Tell me about the Benelli M3 (pump/semi-auto)

I don't often see posts on the Benelli M3. On paper it seems like the perfect shotgun. You have the speed and recoil reduction of a semi but the reliability of the pump if you get a jam (although from what little reseach I've done I'm not sure how possible it would be to just shuck the pump if you get a FTF/FTE.)

Pricewise they are less expensive than an M4. About on par with the M2's I think.

Why don't I see more of them?

The M4's are damm spendy so comparing them is rough. I personally would just get a M2. Proven platform, lighter, lots of aftermarket.

The reason you dont see many is because they are spendy compared to everything except the M4 and there are very few people that need the ability to have both. I think they were originally designed so they could be used with less lethal rounds for a few police departments but not sure on that.


Clearing a jam on a auto can be a little tougher on a auto but not unmanageable. Run good ammo that is powerful enough and keep the gun lubed and you will have very few problems

From the research I have done, the M3 was designed for less than lethal and breaching rounds, the would not cycle the action, with the ability to back automatic without having to change shotguns. I really like the design it's too bad it not more common. I saw one at the local FFL used I should have picked it up, but at the time it was more than I wanted to spend. The real limit of the M3 is the extra weight, and limited aftermarket support.

I had one for a couple years it was great. I can not ever remember it jamming except when I shot some bean bag rounds but those wont cycle an semishotty. I actually sold it and wished I still had it but it was to big for my frame.

I've had mine for almost 20 years now, and it is a great shotgun. Mine is an HK import with the ghost ring sights and cylinder choke, and it is great for shooting slugs at longer ranges. However, I really never shoot it anymore.

ETA - You don't see more of them because they are a novelty item.

I saw one at the FFL a few years ago they wanted $900 used which was more than I wanted to spend at the time. They are a cool concept, the ability to shoot less than lethal, or breaching rounds and then switch to 00 buck or slugs without changing shotguns.

My father had one he bought in the early/mid 90's for a little over $500.... really wish he still had it. First shotgun I ever shot and it was a really cool and well performing gun. Definitely a bit of a novelty, however you are getting the best of both worlds, and unlike many situations the "best of both worlds" isn't a compromise between inferior designs. Benelli makes an awesome product, the m3 is no exception.

I went M4 because as a civilian I don't need to shoot less than lethal ammo.

IIRC, the M4 recoil system was designed to cycle lower pressure shells and specialty rounds, alleviating the need that the M3 filled.

at the time when I bought my M3, they were really pushing the M4 so I got a good deal on the M3, I've never had an issue with it. It's the easiest shooting shotgun i've ever owned, 100% reliable, fast, and accurate.

I love mag dumping 00 buck at the end of a range session and completely disintegrating the target and backer.

I do like the M4's stock and rail setup, but the ghost ring sights on my M3 do just fine

I dont know of any semi that will cycle most of the less lethal stuff

shot mine for skeet with one oz. reloads–– no problem!!!

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