Follow up re: Benelli M1 - Mag capacity

[GetmeoutaCT]

As my interest in my M1 Super 90 (a disassembled safe queen until now) has now been piqued, I've turned to the issue of mag capacity.

It looks to be a 4+1; there is a short extension screwed onto the hanguard portion of the lower that adds one round to the (3?) in the handguard. I understand it was imported this way because import restrictions at the time (and maybe now also) forbade the importation of semi-auto shotguns with higher capacity.

OK. I see that Midway USA lists a two-shot extension by Pro Mag (which I assume would add one to stock capacity since in stock form, it already has 1 one-shot extension. It would thus make it a 5+1. Sportsman's Guide lists 2, 3 and 4 round extensions. I assume the four round would be a no-go since this unit would extend beyond the end of the 18.5 inch barrel. The three round unit would add two to the stock version, thus making it a 6+1 - more in line with what I consider appropriate for a fighting shotgun.

Any thoughts on these. One final important question - is it legal to add these under federal law? Here in CT it would be ok under state law, surprisingly enough, since the total is under 10 and I don't believe the ten-round restriction applies to magazine tubes, as opposed to detachable magazines.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Gordon]

steer clear of Promag. That +1 extension actually gives you 5 3" shots total on that Benelli or 6 2 3/4" with an extra ghosted I believe, and is of very high quality , like Nordic ones ect. I could live with a 5 round capacity in any shotgun that had bottom feed which begs to be kept topped off. The balance is better and unless you are competeing in games which there is an an advantage to having more rounds , in actual fighting you would be better off with 5-6 rounds IMHO . Did you know that Benelli can "ghost " an extra round on the carrier very nicely? I would get some quality SG training with it before I'd mess with it.

 

[allaroundhunter]

I believe Nordic Components makes mag tube extensions, and I know that Lancer does. My teammate shoots one competitively in 3 gun and has a capacity of 12+1.

The tube extending beyond the length of the barrel really is not a big deal. Just get a clamp to attach the mag tube to the barrel to keep it stable.

 

[HankB]

If you want an extended magazine, get yourself the one from Benelli that's actually made for the gun.

IIRC, during the days of the AWB, extended mags were OK, pistol grips were OK, but not both on the same shotgun.

I think the same situation prevails today on imports, but can't swear to it. If anyone knows otherwise, please enlighten the rest of us.

 

[GetmeoutaCT]

Thanks, Gordon: I returned the Promag and ordered a Nordic.

A clarifying question - when you say the stock version of my M1 holds five rounds, are you counting the one in the chamber? Thanks again

 

[DougW]

I use the Nordic for a 7+1 set up and I do not ghost load in my Super90 Tactical. The Nordic works perfectly.

 

[GetmeoutaCT]

Thanks, everyone.

One final question, and perhaps a stupid one - what does it mean to "ghost load"?

 

[Fred Fuller]

Sneaking an extra round onto the carrier.

The important thing with shotguns is to learn to load them on the fly, rather than doing gymnastics to get one or two more rounds on board.