Shotguns prolific history began in
Europe and continues to be a popular firearm in different
configurations, some still crafted with precision and beauty in
engraved models. English and Italians have gained the reputation for
fine shotguns. In both countries it has been a tradition.
In the United States, shotguns were
invented in different configurations for the need of the Wild West
frontier of yesteryear from the double-barrel stagecoach shotgun to
the lever-action shotgun that hit the market in the late 1800s. As civilian gun control took effect in Europe, the shotgun remained, one of the reasons why they are so prolific.
 |
| John Wayne Tribute Coach Gun |
In
the United States, as in Europe, hunters hunting game birds like
pheasant, quail, grouse, and turkeys; as well as waterfowl like ducks
and geese; the imported respect for quality shotguns and special use
came with the immigrants who founded and developed the United States.
The pump-action shotgun paved the way
for a respectable quick reloading firearm for law enforcement and
military police. This later escalated into the semi-automatic shotgun
that law enforcement, military police and even game hunters came to
enjoy. Their motorcycles were sold through Montgomery Ward, a large catalog-retail store (est. 1872) whose fame
grew along with the Sears Roebuck & Company, as the first catalog retail store
chain in the United States in the late 1800s. Both store chains
became international, thus an avenue for the Benelli brothers to
enter the American market through Montgomery Ward, which was
founded before Sears, which had been founded as a watch
company in 1886.
 |
| Deadwood Stage Coach |
The shotgun was a familiar site in the days of the stagecoach.
 |
| Engraved ETHOS |
Benilli Armi S.p.A was founded in 1967, formed by the Benelli
brothers who had already become famous for their motorcycles that
began in Pesaro in 1940.
The Benilli brothers enjoyed hunting,
as other Europeans have and do today. Being engineers and seeing the
market for semi-automatic versions they committed to making a quality
shotgun with the Benilli name on it.
 |
| ETHOS Broken Down |
Brilliant designer, Bruno Civolani, from Bologna, invented and designed a hunting
shotgun that used a simple inertia-driven mechanism instead of the
conventional gas-operated system.
Benelli was acquired by the Beretta
company in 1983, but the shotguns still have the Benelli name on it
because of its historical notoriety among shotgun enthusiasts and
collectors.
The Benelli Super Black Eagle has been a favorite of waterfowl hunters,
capable of firing 2.75, 3, and 3.5 inch shells.
 |
| Benelli Defense Shotgun Configuration |
The Benelli Nova is another popular model that is a pump action, used by
Tom Knapp
in shooting exhibitions, setting a world record in October 2004. Mr.
Knapp passed away in 2013, but
has become a shooter in the hall of fame of all shooters, especially with the Benelli firearm manufacturer. In his lifetime he has achieved three world
records for hand-thrown clay targets. Benelli made a tribute video in
his honor …
Watching him shoot makes it look easy.
Knapps' favorite shotguns were the Benilli. But he also used the
CZ-USA shotgun.
He starred in several documentaries and hunting TV shows.
A field pump shotgun, the standard Nova
costs much less than the other models, starting at an MSRP of $450
with optional features available.
 |
| Benelli Nova |
Indeed, Benelli shotguns are a familiar
site at competition shooting matches around the world.
Now there is the Benelli ETHOS, introduced in the 2014 ShotShow. It is a beauty with
an AA-grade walnut stock, a progressive comfort recoil reduction system, and two-part carrier latch
for easy loading.
Benelli is featuring a Benelli USA U.S.
Tour that will travel in all 50 states. One ETHOS shotgun will be
used by a recipient in each state in a variety of shooting tasks. It
is a test for the ETHOS and its performance in different environments
and conditions of each of the 50 states – without being cleaned
until the tour is over. No doubt, Benelli is confident in their
quality shotguns.
During the tour, writers, pro-staffers,
competition shooters, sales reps, dealers, and outdoor celebrities
will receive an out-of-the-box ETHOS to use in every way a shotgun is
used. The experience will be documented via a logbook and video
camera for each participant to report on how they used the ETHOS,
what they shot with it, and how it performed.
As the Benelli spokesperson, Tom Kaleta, Benelli USA VP of marketing, stated:
The Benelli ETHOS is not just a beautiful firearm, but a powerful workhorse. America's 50-State Tour will add the equivalent of 50 years of wear to this particular firearm in just 50 weeks. It's the ultimate test to prove how well the ETHOS will withstand and perform under any circumstance.
The Super Vinci was introduced in 2011
and was the heart of the In-Line Inertia Driven system before ETHOS
came along. As with all their shotguns, engraving is available.
There is no need to say that Benelli
has produced reliable, quality shotguns since the Benelli brothers
decided to add shotguns to their motorcycle production.
The Benelli Tornado Tre 1130 was shown at a motorcycle exhibition, as the
following video depicts:
As you can see, their shotguns are as
sleek and beautiful as the motorcycles and scooters; especially
popular in Europe.
No comments:
Post a Comment
No SPAM, please. If you wish to advertise or promote website, contact me.