[SBE 2 barrel wiggles]

On a SBE1 the forearm needs to be modified to fit any slug barrel or SBEII shot barrel, or else a SBEII forearm needs to be used. I have seen some poorly done jobs where the person took out too much material on the forearm from around the recoil lug behind the barrel ring.

If this has been fitting fine, and this is a new issue, sometimes it wasn't quite aligned completely when reassembled. I have done that once and I just had to loosen the foreend cap a half turn, wiggle it a little until it seated the rest of the way and it was good to go.

[WTB Benelli M4 14" barrel]

Keep an eye on Gunbroker. You might have to watch the shotgun barrels section as well as the NFA section. If you are already a member, set up a saved search to notify you when one comes up for sale. With the right filter(s), you won't get notified of complete guns, just the barrels. I am assuming you know this will be a NFA item and will require all the paperwork, cost, and waiting that goes with that...

[SBE slug barrel swap]

If you didn't get one, I'd suggest downloading the owners manual. The SBEII manual is close enough. There are a few things it has that the original doesn't have, but I can't think of anything the original has that II doesn't have other than maybe different materials in a couple places.

https://www.benelliusa.com/support/manuals?name=super+black+eagle

Also, original owners manuals do pop up for sale periodically on sites like eBay and Gunbroker for $10-$20. If it is a SBE1, it has a gold colored cover. There is one on eBay right now, but it's for the left hand model. Really, the only thing that is very different between these and your M2 for field stripping is separating the barrel. Be real slow and gentle pulling the barrel off at first. An extra set of hands the first couple of times isn't a bad idea. It is easy for them to release in a way that can make the receiver extension hit the receiver and leave a scratch. The bolt assembly can ride out and fall out too so watch that. Once you've done it a couple times, this gun is super easy to field strip. 

[SBE slug barrel swap]

16 minutes ago, jsev7757 said:

Thank you so much.   I have a m2 and I love it.  So when I had the chance to buy a sbe1 from the local pawn shop I jumped on it.  My only issue was it had a slug barrel on it.  But I figured I could just change the barrel.   So I did some digging around the internet and couldn't find very many sbe1 barrels.   So you helped me alot.  

One more question.   Are the chokes threads at the end of a sbe2 barrel or down inside a bit? 

SBE1 (not really called 1, but people use it to differentiate from later versions) have the threads right at the end of the barrel. SBEII's and I believe all M2's use Crio chokes that are further down the barrel. When I added the picture to my first post, I added some text to clarify but if your M2 already has the higher rib and Crio chokes then I would definitely go with a SBEII barrel. You can look for a while before you'll find a SBE1 barrel. I bought the last couple of mine on Gunbroker.

[SBE slug barrel swap]

2 minutes ago, jsev7757 said:

And also what is a barrel extension cover?  I thought the cover was built onto the barrel?   Some help would be appreciated.   Thanks. 

Most shotgun barrels just wrap around the chamber but then that part slides into the receiver fully encapsulating it. On the SBE, the top half of the receiver IS the barrel extension which is part of the barrel once it is manufactured. It can be purchased separately, but that is only useful for gunsmiths as it has to be soldered on. When you field strip an SBE, you'll see how the bottom half with the magazine section, cartridge lift, trigger assembly, etc are still attach to the buttstock. But, the forearm and the barrel and the top half of the receiver are removed.
This might be the easiest way to show it:

In the picture below of my pair of HK SBE's, you'll see the barrels are lined up with where they would set on the guns. The part that is round is of course the barrel. Where it changes on the right side of the picture where it has the /----\ shape is the receiver extension.
 

[SBE slug barrel swap]

Just the barrel. If you don't already have any shotgun barrels, I'd suggest getting SBEII barrel(s) as your gun should already be set up for it, the availability is better, chokes are easier to find, etc. Also, since these have a longer receiver than standard shotguns, I'd recommend going a size shorter than you normally shoot. I.E. if you normally like a 28", then get a 26. If you normally shoot a 26", then get a 24". Watch for a used one as new ones are $550+ last I looked.

For anyone reading this later, the original SBE's in shotgun configuration will generally need a SBEII forearm or to modify their existing one as they are milled out more for the slug barrel and SBEII barrels than they were for the early SBE shotgun barrels. The area that needs modified is the lug behind the barrel ring is longer on SBEII and slug barrels than it is on the earlier ones.

In the picture below with the yellow and red markings of early SBE barrels I am noting some differences. Initially, there was a low vented rib on top (red arrow) of the barrel on the bottom and it also has the shorter recoil lug behind the barrel loop that goes behind the forearm. Compare this to the interim and SBEII barrels which have a much higher, pronounced vented rib and a longer recoil lug. To add even more confusion, there was a few made in this transitional period that have Mobil chokes instead of Crio chokes. So, there are some exceptions however, but use this as a general rule:
Low rib, short recoil lug, Mobil choke (threads at very end of muzzle) = SBE 1 barrel
High rib, long recoil lug, Crio chokes (threads ~3/4" down the barrel) = SBE 2 barrel

I have never looked to see if SBEIII barrels are still compatible since II are still in production.

[SBE link availability]

Just get the later riveted style. It works just fine and is much stronger than the earlier cast type. Here's one in stock:

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/740080

[What is the difference between a 61028 and 61171 Benelli collapsible stock?]

If you do go the route above, the trigger guard helps hold your stock square on your M3 whereas on the SuperNova, it is held by the holes top and bottom. Is it possible/feasible to trim the trigger guard and drill that alignment hole in the M3? I know the new ones are quite a bit different than the ones I have which use a completely different recoil assembly type since they obviously have no receiver extension extending out the back. 

Another idea airborne, is in the early 90's there were limited imports of top folding M3T's. Factory correct ones will be HK marked and the folding stock will lock into the rear sight. If someone made one (non-factory) it will work, but it will not lock as the sights are slightly different position. I know collapsible is not folding, but just in case you weren't familiar. They pop up for sale periodically on GunBroker.com and other auction sites and generally go for $2k - $3k except during COVID/panic prices.

Here's mine:

[Benelli M4 Collapsible stock receiver extension orientation/keying question]

Great idea. I'll check that suggestion in the next day or two and report back. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to remove the stock from the 11711 and look at how it is oriented.

Thanks guys. ?

[Benelli M4 Collapsible stock receiver extension orientation/keying question]

I've got 2 Benelli M4's. An original 11711 H20, and one I bought used from a former co-worker that was built up with 922r components, then added collapsible stock and extended magazine. The collapsible stock settings on the H20 are smooth as butter. But, on the black M4, it takes some considerable wiggling to get it lined up. Also, it likes to lock in at a canted sideways position off to the side in a position or two. Would one of you installer experts take a look at these and tell me first is this a Benelli receiver extension or did he get some generic aftermarket unit. Second, is it installed and keyed in the correct orientation, i.e. rotated into the correct position for it to function properly. If so, any suggestions? I previously had it more oily then in the pictures seeing if that would help, but the glare made it harder to photograph so I wiped much of it off.

I just realized I didn't take any pictures with the stock on it. It does sit at proper angle it appears in the all the way in and all the way out positions. I can't seem to hit the middle one. I can take pics if of it too if that helps.

[Crooked Benelli M3 feed ramp]

You'd think they'd at least load a magazine full of snap caps into the mag, and cycle them through to make sure it fully loads, and manually cycles if they aren't going to do live tests.

I've been a Benelli fan for nearly 30 years but man, trying to crank out as much as they can during COVID and buying panic has left me shaking my head at them. I understand making a profit, but if they are doing so at the sake of their previously well-earned reputation, it could come back to bite them. I certainly hope not...

[Benelli M1 Tactical]

If I remember correctly, those pistol grip stocks also were the same as those on that era's Benelli Black Eagle and Super Black Eagle turkey and slug guns as well. I don't know if you use Gunbroker.com, but if so, here's a good price on one from a reputable dealer: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/935845322

There's another one listed at the below link, but that is an aftermarket one. I haven't heard anything about that brand. Or, save this search and check periodically: https://www.gunbroker.com/Gun-Parts/search?Keywords=benelli m1 pistol grip stock&Sort=13&PageSize=96

If you end up wanting to sell your field stock, I might be interested in it.

[Slow / failed cycling M3]

Along with what was said 8 years ago, inertia guns MUST be held tight for them to function. Make sure to hold tight to shoulder. I have a couple of the HK era M3T top folding models and are flawless if held firm, but I can intentionally keep them from cycling even once properly just by the way I hold it.

[M3 Off center carrier?]

I'd still follow up with Benelli. If you can send them the bent one, maybe you'll get a replacement for a spare.

 

And, vertigo's comment regarding the plastic trigger guard was just to differentiate that it was a newer production gun versus the original release of the gun in the 90's that had a cast trigger guard. While both M3's are largely the same gun, there are some nuances between the two that can cause compatibility issues if you try swapping parts over, such as putting an original folding stock on the newer model.

[FS: Like new Benelli M4 barrel assembly complete]

Info such as color, barrel length and whether it has chokes would be handy.

[For Sale- Franchi SPAS 12]

After owning several of the Benelli M3T folding stock models, and a SPAS-12, other than the more unique looks, the SPAS-12 has nothing on the M3. The M3 is lighter, smoother, more refined, more reliable, easier to use, safer, etc. That hook, while certainly an interesting idea, is in reality mostly a novelty except perhaps to reload an alternate round in a full gun. I still like mine and they are a conversation starter and interesting piece. I am still going to buy a SPAS-15 in the near future. That model has largely fixed most of the deficiencies in the SPAS-12. Too bad it was banned so early on so it is even less common. BTW, to the OP, while $4k might be optimistic with the pump wear and the lever type safety, they haven't sold for $1,500 in that configuration for quite some time. Yours should definitely sell closer to your higher than your lower numbers.

 

BTW, one of my late relatives owned a large gun shop in the era and a Franchi rep had initially referred to the SPAS as "special pump automatic shotgun". Then, shortly after during their police demonstrations, that same rep referenced it to the room as "Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun". Later, as you surmised, it was changed to sporting in a veiled attempt to pass it off as such to avoid its eventual fate.

[SBE3 not cycling 3" or 3.5" shells]

I think remarkable has it right. If it were a spring rate issue, then it generally closes on an empty bolt and never releases next shell. I would try a different brand of shell before you try to have it serviced. Sometimes a tiny manufacturing product (metal shavings usually, or not as polished as it should be) will cure themselves out with a diet of heavier loads. If you find a load it does like, most likely you'll be able to come back to these later after it is broken in. If nothing works, then they should be able to adjust that. If memory serves, that only takes the tiniest of change to adjust so if you are a DIY'er, don't grab the Dremel.

[SBE3 not cycling 3" or 3.5" shells]

We'll need more info to help. Does it properly eject the spent round? Does the next round not feed from magazine or does it snag on the chamber or something else or simply not even pull a round from the magazine?

Typically SBE's like a diet of heavier loads before starting to shoot light ones. Yours is backwards. Is this a new or used gun? If used, I suppose it is possible they put a lighter weight spring in so that light loads (below 1 1/8 oz DRAM) would cycle and it now won't feed heavy loads. The typical issue is when shooting light loads, the gun will fire, and it will cycle back, eject empty, then close on an empty chamber. This is because initially there isn't enough force to release the shell stop and allow a round in the chamber.

Have you tried different brand ammo?

[Old Benelli M4 parts needed]

Just a suggestion but you might want to take your email address off the post. Spammers run 'web crawlers" which checks pages for email addresses. Or, short of that, obscure it a bit with spaces, etc. Sorry, I guess it is just the IT Systems Admin in me. ?

 

[WTS: Benelli M4 Field Stock w/Stippling work done]

Why is that an odd post and worth a downvote? ? I am interested in a used one, but not the stippled model. If yours was not stippled, it'd be cheaper without having that work done and also being used.

Thanks for the link, but I know I can get a new one. I did say that yours is one of the better stippling jobs I've seen on a stock...

[WTS: Benelli M4 Field Stock w/Stippling work done]

If it weren't stippled I'd be interested. They are not my thing. I do have to admit that is one of the better stippling jobs I've seen on a field stock.

[M1S90 stock is loose after removal]

Sometimes just a fresh eyes or clear head can find the issue that had not been obvious previously. I can't tell you how many times I've done that in my life.

 

Interested in selling the field stock by chance? I'll have to check, but I don't think I ever ended up buying one for my M1T.

[ISO M3 Folding Stock]

Just in case you don't know, the original HK era M3 folders differs from regular model in that the stock locks on the rear sight. Only the originals will do that (see the top one in the folded position in my picture below). If I am not mistaken, the sights are in a slightly different place so it isn't as easy as swapping that too. It has been a while since I thought about that so that last part may not be accurate, but I know the first part is. Also, I've heard the newer production M3's are supposed to have a different stock arrangement than the originals did. I know there's someone on here who has both an old and new type. Maybe they'll chime in.

Put another way, for some reason these have not jumped in value like guns with similar technology of semi-auto and pump such as the Franchi SPAS-12 and SPAS-15. You'd be time, and most likely money, well spent just to be patient and buy a complete gun. It should also already have the extended magazine. I will say that in use, the M3 is functionally better than either of the Franchi offerings (though who doesn't love the iconic look of a SPAS-12).
 

Be aware regarding the BATFE statement about changing an existing gun into certain configurations:

A shotgun with a telescoping stock or a magazine greater than 5 rounds is prohibited from importation into the United States under the provisions of section 925(d)(3) of Title 18, United states code (U.S.C.). Assembly of such a shotgun from imported parts is prohibited under 18, U.S.C. Section 922(r). The implementing regulations in Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 478, Section 478.39 (formerly Part 178, Section 178.39) prohibit assembly of such a shotgun that contains more than 10 of the imported parts listed in paragraph (c) of the regulation.

In the picture above, the top one has a mag tube clamp that gives it a picatinny rail. The bottom one is the original configuration.

They do come up periodically on Gunbroker and other websites. There is one available now, but it is way over-priced. Even during COVID panic they rarely got above $3k. I really don't understand why these didn't increase as much. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/929628952 I use GB a lot, and it is where I bought both mine (in 2013 and 2014). I'll put search links below. If you are a GB member, you can run this search and then save it and check the box where it will alert you when one comes up for sale. This is very handy for a gun that only sells one every few months.

Using the search term Benelli M3 Folding:
https://www.gunbroker.com/Shotguns/search?Keywords=Benelli M3 folding&Condition=3&Sort=13&PageSize=96

Using the search term Benelli M3 Folder:
https://www.gunbroker.com/All/search?Keywords=Benelli M3 folder&Condition=3&Sort=13&PageSize=96

[Shotgun for Girlfriend]

1 hour ago, CobraBG said:

Another oldie... from 2004 ? 

Wow, 17 years. This is a new record.

[Shotgun for Girlfriend]

"Shotgun for Girlfriend"

Sounds like a good trade. ???