Okay, what year were the Benelli M1, M2, M3 and M4 introduced?

[Moviepropmaster2011]

I was told that the M3 was commercially offered before the M2, which on the surface, doesn't make any sense, but I'm no expert.

 

Please. Does anyone know the first year of introduction for each of the M series models?

 

Thanks in advance.

Edited September 15, 2011 by Moviepropmaster2011

[Seiler]

http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Benelli_M_Series_Super_90_Shotguns

 

Benelli M Series Shotguns.

[Sukhoi_fan]

http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Benelli_M_Series_Super_90_Shotguns

 

Benelli M Series Shotguns.

 

That page states that the Benelli M series was derived from the HK 512 (which was actually made in very limited numbers by Franchi). I'm relatively certain that's completely incorrect. The Benelli SL 80 series immediately proceeded the Super 90 M1 series, and the major distinction in the action between the two was the modification to the bolt carrier group where the bolt rotated on the Super 90.

 

http://www.benelli.it/Azienda/Index.asp?ID=34

 

Benelli's very first autoloader, looks familiar, huh?

 

http://www.benelli.it/Azienda/Index.asp?ID=30

[Moviepropmaster2011]

http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Benelli_M_Series_Super_90_Shotguns

 

Benelli M Series Shotguns.

 

Thanks, but I wrote that page (along with help from others). And I have no idea when the various models were first offered for sale. I will try to find someone at Benelli who can take the time out of their day to answer my question. Thanks though, I am still flattered that people use my own work as source material, even though I struggle sorting through net data trying to figure out the deal with these shotguns.

[Moviepropmaster2011]

That page states that the Benelli M series was derived from the HK 512 (which was actually made in very limited numbers by Franchi). I'm relatively certain that's completely incorrect. The Benelli SL 80 series immediately proceeded the Super 90 M1 series, and the major distinction in the action between the two was the modification to the bolt carrier group where the bolt rotated on the Super 90.

 

http://www.benelli.it/Azienda/Index.asp?ID=34

 

Benelli's very first autoloader, looks familiar, huh?

 

http://www.benelli.it/Azienda/Index.asp?ID=30

 

I would love to verify this. I worked on that page, and most of the Benelli shotguns pictured ... are my guns. But you link to pages that are in Italian. Do you know more about the history of the origins of the Benelli? I would sure love to hear more.

[John P.]

Didn't the m4 internals come from a Beretta-branded shotgun? I recall reading that at some point.