Benelli Armi SpA


Benelli Armi SpA is an Italian firearm manufacturer founded in 1967, located in Urbino, Italy, best known for shotguns used by military, law enforcement and civilians. It produces the Benelli M3 12 gauge, used by American SWAT teams. Benelli Armi was founded in 1967 as an offshoot of the Benelli motorcycle factory that sold motorcycles through Montgomery Ward. Benelli and Benelli USA have been owned by Pietro Beretta SpA since 2000.

History

In 1911 Teresa Benelli invested in her 6 sons to begin an auto service company. Eventually their services expanded to include servicing motorcycles and even building their own. In 1967 they acted on their love of hunting as well as their belief in the semi-auto shotgun by developing firearms. They did this by teaming up with Bruno Civolani the developer of a new action and patenting the "Inertia Driven" mechanism.

Shotguns

Many Benelli shotguns utilize an inertia operating system developed by Bruno Civolani. In 1999 Benelli introduced the Benelli M4 Super 90, a gas operated semi-automatic shotgun intended for military and law enforcement use.
The Benelli Super Black Eagle, used by waterfowlers, was one of the first semi-automatic shotguns capable of firing the 2.75, 3, and 3.5 inch shotgun shells.