| Benelli M3 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Combat shotgun |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1989-present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | Operation Ancient Babylon |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1980s |
| Manufacturer | Benelli |
| Produced | 1989-present |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.27 kg (7.21 lb) |
| Length | 1200 mm (47 in) 1040 mm (41 in) (stock folded) |
| Barrel length | 500-660mm (20-26 in) (average length, depends on model) |
| Cartridge | 12 or 20-gauge shells or slugs |
| Caliber | 12 or 20 gauge |
| Action | Pump action or recoil operated |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Feed system | 7+1 round tubular magazine (Military) 5+1 round (Civilian) |
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 the third model of the Benelli Super 90 line of semi-automatic shotguns. The M3 holds a maximum of seven rounds and uses Benelli's proprietary inertia-driven action system first showcased in the M1. The M3 is notable for allowing the user to choose between semi-automatic or pump-action operation.