Benelli's new 5.56 carbine

[ericire12]

http://www.ammoland.com/2009/08/14/benellis-new-mr-1-combat-carbine/

ACCOKEEK, MD – -(AmmoLand.com)- A combat carbine has to perform the first time, every time. The ultra-reliable ARGO (Auto-Regulating-Gas-Operated) system incorporated into the new Benelli MR 1 does it for the U.S. military, and now can be the centerpiece of an effective home defense plan.

The MR 1 rifle, Benelli’s latest offering, is chambered in 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem.) and uses the battle-proven ARGO system—the same system developed by Benelli for the M1014 and used for over a decade in multiple conflicts by the United States Marine Corps.

The sights are a military-style aperture, adjustable for windage and elevation in the field, using only a cartridge rim. A Picatinny rail allows mounting of both conventional and night-vision sights, while retaining metallic-sight capability. All steel parts are black phosphated and aluminum parts are hard-anodized in a matte finish for low visibility and corrosion resistance. The Benelli MR 1 carbine comes standard with a five-round magazine, and can also accept standard M16 magazines. An optional Picatinny tri-rail forend kit is available for mounting a laser aiming device, front handle, illuminator and other accessories.

The MR 1 features a stainless steel, self-cleaning piston that operates directly against the proven rotating bolt, thereby eliminating the need for complex linkages found on other inferior gas systems. This piston-driven system (ARGO), perfected by Benelli, incorporates a gas port located just forward of the chamber where the gases are hotter and cleaner, resulting in less fouling and more reliable cycling. In function testing the MR 1 exceeded the military requirements without malfunction. The result is a Benelli carbine with Marine-tough reliability able to function under the harshest environmental conditions.

    “The MR 1 is another great development, and certainly a major milestone for Benelli,” said Stephen McKelvain, Benelli’s VP of Marketing & Communications. “Any shooter who appreciates accuracy and reliability will have to own a Benelli MR 1.”

Specifications:

    * Model MR 1
    * Caliber 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem.)
    * Barrel Length 16 inches
    * Sights Military-style Aperture Sight
    * Metal Finish Black phosphate & hard-anodized in matte black finish
    * Stock Tactical Pistol Grip
    * Average Weight 7.9 lbs.
    * Overall Length 37.1 inches
    * Bore Characteristics Hard chrome lined with a 1-in-9 right hand twist
    * Method of Operation ARGO (Auto-Regulating-Gas-Operated)
    * MSRP $1299

[jnevis]

So Beretta is going to sell the RX4 carbine under the Benelli brand!?!?
The RX4 collapsible stock:


Before they released the RX4 I asked if it was going to be a bullpup version if the CX4 and if they were going to have it available outside LE sales.  I was told no to both.  Pretty cool.

[Pathfinder]

Cool? Not really. When I first saw the thread, I was thinking - day late and dollar short for the civilian market. The Benelli is interesting looking, but what sets it up above the current proven models, other than it's a Benelli?

[Big Frank]

What's with the pencil thin barrel? It seems like it could get bent if you handle it the way GIs would.

[twyacht]

Benelli has been pushing the envelope in design with all their recent "tactical" models, but, this one is frankly kinda ugly. The traditional SV10, BT10, O/U shotguns are beautiful and top notch.

The Model 92 is a big bastard, but a functional, utterly reliable pistol, the PX-4,,,,,is kinda fugly,...

I'm sure its a good rifle, but seems a little "dainty" if thrown in a TEOTWAWKI, situation...

Plus what was the retail....1299.00???

I'll take a DPMS, or an AK for that price...

[Sponsor]

[fightingquaker13]

The only two redeeming features of this seem to be Benelli quality and the fact it uses AR mags. But the the big problem is, why not just get an AR? More verstile, time tested, eaily available parts and you can get a real nice one with some toys for $1300. Make that a very nice one if you bought used. That is where I would spend my dollars.
FQ13

[tombogan03884]

The only two redeeming features of this seem to be Benelli quality and the fact it uses AR mags. But the the big problem is, why not just get an AR? More verstile, time tested, eaily available parts and you can get a real nice one with some toys for $1300. Make that a very nice one if you bought used. That is where I would spend my dollars.
FQ13

Last time I went to a GOOD gun store they had a rack of AR's, the least expensive were DPMS and Stag at $900 new.
this was in late May or early June

[fightingquaker13]

Last time I went to a GOOD gun store they had a rack of AR's, the least expensive were DPMS and Stag at $900 new.
this was in late May or early June

Which gives you four bills for an optic or tac light. I'm sure the Benelli's nice, their shotguns are superb. It just doesn't seem to offer much that an AR won't.
FQ13

[tombogan03884]

Which gives you four bills for an optic or tac light. I'm sure the Benelli's nice, their shotguns are superb. It just doesn't seem to offer much that an AR won't.
FQ13

Less, no rails for light etc. and no aftermarket stuff, like different stocks, or different caliber uppers.

[Kid Shelleen]

If I'm shooting 5.56, I'll stay with the typical AR platform. I don't care for the looks of the Benelli, the fixed stock or the thin barrel.

If I spend that much I'd likely buy the new Ruger 556 piston operated.