Benelli M3 mods

[Shawn188]

I have a current generation M3, that does not have the ability to ghost load. 
Can anyone explain and share some photos of doing the ghost load modification to the M3.

[CEBEP]

Why would you do any modifications for that? My M4 can ghost load but I don’t see any practical value. 

[bambihunter]

This is a picture I have that I grabbed somewhere. If I remembered where I got it, I'd note the source.

Originally it was designed to clear the action automatically if a shell slipped past the shell stop and it was a reliability feature. However, people discovered that it could be used to load an extra shell on the carrier which allowed the unscrupulous hunters to have their gun plugged to only load 3 shots when done normally, during migratory bird seasons, but effectively they have 4 shots when loading one on the carrier.
I actually figured this one out on my own SBE circa 1994. It is easy to do on that era's SBE, but the shorter chambered guns are more tricky with the bolt position.

Anyway, the picture below of the bolts show the M1 and M2 bolt differences, but the ability to ghost load or not boils down to the notch towards the tail end of the bolt. If there is no notch, it should allow ghost load. From what I can tell, almost all Benelli USA models no longer have that capability, and almost all HK imported ones do (unless either has had the bolts swapped). Provided they haven't added any other differences recently, all one would need to do is weld or otherwise fill that notch. With that said, there's really little practical use outside of the few hunters trying to cheat the system. All other roles just add an extended magazine. It is faster and easier to load though with some practice one can ghost load in a few seconds. Admittedly, I did use this in my starting load with my SBE when toying around in 3 gun because I didn't want to modify the gun as it was my main "do-all" hunting shotgun. After that first loading, I just loaded the usual amount. I eventually bought an M1 and while it has the ability to ghost load, I just use the full length tube even for the first magazine full.

I have a pair of the older HK imported M3T's folders which can both ghost load, but other than trying it once on each to verify the correct bolts were in them and it hadn't been swapped, I haven't done that since.

Edited July 17, 2024 by bambihunter

[NCswamp13]

On 7/16/2024 at 2:34 PM, Shawn188 said:

I have a current generation M3, that does not have the ability to ghost load. 
Can anyone explain and share some photos of doing the ghost load modification to the M3.

I have a current gen M3 that I modified to ghost load. I'll post some pics on what you need to do. It's very simple if you have a dremel.

[bambihunter]

On 7/18/2024 at 1:37 PM, NCswamp13 said:

I have a current gen M3 that I modified to ghost load. I'll post some pics on what you need to do. It's very simple if you have a dremel.

This is the other option, remove the catch. The one most people do is to make it like the original ones by epoxying or welding that notch until it is smooth depending on how permanent one wants it to be.

[Shawn188]

NC, photos would be great. 
i realize that not everyone gets it, but I ntend to shorten the barrel this summer, and wanted to be able to ghost load so that I don’t lose a round of capacity. Also for reliability in shooting.

Also, I’m pretty sure on the M3 modification the mod is done to the bolt brace assembly not the actual bolt. Tho I might be wrong, that why I need photos.

[cas]

I did it to a couple M2's, then never bothered again.  I think in reality of only ghost loaded once with purpose, in a very unusual match where there was a benefit. Generally speaking, it's a pain in the butt. Might help you if you plan on leaving the gun fully loaded all the time, but it's not something you're going to do in a hurry. 

[bambihunter]

On 7/19/2024 at 11:48 PM, Shawn188 said:

NC, photos would be great. 
i realize that not everyone gets it, but I ntend to shorten the barrel this summer, and wanted to be able to ghost load so that I don’t lose a round of capacity. Also for reliability in shooting.

Also, I’m pretty sure on the M3 modification the mod is done to the bolt brace assembly not the actual bolt. Tho I might be wrong, that why I need photos.

The picture above shows the difference in the bolt cuts. There is an extra cut in the later models that can be filled (welded or epoxy). That is for a different model, but the principal is the same. As far as changing the bolt brace, I don't know but since part of the lifter hits that 2nd bolt cut on newer models it may be possible to modify the lifter or other parts. I do know the bolt was the change the factory made back in the day.

[Shawn188]

Bambi, I’d bet that those two folding stock M3s of yours probably ghost load given their age, they are probably gen2s.

Instead of talking about M1 and M2 bolts, that have different parts. Could you pull the bolts and bolt braces from the M3s and take some photos of the bottoms, and the interface between them so I can see the difference?

[bambihunter]

Yes they do ghost load, based on my experience, unless the original bolts were swapped out which does happen, all HK import models should have ghost load capability. The ghost load capability is actually a byproduct of their anti-jam design that will allow the gun to clear the carrier if a shell slips past the shell stop. The original folding M3's are very limited supply. I often hear 180 or so were imported to US. I'm not sure that is true, but they are uncommon. I've seen around a half dozen of them sell in the 15 years I watched for them and I bought 3. To the best of my knowledge, the M3's started being produced in 1989 and the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) stopped sales of this configuration. There's only 2 generations of bolts as far as I know. The bolts changed at S/N 104801. Both of the ones I still have are after that S/N and have the original bolt which CAN ghost load. So, you may be correct that there is another part involved unlike the M1, Montefeltro, Black Eagle, Super Black Eagle, etc. On the SBE2 for instance, simply dropping in the older bolt is all it takes.

I am not going to pull mine apart. As for pictures of the bolt, here's an eBay listing for the earlier bolt: Early HK import Benelli M3 bolt

If you want the early model's capability, it may be best to get one originally designed that way. They do come up for sale periodically. There's one right now on Gunbroker, although it is overpriced. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1058608563

Hopefully Remarkable or StrangerDanger (or others) will come along with the more precise info you are after.

Edited August 2, 2024 by bambihunter

[Steve Rose]

FWIW....to modify the later era Benelli bolts carriers (M2, SBE2, M3, etc.) to allow a ghost load it is NOT necessary to fill in the rear notch. Just bevel the back edge of the notch about 45 degrees as these pictures show. That is all it takes.

 

 

[Shawn188]

Thank you Bambi and Steve.

[Blain]

On 7/16/2024 at 4:33 PM, CEBEP said:

Why would you do any modifications for that? My M4 can ghost load but I don’t see any practical value. 

Why are you posting in someone's thread just to complain about something they want to do?  What difference does it make to you?  As for not understanding why someone would want to increase the capacity of their very limited capacity mag tube fed shotgun.... 🤡  the duck forum is that way, buddy! 

[CEBEP]

14 hours ago, Blain said:

Why are you posting in someone's thread just to complain about something they want to do?  What difference does it make to you?  As for not understanding why someone would want to increase the capacity of their very limited capacity mag tube fed shotgun.... 🤡  the duck forum is that way, buddy! 

OP didn’t mention about wanting to increase limited capacity. In which case you would normally want to add a mag tube extension but not ghost load. I asked because I really wanted to know about any practical usage of ghost loading. But instead I learned there is a kibitzer on this forum

Edited August 5, 2024 by CEBEP

[StreetSweeper56]

Everyone please keep posts civil and refrain from personal attacks, thanks.