Benelli Belmonte I - any info?

[AmBraCol]

Hey guys,

Just got word that there was a small importation of shotguns for sportsmen here in Coffee Country. At the bottom of the list in price is the Benelli Belmonte I. I see there's a Belmonte II out, so that makes me a bit dubious about the first version. On the other hand, sometimes the second version is the one that's messed up (think Winchester 120 vs 12). For some time we've been contemplating expanding the "battery" and a 12 Gauge has figured prominently in the cogitations. But what I know about modern shotguns could be put in a 12 gauge shell and leave enough room for a full load of powder and shot! So, if any of y'all are familiar with the Benelli Belmonte I, I'd appreciate feedback on it as to reliability, durability, small parts to keep on hand, etc. Thanks!

[Pete44ru]

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Having owned 3 different Benelli autoloaders over the years - an early Super Black Eagle/SBE (M-121), an M1 Super 90, & a Montefeltro - I would have high confidence in buying ANY new Benelli.

They are fast-cycling actions due to the Inertia Drive, but DO deliver a bit more felt recoil than a gas gun.

They are IME super dependable autoloaders.

The Belmonte appears to be a wood-stocked version of the SBE, which has a slightly different takedown, compared to their Montefeltro action.

The Montefeltro's barrel pulls off the one-piece receiver & magazine tube after removing the forend; the SBE's receiver is in two parts (upper/lower), with the upper receiver/bolt staying with the barrel when it's disassembled.

Keep in mind, though - that my opinion's worth exactly what you paid for it. .


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[GunnyMack]

Can't go wrong with a Benelli. My M1 Super 90 has never failed to put shot on target. It has been in downpours, ice & snow... If I was to have only 1 shotgun it would be a Benelli!

[AmBraCol]

Thanks, guys. Jeff Quinn tells me that the Belmonte is probably sold in the US under the Stoeger name. It's being billed as a Beretta here in Coffee Country. This makes it "entertaining" to try and track down specific info. The inertia system has a lot going for it, if well built. More felt recoil than a gas gun, but the probability of us putting oodles of loads through it is very low with ammo prices here being what they are. Reliability is what I'm interested in, and the ability to find the most important spare parts as well.

[Pete44ru]

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IDK about the spare parts availability, Paul - None of my Benelli's have ever needed any.

Their reliability is at the head of the class.

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