Benelli M1 Config. Thoughts

[ASH556]

Hey guys, I'd appreciate some thoughts on my Benelli M1 configuration. The gun is a 12GA M1Super90 that I purchased in field configuration with a 28" vent rib barrel. I still have that barrel and use the gun in that configuration for recreational clay shooting and hunting. I also purchased an 18.5" barrel, smooth cylinder bore, with rifle sights. I modified the carrier so that with the factory magazine, I can keep 5 rounds in the gun (1 in the chamber, 1 on the lifter, 3 in the magazine). I appreciate the lightweight handi-ness of the gun in this configuration. The purpose for the gun in the shorter configuration would be home defense with the Federal #1 Buck load, Hunting in tighter cover, and general purpose as a big-bore alternative (using Federal Tru-ball Deep Penetrator slugs) to my 5.56 rifles.

The picture below is of the shotgun as it currently sits with the 18.5" barrel and a modified handguard to allow mounting of a Surefire light (G2X in a Gear Sector mount).

The options I'm considering are:

1) Form 1 the gun as an SBS and cut the barrel back to somewhere just forward of the existing magazine cap. This will increase the handi-ness and portability of the shotgun. The downside is the $200 tax. As for the barrel, I would think a smith could cut the existing barrel and re-install (weld/solder) the front site at the new location.

2) Purchase an extended magazine tube to maximize capacity of the shotgun based on the existing 18.5" barrel length. If the barrel's sticking out that far, the magazine may as well too, right? Downsides to this are making the gun muzzle heavy (I had an 870 setup like that and hated it). Also, I've seen it recommended that extended mag tubes have a barrel clamp to prevent breakage. This is a con because I want the ability to easily change the gun back into field configuration and taking that clamp on and off every time would be much more of a hassle than simply unscrewing the magazine, which you have to do to change barrels anyway.

3) Leave the gun as-is.

Thanks for your input.

http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ASH556/20130310_183647.jpg (http://s854.photobucket.com/user/ASH556/media/20130310_183647.jpg.html)
http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ASH556/May%20Firearms/IMG_2448.jpg (http://s854.photobucket.com/user/ASH556/media/May%20Firearms/IMG_2448.jpg.html)

[ASH556]

No thoughts or input?

[GH41]

Dump the funky light mount and tube it to the end of the barrel. GH

[MJN99999]

Just because you have a mag tube way out there doesn't mean you have to fill it up.

Given your choices I'd prefer the 18.5" with extended mag.

Mine is setup with a 21" vent rib barrel with muzzle-length mag tube.

Generally, more ammo in a SGN is not a bad thing


MikeN

[Campbell]

I voted leave as is because there is nothing wrong with it and I know it works.;)
If you want to spend some money on it, both options are good, you get to pick one...win-win!{I will be happy to take that sporter barrel off your hands to fund your project.}

[Artos]

Get the Nordic Extensions....get the one to fit your shorty bbl and then use it with the 28" for quail;)

Your m1 marked H&K from VA or a later MA import??

[streakpi]

More ammo = better gun. I don't care for the light attachment...but if you train with it and it works for you...then so be it.

[PCFIVEZ]

More ammo = better gun. I don't care for the light attachment...but if you train with it and it works for you...then so be it.

i agree with that! more ammo= more kills :big_boss:

[ASH556]

Bumping this thread up....

So assuming I go with keeping the gun 18.5" what is the best extension to get? What length/round count do I go with to make it basically flush with the end of the barrel? I'd prefer to have the factory one, but my research seems to indicate that they're banned from importation now or some such nonsense? I've seen second market ones going for like $200!

Thanks again for the input.

Oh, and on the light mount, I put an X300 on that little piece of rail instead of the Gear Sector/G2X...much nicer.

[Wake27]

I voted to SBS it. I have an 870 that I think is awesome, but after only ever carrying an M4 for extended periods (aside from a week with a SAW), the shotgun feels ungodly long. I doubt I'd ever use it seriously at that length unless I had absolutely no other option, which for me is a con because I want everything I own to be an easy transition if need be.

[ASH556]

So apparently the factory extensions are going to be available again?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/512195/benelli-magazine-tube-extension-super-black-eagle-ii-m1-m2-12-gauge-4-round-matte?cm_vc=S014

[Tzook]

I had an M1 for a long time with a 22" barrel that I found to be perfect for me.

[decodeddiesel]

Depends what you want to do with it.

If it's a toy to enjoy on the range? My vote is to SBS it. You won't regret it, shorty M1 Super 90s are the heat, especially with a RDS and this. (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/746859/mesa-tactical-urbino-tactical-stock-system-with-limbsaver-recoil-pad-benelli-m1-super-90-m2-12-gauge-synthetic-black) Yes capacity isn't that great, an extended cap (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/329193/benelli-magazine-tube-extension-cap-assembly-super-black-eagle-ii-m1-m2-steel-matte) and the ability to ghost load helps.

Nice shotgun.

[Dan Goodwin]

Got black M2 Field 21-in. in March and rigged it w Nordic extended tube & Big Fat Bolt for a snow goose control hunt and to play 3-gun in future.

Trying to decide whether to hydro dip it camo.

Doubt I'll ever sell it but the idea of buying a factory short barrel and applying for SBS stamp has some allure; would look good in a Kryptek pattern.

I'd not cut one of the costly factory barrels you currently have.

[26 Inf]

Just my point of view:

SBS - I haven't done as many entries to clear as some of the folks that post here, but on the other hand I've done a few. My take on the SBS is meh, what am I gaining? I like the SBS for handling. as in getting in and out of the unit, but beyond that really don't see improvement over the 18.5 - I stay off/behind cover and slice as much as possible so the additional 4 inch of barrel hasn't really been an issue with me. A shorter barrel usually drives to the target quicker, but you kind of offset that in either configuration by adding the weight of an extended mag and the light up front.

Every M1 I've shot slugs with was capable of head shooting torso plates at 50 yards with ghost ring sights, I'd imagine carbine sights wouldn't be far off, but whacking 4 inches of sight radius might make a difference.

Another consideration is lineage of your base shotgun - did you by it from a dealer, or from a private party? If you go the SBS route now your receiver is registered if it wasn't prior.

I'd leave it as is (well actually I'd want a 18.5 w/o carbine sights) and add a 2 shell extension.

Excellent choice on the Federal 1 buck.

[The_War_Wagon]

Got lucky and landed an M1 Super90 Tactical safe queen a few years ago. The only thing I added, was the sling!

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/The_War_Wagon/sling.jpg