On Clearance: TAC-12 "M3 Super 90"
- Thread starter Tactical Imports
- Start date
Shoot us an email, we'll get it sorted for youIs it possible a break-in with heavy loads is needed before the shotgun will handle target loads? 1&1/8 Challenger, 1&1/8 Score plus 1oz Winchester all fail to get the bolt far enough back to complete the cycle. If running a few hundred rounds of high brass is needed that is an easy fix, but mag dumping when it will do nothing is not desirable for the wallet or shoulder.
I ordered mine last Friday and received it Tuesday due to my proximity to the Warehouse (I'm in Edmonton). I have broken the gun down to perform a cleaning, inspection and pre-fire lubrication of the moving parts. While not as nicely machined as my Benelli M4, the quaility of the machining is certainly passable with what I would consider to be above-average fit and finish. The action cycles in both the Pump and Semi-Auto mode about as smoothly as one could reasonably hope for, given the unique dual nature of the operating system. It certainly requires less effort than I recall having to exert with a Franchi SPAS12 in Pump-action mode back in the day. But I digress. The spring-loaded latching mechanism for switching between Pump and Semi-Auto function was initially stiff and a bit finicky, but has quickly loosened up just enough that it now easily slips positively into each setting.
I have yet to fire my new shotgun, so at this point the jury is still out regarding reliability and accuracy. FWIW, my Bolt and Fore-Grip do not jump forward under their own steam when I hit the Bolt Release Button either. It requires a slight forward "nudge" on the Fore-Grip to get things moving forwards into battery, and I'm OK with that as I have every intention of forcefully returning the Fore-Grip forwards under positive control with my Left Hand in any case.
I would prefer that there were a Retractable Buttstock and Pistol Grip option, as is the case wwith the Sulun M4. Is there any chance that TACTICAL IMPORTS can source Sulun M4 Rear Ends? I'd definitely be down for a Retracting Buttstock and Pistol Grip if available, as I cannot find Sulun spare parts such as those anywhere that I have searched.
I have ordered an M2 Enlarged Charging Handle, as my Benelli M4's Handle did not fit. Hopefully the M2 is the correct configuration. I also went with an S&J Enlarged Bolt Release Button, which must be drilled and tapped into the existing steel "button" of the Shotgun. I chose to go this route rather than having to worry about whether a (much more expensive), genuine Benelli M4 Enlarged Bolt Release from GG&G would be compatible with the dimensions of the Sulun M4 Receiver. This way I just drill, tap, tighten one screw and I'm off to the races with a Bolt Release that is impossible to miss.
I added some much-needed skate-board Grip-Tape to the smooth, slick surfaces of the plastic Fore-Grip. A few cents worth of tape makes for a HUGE improvement with much more positive handling in Pump-Action mode.
I currently have the Aridus Industries modular Side-Saddle with quick-release "Cassettes" each holding 6 shot-shells mounted to the Left side of my Receiver. I made sure to leave ample clearance for the Pump Action Fore-Grip when fully rearwards so that the Bolt Catch reliably engages when there is no shell on the Lifter.
I have yet to fire my new shotgun, so at this point the jury is still out regarding reliability and accuracy. FWIW, my Bolt and Fore-Grip do not jump forward under their own steam when I hit the Bolt Release Button either. It requires a slight forward "nudge" on the Fore-Grip to get things moving forwards into battery, and I'm OK with that as I have every intention of forcefully returning the Fore-Grip forwards under positive control with my Left Hand in any case.
I would prefer that there were a Retractable Buttstock and Pistol Grip option, as is the case wwith the Sulun M4. Is there any chance that TACTICAL IMPORTS can source Sulun M4 Rear Ends? I'd definitely be down for a Retracting Buttstock and Pistol Grip if available, as I cannot find Sulun spare parts such as those anywhere that I have searched.
I have ordered an M2 Enlarged Charging Handle, as my Benelli M4's Handle did not fit. Hopefully the M2 is the correct configuration. I also went with an S&J Enlarged Bolt Release Button, which must be drilled and tapped into the existing steel "button" of the Shotgun. I chose to go this route rather than having to worry about whether a (much more expensive), genuine Benelli M4 Enlarged Bolt Release from GG&G would be compatible with the dimensions of the Sulun M4 Receiver. This way I just drill, tap, tighten one screw and I'm off to the races with a Bolt Release that is impossible to miss.
I added some much-needed skate-board Grip-Tape to the smooth, slick surfaces of the plastic Fore-Grip. A few cents worth of tape makes for a HUGE improvement with much more positive handling in Pump-Action mode.
I currently have the Aridus Industries modular Side-Saddle with quick-release "Cassettes" each holding 6 shot-shells mounted to the Left side of my Receiver. I made sure to leave ample clearance for the Pump Action Fore-Grip when fully rearwards so that the Bolt Catch reliably engages when there is no shell on the Lifter.
Nice looking setup there Bartok. The grip tape is a nice addition. I bought one and so far it needs more of a break in. It cycled probably around 25 slugs and buckshot high brass shells without problem in semi mode. In pump mode the firing pin barely strikes the primers and maybe 1 out of 10 actually went bang. I really need to give it more of a thorough cleaning though. I don't know if you bought the mag tube restrictor for hunting, but from what I can see the only way to get into the mag tube is to unscrew the entire tube from the receiver. From what I gather that isn't easy. I think you need to heat up the receiver with a heat gun or torch and avoid melting the plastic piece in front of the receiver. I think Sulun used locktite on the mag tube. I put the receiver in a vice and tried turning the tube by hand without heat and I couldn't budge it. I'm trying to think of a way to access and be able to remove the mag tube plug and spring without having to unscrew the tube from the receiver every time. Anyone know of a way around this problem?
Old Skool Soldier
Member
Does your safety work?
Yes, my Safety Switch works just fine.
In terms of capacity, it apparently depends how you order your gun. If you order with the Capacity Limiter for hunting your Magazine will hold 2 x 3" shells plus 1 in the Chamber. I ordered mine without the Limiter and the Magazine holds 5 x 3" shells plus one in the Chamber.
Colossal Ursidae
CGN Regular
- Location
- Ottawa Valley
Has anyone confirmed stock compatibility?
The Turkish "M3" will not accept the Mesa Tactical "Urbino" Buttstock. The "Field" Buttstock that ships with the Shotgun fastens to a Collapsible Buttstock's Inner Metal Tube complete with deployment (length) information printed on the Tube. All you need to convert your Turkish "M3" to a Collapsing Buttstock with Pistol Grip is the Turkish (Sulun) Sliding/Collapsible Buttstock and Pistol Grip Assembly itself. The Inner Metal Tube that the synthetic Buttstock slides upon is already provided at the attachment point for the "Field" Buttstock. Unfortunately, the Urbino Buttstock is not compatible with the exterior shape of the Inner Metal Tube that it is supposed to slide upon.
If you want a collapsing Buttstock with Pistol Grip on your Sulun "M3", you will need to find a Sulun Arms Buttstock/Pistol Grip Assembly to slide over the existing Inner Metal Tube that is already in-place on the "M3".
I am not sure what other shotgun Buttstock systems might be compatible with the Sulun Arms "M3"???
The metal tube (recoil tube) in the Sulun M3's stock can be removed and replaced with one that fits the stock you wish to install. The recoil tube installed on these M3's serves to hold the stock in place only, serves no other purpose. Benelli changed their receiver thread size some years ago, so there are two sizes of factory recoil tubes out there, and I've run across a third size on a Turknelli. At the other end of the recoil tube (pad end) there are also different mounts for fixed vs telescoping etc. Lot's of stock options, just need the correct tube that fits your receiver and also the stock.
Colossal Ursidae
CGN Regular
- Location
- Ottawa Valley
Where can I buy different tubes that would fit this receiver? Is it there an adapter for easier stocks like the Mossberg 500 or Rem 870 or pic rail
I got mine out to the range for its first shots/initial break-in. Right off the hop, it did not successfully cycle Challenger brand 1 oz High Velocity Slugs, lacking sufficient power to fully cycle the action. I remembered Tac Imports mentioning that heavy accessories could affect functioning, so I removed the Aridus Side-Saddle with 6 dummy rounds and lo and behold, the gun suddenly cycled everything that I fed it in semi-automatic mode - the aforementioned slugs as well as Challenger 2 3/4", 1-1/8 oz Birdshot loads. Ejection with the unencumbered gun was positive and forceful. Reliability was 100% for the 50x slugs and10x Birdshot that I fired once I figured out the external load issue. I tried switching from semi-automatic to pump-action and back several times without a hitch. The shotgun ran fine as a pump action, although I must admit that the semi-automatic function was much quicker (and obviously less effort) to cycle!
All things considered, I am happy with the performance of my Turkish "M3" as advertised. It reliably cycles 1 1/8 oz birdshot loads without break-in so long as I don't hang a bunch of extra ammo off of the side of the Receiver. Accuracy with slugs was acceptable with groups running approximately 4-5" at 50m. Definitely "minute of you-know-what", which all I ask of a scatter gun. I will get out again to pattern some Challenger 00 Buckshot once the warmer (and dryer!) Spring weather arrives and I can actually use the clays range without battling snow and mud in my wheelchair. For now, I am quite satisfied. Long-term durability remains to be seen over time, however Sulun has a pretty decent reputation among Turkish shotguns so I am not overly concerned with that aspect of things. I need to do some more experimentation to see where the reliability failure point is for external weight on the sides of the gun (eg. Light and SideSaddle). At minimum, a weapon light is required. A SideSaddle is desirable, but not critical like I consider a Light to be on a defensive firearm.
Those who own one of these shotguns know that the polymer "Field" Buttstock is held onto the Receiver by bolting to a "Recoil Tube" intended for use with a Collapsing Pistol-Grip Buttstock. This begs the question as to whether or not an aftermarket Collapsing Buttstock will work in the absence of a Sulun-branded Stock? I am thinking of ordering up one of the Buttstocks pictured below, but am not entirely sure that its' Recoil Tube would be compatible with the Sulun "M4" Receiver. Does anyone have any experience with this specific after-market Buttstock and the Sulun "M3" (built on an "M4" Receiver) Shotgun?
Sulun "M3" Recoil Rod on a Sulun M4 Receiver:
Black Aces after-market Collapsing Buttstock for Benelli M4/S4:
https://canadiansafetysource.ca/ben...al-s4-m4-tactical-adjustable-telescopic-stock
All things considered, I am happy with the performance of my Turkish "M3" as advertised. It reliably cycles 1 1/8 oz birdshot loads without break-in so long as I don't hang a bunch of extra ammo off of the side of the Receiver. Accuracy with slugs was acceptable with groups running approximately 4-5" at 50m. Definitely "minute of you-know-what", which all I ask of a scatter gun. I will get out again to pattern some Challenger 00 Buckshot once the warmer (and dryer!) Spring weather arrives and I can actually use the clays range without battling snow and mud in my wheelchair. For now, I am quite satisfied. Long-term durability remains to be seen over time, however Sulun has a pretty decent reputation among Turkish shotguns so I am not overly concerned with that aspect of things. I need to do some more experimentation to see where the reliability failure point is for external weight on the sides of the gun (eg. Light and SideSaddle). At minimum, a weapon light is required. A SideSaddle is desirable, but not critical like I consider a Light to be on a defensive firearm.
Those who own one of these shotguns know that the polymer "Field" Buttstock is held onto the Receiver by bolting to a "Recoil Tube" intended for use with a Collapsing Pistol-Grip Buttstock. This begs the question as to whether or not an aftermarket Collapsing Buttstock will work in the absence of a Sulun-branded Stock? I am thinking of ordering up one of the Buttstocks pictured below, but am not entirely sure that its' Recoil Tube would be compatible with the Sulun "M4" Receiver. Does anyone have any experience with this specific after-market Buttstock and the Sulun "M3" (built on an "M4" Receiver) Shotgun?
Sulun "M3" Recoil Rod on a Sulun M4 Receiver:
Black Aces after-market Collapsing Buttstock for Benelli M4/S4:
https://canadiansafetysource.ca/ben...al-s4-m4-tactical-adjustable-telescopic-stock
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I won't bother trying the Aridus Industries Side-Saddle with the removable cartridges again, as it is clearly far too heavy for an inertia-driven operating system. I will be seeking a lighter-weight solution to carrying specialty rounds on-board the shotgun, specifically a skeletonized, direct-mount Side-Saddle of some description.
Greenhorse six
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Just from the pictures it doesn't look like it would work.
The recoil tube on the sulun has the adjustment stops on the bottom, like a AR15 carbine collapsible stock.
The Black Aces has the button for adjustment on the top , probably notched on the top of the tube , like a real Benelli.
Of course, I could be wrong about that.
I was not planning on installing the Sliding Buttstock from the Black Aces assembly onto the Sulun M3's Recoil Tube, for the exact reasons you noted - they have incompatible latching systems. What I wanted to know was if the entire Black Aces Buttstock assembly is compatible with the Sulun Buttstock Assembly. In other words, will the Black Aces Recoil Tube thread into the rear of the Sulun M3 (supposedly an M4) Receiver so that the entire assemblies can be swapped?
