Everyone who has hunted at least once knows that for marshy areas and ponds there are restrictions on the use of lead cartridges. They are not suitable for such conditions and need to be replaced.
At the same time, the use of steel shot instead of lead is fraught with numerous ballistic problems, which can be dealt with with the right choice of iron and alloys necessary for the production of weapons.
A significant contribution to the development of such hunting and sporting shotguns was made by the Italian arms company Benelli Raffaello. This name was given to a whole series of models of self-loading smoothbore guns, which has been used in the arms market since 1987 and is actively used for both hunting and sports shooting. The perfect functioning of the mechanism, the reliability of the system, combined with aesthetic excellence, are the advantages of the Benelli Raffaello models. The photo below shows the features of the external design of the product, which has become a real symbol of technological progress.
Benelli's stylistic innovations
This Italian company pays special attention to the improvement of both the technological process in the production of rifles with the active introduction of constructive innovations, and the creation of a certain style in their models, which makes them distinctive and very aesthetic. Models of guns “Benelli Raffaello” combine elegance with mechanical precision. They have reliable, perfectly designed and functioning systems, which is especially appreciated by hunters.
Modification of hunting rifles Benelli
The Italian company produces several models of smoothbore hunting rifles. They have the general principle of the inertial recharge system, which is the hallmark of the Italian company Benelli. At the same time, each of the modifications of the series has its own individual qualities and features.
- "Benelli Raffaello Elegant." In order to reduce the vertical dimensions of the gun, the receiver of this model is equipped with a thin lid. In addition, if necessary, clean the weapon cover can be removed.
- "Benelli Raffaello Deluxe." This model has jewelry in the form of artistic carving, which is applied to wooden and metal parts of the weapon. The surface contains small notches. As a result, the gun takes on a very elegant look and can be used both for hunting and for decorating the interior.
- "Benelli Raffaello Crio." The model got its name due to the cryogenic processing used in the production process. This procedure is subject only to the barrel of the gun. In the manufacture of the remaining parts, traditional technology is used.
- "Benelli Raffaello Comfort." The model is the result of lengthy research to reduce recoil during firing. Based on the results of independent research, the return on Benelli Raffaello’s model is decreased by 47%. This result became possible due to the special plastic with which the bed is covered. Successful material selection has reduced recoil and barrel vibration.
- "Benelli Raffaello Combo." A feature of this model is the presence of a separate receiver cover and box. The exterior design of the gun is represented by a beautifully executed artistic ornament, which is located on the surface of the receiver.
Additional devices to models
Benelli smoothbore guns perform service and hunting functions, and are equipped with additional devices:
- Replaceable muzzle nozzles of various types. Good performance have nozzles Criochokes. They have the shape of a transition cone, which prevents the accumulation of steel grains and their crushing.
- Flies containing fluorescent inserts.
- Interchangeable inserts used to select the stock during its removal or death.
- Sets of butt plates for butts.
- Interchangeable trunks.
- Interchangeable reticles.
- Extension cords of stores.
- Absorbers of recoil.
What are the surfaces treated with?
Appearance of Benello Raffaello products represented by a wide variety of colors. Phosphate-varnish materials are used to coat surfaces. Products are subject to camouflage, chrome plating. Also, the option consisting in applying a conventional matte coating to the surface is not excluded.
Components of the inertial engine in the design of the Elegant model
The gun of this model has a simple design and is equipped with a convenient inertial system, characterized by ease of use and high accuracy. The design of the gun "Benelli Raffaello Elegant" contains:
- Shutter frame. It is used in the system as an inert mass. If necessary, it easily moves along guides specially located in the walls of the receiver.
- Gate. To move it, the bolt frame of the gun is equipped with a special cam groove. In the state of the gun’s combat position, the bolt moves along this groove, performing the function of locking.
- To the spring. Located between the shutter and the shutter frame. A spring pushes the bolt group when cartridges arrive from the magazine and when the cartridge case is removed from the chamber.
The principle of the inertia system
Excellent balancing and reduced barrel throwing are very important qualities inherent in the hunting and service models of Benelli Raffaello guns. Reviews consumers indicate a high speed of mailing from the store to the chamber, the reliability and uninterrupted operation of cycles during reloading. Recognition among amateurs of smoothbore weapons is the result of a significant improvement in automation, rationalization of elements. What happens inside Benelli Raffaello when firing shots?
When installing the gun design in combat readiness, the system is locked with a rotary shutter. As a result of the compression of the spring, the movement of the lifter takes place, which moves the cartridge from the magazine to the delivery line. At the very moment of the shot, the gun moves back. Only the bolt assembly remains unchanged. When, after the shot, the backward displacement of the gun stops, and in the barrel channel the pressure reaches a safe level, a compressed inertial spring pushes the bolt group back, releasing the rotary bolt. As a result, the fired cartridge case is removed from the chamber and the receiver.
When firing a single shot, kinetic energy is produced that acts on the bolt group. The energy reserve is enough to cock the trigger for the next shot and compress the inertial spring again. At the same time, the process is repeated again: the system is locked and the next ammunition is sent to the chamber. The mechanism of action of all Benelli Raffaello models uses kinetic recoil energy. For the normal functioning of the system, rollback of the barrel or removal of powder gases is not required. Due to the inertial reloading system of the gun of this Italian company, they have taken a favorable position in the market and are in great demand among amateurs.
Safety when loading guns “Benelli Raffaello”
Before you start loading ammunition, you need to check the chamber and the magazine. They must be empty. When charging, use the fuse located on the trigger guard. It is turned on and off by turning the button left - right. The readiness of the weapon for shooting is indicated by the appeared red ring, which disappears when the fuse is turned on, after which charging can be carried out.
It is carried out in stages:
- Tilt the weapon barrel down.
- Install the cartridge in the magazine so that it is fixed by the stopper. The remaining cartridges are charged in the same way until the entire store is full.
- Send the cartridge to the chamber. This procedure can be performed in two ways:
- Open the bolt and insert ammunition into the chamber into the window to eject the fired cartridge case. The inserted cartridge is sent by a lockable shutter. To do this, the shutter must be released.
- Open the shutter and press the cartridge ejector, as a result of which the cartridge from the magazine will enter the feeder. The chambering of the cartridge, as in the first case, also occurs when the shutter is closed.
- Remove the gun from the fuse.
Cryogenic treatment of trunks
Benelli was the first among the other arms companies, where cryogenic processing was used in the production process. Before it, cryogenic technology was used by the aviation industry and medicine. Making a Gun Benelli Raffaello Cryo, ”an Italian arms company, only deals the barrel with a cryogenic procedure. Its principle is to quickly freeze metal to ultralow temperature and then thaw it. Such a process positively affects the structure of the metal: improves hardness, ductility and elasticity. The processed products are characterized by a decrease in the internal stress of the metal structure of the barrel walls. It was noted that the trunks that underwent cryogenic treatment have a long service life, since they become invulnerable to the effects of ballistic factors: thermal, mechanical and chemical.
The performance characteristics of Rafaello DeLuxe
This smooth-bore self-loading weapon from Benelli is intended for hunting.
- The model of the gun contains an underbarrel tubular magazine, designed for two or four cartridges of the 12th caliber. The store allows the use of four cartridges for 12/70, three cartridges for 12/76.
- The supply of cartridges in the bore is self-loading.
- Hunting Gun Benelli Raffaello DeLuxe ”weighs 3150 g.
- The barrel length is from 530 mm to 760 mm.
- For the production of forend and stock of this model, walnut tree of the highest category is used.
- The receiver is black, made of Ergal lightweight aluminum alloy and is polished. Use in the production of this material provides details lightness and strength.
- The sight is red fluorescent.
- The role of the fuse in the Rafaello DeLuxe model is played by the transverse pin, which has a large size. For user safety and ease of shooting, there is a red dot on the surface of the pin indicating that the fuse has been removed. The safety clip is also made of Ergal material.
Innovative Comfortech System
One of the main achievements of the Italian company Benelli in the production of smoothbore self-loading rifles is comfort during their operation. The convenience of using such hunting and sporting guns is due to the minimized return. Comfort is felt with every shot.
Benelli in the manufacture of its models introduced the Comfortech system, which incorporates the latest achievements of design engineers in the field of innovative technologies and materials, allowing fans of smoothbore weapons to take a fresh look at the ratio of size and weight, efficiency and ergonomics.
How does the system work?
Comfortech system developed by design engineers includes three elements:
- Butt. A high-tech polymer is used for its manufacture. Holes (12 pieces) are located in the butt on both sides, which increase its flexibility and prevent further propagation of impulses during recoil. Thus, the energy generated as a result of the shot is dissipated, not reaching the shooter's shoulder.
- Recoil pad. It has a special anatomical shape that enhances the area of contact with the shoulder and cheek of the consumer. The production uses Technogel material, which was previously used only in areas requiring high absorption and distribution of shock loads.
- Crest.
The main objective of the system is to reduce the return that occurs during energy absorption. This is achieved due to the high elasticity of the elements of the Comfortech system. Of special importance for ensuring comfort is the special corrugation of Air Touch, which covers the surface of the bed and forend. When creating their relief coating, the Italian company Benelli takes into account the aerodynamic properties of spherical surfaces, which makes it possible to successfully manufacture products with their natural palm ventilation, which allows holding weapons in any situation. The use of Comfort Touch finishes gives products a high aesthetics, originality and pleasant tactile sensations.
What cartridges are used?
When buying ammunition for rifles using kinetic recoil energy, you only need to choose those cartridge options that can create the momentum needed for the inertial system. For its normal functioning, ammunition of the 12th and 20th caliber is ideal.
Each of the modifications of “Benelli Raffaello” has its own differences in the size of the chamber. For these models, sleeves 65, 70 and 76 mm long are suitable. When buying cartridges, you need to know for each caliber its allowable weight of a fraction of a fraction:
- 42 grams is the permissible weight of the sample for cartridges of the 12th caliber. Their sizes: 65 and 70 mm;
- for the 20th gauge, the weight of a fraction of a fraction should not exceed 32 grams;
- sleeves with a size of 76 mm should have a mass of a sample of not more than 56 g.
The design of the Benelli Raffaello weapon has an advantage over other hunting rifles - it is suitable for firing various types of cartridges without its preliminary adjustment. At the same time, according to user reviews, problems may arise in its operation that can be solved by firing several shots using standard charges.
Storage, transportation, care
To preserve the external attractiveness of the gun and transport it, you can use such an indispensable accessory as a case. Now on the shelves there are many different covers for any type of weapon. The function they perform is to protect the surface of the product from exposure to an aggressive environment. In the case of firearms intended for hunting, this accessory also performs a transportation task.
Models of guns with their sophisticated design should match the same attractive and original case. For Benelli Raffaello Elegant, the kit includes a case, which, if desired, can be replaced with a softer and more practical version of the case. Caring for a weapon is easy. The main thing is to regularly clean the barrel, lubricate the bolt, the trigger mechanism and other parts of the system with special gun oil .
Conclusion
The use of the Comfortech system by Benelli for the production of Benelli Raffaello guns earned the recognition of users pleasantly surprised by the low recoil of the weapon during firing. The use of an inertial charging system and cryogenic treatment of trunks contributes to an increase in their operational life. These models of guns are especially popular among hunters, for whom they were originally developed. Recognition and effectiveness among hunting enthusiasts is explained by high rates of shooting - this weapon has an increased density of a shot sheaf, as a result of which the scree of the shot is distributed evenly both in the center and on the periphery, which is important during hunting.
The Benelli Raffaello shotguns deserved special recognition among hunters who preferred, along with other important characteristics, the presence of innovations of both a constructive and technological, as well as a stylistic order.
Shotguns Benelli Raffaello among connoisseurs are a symbol of style and elegance. "