The Italian Benelli M1 Super 90 single-barrel shotgun is a 12-gauge smoothbore semi-automatic shotgun. This gun was produced from the mid-1980s until 2004, when it was replaced by the updated Benelli M2 model. A distinctive feature of this shotgun can be considered its versatility. It is used by law enforcement agencies, the military, hunters and athletes.
The Benelli M1 self-loading shotgun operates on an automatic system patented by Benelli, which is simple and reliable.
General description of Benelli M1
The Benelli M1 smoothbore (shotgun) gun is created on the basis of a rather interesting and rare automation system developed at Benelli Army in the mid-1980s.
The automatic operation of the M1 shotgun is based on the idea of using the weapon's recoil energy in combination with the inertia of massive moving elements. The bolt group of the M1 shotgun consists of a massive bolt frame and a lightweight cylindrical bolt inserted from the front into the bolt frame.
In the front part of the bolt there are two lugs that engage with the breech of the barrel when locked. Between the bolt and the bolt frame, inside the frame channel, there is a powerful inertial spring. A pin is inserted into the upper part of the bolt, which moves in a figured groove in the bolt frame and causes the bolt to rotate when it is longitudinally displaced relative to the bolt frame. At the rear of the bolt frame there is a pusher that connects the bolt frame with the return spring located in the butt.
Design
The automation system used in Benelli M1 models was developed by the manufacturer. It is based on the use of the inertia of the moving elements of the sample with directed recoil energy.
Benelli m1 tactical
The gun consists of:
- Bolt group. 1.1. Frame. 1.2. Lightweight cylindrical bolt. 1.3. 2 combat stops in front. 1.4. Inertial spring inside the frame. 1.5. Pin at the top of the bolt. 1.6. The pushrod is located at the rear of the frame.
- Butt.
- Chamber.
- Trunk.
- Lever.
- Sights.
Principle of operation
Before firing, the bolt frame is in the forward position, the bolt is locked behind the barrel, and is in the extreme forward position relative to the frame. The inertia spring is only slightly compressed by the pressure of the recoil spring on the bolt carrier.
After the shot is fired, the recoil force of the weapon begins to move back, and the bolt, rigidly locked behind the barrel, also moves with it. In this case, the massive bolt frame, due to its inertia, tends to remain in place, while the bolt moves backward relative to the bolt frame with compression of the inertial spring.
As the bolt moves relative to the frame, it rotates and the barrel is unlocked. Next, the residual pressure of the powder gases in the barrel pushes the bolt back together with the bolt frame, compressing the return spring. In this case, the spent cartridge case is extracted and removed, and on the reverse stroke of the bolt group, a new cartridge is fed into the chamber.
When the bolt group comes to the front position and the inertial spring is decompressed, the bolt moves forward relative to the frame and locks the barrel.
The description of the operation of the automation developed by the Benelli company looks quite complicated, but the result is a very simple and reliable mechanism with a minimum of parts, ensuring reliable operation and ease of maintenance.
Design features of Benelli M1
Otherwise, the Benelli M1 shotgun is quite traditional - it has a plastic butt with a semi-pistol or pistol grip, and a plastic forend. The magazine is under-barrel, tubular, loaded with one cartridge at a time through a window in the lower part of the receiver. The charging handle is located on the right side of the bolt frame and moves with it when firing.
Sights - of various types, with an open rear sight or diopter; it is possible to install collimator sights, laser designators, and tactical flashlights.
Barrels in combat versions have a cylinder-type drill with the ability to install replaceable chokes. Various hunting versions of the M1 shotgun are also produced with a longer barrel length, reduced magazine capacity and various sighting devices.
Overall, the Benelli M1 shotgun is a high quality and reliable weapon used by various police forces around the world as well as by the civilian population in a variety of variants.
The police widely use the Benelli M1 Super 90 Entry modification, with a short barrel. The combat variant is the Benelli M1 Super 90 Tactical.
The Benelli M1 Super 90 shotgun uses 12-gauge cartridges with a case length of 70 or 76 mm. The under-barrel tubular magazine holds from 2 to 7 rounds, depending on the modification. The length of the barrel also depends on the modification of the gun.
Description
The Benelli semi-automatic smoothbore shotgun has a polymer stock and fore-end. This allows you to use the gun in any weather conditions without fear of deformation, damage, or distortion. Pistol or semi-pistol grip. The tubular under-barrel magazine holds 3 – 7 rounds (the quantity depends on the modification). The extension cord is heavy and durable, helps out in difficult conditions. Combat models of the Benelli M1 Super 90 have not only a Comfortek stock, but also the ability to screw on replaceable choke tubes (chokes, choke tubes) to correct the accuracy of fire. The weight and length of the Benelli depend on the variety. Weight ranges from 3.1 – 3.7 kg, barrel length: 355 – 710 mm.
Due to the Comfortech System during shooting, barrel toss is reduced by 32%, the time between shots is reduced by 34%, and the blow to the shoulder during recoil is reduced by 47%.
Aim
Aiming is provided by the front sight and the rear sight. They can be adjusted or rigidly fixed. On some samples it is possible to additionally install optics, tactical flashlights, collimator sights, and laser target indicators. In hunting modifications, an aiming bar with a front sight is installed. Rear sights are used with slotted ones or with diopters.
Benelli m1 super 90 with optics
Butt
The Benelli M1 stock and handguard are made of impact-resistant plastic. The butt is integral with the handle. Its shape may be different. For user convenience, the end is covered with a rubber butt pad.
Receiver and barrel
The material for the receiver is light aluminum alloy “Ergal”. The metal is anodized, black, has different lengths (depending on the model). The barrel has different lengths, depending on the variant. A tubular store is installed underneath it. The cartridges are fed manually through a window located at the bottom of the receiver. For combat Benelli M1, a choice of firing accuracy is provided depending on the tactical tasks and ammunition used. In the barrels of military models, there is a drill in the front part, which allows you to install replaceable choke constrictions.
Fuse
When the Benelli M1 is ready to fire, it is indicated by a red safety indicator (located above the trigger on the right side). The indicator turns on automatically when the barrel is closed. Turning the safety on/off is done with a button located on the trigger guard. If the bolt is poorly closed, the trigger system is also automatically blocked.
Benelli m1 super 90 camo
Specifications
The performance characteristics of the Benelli M1 shotgun are as follows:
| Caliber | 12 |
| Reloading system | inertial |
| Butt and fore-end material | plastic |
| Barrel length, mm | 355, 500,508, 700, 710, depends on the gun modification |
| Muzzle constriction | set of replacement chokes |
| Magazine capacity | 2-7 rounds, depending on the modification of the gun |
| Weight | 3.10 - 3.40 kg, depends on the modification of the gun |
Benelli M1 modifications
Based on the Benelli M1 Super 90 model, the company produces modifications that differ in parameters from the base model.
- Standard. The Standard model is a short-barreled weapon with an increased magazine capacity. Barrel length 500 mm.
- Hunter All Weather. The name of the sample speaks for itself: “Hunter in any weather.” A sample with a long barrel of 700 mm, replaceable choke constrictions. The butt is made in the form of a pistol neck. The model has a fuse, a front sight, and a ventilated sight rail. The barrel length is 700 mm, the magazine holds 2-5 charges.
- PV. The Benelli PV variety is a 3-cartridge semi-automatic shotgun with a barrel length of 710 mm. Weapon weight is 3.4 kg, replaceable chokes are provided.
- Tactical. The single-barrel Benelli M1 model of the Tactical modification has a barrel length of 508 or 510 mm. The magazine capacity is 3 – 7 rounds, the muzzle narrowing allows for the installation of replaceable chokes. The weapon was designed for use in the army and police. For more accurate shooting, the weapon has an extended sighting line and a high rifle-type front sight, which is located at the muzzle. It is possible to screw in other chokes.
- Entry. The Benelli M1 Entry variety is a weapon with a barrel length of 355 mm, specially created for the police. There are 2 options for the butt: a hunting version with a pistol-type neck (that’s why the model is often called a hunting one) or with a pistol butt. The magazine holds 5 rounds, has a low front sight and a short sighting line.
Benelli M1 hunting rifles have different lengths for hunting. Some models are made in the 710 mm version, there are samples with a barrel length of 760 mm. The sight is open, ventilated, with protective surface treatment against glare. The front sight is located at the muzzle cut. The hunting option can be equipped with a front sight and a whole thing. The magazine is shortened, the weight of the model for civilian use is 3.2 kg. Picatinny rails can be installed on M1 receivers and magazines. Various optical devices are mounted on them.
Advantages and disadvantages
The fail-safe semi-automatic shotgun Benelli M 1 is actively used by special services and civilians. The ban in some countries (Great Britain) on the use of the M1 is associated with laws limiting the number of cartridges in the magazine and the length of the barrel. Positive traits:
- the ability to adjust the accuracy of fire;
- works flawlessly in any weather;
- reliability;
- additional scope equipment is provided;
- large model range;
- easy to clean;
- gunpowder combustion products do not pollute the mechanism;
- the ability to fire weak cartridges;
- slight wear at high firing intensity.
Disadvantages of Benelli M1:
- strong recoil;
- the hunting version does not have a shoulder strap;
- The model uses plastic, so Benelli is afraid of severe mechanical damage;
- fires only cartridges with imported gunpowder;
- has poor balance;
- the automatic system is activated when the spring is fully compressed; if it is slightly loose, recharging is not possible.
Benelli does not cope well with sports cartridges, but this cannot be called a minus. During manual cocking, a bolt lag is possible, but after lubrication the problem is eliminated. Despite these shortcomings, the Benelli M1 is recognized as a high-quality and reliable weapon.
Benelli M1 Super 90 has gained popularity around the world not only due to its technical advantages. This weapon is made taking into account modern aesthetic requirements - stylish, comfortable, lightweight. The guns have a well-thought-out security system and the ability to adjust the accuracy of the fire. Thanks to the high rate of fire, hunting specimens have almost no competitors.
In general, the Benelli M1 Super 90 shotgun is a reliable and high-quality weapon that is used by various law enforcement agencies around the world, as well as by the civilian population for self-defense and hunting.
It is not allowed to use such guns for hunting in a number of countries, because in some European countries it is forbidden to shoot wild animals with such shotguns due to the large magazine capacity and short barrel (such a strange firing tandem). For example, in the UK, the magazine capacity of a civilian shotgun must be no more than two cartridges, and the barrel length must be more than 61 cm. To eliminate this problem, hunting versions of the Benelli M1 Super 90 are created. They are produced with a longer barrel length and a smaller magazine capacity.
Operating principle
In the initial position, the frame is in front, the shutter is closed. The inertia spring is easily compressed, the return spring puts light pressure on the bolt frame. At the moment the bullet leaves, the body moves backward, recoil occurs. The frame is held in place by its own weight. The bolt moves back and presses the inertial spring. At the same time, he turns and opens the barrel. Under the action of powder gases, the bolt and frame are thrown back, and the return spring is strongly compressed. At the same time, an empty cartridge case comes out of the gun, and a new cartridge replaces the used bullet, which enters automatically. After the bolt group moves forward, the inertial spring straightens, the bolt moves forward, closing the barrel after turning. The used cartridge case flies out through the window on the right side of the receiver. The ejection mechanism from the chamber occurs mechanically due to the operation of the extractor. The system has worked flawlessly for many years. The semi-automatic mechanism is reliable and not complicated.
Benelli M1 Super 90 has gained popularity around the world not only due to its technical advantages. This weapon is made taking into account modern aesthetic requirements - stylish, comfortable, lightweight. The guns have a well-thought-out security system and the ability to adjust the accuracy of the fire. Thanks to the high rate of fire, hunting specimens have almost no competitors.
Video of how Benelli works
