Benelli m1 m2 m3 m4???

[mikeinla]

Can someone in simple terms tell me what the difference is between the Benelli m1,m2,m3 and m4????

[Quiet]

Benelli
M-1 = semi-auto (recoil operated)
M-2 = semi-auto (recoil operated) newer version of M-1
M-3 = selectable semi-auto (recoil operated) & pump-action
M-4 = semi-auto (gas operated)

[randy]

The M1 has been disconntinued. It came as a tac model with rifle or ghost ring sites, may or may not have screw ins if it did have chokes it came with three. The sporting version came with 5 chokes and vent rib. The shortest barrel length was 21" for the sporter.

The M1 21" was the gun of choice for 3 gun shooters in the Limited class.

The M2 is the current model, availble as above. The diffenences are cryo barrel, longer chokes, different forend, trigger guard and the new recoil reducing stock. The model with pistol grip stock doesn't have the recoil stuff.

This is the current favorite of limited class 3 gun shooters.

I shoot trap loads and lo recoil slugs and I can't tell much difference in recoil between the two. If you were shooting heavy loads then the stock should make a bigger difference.

The M3 is a pump/ semi auto. Not a gun I would recommend, it doesn't have much practical use if any use in the civillian world. I don't know if you can put a mag extension on it or not. Really heavy.

The M4 is a gas gun supposed to cycle everything and less recoil than the recoil guns. Some have screw ins and some don't.

I believe all of these models come with a chrome lined barrel.

[zeek1974]

I thought the M4's used both recoil and gas

[Quiet]

I thought the M4's used both recoil and gas

[Josh]

The m4 uses both, its recoil operated with a gas assist. It still has the inertia spring assembly in the bolt.

[tlillard23]

not really

I don't agree with randy's reasons on the M3... It's a unique shotgun. pump and semi, I would buy one just for that reason. heavy? not sure about that.

the real problem is the aftermarket support. You have to figure out what parts fit and what doesn't. Lots of stuff works with it, it just won't have "works with M3" on the packaging.

It's a kick-butt zombie gun too, and we all know how important that is!!

[Dump1567]

I own a Benelli M3 and it's one of my favorites. I really like the feel of Benelli's pistol grip stock. Guns lightweight (even with sidesaddles), super smooth action, and pump if needed (light loads or specialty rounds). It actually works as an assisted pump, as the recoil starts the bolt to the rear.

If your looking for a Benelli, go to your local shop and handle all of them. I know Turner's carries them.

The down side is the importation laws about sporting features (SR 922). You'll run into some federal legality issues if you want to do any modifications.

Here's my 1988 M3

[50 Shooter]

I traded my SPAS-12 for a Benelli M3 and have never looked back, the M3 is by far the better shotgun. As far as the whole line of M's go I wouldn't want any other shotgun then the M3.

[randy]

Yes it is unique and if you want one by all means get one get 2.

My experience with them has been at the end of the day the M3 shooters were behind the people using the M1, M2, or M4.

One of the Shotgun classes I took I was all hot and bothered for an M3 but the instructor talked me out of it. I listened to him after all I was paying him to teach me. He was at the time an HK/Benelli dealer.

I would buy one if it were a very "smokin" deal only because I have the other three, not to press it into service.

Hey 50 shooter why do you like it better?

[cseabass]

The m4 uses both, its recoil operated with a gas assist. It still has the inertia spring assembly in the bolt.

no it doesnt... it has an open space for it but not the spring.

my m4 has quite a bit less recoil than my m1 also.

it also cycled on ALS Bats and Bags... i dont remember the weights. which floored me.

one prob ive noticed it that some times on light loads i can pull the trigger faster than it can cycle... causing the hammer to follow forcing me to cycle the action again and toss out a live round.

[50 Shooter]

Randy,
The reason I like the M3 is the fact that you can change from semi to pump if needed. The M3 has issues with some light loads, knowing this is and remembering to switch to pump is the key. The M1/2 only cycle slightly faster then the M3. My guess is that it comes down to how fast the shooter can pull the trigger. Mine is an early model with that came with the mag extension.

The M3 is actually lighter then the M4 and only a few ounces seperate the whole line. I've never had an issue with weight when it came to rifles, I guess being an M60 gunner for a year breaks you of that.

Jess,
Yeah, I wish I still had the SPAS as it was one of the most unique shotguns but they also had issues. If you knew it's limits you were okay, like knowing that they only operated in semi with 00 buck or slugs. Being able to shoot it one handed with the stock set up right was always fun.