isnt a problem. This is taking nothing away from the XCR, it is an amazing rifle, but most of us own our AR's for specific reasons, and when those reasons become realities I do not want to have to worry about what ifs....

 

[Warrior Judge]

Well, I sort of bought one by default last night. I placed a bid on one listed on Gunbroker, not thinking I'd get it. But, my $940.00 bid won the Benelli MR1. I think for that price, it is a good deal. I would not pay $1,199 to $1,299.00 for one.


WJ

 

[Dawico]

Congrats on your great deal. You will have to get us a range report, of course. With all the money you saved, I expect a couple (10)thousand rounds on the first day. Also extreme heat, freezing conditions, clean, dirty, lubed, dry, best grouping, long range results, and maybe run it over with your truck a couple times. I'll be sitting right here until I hear the results.

Just kidding, but not really. Congrats again.

 

[DCortez]

Grats, can't wait to hear your review.

 

[kingofwylietx]

Grats, can't wait to hear your review.

+1

 

[ldcarson]

In for the review as well. U got a great deal on it!!!