ShotGun-Benelli MR1

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.

 Specs:
Manufacturer: Benelli Armi, Urbino, Italy
Importer: Benelli USA; (301) 283-6981; www.benelliusa.com
Caliber: 5.56x45 mm NATO/.223 Rem.
Action: gas-operated, semi-automatic center-fire rifle
Receiver: black-phosphated, steel upper; hard-anodized, machined-aluminum lower
Barrel: 16", hammer-forged steel, chrome-lined bore
Rifling: six-groove, 1:9" RH twist
Magazine: five-round detachable box, accepts most standard AR-15 magazines
Sights: interchangeable military-style apertures; Picatinny rail
Trigger Pull: 5 lbs., 8 ozs.
Stock: polymer tactical stock, rubber buttpad and pistol grip; length of pull, 143⁄8"; drop at heel, 2¼"; drop at comb, 1½"
Overall Length: 37"
Weight: 7 lbs., 14 ozs.
Accessories: owner’s manual, extra peep sight
Suggested Retail Price: $1,299
 
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."
(ShotGun-http://www.americanrifleman.org/ArticlePage.aspx?id=2435&cid=4)