Everyone who has been hunting at least once knows that marshland and water bodies have their own limitations on the use of lead cartridges. They are not suitable for these 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 de alt 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 guns firing steel shot 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 on the arms market since 1987 and is actively used both for hunting and for sports shooting. The flawless functioning of the mechanism, the reliability of the system, combined with aesthetic perfection, 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 Stylistic Innovation
This Italian company pays special attention to the improvement of both the technological process in the production of guns with the active introduction of constructive innovations, and the creation of a certain style for their models, which makes them original and very aesthetic. The Benelli Raffaello models combine elegance with mechanical precision. They have reliable, perfectly designed and functioning systems, which is especially appreciated by hunters.
Modification of Benelli hunting rifles
The Italian company produces several models of smoothbore hunting rifles. They have a common principle of operation of the inertial recharging 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 cover. In addition, if necessary, clean the weapon cover can be removed.
- "Benelli Raffaello Deluxe". This model has decorations in the form of artistic carving, which is applied to the wooden and metal parts of the weapon. The surface contains small notches. As a result, the gun has a very elegant look and can be used both for hunting and for interior decoration.
"Benelli Raffaello Crio". The model got its name due to the cryogenic treatment used in the production process. This procedure is subject only to the barrel of the gun. In productionthe remaining parts use traditional technology
- "Benelli Raffaello Comfort". The model is the result of long-term research into reducing recoil during firing. According to the results of independent studies, the return on this Benelli Raffaello model has decreased by 47%. This result was made possible due to the special plastic that covers the bed. Good material selection reduced recoil and barrel vibration.
- "Benelli Raffaello Combo". A feature of this model is the presence of a separate receiver cover and box. The external design of the gun is represented by a beautifully executed artistic ornament, which is located on the surface of the receiver.
Optional devices for models
Benelli shotguns perform service and hunting functions, and are equipped with additional devices:
- Interchangeable muzzle nozzles of various types. Criochokes nozzles have good performance. They are shaped as a transitional cone, which prevents the accumulation of steel pellets and their crushing.
- Flies containing fluorescent inserts.
- Replaceable inserts used to pick up the butt during its withdrawal or death.
- Sets of recoil pads for stocks.
- Interchangeable barrels.
- Interchangeable sights.
- Magazine extensions.
- Recoil absorbers.
How are surfaces treated?
The appearance of Benello Raffaello products is represented by a wide variety of colors. Phosphate-lacquer materials are used to cover the surfaces. Products are subject to camouflage, chrome plating. Also, the option of applying a conventional matte finish to the surface is not excluded.
Components of the inertial engine in the design of the Elegant model
This model gun has a simple structure and is equipped with a convenient inertial system, which is easy to operate and high in accuracy. The design of the gun "Benelli Raffaello Elegant" contains:
- The shutter frame. It is used in the system as an inertial mass. If necessary, it easily moves along the guides specially located in the walls of the receiver.
- Shutter. To move it, the bolt frame of the gun is equipped with a special cam groove. In the state of the firing position of the gun, the bolt moves along this groove, performing the locking function.
- Spring. It is located between the shutter and the shutter frame. The spring pushes the bolt group when cartridges are received from the magazine and when the cartridge case is removed from the chamber.
The principle of operation of the inertial system
Excellent balance and reduced muzzle throw are very important qualities inherent in the hunting and service models of the Benelli Raffaello shotguns. Consumer feedback testifies to the high speed of sending from the magazine to the chamber, the reliability and uninterrupted cycles during reloading. Recognition among lovers of smoothbore weapons is the result of a significantimprovements in automation, rationalization of elements. What happens inside the Benelli Raffaello when firing shots?
When the gun structure is put on alert, the system is locked with a rotary bolt. As a result of spring compression, the lifter moves, which moves the cartridge from the magazine to the chambering line. At the very moment of the shot, the gun moves back. Only the bolt assembly remains in the same position. When, after a shot, the rearward displacement of the gun stops, and the pressure in the barrel reaches a safe level, the compressed inertial spring pushes the bolt group back, releasing the rotary bolt. As a result, the spent cartridge case is removed from the chamber and receiver.
When a single shot is fired, kinetic energy is generated 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. In this case, the process is repeated again: the system is locked and the next ammunition is sent into the chamber. The mechanism of action of all models of "Benelli Raffaello" uses the kinetic energy of recoil. For the normal functioning of the system, the rollback of the barrel or the removal of powder gases is not required. Due to the presence of an inertial reloading system, the shotguns of this Italian company have taken an advantageous position in the market and are in great demand among amateurs.
Safety when loading Benelli Raffaello shotguns
Before you start loading the ammunition, you need to check the chamber and magazine. They areshould be empty. During charging, you must use the fuse located on the trigger guard. It is turned on and off by turning the button left or right. The readiness of the weapon to fire is indicated by the appeared red ring, which disappears when the fuse is turned on, after which you can charge.
It is done step by step:
- Tilt the weapon with the barrel down.
- Install the cartridge in the magazine so that it is fixed by the stopper. The remaining cartridges are loaded in the same way, until the entire magazine is full.
- Send the cartridge into the chamber. This procedure can be done in two ways:
- Open the shutter and insert the ammunition into the chamber into the window to eject the spent cartridge case. The inserted cartridge is sent by a closed gate. 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 go into the feeder. The sending of the cartridge, as in the first case, also occurs when the shutter is closed.
Remove the safety of the gun
Cryogenic barrel treatment
Benelli was the first among the other arms companies, where they began to use cryogenic processing in the production process. Before it, cryogenic technology was used by the aviation industry and medicine. Making the gun "Benelli Raffaello Crio", an Italian weapons company cryogenicallyexposes only the trunk. Its principle is to quickly freeze the metal to an ultra-low temperature and then thaw it. Such a process has a positive effect on the structure of the metal: hardness, ductility and elasticity are improved. Processed products are characterized by a decrease in the internal stress of the structure of the metal of the walls of the barrels. At the same time, it was noticed that barrels that have undergone cryogenic treatment have a long service life, since they become invulnerable to the effects of intra-ballistic factors: thermal, mechanical and chemical.
Tactical and technical characteristics of Rafaello DeLuxe
This Benelli smoothbore self-loading weapon is designed for hunting.
- The gun model contains a tubular underbarrel magazine designed for two to four 12-gauge rounds. The magazine allows you to use four rounds at 12/70, three rounds at 12/76.
- Feeding cartridges into the bore is self-loading.
- The Benelli Raffaello DeLuxe hunting rifle weighs 3150g
- Barrel length ranges from 530mm to 760mm.
- For the production of the fore-end and stock of this model, walnut wood of the highest category is used.
- The receiver is black, made of lightweight Ergal aluminum alloy and polished. The use of this material in the production provides parts with lightness and strength.
- Sight - red fluorescent.
- The role of the fuse in the Rafaello DeLuxe model is performed by a large transverse pin. For safetyuser and shooting convenience, there is a red dot on the surface of the pin, indicating the removal from the fuse. The safety clip is also available in Ergal material.
Innovative Comfortech system
One of the main achievements of the Italian company Benelli in the production of smoothbore self-loading guns is comfort during their operation. The ease of use of such hunting and sporting guns is due to the minimized recoil. Feel the comfort with every shot.
Benelli has introduced the Comfortech system in the production of its models, which has absorbed the cutting-edge achievements of design engineers in the field of innovative technologies and materials, allowing fans of smooth-bore weapons to take a fresh look at the ratio of size and weight, efficiency and ergonomics.
How does the system work?
Designed by design engineers, the Comfortech system includes three elements:
- Ex. A high-tech polymer is used for its manufacture. There are holes (12 pieces) in the butt on both sides, which increase its flexibility and prevent further spread of impulses during recoil. Thus, the energy generated as a result of the shot is dissipated, not reaching the shooter's shoulder.
- Butt plate. It has a special anatomical shape that enhances the area of contact with the consumer's shoulder and cheek. The material used in the production is Technogel, which was previously used only in applications requiring high shock absorption and distribution.
- Comb.
The main task of the system is to reduce the recoil that occurs during the absorption of energy. This is achieved due to the high elasticity of the elements of the Comfortech system. Important to ensure comfort is the special Air Touch ribbing that covers the surface of the stock and forearm. When creating their relief coating, the Italian company Benelli takes into account the aerodynamic properties of spherical surfaces, which makes it possible to successfully produce products with their inherent natural palm ventilation, which allows them to hold weapons in any situation. The use of the Comfort Touch finish gives the products a high aesthetics, originality and pleasant tactile sensations.
What ammo is used?
When buying ammunition for guns that use the kinetic energy of recoil, you need to choose only those cartridge options that are able to create the momentum necessary for the inertial system. 12-gauge and 20-gauge ammunition is ideal for its normal functioning.
Each of the modifications of the "Benelli Raffaello" has its differences in the size of the chamber. For these models, sleeves with a length of 65, 70 and 76 mm are suitable. When buying cartridges, you need to know for each caliber its allowable shot mass:
- 42 grams - allowable sample weight for 12-gauge cartridges. Their sizes: 65 and 70 mm;
- for the 20th caliber, the weight of the shot sample should not exceed 32 grams;
- 76 mm sleeves must have a sample weight of no more than 56 g.
The design of the weapon "Benelli Raffaello" has an advantage over other hunting rifles - it is suitable for firing various types of cartridges without prior adjustment. At the same time, according to user reviews, there may be problems in its operation, which can be solved by firing several shots using standard charges.
Storage, transportation, care
You can keep the visual appeal of the gun and carry out its transportation with the help of such an indispensable accessory as a case. Now on the shelves there are many different cases for any type of weapon. The function that they perform is to protect the surface of the product from exposure to an aggressive environment. In the case of firearms designed for hunting, this accessory also performs a transportation task.
Shotgun models with their exquisite design should be matched with an equally attractive and original case. For "Benelli Raffaello Elegant" there is a case in the kit, which, if desired, can be replaced with a softer and more practical version of the case. Caring for your weapon is easy. The main thing is to regularly clean the barrel, lubricate the bolt, trigger mechanism and other parts of the system with special weapon oil.
Conclusion
The use of the Comfortech system by Benelli for the production of Benelli Raffaello guns has earned the recognition of users who are pleasantly surprised by the low recoil of the weapon when firing. The use of an inertial charging system and cryogenic treatment of barrels helps to increase their service life. These models of guns are especially popular among hunters, for whom they were originally designed. Recognition and effectiveness among hunting enthusiasts is explained by high shooting rates - this weapon has an increased density of the shot sheaf, as a result of which the scree of shot is distributed evenly both in the center and along the periphery, which is important during hunting.
The Benelli Raffaello guns deserve special recognition among hunters who, along with other important characteristics, prefer the presence of innovations in both constructive and technological, and stylistic order.
Benelli Raffaello shotguns are a symbol of style and elegance among connoisseurs.”
