Attention Benelli owners!!!

Recently I hunted with Shawn Sims when his Super Black Eagle had some issues with the forearm. The first ring broke in pieces causing the forearm to loosen and begin to slide. As the morning went on the problem became worse, the second and third rings broke. He managed to keep it together as we finished our limit of ducks.

Back at The Den, several others with Benelli shotguns took them apart to see if theirs had the same issue. Every Benelli gun we checked, 4 in all, had a hair line fracture in the first ring.

I, also owning a Benelli, but didn't have it with me, looked at forums on the net and learned this was in deed a problem with Super Black Eagles and even M2's.

I called Benelli USA this morning and spoke to customer service, 1-800-264-4962. I was told the hair line fracture is normal (I still have doubts about that) and was told that if the ring completely breaks, which Shawn's did, they would replace the forearm. All Benelli needed was the serial number off the gun.

The customer service rep asked if the guns in questioned had been shooting 3 1/2 inch shells, I said yes, he then replied that was the problem, of course I responded with, "you make it to shoot 3 1/2 inch shells so there should not be a problem" He assured me the crack was normal and Benelli would warranty the forearm if the ring broke completely.

The rep, said to make sure the forearm end cap is TIGHT at all times, any slack adds additional stress on the rings from the recoil. I asked if Benelli was looking at a solution to this problem he said not at this time.

I own at least one of every shoutgun made by each manufacturer Beretta, Browning, Franchi, Ithaca, Remington, and Winchester, I even own a Charles Daily, I honestly expected a little more from Benelli.