Nice gun. I have the M2 and like it over the M1 because if fits me better. I shoot the thing all the time and really don't notice the recoil as an issue any more than my O/U's and pump guns. It's a little more to the shoulder than my Beretta auto's, but not much and the new stock with the soft comb is very nice. Recoil to the face is a bigger deal to me than recoil to the shoulder and the new stock eliminates recoil to the face for me. I think it is a much faster handling and nicer balanced gun than the gas guns and I am a Beretta auto fan also.

 

Having shot Inerita, Long Recoil, and Gas operated models back to back to back, I don't notice any difference in felt recoil. These are with similar gun weights and the same loads. Most tend to feel a Gas operated model has less felt recoil than the other operating systems.

The M1/M2 is a very good all around model that will work well for upland to waterfowl to clays. They are well made, have a lot of features, are reliable, easy to clean, and light in weight. One of my buddies has one in B/S with a 26" barrel. It's not the best for 1oz target loads or ligheter. 1oz field loads and larger work without any problems. One other good thing about the M1 is it has shims to adjust the stock for a better fit. Gun fit is the number one factor in felt recoil and far out weighs the type of operating system for felt recol.

 

get a limbsaver and you will have the best auto of all time. Yes I like them better than the m2.

 

Benelli is a great gun. I do not think the recoil is much worse than a gas gun but I am not that recoil sensitive. The exception would be the Rem 1100 and only because it is much heavier.

My experience with the M1 is that with hi brass loads you get more of a push and less of a slap, therefore the felt recoil with heavy loads is no more objectionable.

I agree with you about the 3 1/2 in. loads. Not necessary, especially with todays waterfowl loads.

Maybe someone will let you shoot his to get a feel for it.

James

 

Finally made it to my local Gander Mountain in Flint, Michigan and bought the M-1 Super 90. I ended up buying the camo pattern with 26inch barrels and got it for $839 plus tax. It says to shoot about 4 boxes of field loads through it first before shooting target loads. I was taking it to the sporting clays range tomorrow so I guess I should buy some heavier field loads. Those of you that own one, what was your experience with the break-in period? I believe it will be happy with this gun expecially in South Dakota in October, and in the goose blind in Sept. Sincerely, Grade6man

 

there wasn't any break in period Works good right out of the box!!

 

Finally made it to my local Gander Mountain in Flint, Michigan and bought the M-1 Super 90. I ended up buying the camo pattern with 26inch barrels and got it for $839 plus tax. It says to shoot about 4 boxes of field loads through it first before shooting target loads. I was taking it to the sporting clays range tomorrow so I guess I should buy some heavier field loads. Those of you that own one, what was your experience with the break-in period? I believe it will be happy with this gun expecially in South Dakota in October, and in the goose blind in Sept. Sincerely, Grade6man

I've had the identical gun for several years, dunno about break-in since I first used it only with fairly heavy field loads anyway. I can tell you that it now cycles 7/8 oz. 1200 fps loads reliably, at least in warm weather. I know "never" is a long time, but this is one gun I don't intend to part with.

 

Well I took the new gun to the sporting clays course. I shot everything from reloads to good target loads and the gun functioned without a hitch. I shot it real well and may put my over and under away for a while and keep shooting the M-1. So far, so good. I think it will be a great hunting gun for me this fall and I love the lighter weight. Grade6man

 

I've got the old HK variety and lived in SD for 10 years. Love the M1. Easy to carry and extremely reliable. Also all the dust you pick up doesn't affect them as much as the gas operated ones. Picked it up used and the seller said it had a Wulff spring conversion. Don't know if they recommend it on the new ones or not.

 

I've got a Limbsaver on my M1S90 and it really does make a difference with heavier loads and slugs.
I've also got the 26" barrel, which seems to be a good all-around length.
The M1 is a well proven design and it should last you a very long time.

 

Grade6man,
You probably know all you need to know about the gun by now.

I have a 12 and a 20ga. and needed no break-in for either one.

One or two drops of real slick stuff on the bolt rails is all you want to do and it will just keep going and going like that Energizer Bunnie.

james

 

Thanks to all who gave feedback and comments. The M-1 is a fine gun and I shall get many yrs of service out of it. Thanks for the advice on keeping the bolt rails lubed. Sincerely, Grade6man