Benelli MP3S pistol

[bc1023]

I've heard a few people reference the B76 over the last few days, so I figured to share this exotic pistol.

Based on the Benelli B76 9mm pistol, the MP3S was a 32 Long Wadcutter bullseye pistol from the Italian manufacturer. They were built for a very short time in the early 1980's.

Unlike the B76, which is DA/SA, the MP3S is a single action only pistol. The trigger is basically disconnected until the hammer is cocked. It is a soft shooting and extremely accurate pistol. Like the base B76, the MP3S features a fixed barrel. However, the MP3S has an extended, weighted barrel, target sights, and a longer sight radius. Other differences to the B76 include a high polished blue finish and target grips.

Those that own and/or love the B76 line, would certainly love the MP3S. It wasn't a success for Benelli. They were expensive ($800 in the early 80's) and not useful for anything but bullseye competition. Likewise, they did not last long in the Benelli product line. I'd estimate less than 500 pistols were produced, so its not something you're going to find in your local shop.

This example dates from 1983 and is number 276. They weren't built for long.

Please enjoy the pics...














Here it is with my B76. You can see the strong family ties.

 

[Darkenfast]

Wow, that's a nice one! I remember the 76, but I've never seen (or heard), of the MP3S. Have you fired it?

 

[bc1023]

Thanks

Yeah, I've ran a couple boxes through it. It shoots great.

 

[shouldazagged]

Fascinating pistol.

 

[bc1023]

Fascinating pistol.

Thanks

I'ts hard to miss with such a long, fixed barrel.

 

[Beeser]

I want one!

 

[sigp220.45]

That pistol just oozes quality.

 

[JaPes]

Hi BAC!

No matter the forum, I can't seem to escape the beautiful pictures of unobtainum (for me).

 

[bc1023]

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

 

[hberttmank]

Nice pistol, I've never seen one before.

 

[cyphertext]

Those are cool... never knew Benelli made handguns.

 

[bc1023]

Those are cool... never knew Benelli made handguns.

Thanks

Yeah, they made their share. However, they were mostly rimfires.

 

[Jepp]

Is this blow back or inertia delayed like B76?

 

[H Richard]

.32 Long is a popular caliber with International Standard Pistol shooters. The accuracy is the reason. Very easy on shooters both in recoil and in cost to load.

 

[Jebus35745]

Very nice gun, would be great to have an accurate .32 long auto. Where did you find it, Larry

 

[bc1023]

Very nice gun, would be great to have an accurate .32 long auto. Where did you find it, Larry

Gunbroker

I also found a B77 last year not long after the MP3S. The B77 is chambered in 32ACP.













I actually like the B77 more than the B76. Here are these two along with the MP3S.

 

[rkittine]

Which model has the magazine in front of the trigger guard?

Bob

 

[murphydog]

My guess would be it's the B77, by the end printing on the box right next to it.

bc1023 has been here recently with photos of another Italian exotic pistol, but these Benelli photos were posted nearly 5 years ago.