[LevelHead]

I know "best" is subjective.

I currently own a Mossburg 590 Marine coat.

Somehow I've now got the itch for a Benelli tactical money evaporator.

Any other quality models out there?

What are your thoughts on semi-auto for defence/tactical use? I dig the Benelli M3 dual-action...

[oldpaladin]

LevelHead,
IMHO, it's the Benelli M1014/M4S90. I have two.:D Mine are equiped with Meprolight 21 Reflex sights and Meprolight night sights for the ghost rings. Only thing I don't have yet, and still on order since November, is the 2shot mag extensions. Accuracy, reliability, dependability, durability- all are without equal. Fit and finish are equal to, or better than the most expensive autoloaders. Using Remington Express 2 3/4" 00 Buck loads, pattern is 6" at 25 yards. Using Winchester 2 3/4" 1oz rifled deer slugs, group is 4" at 100 yards... Not bad, eh? These beauties do not consume law enforcement or low recoil loads well. Use full power loads only- you won't be disappointed... The ARGO (Auto Regulating Gas Operating) System is extraordinarily effective and self cleaning... So far, they're only producing 2500 of the Commemorative M1014 series, but who knows? ;) Maybe demand will be such that after the various military and police organizations meet their needs, they'll open the production lines full throttle... One can only hope... How do I rate these against my other guns, past and present? Simply the very best. True works of art... My Glock 21 and 30 for carry, and my Armalite M15A4(T)™ Carbine for more than 126 yards. My Benelli's are for CQB to 125yards, and unless there is a human wave attack in the neighborhood (Not Likely, I Hope! LOL), I'll grab one of them... Total, complete confidence in this weapon system... Hope this gives you an idea of what I think is the best...

Carter, oldpaladin, out... :D :D :D

[ahadams]

I know what you mean about the tactical money evaporator - Ive wanted one for a long time...BUT the budget says I'm a Mossberg man...

[Dave McCracken]

The best tactical shotgun is that used by the best tactical shotgunner. IOW, it's the pianist, not the piano.

Stick with your 590. Use half of what money you'd spend on the Benelli on ammo, range fees and maybe even instruction. At a point where you're deadlier than anyone you know, then decide if you need a new toy.

Technology is a mighty poor substitute for expertise. So's a checkbook....

[curt]

oldpaladin,
I'm surprised to hear the M4 doesn't deal with reduced recoil loads well. I thought one of the benefits and reasons for the M4 was that it could eat anything without adjustment or resorting to pump mode.

[Andrew Wyatt]

I find the lack of capability to use reduced recoil rounds to be a disqualifier for the title of best combat shotgun.

[ACP]

Listen to Dave and stick with the Mossberg and lots of practice. Think about what you're likely to use the shotgun for --esconced home defense, firing one or two shots. You don't need a $1,000 shotgun to do that. You do need to be familiar and confident with your longarm and your interior home layout.

[HSMITH]

Dave is right on this one.

[El Tejon]

Brasshopper, listen to Master Chingchingkapow in Merryland as he balances on his snow shovel with one leg. Software reigns supreme.

Your gun fu trumps your weapon. You are the water, it is the rock. Now, answer me this, brasshopper, what is the sound of one .45 firing?

[Skunkabilly]

"Software trumps hardware. Go to skul." --KSFreeman :D

That said, I have a Benelli. Why? Not because it's tacticaller or anything, but I ENJOY it more. Enjoy more = shoot more. Shoot more = gooder. ;)

[oldpaladin]

Folks,
The benefit of the M1014/M4S90's ARGO System is this: A three inch magnum has the same recoil as a 28 gauge, or a 5.56mm round... Why sacrifice what can loosely be termed "power," or the ability to move a large progectile at a faster pace, with recoil equal to/or less than LEO ammo? Think about it, please... The availability of LEO and 3" magnum ammo is essentially the same. Price is about the same. Performance is not, and the M1014/M4S90 takes advantage of this- to the advantage of the shooter, and the disadvantage of the target/perp/enemy... Which is more effective, if recoil is the same? Low recoil LEO loads, or maxed-out three inch magnums? The decision is, of course, up to you... I would, and did, opt for the biggest, most EFFECTIVE bang for the buck... If both shooters are equal in skill, and one has a much more powerful ammo, that is accurately, and rapidly placed, against your lower powered, shorter ranged, accurate, rapidly placed shots, AND the performance of shooters is same, WHO HAS THE ADVANTAGE?
As Will Shakespeare said, "Above all else, to thine ownself be true." If you're honest with youirself, the M1014/M4S90 is not short-changed by NOT using inferior ammo...

Carter, oldpaladin, out... ;)

[HSMITH]

I don't really think it is gonna make a difference if the bad guy is hit with a 3" super dooper or a 2 3/4 low recoil, he is gonna be just as dead inside of 50 yards (beyond that I am running anyway). Recoil does not bother me in the least, my 870 puts shells on target nearly as fast as my autos do and I do not have to worry about any type of failure to cycle ever. I am one of the biggest autoloader fans on the board, but for defensive use I pick a solid simple pump, like the 870 or 590.

I see your point oldpalladin, but for me in my uses the math does not add up. I guess that is why there is more than one model made. If the Benelli is what you want I have no problem with that, as long as I can have my 870.

[Dave McCracken]

Carter, if we stood side by side and shot 5 perps each with our ammo of choice,I doubt any difference in power could be noted by us OR the perps.Yours would hit the ground first only if mine were taller.

Standard 2 3/4 oz ammo isn't exactly BBS from a Red Ryder Daisy.

One forensic pic I recall showed a fellow slumped on a couch after a close range head shot with a 20 gauge, load unknown. His head above the ears just wasn't there.

10 yard shots with my old duty 00 buck on gallon water jugs would leave me moist.

And I doubt that any fool taking an load of RR buck center mass will return much fire after.

[Sir Galahad]

The shotgun got its fearsome reputation for deadly power long before the first 3" Magnum appeared and LOOONGG before the word "tactical" ever appeared anywhere outside of a cavalry manual.

I agree with Dave 100%.

[Sir Galahad]

I recently saw a book full of pictures taken by a L.A. homicide detective from 1930 to 1950. Overall, a gory book, but interesting. There was a shotgun blast to the head in a murder. Shot was at about 15 feet. Head mostly gone. A suicide by shotgun. Nothing left of head but skull fragments, brain matter, and teeth on floor and on walls. Another murder with shotgun from about 9 feet. Whole left side of head gone (looked like a Picasso painting.) There were more, but all basically the same thing. Skull rapidly disassembled with no concern for order. All done with old 2 3/4" paper-hulled, non-buffered shotgun shells.

[oldpaladin]

Dear Dave and HSMITH,
By all means, to each his, or her own, choice of weapons... I'm just intent upon expanding the envelope of performance for my favorite of all CQB to 125 yard distance weapons... The right ammo can increase effective range, whether it's Hevi-shot 00 Buckshot, or 3" Brenneke slugs... All engineering is a compromise, and ever was thus... I've had the marvelous 870 and 590A (complete with all the bells and whistles). Both are more than capable of "taking out the trash," should the chore ever be necessary... Believe me, the Benelli M1014/M4S90 needs full power loads. With TWO gas pistons, low recoil/LEO loads ain't gonna feed the bulldog... True, beyond a 125 yards, these beauties will have the parabola of rainbow. But imagine the surprise of a BG as 1 3/8 oz. slug hits him in the chest! Attention getting for sure, and at the least, a broken rib or two... :evil:
I like fast, maximum, violent, uncompromising, cold bloodedly efficient, force- to be used upon BG's... No surrender, no quarter. None asked for, and none given... Guess this makes me a barbarian! :evil: Okay, I can live with that... ;)

Regards and Respects,
Carter, oldpaladin, out...

[oldpaladin]

Sir Galahad,
You just have to admire a good idea becoming reality... The combat shotgun, in particular over the standard shotgun, is a truly fearsome weapon... BG's from WWI France to the jungles of Vietnam, learned that it was not just a weapon for "gentlemen." It was a good choice for CQB, where the Reaper calls the tune... Even today, few weapons can psychologically match the carnage of a few well placed loads of buckshot, or properly aimed slugs or sabots... Suicides by shotgun are messy- have seen results of one a long while back. :barf: He lost his head at a bad time (as if any time is a good time...). Yes, the human body is a frail thing, when confronted with multiple, small, rapidly moving, projectiles... We weren't made for that kind of abuse... Yes, the 2 3/4" paper hulled, non-buffered buckshot of old was effective at the range for which it was intended... Just as today's ammo is even more effective, than that of yesteryear... Ignoring the boon of technology is pointless- or worse, anti-survival... A better weapon and better ammo, means more efficiency- truly a force multiplier... Dave, I just want the ability to hit perps at a longer distance... As Homer Simpson might have said, "Distance is my friend..." Good man, Homer...

Carter, oldpaladin, out...:D

[LevelHead]

OK Here's my current thinking.

I appreciate and agree with the "spend money on training" aspect.

I agree that a simple pump is an excellent weapon. The problem I have is that my Mossberg at one time failed to eject regularly. Mossberg fixed it for free, but I have the nagging doubt to this day that it will fail. However irrational that fear is, it lowers my confidence in my defense shotgun. Not good. Also my Marinecoat is parkerized and tough as Hell, but it's got a plastic trigger assembly. I should have gotten the 590-A1, but alas I did not. Maybe I'll just trade up to that...

To me it seems a natural that for defense, quick follow up shots are a good thing. Semi-autos make quick follow up's easier. The ability of the Benelli M3 to go semi-auto or pump seems like an awesome idea to me. You'd get the phsycological impact (both for you and the BG) of "racking the action", and the quick follow ups of semi-auto. Of course I don't know if the action can be switched that easily - does anyone know?

My problem with semi-auto is reliability, though again the idea of a dual action model is appealing - won't cycle? Try to pump it. Every little edge helps.

I'm a believer in buying quality, since quality usually equates to reliability (usually). Hence my looking at the Benellis.

Thanks for all your input - I look forward to a continued discussion.

[Sir Galahad]

Don't get me wrong. One of the many things that sold me on the 1300s I have is that it can take 3" shells. I figure, hey, why not have that feature so I can use it? Sure expands one's choice of ammo. And it also opens options in some extreme case where you go looking for 2 3/4" shells and you need them BAD (SHTF? Civil unrest?) and guy says, "Nope, sold all the 2 3/4" clean out, but I do have some 3" left." Lots of folks have shotguns that take 2 3/4" but not 3" and that can work in your favor possibly. One of the reasons I love my .357 Magnum revolver so much is because it can take both .357 and .38 Special and .38 Special +P (which older .38s cannot +P.) That really opens up a lot of options, not to mention the boatloads of ammo options available for .357 alone (including Federal CastCore heavy lead loads.) To me, it just plain is a win-win situation. My .357 is THE handgun I would NEVER part with no matter what. Because no matter where you go, someone has .38 Special even if they don't have .357. Now, to me, the option of 3" shells is mighty encouraging even if I haven't shot them yet. Just because I know I CAN if I want or need to. And another option I really like with my Winchester Defenders is that they will function with the "mini-shells". That REALLY opens up my options. One has to admit, as far as versatility goes in a close-range weapon, the shotgun is IT. Being able to chamber more options is always better.

[Duke of Lawnchair]

I have to agree with Skunk on this one. My preference is a semi-auto as I find them much more enjoyable to shoot. The more enjoyable the gun, the more I shoot it.

My confidence in my semi is just as high as my confidence in my Honda, which is extremely high to say the least...

[Dave McCracken]

Carter, my barbarian compadre....

Please continue in your quest for 125 yard CQB weaponry.Much of what we know now was done by shotgunners like thee.

I doubt I'll be testing Hevi Shot 00 in the near future, but a T&E of same would be nice to see here.

As for historical combat use of shotguns, we had dinner a few years back with a co worker of Wife's and the co worker's SO. On display in their house was a Civil War era Cavalryman's uniform, weapons and a daguerrotype or two. The weapons included a brass famed Confederate copy of a Navy Colt, and a double barrelled ML shotgun set up with maybe 16" barrels.

Historian Merle Miller at the time of the CW Centennial stated that probably 1/4 of the long arms used by Southron Cavalry were shotguns, mostly used by those who brought these with them from civilian life.

As for your choice of B guns, it's your money and life. However, I wouldn't own a "Serious" shotgun incapable of functioning with light loads. Or heavy ones, for that matter...

[El Tejon]

[El Tejon putting on robe and wooden sandals, lighting incense]

Young Skunkari, whatever sword you have, you have. You should have no faves as you possess the tacticality, regardless of the piece of metal in your paws. [gong sounds]

[Soap]

Carter,

The longest distance in my "poor college kid" apartment is 7 yards...so I'm not exactly stuffing my Benelli Nova full of 3.5 inchers or anything ;) So the M4S90 benefits are moot to someone in my situation.

[Andrew Wyatt]

*shrug* My mossberg cycles those "magical" 3 inch shells you spoke of quite well, and it functions with superlight trap loads, and less lethal ammunition, and anything else that's 12 gauge. it also has two extra rounds, capacity wise(iirc, civvie M4's only hold five in the tube), cost me a grand total of two hundred and forty dollars and wasn't given a poor review by people who's opinions i trust.

i'll stick with my american made pump action efficient user of money, thank you.

[Duke of Lawnchair]

Levelhead, you mentioned that your confidence in your 590 Marine Coat has dwindled. Before you go out and buy a new shotgun, do what most here have advised you to do. Shoot the heck out of it. If your confidence has not risen to the level that you would like, then ditch the 590 and purchase a shotgun that WILL.

[oldpaladin]

Dear Dave,
Thanks for the kind words... I'll have to think about getting a t-shirt that proudly proclaims me to be, "oldpaladin, the barbarian..." Maybe in twenty years, Arnold will be decrepit enough to play me. LOL! :D So far, I've found the Winchester 3" rifled deer slug to be fairly accurate with 3 1/2" groups at 100yds... I cheated, and used my Meprolight 21 Reflex Sight, instead of the Meprolight ghost ring sights... I confess, I do like a 3.5 MOA golden dot to aim with... Kinda takes a lot of MY error out of the operation... Understand that Remington's 3" Slugger, with a slug that in not Foster design, will perform better. Will find out next weekend. Went out with 5 grapefruit, placed them a yard apart at 100 yards, and hit all five with one shot apiece. Not great, but I WILL get better. My desire? Standard sized playing cards, to start with. I do wonder, though, what is the possible accuracy possible with a smoothbore? I can still roll tennis balls at 225 yards, using my Armalite, but beyond three hundred, I'm starting to show my vision (tri-focals) and, I guess, age... So, yo-ho-ho, it's a shotgunner's life for me. :) Also, I haven't liked the reports from Afghanistan, and the performance of 5.56 bullets... True, some are M4's and others M16's. If some of the best trained and motivated troops on the planet are having to use multiple rounds to make a terminal stop, what about old duffers like me? Would rather use the "one shot, one kill" philosophy. Since I can't use a scope worth a darn, I'm a peep/ghostring, and reflex/red dot kinda guy... Deer season, whether in Missouri or Maine, I'll be using Brenneke's best, probalby the 3", with the 1 3/8 oz. rifled slug... Out of an M1014, the recoil will be a lot less than I suffered with 535gr .45-70's! A lot lighter to carry, than my ex-Browning BPCR! More fun, too! Will also be trying to shoot skeet with the M1014 in the spring. Yes, I know that ghost ring sights are not a good idea, but I got the wild idea of using the Reflex sight. Shucks, it MIGHT work- maybe... if so, it'll have transitioned from "just" a combat shotgun, to a valid "survival" gun... Anyhow, this is what I'm working on, and toward, shotgun wise... Looking forward to reloading specialized ammo for the beauties too, when I get moved... Currently, southern Maine or the Chesapeake area of Maryland... Can't lose either way.
Duke, I'm with you on the autoloaders, and El Tejon, you are correct- be it butter knife or sword... Daniel, most combat in these United States takes place within 7-10 yards. Nice choice, BTW- it or the M3 would have been my next choice... Andrew, your logic is irrefutable. I loved my Mossy 590A1, and it was a great gun... Sir Galahad, the pump is the most versatile of all shotguns, no question. However, when you wear that one out, look at Benelli's M3, where you can use it auto or pump. Awesome! Unlimited vistas and horizons... Levelhead, I like the sound of the ratcheting of the slide- makes the BG begin to think of mortality- his. However, the sound of my M1014's bolt slamming home is like the crack of doom... They don't have to know what it "is," just that a large, steel door, has suddenly been closed... :evil: Frankly, just the thought of it makes me grin, big time... :D :D :D Gentlemen, and any ladies present, I want to thank-you all for allowing me to join in on one of the most delightful lists I've ever seen, let alone heard of. Again, Thanks! Looking forward to future "talks." I wish you all well, that you be safe, at peace, and may happiness always be yours.

Carter, oldpaladin, out...

[sm]

I have to agree with Dave. HSMITH, El Tejon(boy did my imagination have fun with that mind movie).

In any firearm - its got to fit shooter, reliable with loads, allowing quick accurate hits.

Practice is the key, know whatever firearm you have so it is an extension of oneself.

Seen guys with 1100's that could (hate this word) tactically run circles around guys...stock, no mag extensions, nada. Same gun they hunt ducks, doves and deer with.

100 yds? single shot 410 will ding 'em, fun getting it right 5 times in a row...

[Dave McCracken]

Carter, you're certainly welcome, and welcome here. Hope you stick around. If you move to Md, let me know, we'll heave the fatted calf on the barbie...

As for slugs, with the better ones of the three styles(Forster, Sabots, Brenekkes) it's impossible to predict which ones will group best out of a given shotgun. Loose rule of thumb is that Sabots do best in full rifled barrels and the others in smoothbores or with rifled choke tubes. All 12 gauge slugs are effective, so it's simply a case of finding the best grouping.

Best slug in my deer 870 is the KO Brenekke. I've invested a few in venison futures with near perfect results and short blood trails.

Last bench session with that combo had a three shot, 3 groups at 100 yard average of a bit more than 4" edge to edge, which compares closely to your results.

I see no advantage to 3" slugs, but YMMV.

And, try rolling a beer can at long range with slugs. Pair up and have races with a buddy.

Thanks for the backup,1973.

Amd El Tejon, thank you too. Those mental pictures have me chortling still....

[Soap]

Carter,

You missed the "poor college kid" part ;) I don't have an M1, I have a Nova.

[oldpaladin]

Daniel,
I've sold lots of Benelli Nova's, but not had the opportunity to shoot the 3.5" Must be massive on the recoil end, but hell on the waterfowl... If I were to go back to pumpguns, it would be to either a Nova, or a M3... What ammo size do you use for your hunting, and for home defense needs? Agreed, 7 yards is short, and anything above 4 Buck will work, but maybe you have a preference... Anyway, I wish you well, and know that someday you'll go beyone the "poor student" apartment. ;)

Carter, oldpaladin, out...

[Soap]

Carter,

I use Federal Tactical #4 buck or 7 1/2 shot 2.75" field loads for HD. I have the Nova with the shorter tube and the LPA ghost rings. I don't do very much hunting with it since I'm so busy with school during all of the seasons. Its a pity!

Dan

P.S. I appreciate the well wishes! Things are going well in school, I just need to get my foot in the door... Investment banking, here I come! :D

[oldpaladin]

Daniel,
You WILL do well. I hope you not only get your foot in the door, but the rest of you as well. :evil: I imagine you've grown attached to it over the years... ;)
Hang in there, my friend. From what I read, there is a lot of investment in banks, nowadays... :rolleyes:

Carter, oldpaladin, out...

[Gordon]

If you are in a motor home and come to goofy Santa Cruz , we'll dig a 4' pit(with my back hoe) and I'll stand behind you and roll out 5 grape fruit as quick as I can while you shoot from pit.. That drill will be like running heads!Sir a shotgun is an emergency weapon beyond 50yds although you will PROBABLY hit up to 125 yds. Probably doesnt cut it in combat and besides a shotgun is the best weapon from 20' out to 5 times that distance.50Yds up is rifeman country. I have been competing in 3 gun matches since they were invented and have a 'full race' 1100 Rem. backed up by a 'full race' 870 Rem for 20 years. I also have sporting versions of both weapons in 12 and 20 gauge. I have never seen a softer recoil than an 1100 in any gun. The Bennellis are very nice and the 'tactical' ones especially robust but they kick like a Browning Auto 5 to me(another favorite gun and very overlooked for HD).

[oldpaladin]

Gordon.
I appreciate your input, Sir. However, unless the Atlantic Ocean begins lapping at the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, it's extremely unlikely that I'll ever visit the sun drenched land of the People's Republik of Kalifornia again... ;) Great people, nice climate, barbaric state government. No offense intended, Sir! :) I'm very comfortable with the M1014, as it (to me) has the same recoil as my Armalite, or a 28 gauge... Agreed, recoil is subjective. I had to give-up my M1A Supermatch because my shoulders began feeling like they had been turned into gravel and ground glass. :( Yessir, I know that the shotgun is held by many to be an "emergency" weapon. If I have to use a weapon again against another human being, it WILL be an emergency... In the event that this occurs, I have to keep in mind the probable distances that may be involved... As most combat (in this country) takes place under 125 yards, the proper blend of experience, discipline, training, weapon, and ammunition is, of course, crucial. I am more likely to toss my Benelli into my SUV, than my Armalite. This, of course, could be an error on my part. My go pack is 600rds of Hornady 75gr. TAP or Match... Undoubtedly, accuracy and range would be much better than my Benelli's... Am I likely to find myself in a long range duel, or firefight, or human wave attack? Darned if I know... Don't even relish the thought. Can only prepare for so many things... I guess I could carry both, the SUV is big enough... Since I'm more prone to carry the M1014, I make sure my go pack is loaded with a good selection of Buckshot, slugs, and yes, :eek:, sabots... Each round has a specific use... Even flares... Since I am, by choice, limiting myself to one shoulder weapon, I want to be able to hit reliably out to 125 yards- what I consider to be the maximum effective range. I will test that, however, to see just how far a smoothbore will go... With newer types of ammo appearing each year, who really knows what the limit is? Even the old .45-70 could shoot 2200 yards, as per the Army Ordinance Board, about 1873, I think... Volley fire, if memory serves me... Not accurate, but who knows? Anyway, getting back to the shotgun as a combat weapon, I feel much more comfortable with it under certain conditions. If over 125yards, or more than I can effectively engage with the shotgun, then the Armalite will do out to 600yards... There, lots of ammo will help... :evil: As to competitions, my hat, and my long lost hair, are off to you, Sir. ;) Any races I would do, I'd have to cheat... Oh, to be young again... A wise man once said that youth is wasted on the young... LOL, he was right! As to the superb Browning A5, that's the reason I went with the Benelli M1014! For me, gas operating systems are the best choice... Someday, I hope to have a Benelli R1 in .300 Win Mag. Hope they do it in the new .300 WSSM... Wow, that would truly be awesome... Imagaine, such a round, with the recoil of a .243... Hmmmm... Some day... Rifleman country... Yep, from CQB range out to whatever you can see... Won't argue with you there, but we ARE talking about shotguns... At present, I can hit what I can see with my trifocals... 125yards and under, is VERY comfortable... With the AR15, and squinting, out to 400... Then, call in arty, or air strikes, or saturate the area- suppression style... Not pretty, but pretty effective... Maybe we can meet over some very large tankards of ale, someday. I'd like that... Always willing to learn...
Regards and Respects,
Carter F. Leffen, oldpaladin, out...

[Island Beretta]

The Benelli M3 IMHO is the best tactical shotgun available off the shelf today. Read up on it and you will concur!! I recently got one and it has been downright awesome. Fast, light, convertible and extremely rugged.

When I was in the market for a shotgun, I did not consider Benellis as listening to people talk about them I thought they were overpriced, kicked like a mule, and left a lot to be desired. I therefore focused on the Remingtons, Berettas and the Brownings, handling and firing them.

Then one day I was at a range watching an IPSC shotgun match and this guy was pulverising the competition. The gun was fast, accurate and reliable. When he finished shooting a crowd gathered around him, including competitors, who was curious about the gun. He identified the gun as a stock M3 Benelli. I subsequently got one to handle and fire and the search was over!!

[oldpaladin]

Island Beretta,
Hello! I cannot argue with another Benelli aficianado. Frankly, I've been touting the benefits of the M3 for quite some time now... The ability to go from pump to semi-auto, and back again, or vice versa, is truly outstanding... The hybrid nature of M3 fills a category in which it has no equals, and none could ever be better... It is, simply, the most versatile shotgun ever made... Regardless of ammo type, type of mission, or need for versatility, the M3 can meet any challenge. You, like other M3 owners and/or users, chose wisely... Had I not been fortunate to get my M4S90's (M1014), I would have gotten an M3 and a Practical... As it is, I'm happy, but do wish I had the versatility that your M3 has... From what I've seen and heard, it's not only an outstanding self defense gun, but also a truly great "survival" gun as well... As a combat shotgun, it has few equals... Forgive me, please, if I include my M4S90/M1014... For those who's jobs are to go into harm's way, the choices for combat shotguns are very few... Being able to use any kind of ammo, and not be platform dependent, is a true force multiplier... Any and all military and police units should seriously look at the Benelli M3- you never know when your life, and that of others, will be on the line... The discerning civilian will not just look once or twice, but will carry the knowledge that "It" is out there- if you dare... Benelli, second to none, and good to go...

Regards and Respects,
Carter, oldpaladin, out...