Benelli M3 Super 90

History of the Benelli M3 Super 90

Italian concern Benelli developed an improved M3 Super 90 shotgun after the launch of their well-received M1 Super 90 series. The M3 Super 90 is unique in that it is designed to be operated via a traditional manual pump slide function or an internal semi-automatic action. Action is controlled by a proprietary inertial controlled recoil system that has been a staple of Benelli shotguns since the introduction of the M1 Super 90. Action service when firing lighter loads has been implemented in the M3 Super 90. The operator simply controls a selector ring to activate one of two firing modes - another Benelli proprietary (and patented) design feature.

Like the M1 Super 90 before it, the M3 Super 90 is sold in military, law enforcement and civilian markets around the world.

The overall design of the M3 Super 90 is a traditional square rectangular housing that houses the necessary internal working parts, including bolts and chambers. The loading door is located under the front of the receiver and provides free access to the tubular magazine that runs under the barrel. The ejection port and charging handle are located on the right side of the receiver. The forearm surrounds the magazine, while the barrel is mostly exposed. The M3 Super 90 is available as a complete stock with an integral grip or a complete stock with a separate pistol grip.

Thanks to the pre-drilled receiver, additional accessories such as optics and sights can be installed. Military and law enforcement models have a 7+1 tubular magazine count, while civilian markers are limited to fewer bullets (5+1) by a shorter tubular magazine assembly. The construction is very durable and the action is solid and reliable. The M3 Super 90 was released in 12 and 20 sizes.

Aiming is accomplished with an adjustable ghost ring rear hole and fixed blade sight assembly. Tritium is available/optional.

The dual-firing capability of the M3 Super 90 allows pump mode to fire "non-lethal" bullets such as rubber bullets, tear gas or bean bags required for crowd control and riot operations. Moving to a more powerful, heavier shell, the operator simply manages the front end's selection ring to fire from the inherently semi-automatic action.

The full charge can now be fired as usual without the need for a pump system. The rate of fire is highly operator dependent, especially when using pump action.

The M3 Super 90 was released with some notable features - the M3 "Convertible" had a fixed stock, while the M3T "Tactical" had an "up and down" double strut skeleton folding stock and separate pistol grip.

Benelli M3 Super 90 was used by Canadian Special Forces, Czech Special Forces, Estonian Army, French Army, Indonesian Special Forces, Ireland, Japanese Army, Luxembourg Police Force, Malaysian Police, Counter Terrorism Force, New Zealand Army and Filipinos.

The M3 Super 90 was succeeded by the M4 Super 90 - this variant was adopted by the US military as the M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun (JSCS).

Specification

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Changes