Need opinions on the Benelli M3

[Blackstone]

Hi all, bit of background. I'm looking for a solid reliable shotgun to use for a variety of disciplines (clays and practical shotgun). At first I was leaning towards a semi-auto shotgun, because of the lower recoil. But I found out that the Benelli M3 exists, and is capable of switching between semi and pump action. This would presumably allow me to also shoot in the Manual division for practical shotgun.

So I'm looking for some opinions and experiences with the gun from my fellow members.

 

[Havok7416]

I have an M3 and I have to say it works well on the odd occasion I end up using it. They are pricey for what you get. I got mine mostly for the novelty factor and 8 years later it's still the only one I have ever seen in person. They are front heavy and a bit cumbersome compared to some other designs.

I'm not sure how shotgun or other divisions work for "games" but I wouldn't necessarily assume the M3 can be used the way you would like being that it's a hybrid. If you were already leaning toward a semi auto, there are plenty of options that should suit your needs for a better price.

 

[Blackstone]

I have an M3 and I have to say it works well on the odd occasion I end up using it. They are pricey for what you get. I got mine mostly for the novelty factor and 8 years later it's still the only one I have ever seen in person. They are front heavy and a bit cumbersome compared to some other designs.

I'm not sure how shotgun or other divisions work for "games" but I wouldn't necessarily assume the M3 can be used the way you would like being that it's a hybrid. If you were already leaning toward a semi auto, there are plenty of options that should suit your needs for a better price.

Thanks for your comments. Yeah, it's got quite a hefty pricetag. What would you recommend in terms of semi-autos?

 

[Havok7416]

I'm not much of a shotgunner actually, but the Benelli M1 or M2 are basically the same thing but without the M3s oddities. I used to own a Mossberg 930 that worked well enough for me, but again, I don't shoot shotguns very much. The only semi I own is the M3 which is technically a hybrid.

 

[cdb1]

What is your budget?

 

[eastbank]

good used rem 1100,s are a very good choice at good prices, they run 275 to 450 around here depending on condition. I paid 350 for this 1100 in 12ga in very good condition.

 

[Havok7416]

good used rem 1100,s are a very good choice at good prices, they run 275 to 450 around here depending on condition. I paid 350 for this 1100 in 12ga in very good condition.

Pricing may well be different in the UK which is where the OPs location is listed.

 

[Blackstone]

Used Remington 1100s run around the £400 mark (approx 510USD). I do like the look of the Benelli M4 though. My budget is quite high, I don't buy many guns, being in the UK, and so try to get something high quality that can be used for multiple purposes

 

[Odd Job]

I wanted a Benelli M4 but was told it falls foul of Section 1 regulations to do with the minimum length of the barrel.

 

[Blackstone]

I wanted a Benelli M4 but was told it falls foul of Section 1 regulations to do with the minimum length of the barrel.

ah yes, the barrel has to be at least 24", but the M4 only comes in at 18.5"

 

[Odd Job]

Unfortunately that was also the case with the FN SLP which would have been ideal and cheaper too.

 

[1KPerDay]

If you're looking for lower recoil, the M3 is not your guy. It thumps you good like all benellis. It is very cool but it has its quirks. If you want to run it in pump you also have to remember that it locks open when empty and you have to press the action release button to close it. So you have the sort of same action requirements as an auto but with the disadvantages of a pump. If it's going to be your only scattergun I'd go with something a little more mainstream.