Jump to content

Benelli M3 opinions please?


RogerH
 Share

Recommended Posts

Does anyone have experience of these guns please? Been offered a VGC 3-shot which I am thinking seriously about.

 

It seems to fit me very well but I can't get the opportunity to shoot it before I buy. I like the extra weight over the normal semi-autos too.

 

I guess that the main advantage of having the pump action as well would be to cycle lighter loads reliably?

 

Any experiences on reliability, handling and cycling etc most welcome! :rolleyes:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi chap,

i had one of these and wasn't overly pleased, a very expensive gun at the time and after spending even more money on her she seemed to work ok. some are fine tho', but will probably need to use the pump on lighter loads. If you don't mind this then by all means get it. :blink:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I dont wish to be negative & you dont say what you intend to use it for, but in the Benelli range if you want a semi auto the M2 is a lot better than the M3.

 

If you want a Pump Gun then the Benelli Supernova is better than an M3 at pumping.

 

Its your choice but the M3s do not have the best reputation when compared to similar guns from the same stable.

 

ATB

N

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the feedback chaps. I want the gun for pigeons and possibly clays, but will still keep my Browning. Having thought about it there is a bit of a 'novelty' attraction here as well I guess. If I was into FAC shotguns and PSG it might make more sense...

 

Cheers

 

Roger

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Roger,

 

I currently own a 7+1 M3 (or 8+1 with 65mm carts) and think it's a fantastic gun. I have used it in PSG comps too and if things go well on my reloading technique (ie. it's me not the gun) I have managed to be in the top 10 in the standard division which is highly competitive......although I seem to be the only M3 competitor as most use the M2 or the Winchester models. Obviously the Super Nova puts you in the manual division in PSG, although if you fancied a change you can try this discipline too with the M3 :blush:

 

M2 is also a great gun and is a little lighter, but not as much as you might think (had one of these which I traded in for the M3), but if the M2 plays up at a comp your shooting is over if it's a section 1 as you can't use any one else's section 1, however with the M3, you can carry on in manual mode and your days shooting is not wasted.

 

Mine cycles 28g carts no problem and I have never had any cycling problems with this load, although not tried anything lighter on semi-auto mode yet.

 

I have used it for clay shooting too, but if you come from an over and under set up it takes a little time to adjust to the point of aim as it tends to shoot flatter than a proper clay gun.

 

It's a very simple design and easy to strip and clean. 2 pins out and the trigger group can be cleaned. It's a doddle compared to a gas semi-auto.

 

Not sure why GRAM71 had problems as mine has been 100% reliable.

 

Cheers, Darren

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Obviously the Super Nova puts you in the manual division in PSG, although if you fancied a change you can try this discipline too with the M3 ;)

Cheers, Darren

 

 

Hi Darren

 

Just a minor point within your post but under UKPSA/IPSC shotgun rules the M3 cannot be entered in pump division, it can only be entered in Standard Semi-Auto.

 

Also the "it's a section 1 so you can't use any one else's section 1" rule only applies to UK matches, when shooting IPSC matches abroad we dont have to deal with that restriction.

 

Most top competitors have spare competition guns to get around this problem anyway & avoid borrowing, I myself have four S1 shotguns allowing me to switch to a backup gun instead of trying to fix a broken gun during a match.

 

Darren next time your at a UKPSA/IPSC match come & say hi.

 

ATB

N

Edited by neil smith
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I cant comment on the M3 but i bought a crio for the girlfriend to use for clays

and i have to say i wouldnt have another gas semi auto again.

The benelli is fantastically easy to clean, one pin to hold in the trigger mecanism

and all that needs is a wee spray of legia spray to remove any muck and thats it.

She has been using the 21gr compx without any cycling problems at all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...