The Benelli M1 is a
semi-automatic shotgun
A semi-automatic shotgun is a repeating shotgun with a semi-automatic action, i.e. capable of automatically chambering a new shell after each firing, but requires individual trigger-pull to manually actuate each shot. Semi-automatic shotguns u ...
manufactured by
Benelli Armi S.P.A., and the first of the "Benelli Super 90" series of semi-auto shotguns. Introduced in 1986, it is available in several versions for civilian, law enforcement and military use.
The M1 was succeeded by the
Benelli M2
The Benelli M2 is a semi-automatic shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi SpA, and the second model of the Benelli Super 90 line of semi-automatic shotguns. It is an updated version of the Benelli M1. Like its predecessor, it is available in several ...
,
Benelli M3
The Benelli M3 is a dual-mode (hybrid pump-action and semi-automatic) shotgun designed and manufactured by Italian firearms manufacturer Benelli Armi SpA, and one of the "Benelli Super 90" series of semi-auto shotguns. The M3 holds a maximum of ...
, and
Benelli M4
The Benelli M4 is a semi-automatic shotgun produced by Italian firearm manufacturer Benelli Armi SpA, and the last of the "Benelli Super 90" series of semi-automatic shotguns. The M4 uses a proprietary action design called the "auto-regulating ga ...
models.
Design
The M1 features the proprietary Benelli recoil system, known for its reliability and easy maintenance. The standard model features an
aluminum
Aluminium (aluminum in American and Canadian English) is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. Aluminium has a density lower than those of other common metals, at approximately one third that of steel. It h ...
alloy
An alloy is a mixture of chemical elements of which at least one is a metal. Unlike chemical compounds with metallic bases, an alloy will retain all the properties of a metal in the resulting material, such as electrical conductivity, ductility, ...
receiver and
tubular magazine
A magazine is an ammunition storage and feeding device for a repeating firearm, either integral within the gun (internal/fixed magazine) or externally attached (detachable magazine). The magazine functions by holding several cartridges with ...
, and is available with a standard or
pistol grip
On a firearm or other tools, a pistol grip is a distinctly protruded handle underneath the main mechanism, to be held by the user's hand at a more vertical (and thus more ergonomic) angle, similar to the how one would hold a conventional pis ...
stocks. The M1 Super 90 can be fitted with traditional
iron sights, or
ghost ring
Iron sights are a system of physical alignment markers (usually made of metallic material) used as a sighting device to assist the accurate aiming of ranged weapons (such as a firearm, airgun, crossbow or even compound bow), or less commonly ...
diopter sights. Mounts are available for laser pointers and tactical flashlights.
Due to the inertia recoil system, the M1 should use heavier loads to cycle properly. However, because the action is inertia driven instead of the traditional gas cycling operation it can fire and reliably cycle lighter loads.
References
External links
American Rifleman's Exploded-View Diagram of the Benelli M1 Super 90 Montefeltro Edition
Benelli Armi SpA
Semi-automatic shotguns of Italy
Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1986
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