Benelli 121M1

[yf19ex]

I just put down to get a Benelli 121M1 Shotgun. Looking around the net, seems like this was the semi-auto shotgun of the 80s for the police.

There is not too much info on the net about these things. Since it is an older gun there is mixed talk about compatibility with Super 90 parts such as stocks and such. The wood is nice but for long term I would like to switch it up to synthetic.

Anyone have any info about this gun?

Thanks!

[Jicko]

I have one, what do you want to know.

[yf19ex]

Thanks for the reply. Just some points:

1. I heard the loading and unloading of this gun is different that newer and or conventional shotguns. Something I heard about the recoil can only be used to load the next shell and that you cannot eject the shells by cycling to unload. Are there any unique procedures needed to operate this particular shotgun?

2. The only modern parts I have seen are a GG&G charging handle and a bolt release plate. Are there any other modern parts available? Looking for a synthetic stock and forearm parts if possible. I like the wood and gives it a unique look but looking for long term solution should the wood give out.

Well I had been looking for shotguns for some time and had debated on a Remington 870 pump or a Mossberg 930 semi and found this gun in a shop. I liked the look and had not seen anything like it before. I figured its a Benelli so how could you go wrong.

Thanks!

[Guntech]

I have some info, get your money back and get a M4, or if you have enough keep it and get an M4 too!

[yf19ex]

I have some info, get your money back and get a M4, or if you have enough keep it and get an M4 too!

Uh yea, I got a problem with spending over 1500 for a shotgun. Given that it is such a simple mechanism, I would rather spend that money on something more precise...

[Guntech]

Suit yourself. I'd spend well over 2000 for a street sweeper any day. Its pretty accurate for sweeping the street lol.

[yf19ex]

Hmm Hmm. I see what you are saying. I was fiddling around with it in the shop and was wondering how to load the shells since the loading lever would not depress down. Looks like its load one in the chamber, press the button then load the other rounds into the tube.

I can see if you are trained on modern shotguns, this procedure would be quite different to handle and learn.

I also just read about the kit for the fix. Looks like other people were looking for it was well.

Looks like I am using magnum rounds through this thing to cycle.

I guess you can say the reason I liked it because it kinda has a heavy weapon feel to it. Nothing you get out of the modern shotguns. The wood was nice and heavy, looks like you could use it as a club or base ball bat. It is also unique look as I have never seen one or anything like it before.

I will look into that part you told me about. Thanks for the info!

[yf19ex]

I just checked the gun at the shop. Apparently it has what looks like the modification so all you have to do is set the button back and it holds and you can load the shotgun one handed or with just your left hand without having to push the button each time you need to load it. If that what the specific modification is.

[naimad]

There is barrel on gunbroker for the m121

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=111724695

[freshdesigns@hotmail.com]

I'm also interested. Anyone else ever own one but had any issues (pro or con)? The price point seems a bit better, but is the upgraded M1S90 the way to go?

I sure love the wood stock though!

[Dirtbiker]

They were discontinued in 1986, good luck ever getting parts for it.

Cool gun. There is one on gunbroker for $450 right now. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=159662909

If you are looking for a modern HD gun buy a new M1, M2, M3 or an M4. If you are looking for a Benelli type action on a budget pick up a Beretta 1200FP for about $500. They are almost the same gun as the M1.

[yf19ex]

Wow, back from the dead.

Anyway, I was using it in the Chabot 3 gun yesterday. Love, it, cycles bird, buck and slug with no problems. But due to the inertial system, kicks like a mule. Got a chance to fire someones M4 in the last stage. Great gun, want one now! But mine runs 7+1 (or 6 i forget) without need to covert it.\

It is a unique shotgun. A gun that combines the elegance look of a pump gun with a full operation of a semi auto combat shotgun. Almost reminds me of something I would have found in resident evil...

[freshdesigns@hotmail.com]

Hey, can the mag be emptied without having to fire it empty? I'm getting all kinds of rumored shortcomings!

Also, can you explain the whole button-reloading issue/problem clearly for me? Is it only come to play when you want to reload quickly in a firefight or competition? Can one shell be loaded at a time though the ejection port?

[yf19ex]

Well the Benelli button system does not quite work the same as the M4 or probably the modern guns.

The Benelli button has to be pressed down and forward to allow a shell from the tube to load into the carrier. I have not seen or been able to unload the tube with the carrier in the up position. Looks like you have to load the shell into the carrier and eject via cycling or letting it fall out of the chamber. I know not the safest method.

Another problem with the Benelli button on the M121 is that it has to be in the locked position to the back or the shell carrier will be locked down and you cannot reload unless you manipulate the button while reloading. I have found it locked some times and unlocked other times during shooting.

[freshdesigns@hotmail.com]

So do you actually have to hold the button back to load every round or will it lock to the rear to allow loading the entire mag? And then do you need to lock it forward for some purpose (like for it to fire!)?