M3 Entry SBS: a bridge too far...?

[AIRB0RNE6176]

Question for you Benefactors of Benelli Knowledge...

Was there ever a final consensus about obtaining the M3 Entry 5+1 SBS w/ 14.5" barrel and c-stock? (link:  http://www.benellidefense.it/products/m3-145-telescopic-stock ) Even just the shorter barrel would be something (w/ proper stamp first, of course...). See pics below.

I saw some traffic on a different forum some years ago but nothing else ever since. Are these only "overseas" to MIL/LE, or has someone here stateside cracked the code to legally track down and own one of these unobtainium scatter guns? Any knowledge or information would be great.

THX!

Edited March 23, 2024 by AIRB0RNE6176
Update

[AIRB0RNE6176]

...or would it be more feasible to buy a new/like-new M3 LE Tactical, buy (& wait for) a tax stamp for an SBS, install the short +2 mag tube ext., then have the barrel cut the barrel cut down?

 🤔🤔🤔

[AIRB0RNE6176]

Also, why was the M3 initially (and is still to this day) released with a 19.75" barrel and not the standard 18.5" bbl?

[bambihunter]

On 3/26/2024 at 7:36 PM, AIRB0RNE6176 said:

Also, why was the M3 initially (and is still to this day) released with a 19.75" barrel and not the standard 18.5" bbl?

No idea. Maybe it needed more weight in order for the inertial action to work. I don't know about the new ones, but the old ones had a different recoil setup, than others of the era like M1, but that may only due to mine being folders.
I really thought both of my HK folders had 18.5" barrels but I am not positive. As for SBS, I'm not into that really as I prefer extra ammo from extended magazine. So, I think the stock length on the early H&K imported M3T's are about right.

As far as having it cut down, there are places that can do that such as Briley. Depending on the barrel thickness, they might be able to rethread it for chokes. Often they end up having to use Rem Chokes instead of Benelli. I think they are thinner.

Edited March 29, 2024 by bambihunter

[AIRB0RNE6176]

I'll track down a second M3 and do the deed. I've tried going through some contacts in Europe (embassies and etc.), but no luck. There's a few places between Virginia and here (GA) that will be able to handle the barrel work:

http://www.benellidefense.it/products/m3-185

Got my eyes on a S.Co Salvo as well, especially since the wait times are getting "shorter"...

[AIRB0RNE6176]

I got tired of looking around CONUS & OCONUS (Europe mostly) for shorter M3 barrel, so I've got a new "civilian" M3 inbound this week. As soon as it arrives, I'll just pony up the $200 for the stamp same day to eventually make it a 14.5" 5+1 SBS.

 

E-Forms are going quicker these days, as one of my recent submissions from March arrived a couple of weeks ago...

[AIRB0RNE6176]

[ArmoredAlmond]

These are such cool guns. Its really sad we never got them in that config over here in the US.

[AIRB0RNE6176]

The barrel work on my M3 got pushed back some due to me receiving the incorrect replacement front sight to be soldered on to the (soon to be) cut and crowned barrel.

The Form 1 SBS paperwork came back faster than what it's taking the new front sight to arrive...

This is what the finished work will look like, based off of what some of my embassy connections overseas dug up:

Edited June 18, 2024 by AIRB0RNE6176
Added pics

[Gmcrigger2007]

Can a field stock be installed on a M3 Shotgun ? 

[AIRB0RNE6176]

You mean a standard, straight stock? Yes it can. In fact most M3's are sold with the standard stock over those that have the pistol grip or even collapsible stock(s). I had two extra straight standard stocks as spare parts, but I just sold one (Benelli Part # 60516) this week.

[Gmcrigger2007]

Thanks for the quick reply. I’m thinking of getting an M3 , but i don’t like the pistol grip stock. 

[AIRB0RNE6176]

You may have to go with an M3 with a collapsible stock (LE only... sometimes) then swap out stocks...

[AIRB0RNE6176]

[CEBEP]

On 6/18/2024 at 10:57 PM, AIRB0RNE6176 said:

The barrel work on my M3 got pushed back some due to me receiving the incorrect replacement front sight to be soldered on to the (soon to be) cut and crowned barrel.

The Form 1 SBS paperwork came back faster than what it's taking the new front sight to arrive...

This is what the finished work will look like, based off of what some of my embassy connections overseas dug up:

Looks awesome. Though forend is kinda close to the muzzle as it doesn’t have a handstop or anything. Probably nothing to worry about if you will have a sling installed as well. It’s a pity we can’t have anything with a barrel shorter than 18.5” where I live. 
 

[AIRB0RNE6176]

There'll certainly be a sling up there but I'm also thinking about a custom hand strap on the forend like on some Mossberg Shockwave pump guns.

[AIRB0RNE6176]

Got the barrel back last week, with the cut & crown work expertly done by Rose Action Sports. This M3 Tactical SBS is now on par with my M4 Entry SBS, and now the solid break-in(s) can begin (plus, the weather will be getting "better"). Not a bad looking pair...

[mr2jeff]

this is such an interesting thread, how do you like the vfg on the m4 entry? I have seen quite a few people do that

Edited September 2, 2024 by mr2jeff

[AIRB0RNE6176]

18 minutes ago, mr2jeff said:

this is such an interesting thread, how do you like the vfg on the m4 entry? I have seen quite a few people do that

I love it thus far, and I don't see myself shooting without it now (especially as a SBS). Very "handy" for moving around and it's not as cumbersome as you would think. To me, I have a lot more control of this SBS with it when shooting with proper form/technique and in those odd-ball positions & instances. It'd put one on the M3 SBS but only if it stayed in semi-auto mode (no pump)...

[mr2jeff]

29 minutes ago, AIRB0RNE6176 said:

I love it thus far, and I don't see myself shooting without it now (especially as a SBS). Very "handy" for moving around and it's not as cumbersome as you would think. To me, I have a lot more control of this SBS with it when shooting with proper form/technique and in those odd-ball positions & instances. It'd put one on the M3 SBS but only if it stayed in semi-auto mode (no pump)...

great to hear, the main issue one would think is the space it adds to the gun in that region vertically, good to hear its not cumbersome, may have to go that route with a troy vfg or sampson vfg

[CEBEP]

I can’t help it but compare it to my KS7 bull pup pump.  It is, it is much much easier to manipulate and maneuver with in tighter spaces while maintaining full mag capacity AND 18.5” barrel. Which is why KS7 is my HD shotgun. I think if shorter shotgun needed, bullpup (KS7 or something else) maybe better alternatives to an SBS. Sorry for off topic. 

1 hour ago, AIRB0RNE6176 said:

I love it thus far, and I don't see myself shooting without it now (especially as a SBS). Very "handy" for moving around and it's not as cumbersome as you would think. To me, I have a lot more control of this SBS with it when shooting with proper form/technique and in those odd-ball positions & instances. It'd put one on the M3 SBS but only if it stayed in semi-auto mode (no pump)...

nk 

[mr2jeff]

26 minutes ago, CEBEP said:

I can’t help it but compare it to my KS7 bull pup pump.  It is, it is much much easier to manipulate and maneuver with in tighter spaces while maintaining full mag capacity AND 18.5” barrel. Which is why KS7 is my HD shotgun. I think if shorter shotgun needed, bullpup (KS7 or something else) maybe better alternatives to an SBS. Sorry for off topic. 

nk 

to each his own, if one wanted small and mag capacity why wouldent you go to the Genesis Arms 12  5" or 7" barreled suppressed 12ga with 15 round drum? just won the big FBI contract for breaching shotgun?

 

the m4 SBS is an amazing gun and quite compact  and if you need more than 7 rounds of 00 buck or slug your in hell imho, you can also reload and there are other guns..

 

a 12ga for personal defense / home defense is about inflicting as much damage / instantly stopping the threat as soon as possible

 

if were talking capacity, rifles always win. maneuverability pistols always win.

 

 

[CEBEP]

25 minutes ago, mr2jeff said:

to each his own, if one wanted small and mag capacity why wouldent you go to the Genesis Arms 12  5" or 7" barreled suppressed 12ga with 15 round drum? just won the big FBI contract for breaching shotgun?

 

the m4 SBS is an amazing gun and quite compact  and if you need more than 7 rounds of 00 buck or slug your in hell imho, you can also reload and there are other guns..

 

a 12ga for personal defense / home defense is about inflicting as much damage / instantly stopping the threat as soon as possible

 

if were talking capacity, rifles always win. maneuverability pistols always win.

 

 

Why would I need 15 rounds drum?  Did you consider price of Genesis 12, it’s weight with a 15 rounds drum or it’s availability in my country before recommending it? 

On M4 SBS you don’t get 7 rounds in magazine, but you do in KS7. I’m not suggesting anyone to buy KS7 instead of M4, I’m saying for me KS7 makes more sense than an SBS shotgun. 

[Varangian]

On 9/2/2024 at 7:26 PM, CEBEP said:

Why would I need 15 rounds drum?  Did you consider price of Genesis 12, it’s weight with a 15 rounds drum or it’s availability in my country before recommending it? 

You ignore the fun factor.

They are very fun shotguns.

[mr2jeff]

does the m3 stock take the limbsaver butt pad? I got one on my entry coming in, and am curious if it can take that!