I've owned H&K branded Bene M3 Dual mode (pump/semi-auto) since 1990. I don't know if I can help with your Qs.
It has a Action Selector ring with protrusions at 3 & 9 o'clock at the front of the forend. Using your thumb, you slightly turn the ring and it releases (forend slides back 1/4 inch +-) the lock and you can then cycle it like a Pump Action. You don't need to hold the ring while in Pump action. Turn ring again move forend slight forward and release: your locked back in semi-auto. Smooth, positive and FAST transition.
Pump action mode is primarily for low power sub-munitions same as light Trap/Field loads but you can "pump action" any proper chamber shell. If you have a dud shell you can clear it without grabbing for the bolt handle. If semi-auto cycling fails, your still in business. Mine is 2 3/4 chamber only: seven in the tube, one in the chamber AND one on the carrier/elevator. Rifled sights, full pistol grip stock. Never tried "Mini shell".
It's important to understand Benelli inertia drive system verse a gas system. Its been a long time since I've read the pros/cons. Con arguements didn't hold water as far as I was concerned. Who's gonna put the butt against a wall and fire it, not allowing recoil/enertia cycling? Lol.
The M4s are "gas driven" due to a USMC spec (they want to be able to put (weight) accessories on the M4). Too much weight changes total weight the inertia system was designed to function with: it creates a similar condition to low power loads with not enough juice to cycle (the system/gun weight). The M4 is also advertised as self regulating (okay) and "self cleaning gas pistons". Where were we told a gun was self cleaning before? Hmmm.
I can throw my Benelli to my shoulder and dump all 7+1 in about 3 seconds. My gun will fire just as fast as you can pull the trigger. No gass - -> inertia driven. (Chrome bore,chrome chamber,chrone bolt head. Not much to get dirty.)
It will do this with 2.75" dove and quail 7.5 or 8 shot . . OR . . 3" mag #4 buck.
Pre,during,and post Katrina me and a buddy stood guard inside another friends buisness. I borrowed my buddys 14" entry bbl for my otherwise 18.5" Benelli. We challenged both looters and police with these guns. This,off the stairwell and balcony on the second floor of a 3 story concrete building.
We were prepared to guard this building and buisness with our lives and the looters quickly understood this. So did the police. But for the most part they were too busy looting and stealing cars to worry about us.
We had 300rds of 3" #2 shot and #4 buck between us. And,of course,our Benelli's. --- SAWMAN
I can throw my Benelli to my shoulder and dump all 7+1 in about 3 seconds. My gun will fire just as fast as you can pull the trigger. No gass - -> inertia driven. (Chrome bore,chrome chamber,chrone bolt head. Not much to get dirty.)
It will do this with 2.75" dove and quail 7.5 or 8 shot . . OR . . 3" mag #4 buck.
Pre,during,and post Katrina me and a buddy stood guard inside another friends buisness. I borrowed my buddys 14" entry bbl for my otherwise 18.5" Benelli. We challenged both looters and police with these guns. This,off the stairwell and balcony on the second floor of a 3 story concrete building.
We were prepared to guard this building and buisness with our lives and the looters quickly understood this. So did the police. But for the most part they were too busy looting and stealing cars to worry about us.
We had 300rds of 3" #2 shot and #4 buck between us. And,of course,our Benelli's. --- SAWMAN
If I didnt have the M3, I'd go back to a Rem 870P. I've put thousands of rounds through them and like the safety location much better (can't bite Lol). Pumps rarely get worn out from use. Buy a good brand (Rem, Mossy, Bene) Do a function check, look for barrel bulges then if appearance is okay for you: lay your money down. Defense gun: Improved cyclinder barrel/choke. Interchangeable chokes or a slug barrel are totally unnecessary, don't waste your money. Work a pump action like you mean it and they will run and you won't short stroke it.
There's a nice 870 Tactical listed but its over the State line.
If I didnt have the M3, I'd go back to a Rem 870P. I've put thousands of rounds through them and like the safety location much better (can't bite Lol). Pumps rarely get worn out from use. Buy a good brand (Rem, Mossy, Bene) Do a function check, look for barrel bulges then if appearance is okay for you: lay your money down. Defense gun: Improved cyclinder barrel/choke. Interchangeable chokes or a slug barrel are totally unnecessary, don't waste your money. Work a pump action like you mean it and they will run and you won't short stroke it.
There's a nice 870 Tactical listed but its over the State line.
As long as you have a slug appropriate barrel (smooth or rifled) with little or no constricting (choke: cyclinder, skeet or improved cyclinder: barrel/accessory type), there are no problems shooting slugs. Follow shotgun/barrel/shell manufactures guidance. There are three basic types of slugs and you should match the best type for your shotgun application. It's only tighter constricting barrels/chokes that are dangerous with slugs. You will see numerous examples of people on the Web doing stupid things with slugs and more constricting chokes.