M1 121 part out or sell as is?

[Valmet9153]

Wondering how much of a market there is for M1 121 parts? I have a mint 121 that doesn’t feed reliably. At some point in the past someone put an aftermarket bolt release in it and it doesn’t feed some types of high brass shells reliably. I want to wash my hands of it- wondering if I should sell as is or part it out? Any input is appreciated. 

[Sukhoi_fan]

Good question. I'm wondering how it got that way. Years ago I had three 121 M1s, and all three had the 'Benelli button' which which was just a small knob or button with a hex screw tapped into the original bolt release button. I recall that there were two different styles of this Benelli button as I had both. One had the profile of a cone (tapered end down) with ridges and the other was a tapered/rounded button with ridges and a flat side (one of which was installed backwards but I never changed because it still worked fine because of the ridges - flat side toward shooter being correct orientation) I don't recall ever seeing a complete replacement bolt release that featured this minor button extension so that it makes it possible to be flicked forward to release a round from the magazine otherwise the only way to get it into battery is pull the bolt back and drop a round in the ejection port. Adding that button extension to the bolt release didn't even require disassembly. I'd think a competent gunsmith would be able to resolve the issue. If you're not wanting to keep it then your problem is getting rid of it quickly. If you decide to part it out it will take you a while. Those 121 model Benellis are pretty simple and robust, IMO the only parts of that 121 that would be in demand are the wood furniture. I suggest listing it on gunbroker or elsewhere with full disclosure, you'd bail out of it much quicker and troublefree than trying to part it out. But then again you may be able to part it out on GB. 

Having the button extension adds a security feature to the 121 M1 - if some unauthorized individual picks up a 121 M1 not in battery they will not comprehend immediately how to make it go bang. Using the button extension to release a round out of the magazine which really speeds things up, if you know how to use it.

Can you post a photo of the bolt release? After giving this some thought, any button extension would have to be attached AFTER bolt release installation. So if the goal is to add a button extension then there's no point in replacing the entire bolt release. If you're still unhappy with send it to a loving home so someone else can enjoy it.

 

[Valmet9153]

Thanks for the reply. My gunsmith had it for a few months and couldn’t get it to function reliably. I have an identical one that is all factory and works fine so I don’t need this second one. I’ll prob post on GB with full disclosure as-is. 
 

[Sukhoi_fan]

The two I had with that style of button extension never showed the finish getting rubbed off the receiver, nor have I ever seen any other 121 M1 showing same worn off finish ahead of the bolt release. Looks like possibly an inference problem to me, in fact it looks to me like quite a bit of interference. I suggest you remove button extension and see if that doesn't resolve the issue. I have no idea why that would rub the finish off like that, like I said I've never seen that before.

That button extension is strictly a convenience item to give you another option on bringing the shotgun into battery. If you have one without the button extension you won't miss it. I kept five founds in a buttstock ammo holder to have a round handy to get the party started. I don't like having a shotgun in battery until it's party time.