Steve Beckman

Hi, Sorry to answer a question with a question but I'm still trying to resolve the conflicting information I'm given regarding the "Convertability" of the M3. I'm completely new to Benelli shotguns also. Every (both) local dealers I talked to have insisted that the M3 is NOT convertible, but the forend is simply unlockable with a spring loaded mechanism that allows for running the action (malfunction clearing they say). That this mechanism DOES NOT defeat the auto-loading of the next round. Everything I read indicates otherwise but the mechanism on the gun I handled was in fact spring loaded and unless held in the unlocked position would not seem to "convert" the gun into a pump. Thanks, Steve

I'm new here and I have another question regarding the Benelli M3. From the web site and other places I have gotten the distinct impression that thge M3 can operate in either manual (Pump) or semi-auto modes with the mode being selectable. I spoke with a local shop and they assure me that this is NOT the case and that the manual operaiton is only an "override" to assist in malfunction clearing. I handling the gun the selector on the forend was a spring loaded "knob" operable with either hand and unlocking the pump action. This implies that the function is only temporary and would not infact override the semi-auto operation. Does anyone have first hand experience? I'm not sure who to believeor if my assesment of the operaito if correct. I'm interested in owning a Benelli, and want an auto loader, but the option of running the gun as a pump would allow me to at least train with a pump and to be familiar and comfortable with the operation if the occasion arose. This shop has only the M3 with the Pistol Grip, does this make a difference?