zx11rider

So I'm shopping for my first shotgun. Primarily for home defense, but I'd like to be able to start shooting skeet and trap occassionally. I'm heavily leaning towards a m3 (pistol grip w/ stock, ghost ring, 5+1). I like the versatility of the m3, but I went down to my LGS to check one out and he said the pump is basically there to just clear a round, it really isn't a true pump action. i tried working the pump, it didn't feel as smooth as a real pump action. plus i had to twist the little ring at the front each time I wanted to rack the slide. then I had to depress the bolt release to put the gun in battery. So no "cha-ching" of a pump, more like a "cha. click-ching", much slower. Is this right? the benelli literature seems to indicate it is convertible from semi auto to a "real" pump.... is there some way to lock that front ring open or something? There also seems to be a lot of back and forth on Benelli semiautos cycling properly when a tac light or side saddle is installed. I understand it's a recoil operated system... but I want to be fairly certain that after break in that I'll be able to shoot tactical buckshot with a surefire fore end mounted. I'd even consider the m4 (despite the heavier weight, higher maintenance and price) if it would resolve some of these issues. Even so, wouldn't a reduced recoil round produce less gas, possibly affecting cycling? And why is the m4 only 4+1? [ 12-03-2004, 12:44 AM: Message edited by: zx11rider ]