Which Benelli?

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cgv69

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Hey Guys.

If I wanted to buy a Benelli shotgun for strictly tactical\HD purposes (and maybe 3 guns matches at some point) which one should I get? Although money always matters, please judge these different models based solely on their features, advantages and disadvantages.

I know I want a semi so that rules out any version of the Nova and I’m not at all interested in the M3. Basically I’m focusing on either the M1, M4 or M1014.

M4\M1014 – I don’t want the collapsible stock so that feature presents no advantage for me. I do like the fact that these are what the Marines are currently using. I also like the fact that they have a tool-less take down for field stripping\cleaning and where designed from the ground up for serious use.

Other than the American Flag on the receiver and the fact that the M1014 stock is not collapsible from the factory, what’s the difference between the M4 and the M1014? I read some talk about some differences between the chokes and gas ports on these two models. Can any of you detail these differences?

It was my understanding that the M1014 was supposed to be a limited production run of only 2500 units but it seems like you can still find these all over the place NIB. Did they not sell well because of price or function or did they just become a normal production item? Is there any issue with installing a straight or pistol grip stock on a M1014?

M1 – This model is no longer listed on Benelli’s site (at least in tactical form). Is the M1 Super 90 tactical no longer a factory option? Is there an M1 tactical that is not a “super 90� If so, what’s the difference?

What advantages\disadvantages does M1 have compared to the M4\M1014? Obviously it is less expensive and has a different gas system. My understanding is the M1 gas system is a little more finicky about loads used and items hung off of the weapon then the M4 series is? I know one advantage of the M1 is there are a host of options, upgrades, accessories and barrels available for this model.

M2 – What the scoop on this model? Where does it fit in compared to the models listed above?

I notice some people still refer to having a pre-ban Benelli? Does that have any meaning now that the AWB no longer exists?

Any and all useful input (and pics! :D ) are welcome!
 
Holy crap, I didn't know they switched their defense guns to M2s... what the heck is the difference between the M1s and M2s? Something just doesn't look right about them.

I have a M1 Tactical, I picked it up new in december. I really like it. The reciever is still marked M1 Super 90, but I believe the only difference is that they don't come with the 8/9 round capacity. I think this is because of the 89 ban, but i'm probably wrong. (you can put a mag extension on the gun, but not in combo w/ a folding stock... violates 89 parts count -- this is on all benellies) You can just buy a 4 round extension, bring total capacity to 8, 9 if you modify the bolt and ghost a round (or something)

How ever, the difference in the 'gas systems'... is that the M1 (m3 also) are inertia driven, meaning that it cycles based on the recoil. While the M4/m1014 uses the gases to cycle.

I probably didnt' help any. Only advantage the m4/m1014 has over the m1 is that you can put all the crap you want on it w/o effecting the cycling. And the M1 can be with light tactical loads. If you put all the accessories on a m1, its possible/likely that it will not shoot right. M4/m1014 also has a lighter recoil than the m1 because it's gas opperated. By how much so? I have no idea. My M1 is my first shotgun & experience with 12 gauge.

I really haven't shot my benelli a whole lot. I'm betting that I have placed 50-75 (maybe 75-100) rounds through it, extra heavy 7.5 shot, light 7.5 shot, and 5 00 buck. It is a little boring just shooting at paper in a indoor range. I really want to plink with it, and test it with slugs.

Hope this helps,

Cyanide

edit: I just realized your in N. ky... not too far away it sounds. interesting.
 
Both the M1 and M2 are suitable for 3-Gun matches and HD.

I have two identical M1's set up for 3-Gun. A good choice for 3-Gun, but kick more than the gas operated guns. Not a big deal at a local match, but practicing for an afternoon can take its toll. I cant go more than 150-200 rounds before I am flinching and sore the next day.

Go here http://coloradoshooting.org/ipw-web/gallery/Hoser?page=4 for pics of ghost loading/floating a round on a Benelli. C-Rums (a member here) can weld up the shell lifter for you. By far the best $30 I have spent in a long time.

My M2 wont take an extended mag tube as the mag tube hanger is different. Rumor has it that the field models of the M2 will take a tube. I think the stock reducing 40% of recoil is BS. I compared a regular M1 to my M2SS and it felt the same. The contoured recoil pad was nice, but not the end all.
 
M1S90 Tactical all the way. You can find the models through distributors.

Here are the model numbers

straight stock
11261 (ghost ring) or
11200 (rifle sights)
or the pistol grip version (11260, 11201).


9 total capacity with the bolt carrier mod. Shorter OAL than the Super-X2 of the same capacity. Nice and light. I always shoot 1 1/8oz loads and it runs 100%. Tactical buckshot and slugs run fine. I have the straight-stock ghost ring version. I swap in the full choke and shoot #7.5's for trap in the low 20's. I can shoot this gun all day without discomfort, but not with magnum loads...

-z
 
I have a Benelli M2 field model that did take an extended tube from Shooters Connection (See Favorite Links on Schennberg.com). Before you buy, make sure that the fore-end cap is screwed onto threads that will accept the same nut as the Benelli M1. The one that works has a fore-end cap with interior diameter 1.034"/26.6mm and exterior diameter 1.47"/37.25mm (this is the easiest to measure when the gun is fully assembled).
Richard
 
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I don't know. Mine had a large black fore-end cap at the end of the hanguard and worked fine. I've heard that some variants with a different shaped handguard are not treaded to accept the same nut as the M1. See my previous edited post for the approximate dimensions of the correct fore-end cap. I don't know the exact diameter of the outside of the treads because I have my Benellis fully reassembled and I screwed the nuts on fairly tight, but it should be close to 1.2"
Richard
Schennberg.com
 
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