Every hunter or shooter knows how the shotgun is a multipurpose tool. This is especially true for the semi-automatic, a weapon where customizations can allow many variations simply by modifying barrels, chokes, stocks, but also just by varying ammunition and loads. Benelli has multi-purpose shotguns and dedicated shotguns: the widest and most articulated range of semiautomatics in the world includes among its jewels models for every type of hunting. Each Benelli branded semiautomatic is born with the well-known inertial release geometric closure, imitated by many. It is a patent that makes models made in Urbino authentic hunting jewels, usable for a wide range of hunting uses, in a variety of settings tailored to every enthusiast.
The most recent Benelli offer in this field is the "Columbo”, A semi-automatic which expresses its original vocation in its name. It was born on the basis of the Montefeltro, a classic example of a medium multipurpose shotgun, one of the semiautomatics that made the history of Benelli. Specialized as the hunting to which it is dedicated, the semi-automatic "Colombo" takes its name from the wild wood pigeon, coveted and hunted by many enthusiasts who have made it a specialization, a form of traditional hunting in some areas of our country.
The wood pigeon is a difficult prey, a bird of fair size, very suspicious and with a fast flight, capable of passing very high as well as of easily lowering itself on liars or calls; therefore the shot is sometimes very long and demanding, sometimes close and rather instinctive.
For such use Benelli it offers variable rods and bottlenecks: the former are not too long, the latter are quite open (let's say ***, ****) for the game that settles on the branches; at least 70 cm long and with strong bottlenecks (*) to be loaded with sturdy cartridges such as magnum and semi magnum for those who practice hunting on the passes, where the shots are very long. The wood pigeon is a robust wild game, therefore to hunt it you must use suitable lead, orienting the choice towards intermediate sizes, ranging from 5 to 7 (someone goes up to 4) and charges of 40-42 grams.
Not wanting to sacrifice too much speed, it is necessary to find the right compromise between barrel length and load, in order to allow complete combustion of the propellant, without penalizing handling and swing. The gun with a 75-76 cm barrel increases in weight and varies the center of gravity: here in the end, personal tastes make the difference. "Columbo"Is still able to satisfy them all. Two lengths have been chosen for Montefeltro's newest semi-automatic: 65 and 70 cm. For each specific chokes are adopted (Long Shot and Wide Shot): they are 9 cm long and specifically designed to perform at their best with the weights and charges most suitable for wood pigeon hunting. Internal friction and blockages are minimized. The result is more uniform patterns, with slightly deformed peripheral pellets. And that's not all: the study of the two chokes is aimed at allowing the hunter to make the most of all the quality loads available on the market, and not just some.
Ultimately both Long and Wide Shot have been created to better open the swarm of shot intended for prey exploded by cartridges with numbers between 4 and 7, traditional or equipped with containers, all with high speeds. Both the 65 cm and the 70 cm barrel, built with expedients that make them, as per tradition Benelli, “Solid” and reliable, they are magnum chambers and equipped with a 7 cm ventilated rib with high visibility fiber optic front sight. "Columbo"With a 70 cm barrel weighs about 3.100 grams and shoots at least 36 grams at high speed, it is equipped with the recoil reduction system and Progressive Comfort detection, the new technology that progressively reduces the sensation of recoil and is activated gradually even with the lightest charges. This system is combined with a walnut stock with WOODFX treatment that enhances the natural grain of the wood. The stock is equipped with carved checkering and quick release sling swivels. The name engraved on the right side of the carcass and the stylized drawing of a wood pigeon on both sides "griff" this masterpiece. Finished with anti-reflective treatment on barrel and receiver, the semiautomatic "Colombo" it presents itself to the eyes of the enthusiast as a real specialized rifle. Shooting tests confirm the quality of this new product Benelli.