The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - So what do you think about the Benelli M3?

Dave McC · December 19, 2001, 07:46 AM

My $.02....

The Benellis have a good rep. I've doubts about the wisdom of the auto/pump combo, tho. Here's why...

Back when I instructed, we had some goose and duck hunters among our COs that used 1100s. Even tho 870s start to shuck themselves when fired, these folks would sometimes blow a relay by failing to pump as needed.If they did this on the range, they'd do it during a crisis.

And, a defensive shotgun has little need for a less lethal capability. Agency weapons might, tho more specialized tools should be available that will work better.

So, if this should be used strictly as an auto, why have the extra parts, complicated MOA, more weight and higher cost of the convertible?

Also,Dave T,darn near all the autos I saw in "Practical" competitions malfed on occasion. Since an 870 is so dependable, I still regard it as the best choice for "Serious" shotgunning.

December 19, 2001, 07:46 AM	#4
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	My $.02.... The Benellis have a good rep. I've doubts about the wisdom of the auto/pump combo, tho. Here's why... Back when I instructed, we had some goose and duck hunters among our COs that used 1100s. Even tho 870s start to shuck themselves when fired, these folks would sometimes blow a relay by failing to pump as needed.If they did this on the range, they'd do it during a crisis. And, a defensive shotgun has little need for a less lethal capability. Agency weapons might, tho more specialized tools should be available that will work better. So, if this should be used strictly as an auto, why have the extra parts, complicated MOA, more weight and higher cost of the convertible? Also,Dave T,darn near all the autos I saw in "Practical" competitions malfed on occasion. Since an 870 is so dependable, I still regard it as the best choice for "Serious" shotgunning.