Here are the first four of the magnificent eight: all truly interesting, beautiful, and feasible, in a wide price range. I've tried them all over the years, some at length, and so I can give you as realistic an opinion as possible.
Benelli Raffaello Ai black
It is undoubtedly the most advanced semi-automatic in the world. The Raffaello Ai Black represents a sophisticated evolution of the famous Raffaello platform, created in 1987, integrating the Advanced Impact (Ai) barrel and choke system . The internal profile of the barrel has a special and exclusive geometry, consisting of an oversized forcing cone that remains constant across all barrel lengths, followed by a cylindrical section that varies depending on the barrel length, featuring a diameter between 19,6 mm and 19,8 mm in the 12 gauge (which is naturally chambered in 76, i.e. magnum) and between 16,7 mm and 16,9 mm in the 20 gauge. The final section of the AI barrel includes a cylindrical section at the muzzle, dedicated to the insertion of the choke, another major innovation of the system. For the 12-gauge, in fact, the choke itself is larger, and not just in terms of diameter: the Raffaello caccia 12/76 models are equipped with five Advanced Impact System chokes, two internal-external 120 mm chokes (*/**, i.e. full and improved modified, the “narrowest”) that can be operated by hand, with dedicated markings, and three internal 100 mm chokes (***/****/cyl, i.e. modified, improved cylinder, and cylinder). These chokes are designed for steel shot, from modified to cylindrical, as is the barrel. According to research by the Benelli Experimental Department, the Ai system produces velocities up to 20 m/sec higher than those achievable with standard barrels, regardless of the ammunition used.
The increased velocity consequently leads to the advanced impact that gives the system its name: thanks to the more compact and faster trail, as well as an increasingly dense shot pattern, a greater number of pellets conserve the energy needed to effectively hit the target at greater distances. A shot fired with a Benelli Advanced Impact barrel and steel shot not only performs better than one fired with a standard barrel and steel shot, but also considerably approaches the performance of a standard barrel firing lead shot. The receiver is made of matte black anodized aluminum, the rib is carbon fiber. The heart of the Raffaello Ai Black lies in the reliable and proven Benelli Inertia Driven operating system . This system, a distinctive feature of the brand, relies on the principle of inertia to activate the rearming cycle. It allows the use of a wide variety of loads without adjustments and is immune to the accumulation of internal deposits from shot residue.
The bolt body has been subsequently refined in terms of materials and technique and now incorporates, among other things, Easy Locking technology, which further improves reliability and consistency of operation, facilitating the fluidity of the two-lug rotating head. The oil-finished grade 2 walnut stock, like the forend, is equipped with Progressive Comfort , a recoil and muzzle rise reduction system hidden inside the stock, which can be adjusted in length from 365 ± 2 mm to 380 mm ± 2 mm with a long buttplate or 350 mm ± 2 mm with a specific stock. The cast is also variable left and right. The rifle with a 700 mm barrel weighs approximately 3.000 grams; barrel lengths of 610, 650, and 760 mm are also available. The price is approximately 3.000 euros. It's certainly more expensive than the others, but it's also "precious" and ultra-modern, with undeniable technical qualities and unwavering efficiency. The Progressive Comfort stock has significantly improved its only (small) flaw, which is the felt recoil caused by the inertia mechanism.
Beretta A400 Upland
The A400 weapon system was introduced in 2009, but has since been refined and modernized on several occasions. One of the most recent developments is the Upland model, which is specifically designed for the type of hunting (plains) we have chosen to emphasize in this review. The gas-operated system, called B-link , is 36% faster than the inertial-operated system, according to Beretta. It still features a self-cleaning cylinder and hourglass piston thanks to a knurled elastic band on the latter, with a spring-loaded compensator valve. The knurling of the band "scrapes" some carbon residue from the cylinder, but it is no substitute for good maintenance. One or more bleed holes are machined into the gas-operated cylinder, passing through the barrel. The diameter of the gas-operated holes and their number are calibrated based on the length of the barrel. The other holes are used for gas expulsion through the choke valve and the forend cap. The shutter offers a geometric locking with a rotating head.
The 12-gauge magnum barrel, with a 76 mm chamber length, is 610 mm (660 and 710 mm are also available), bored to 18,6 mm (slightly overbored, therefore), with 3 interchangeable Optimachoke Hp chokes (*, ***, *****). The usual precautions for shooting steel shot are required, i.e. do not use the tightest chokes. It is an Optima bore Hp , built with Steelium technology : Beretta tri-alloy steel (NiCrMo), deep drilling, cold hammer forging, vacuum-distended barrels. The internal profile, according to Optimabore geometry, features two long connecting cones, which improve the internal ballistics of the shot, especially steel shot.
The receiver is nickel-plated Ergal with laser-engraved hunting-themed details, the 6x6 rib is carbon fiber, and the B-Lok magazine cap provides better control and increased safety. The comfortable Extralight recoil pad is made of lightweight, low-density injected foam that is resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and weather. The stock can also be equipped with the optional Kick-off Plus system, which uses hydraulic technology to reduce the first and second recoil peaks and muzzle climb thanks to internal shock absorbers. It also prevents the comb from sliding on the cheek. The stock drop can be adjusted from 50 to 65 degrees, left and right. The overall weight is approximately 3.000 grams, with a 700 mm barrel length. Price starts at €2.400, without Kick-off Plus. Versions in 20 and 28 gauge are also available.
The A400 Upland is a reliable semi-automatic, as Beretta knows how, and specialized for hunting in the plains. However, with a 660 or 710 mm barrel, it could prove perfect for other types of hunting, particularly with a pointing dog. It appears to be very insensitive to muzzle rise and has very tolerable recoil even without Kick-off Plus, which is more suitable for firing heavy loads or a large number of rounds.
Browning Maxus 2 Hunter
The heart of the Browning Maxus 2 Hunter lies in its Power Drive gas-operated operating system , designed to offer a reliable and fast reloading cycle with a wide range of cartridges. The operating principle is based on the extraction of a portion of the combustion gases through two holes drilled in the barrel. The PowerDrive piston and valve ensure reduced muzzle rise and recoil. The valve regulates the amount of gas acting on the piston based on the pressure developed by the cartridge. The movement of the piston operates the bolt, causing the spent case to be ejected and a new cartridge to be inserted into the chamber. The longer piston stroke contributes to a smoother and more progressive reloading cycle, reducing mechanical stress and improving reliability. Certain parts of the gas system are designed to reduce the accumulation of combustion residues.
Presented in 2009 with a superamagnum chambering (89 mm), the Maxus has a simple black light alloy receiver and an oil-finished grade 2 walnut stock. The model we are examining has a 76 mm magnum chambering. Browning was the first to offer a back-bored barrel , with a bore diameter over-bored and an elongated foreconomy, to achieve increased velocity, better penetration, better shot concentration/reduction of recoil, even with steel loads. The 5 interchangeable internal Invector plus chokes have been designed to obtain the best shot pattern, in combination with the barrel. 3 barrel lengths are available: 660, 710 and 760 mm. The design of the Maxus 2 Hunter is optimised to simplify disassembly and cleaning operations, facilitating routine maintenance of the gun. It features the Speed Load Plus fast loading system , a Browning feature : the first cartridge inserted is automatically pushed into the chamber, eliminating the need to manually operate the bolt lever.
The action is rock solid: no rattling, no "rattle," and very tight tolerances. The Inflex Technology 2 recoil pad (32 mm thick) has been redesigned to absorb recoil energy even more effectively, moving the buttstock ridge away from the shooter's cheek. This translates into superior shooting comfort and a significant reduction in felt recoil, especially with high-energy ammunition. The 365 mm long stock has a 40° nose drop and a 55° heel drop, adjustable with inserts. There are currently no versions in other calibers, but there is a supermagnum version. The price is €1.900.
The Browning Maxus 2 Hunter 12-gauge represents a significant technical evolution in the semi-automatic hunting shotgun segment. Ergonomic, though not as streamlined as other semi-automatics, the optimized Power Drive gas-operated system, combined with other innovative solutions, offers hunters a high-performance, comfortable, and reliable gun. The combination of rapid fire, reduced recoil, and ease of use makes the Maxus 2 Hunter a versatile and desirable tool for a variety of hunting disciplines. It can be used without hesitation because the receiver and wood are robust and finished to perfection, and the mechanics perform like few others.
Fabarm L4S Grey Hunter
The Fabarm L4S Grey Hunter gas-operated semi-auto shotgun is a 12-gauge magnum with an aeronautical-grade Ergal 55 receiver, anodized with hunting-themed engravings. It's a beautiful industrial product. The front, uppermost part of the receiver features a hole at the bottom into which the light alloy magazine, which houses the recoil spring, is securely inserted. The two operating rods of the sturdy slide-and-rod assembly, all made of chromed steel, are attached to the bolt and slide along ribs that act as actual tracks inside the receiver itself: a highly effective, robust, and reliable system.
Approximately halfway up the barrel are two holes that release some of the gases, directing them through a cylinder to push the zirconium-coated Pulse piston , which in turn pushes the slide. A large black elastomer ring acts as a friction ring against the walls of the gas cylinder as the pressure increases. The bolt is equipped with a swinging upper lug that locks into a mortise on the extension. The L4S magazine tube is short, making the rifle more compact and easier to handle (as well as lighter, weighing approximately 3.000 grams).
You May Also Like ..
The barrel on this model can be 610, 660, 710, and 760 mm long. It is made from a special steel tube machined using deep drilling technology. The Tribore hp (hyperbolic profile) internal geometry is a recent evolution of the well-known Tribore internal overboring system patented by Fabarm in 2000, specifically designed to reduce the stress from pellet crushing, resulting in optimized shot pattern distribution, and is particularly suited to the use of steel shot. It is a barrel with an extra-long foreconomy, an overbored area of 18,8 or 18,7 mm, a 205 mm long conical area that progressively reduces the diameter to 18,4 (speeding up the pellets), and a final 5 mm cylindrical section before the choke. The barrel is fitted with 5 special Inner hp chokes , with a hyperbolic profile to match the barrel, 80 mm long.
This version of Fabarm's semi-automatic rifle was also subjected to a forced test with a cartridge that develops 1.630 bar of pressure, in addition to and well beyond the 1.370 required by the so-called superior test. The National Proof House had to prepare a special, completely new certificate, delivered with the weapon, and approve the "Overpressure tested 1.630 bar" stamp . The lily also bears witness to the rifle's passing the test for the use of steel shot ammunition. The stock is made of semi-lux walnut with an oil finish, 365 mm long with 35 and 55 mm drop, variable with inserts.
Fabarm's semi-auto is a bit bulky, but also sturdy and still manageable and well-balanced. The grip is very comfortable. It shoots comfortably and confirms Fabarm's expertise, which knows a thing or two about semi-autos, having begun producing them in the late 1.400s. The price is also attractive: around €XNUMX isn't a lot for what it offers.
