Thought I'd run this stellar experience by everyone...
Sent my SBE2 back in for evaluation, very detailed multi-page letter of my results, chokes, shotshells, etc patterned with the gun...POA vs POI issues experienced, possible causes, etc, etc...and also included the fact that I've spent $1500 on the gun and probably another $2000+ on chokes and shotshells trying to achieve a comfortable 40 yard gun (which it currently isn't for predator shot IMHO, but is a solid turkey gun and an acceptable buckshot gun)...but with expectations of this gun shooting at least 50 yards.
Gun received at Benelli: 02/24/2009
Gun received back by me: 04/21/2009
Gun tested at Benelli: 04/15/2009
I receive back two patterned targets and a small piece of paper that says:
Interestingly the 21 yards is at the bottom and in bold...easy enough to edit as they see fit.
Further, I asked numerous times before sending the gun back what their patterning tests include. Benelli Customer Service never provided a clear answer other than "they'll ensure it is in spec". When asked what their interpretation of "in spec" was, they again had no clear answer. I asked if it aligned with NWTF standards or some other industry standard...they again, had no clear answer other than "send it in and we'll review it".
So now, I come to learn they test it at 21 yards...essentially bow range...or for the skilled hunter, maybe spear range. Outstanding!
Not to mention I included in my letter that the majority of my patterning was done at 40 yards at 20" circles but 30" circles for buckshot is often considered "standard". They ignored that because apparently their guns are in spec if they shoot acceptable at 21 yards.
Hate to say it, but I could probably grab a handful of shot and throw it at the target at 21 yards equally well...or even use a slingshot and maybe even get better patterns than the gun itself.
The next kicker...I included in my letter I was specifically patterning 00 buckshot (or 000), high-density T and BB shot, and a 4x5x7 and #6 turkey shot in 3" and 3.5" shells. Now I don't expect them to shoot high density or expensive shells, but maybe match up the size of the shells at least?
Nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
They shot:
1) 3" Kent Steel (no size listed, maybe #5 or #6)
2) 2-3/4" Winchester AA (no size listed, looks like #8 or #9)
Nice.
Finally, they extended their quality service even farther by returning me a dirty gun after shooting it. Thanks guys! I'd imagine they do this so I can't accuse them of not even testing the gun (despite the targets included)? Sadly, they might as well not have shot it, because their testing and results (the whole TWO SHOTS) does absolutely nothing to help me out as THEIR CUSTOMER.
And I love the labor time noted on the return slip...looks like a whole 20 MINUTES (could be even up to 40 MINUTES) if I read it correctly.
Thanks JW and RF of Benelli, after I've spent day after day after day at the range, diligently testing your fine firearm costing me out of pocket more than $3500...you've extended yourselves with such amazing service and provided me with a full 20-40 minutes of your time firing two test patterns at 21 yards with shots that are completely different than the ones I've targeted! Awesome!
So here's a big FU to Benelli, for wasting my time and money. Glad I was able to waste 20-40 minutes of yours...and rest assured, it's the last I'll waste of my time and money on your company! Well...that is after I call them tomorrow to let them know how I feel! Lucky they are closed now!
I guess I expect too much...but then again, I get that much out of my Remingtons...go figure.
Doubtful I'll sell the gun, it's a great turkey gun (legitimate 50-60 yard gun, longest kill with it is 63 yards)...but after putting in as much as I have...I'd rather wrap it around a tree or test fire my Remingtons at it than sell it for 1/3 or less than I've put into it.
Sent my SBE2 back in for evaluation, very detailed multi-page letter of my results, chokes, shotshells, etc patterned with the gun...POA vs POI issues experienced, possible causes, etc, etc...and also included the fact that I've spent $1500 on the gun and probably another $2000+ on chokes and shotshells trying to achieve a comfortable 40 yard gun (which it currently isn't for predator shot IMHO, but is a solid turkey gun and an acceptable buckshot gun)...but with expectations of this gun shooting at least 50 yards.
Gun received at Benelli: 02/24/2009
Gun received back by me: 04/21/2009
Gun tested at Benelli: 04/15/2009
I receive back two patterned targets and a small piece of paper that says:
Interestingly the 21 yards is at the bottom and in bold...easy enough to edit as they see fit.
Further, I asked numerous times before sending the gun back what their patterning tests include. Benelli Customer Service never provided a clear answer other than "they'll ensure it is in spec". When asked what their interpretation of "in spec" was, they again had no clear answer. I asked if it aligned with NWTF standards or some other industry standard...they again, had no clear answer other than "send it in and we'll review it".
So now, I come to learn they test it at 21 yards...essentially bow range...or for the skilled hunter, maybe spear range. Outstanding!
Not to mention I included in my letter that the majority of my patterning was done at 40 yards at 20" circles but 30" circles for buckshot is often considered "standard". They ignored that because apparently their guns are in spec if they shoot acceptable at 21 yards.
Hate to say it, but I could probably grab a handful of shot and throw it at the target at 21 yards equally well...or even use a slingshot and maybe even get better patterns than the gun itself.
The next kicker...I included in my letter I was specifically patterning 00 buckshot (or 000), high-density T and BB shot, and a 4x5x7 and #6 turkey shot in 3" and 3.5" shells. Now I don't expect them to shoot high density or expensive shells, but maybe match up the size of the shells at least?
Nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
They shot:
1) 3" Kent Steel (no size listed, maybe #5 or #6)
2) 2-3/4" Winchester AA (no size listed, looks like #8 or #9)
Nice.
Finally, they extended their quality service even farther by returning me a dirty gun after shooting it. Thanks guys! I'd imagine they do this so I can't accuse them of not even testing the gun (despite the targets included)? Sadly, they might as well not have shot it, because their testing and results (the whole TWO SHOTS) does absolutely nothing to help me out as THEIR CUSTOMER.
And I love the labor time noted on the return slip...looks like a whole 20 MINUTES (could be even up to 40 MINUTES) if I read it correctly.
Thanks JW and RF of Benelli, after I've spent day after day after day at the range, diligently testing your fine firearm costing me out of pocket more than $3500...you've extended yourselves with such amazing service and provided me with a full 20-40 minutes of your time firing two test patterns at 21 yards with shots that are completely different than the ones I've targeted! Awesome!
So here's a big FU to Benelli, for wasting my time and money. Glad I was able to waste 20-40 minutes of yours...and rest assured, it's the last I'll waste of my time and money on your company! Well...that is after I call them tomorrow to let them know how I feel! Lucky they are closed now!
I guess I expect too much...but then again, I get that much out of my Remingtons...go figure.
Doubtful I'll sell the gun, it's a great turkey gun (legitimate 50-60 yard gun, longest kill with it is 63 yards)...but after putting in as much as I have...I'd rather wrap it around a tree or test fire my Remingtons at it than sell it for 1/3 or less than I've put into it.
