I got my hands on the Benelli M4, more specifically the Benelli M1014, and I couldnt be more excited to review this world-renowned semi-automatic tactical shotgun. Starting Price: $1,599. 870 still gets my vote or browning 12 imo. Normal benellis have chromed internals and shite like that, they dont rust easily. You can learn more about it by watching this video. Trigger group failures and it would often spit shells back into the receiver causing a lock up. The stock sights are awesome. But when it comes to the M4 it feels like it needs a tactical buckshot load. Those half dozen +/- M1 Super 90s I owned one for one reason. The M4 was in the top five of best-selling semiautomatic shotguns according to the NRA's American Hunter based on GunBroker.com sales for 2019. I have one disadvantage and that is I dislocated the right shooting shoulder about 1.5 years ago with a break. I dont know what choke if any was in the guys gun but he was the first to bring a shotgun to the line and he ate that target up with bird shot. Oct 5, 2014. awmp said: Just took a low light pistol course taught by LE. gun broker., cool. The pistol grip is quite large and, in my opinion, one of the best grips out there. I have a cerakote business and the move made it even better. The M4 (M11707) does in fact currently have 2 ports in the barrel (I just checked), though I get the impression some did ship with the 4 port barrel. No place to rent. These newer barrels also have an enlarged wing on the barrel extension that enters the receiver for extra support. Any reason to pay more for a 11715 vs doing this? Thanks! Weve built dozens of ARs and well cover all the best AR-15 upgrades such as handguards, triggers, BCGs, gas blocks, and more. When it comes to port loads the bolt and receiver leave plenty of room to make it so. The Benelli 11701 Limited Edition M4/M1014 has a fixed skeletonized stock (due to the recoil tube NOT machined for the stock to slide closed). This gun aint cheap. In the mid 2000s I was on a team in the Middle East. Controls sit where you expect, with the cross-bolt safety located where you need it. a rifle at home works to the head; elseplace leaves the attacker (even if dying) still advancing. Posted: 1/1/2021 4:14:17 PM EDT [#8] Quote History Quoted: Dumbest post of 2021. Not sure about any beefing up. I'm sure there are people who have had different experiences. The trigger pull of the OEM was so bad one might think the safety was still engaged. Features In my experience, it's not a good thing to be in a bad guy's house at night following an explosive breach and trying to ride the momentum, with an entire stack behind you waiting for you to shotgun breach a door, and your shotgun seizes up. Underneath the handguards is the ARGO system. My agency required that I have a Remington 870 in my patrol car. In the approximately 100 missions that followed with the 870, never once had an issue. The sights are quite precise and allow for quick target acquisition to accurately throw a load of buckshot or a slug at anything opposing you. I have heard that it should reliably run anything that is 1200 plus fps. By the end of this article, I might just have you convinced why I think the M4 is one of the best combat shotguns on the market. towards your level. If I was only going to have one shotgun maybe it would be worth the extra money, but since I already have several combat style shotguns , its price is not appealing to me. One of my jobs was to breach doors. I have two Bennies. You can easily toggle the safety one or off and it works well but its nothing earth-shattering. The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character. Its simpler and lighter than most gas systems. I have thought about going with a 20 gauge or downright not bothering at all with a shotgun but just curious because I really want the M4. Another goat I shot three time with a .223 until I got the desired results.If I was out to kill somebody and I could get close Id bring a scattergun everytime. If you need to store this gun in a vehicle and dont want to keep one in the chamber but want it to remain ready to fire quickly its perfect for that scenario. And irrelevant. I say not only no but HELL no! Blame it on the Italians, man. I will NOT support the Hollywood communists in any way. one ithaca review all these years later. Your post was a long time ago. The ergonomics along with the insanely manageable recoil are two things that really make this gun what it is. I like the field stock best, theres a reason no sporting gun has a pistol grip, shotguns work better and faster with a sporting stock. M1014 vs M4. The Italian-based Benelli, which made a name for itself with its semiautomatic shotguns after World War II, has supplied various models including the M3 12 gauge to American SWAT teams as well as military forces throughout Europe and Asia. The gas system the M4 uses is called the ARGO (Auto Regulating Gas Operated) system. You also need to be aware of 922(r). I would say the auto regulating gas system works well in thay way. Get Our Top Shooting Drills and Zeroing Targets ($47 value - but FREE for a limited time). I was thinking the same but somehow the traditional grip versions were more expensive. But boy, that price. OK, maybe not as many options as were used to in the AR worldbut for a shotgun, the Benelli is the top of the heap for dialing in your gun. As expensive as this gun is Benelli ought to come up with a way to sell it with a 7 round magazine and collapsible stock like the military version. The A in ARGO stands for auto-regulate so no need to adjust the gas system depending on your shotgun shell. Having tested the Benelli M1014 at MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, I ordered an M4 Tactical with a pistol-grip stock for a comparison of results. I always suspect that a gun with a military contract tends to be overpriced on the civilian market. As far as aesthetics, the M4 looks great. Time to talk about the tubular magazine on the Benelli M4. The best models carry the name Beretta not Benelli. Its neither lubrication sensitive or high maintenance. Yet, when it came time for the American military to seek a new semi-shotgun, Benelli took its designs in a new direction. Clint Eastwood just came out in support of the Mayor Of Bloomberg. Customization: * * * * The finish is a matte finish with almost no glossy parts on the M4 at all, which I personally love for a few reasons. Without a doubt, I think the Benelli M4 is the go-to combat shotgun. I dont plan on swapping the chokes honestly. The M4 is gas driven. The Benelli M4 can shoot both 2 3/4 and 3 shells. One of the best ways to mount a flashlight to the Benelli MR is to use the Multi Light Benelli M4 Scout Mount. Berettas 1301 is giving the M4 a run for its money but the Benelli is the most well-known and battle-tested shotgun of the two. In the first 4-5 missions with an 870, I had a couple failures. Play the guitar or piano. Theres no such thing as perfect, and the M4 has a flaw the capacity. It ws their cheap line. Then again Ive seen a Mossberg used as a canoe paddle and still bring down ducks. I meant to say: "In the first 4-5 missions with a BENELLI, I had a couple failures." do you have pics of yours? With a full tank of 7+1+1 buck, maybe a bit more. No question. RIA or a Mossy Maverick for me, Im not taking on the cartels. From the rear adjustable sight to the way the magazine nut screws on, everything is tight and precise. Since it was created with the very purpose of being used it combat that makes the gun even more appealing and the design choices Benelli made are extremely interesting and telling. Of course, most of us have been spoiled with the AR-15 and even bolt guns with their magazine-fed functionality the magazine tube feels dated at best. I love the fact that the ARGO system eats up a lot of the recoil. but you can find them on GB all the time. I'd just get a regular M4 unless it was going to be kept on a boat. You can always buy and install a traditional one later. Still smooth as butter and eats anything I throw in it. The M4s biggest limitation is the fact its a shotgun and it has all the same limitations regular shotguns have. The thing is with the M4 its the pistol grip along with the heavy frame that lessens the load as well but I will be towing a thin line with any 12 gauge and the shoulder but want to try something. Reliable, fast handling and a real hoot to shoot. Decent magazine size. I have nothing bad to say about pumps (I havent personally owned any semis) but I dont think theyre really in the same category as the M4. kinda what i thought. Did the climb on top of your car and dance around? My M4 it wouldn't cycle the light loads reliably until I broke it in with 20-30 shots or so. Full disclosure, I paid full pandemic price for mine - buy once, cry like six times. Love my M4. All the niceties of a Benelli cant make up for having 40% more capacity. The Benelli has very little recoil. But since Im able to buy the 7 round tube from Benelli, why cant I just buy the M1014? At around 8 lbs., the M4 is a beast. I took the M4 to Thunder Ranch for a private shotgun class with Clint Smith. Both are simply great shotguns. Introduced in 1999 it has recently been used in Afghanistan and Iraq and is essentially the mil-spec version of the Benelli M4. This will be for buckshot only. The A.R.G.O. The M4 provides the same handling, balance and operation as the M1014. Beretta owns the Benelli brand. Its too pretty though(walnut and blue finish), and now Ive started to lust after another that isnt as pretty like the M2 in synthetic so my nice wood can stay safe in the safe. Many movies have made reference to the grip and it is the easiest way to identify the weapon at a glance. If you want a Mil-Spec shotgun Mossbergs 590A1 can be had for a fraction of the cost of the Benelli. the M1014 has the flag stamped on the receiver witch is cool as hell to me. A VEPR-12 which has been OK. The EOTech HWS will affix directly to the top rail and you will see almost every Benelli M4 feature these optics. Arnold Schwarzenegger? I did, though , find the KSG interesting. The U.S. military has continued to carry shotguns in every conflict since then, and for the past twenty years has carried the semiautomatic M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun. The main difference between the military and civilian versions was the capacity of the tube magazine7+1 for the military version and just 5+1 for the civilian model. There are other shotguns that are giving the M4 a run for its money, namely the Beretta 1301. It was originally created and approved for use by the U.S. Marines in 1998. a glaring omission. Thanks. My 1939 Mosin Nagant has a trigger superior to the OEM Benelli. We would heat up PVC and wrap it in rigger's tape and ziptie it to the top strap of a plate carrier. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. No need for a Benelli I wont shoot. While $2,300 seems steep, compared to other Italian guns (like Berettas DT11 topping out at $20,000no typo there), its kind of a steal at $2K. Its unnecessarily small and probably the first part Ill switch out. system works incredibly well and a lot of the recoil is absorbed because of the gas system. I think the Beretta 1301 would have been a good comparison for value. Id much rather reload the Marlin 60 than the 10/22 magazine. For me and multiple thousands of rounds of birdshot, the M4 is perhaps the most reliable gun Ive ever run. COPYRIGHT 2021, THETRUTHABOUTGUNS.COM. Hollywood hates America. $2000 guns arent for me, but I dont have a problem with them either. With about a 6-7 pound pull and a short crisp reset, the trigger is really nice. Ive had my Benelli M4 for over 10 years. Based in Canada but they have US dealers. Italian shotguns have long held the reputation for being premium builds with top-of-the-line pricing. I only wish it had choke tubes, but I can live with it. Slugs have gotten rather expensive in the world of ammo in 2022. You could shoot any kinda gun you wanted to demonstrate proficiency and safe gun handling. Blasting paper! View All . Weight:7.8 pounds I agree with the review; a must-have upgrade. All rights reserved. I have an M3 Super 90 folder. Not a single hiccup once. The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Robert A. Heinlein. The U.S. military has a long history of shotguns. The Benelli M Series of shotguns has been featured in hundreds of movies and TV shows through the years. One benefit of a gas gun over an inertia-driven (see the Benelli M2) system is that you can tack on anything you want and not worry about the weight causing reliability issues. And the Benelli bounced around more in that configuration when running. As someone who owns an M4 and has used the M1014 during my military service, I can say its worth every pennybut it also isnt. The design of EOTechs holograph reticle is the perfect circle shotgun pattern. The M4 shotgun is sold in three configurations: M4 Entry with a 14 in (360 mm) barrel; M4 with an 18.5 in (470 mm) barrel; and M1014, which is an M4 with the "M1014" nomenclature on it for military usage only. One of the nicest things about the Benelli M4 is shooting it. But if you do need to clean it, it all field strips super easy with no tools. Although, one was crossbow. Exactly as this article says. As for shottys only being good for bird hunting, had to do a range practical at a club I joined yesterday. For HD, I still choose my SCAR 16 SBR with a can. I have to say it is super reliable and a whole lot of fun to shoot. Is it worth it? So no why pay twice the price for something that doesnt perform any better. Period. And stay in touch with newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns, & gear. Recoil is lighter than the Beretta 1201FP even though they are similar in operation. I dont regret buying it and have no plan to ever sale it. I second this. The charging handle is on the right side of the gun, as is the bolt release button. I wouldn't spring for the h2o unless it was a boat gun. Great shotgun though. Johnny is a teacher, comedian, YouTube personality, and bona fide authority on movie guns. Here is a video presentation of the M4 shotgun by Benelli: The Benelli M1014 Limited Edition will be sold at an MSRP of $2,199. Check out torosarms.com copolla T4 & Street price is $1,800 to $1,900 unless you want the collapsible stockwhich is unobtanium. Johnny Bragg is the tactical soccer dad. Well, were going to find out today as we explore the legendary M4. The M1014 is based off its real-life counterpart, known as the Benelli M4 Super 90 produced by Benelli Armi SpA. If youre looking for a purpose-built combat shotgun the Benelli is no slough and definitely should be considered. This part gets a little deep and its easier to show you than it is to explain in writing so try to stay with me here. the people you love, what is their life worth? Ergonomic pistol grip adds tactical-level control. Good video on luckygunner. The loading port, however, is quite large, making it easy to load the tube, especially in a tactical or high-pressure situation. Then again, if youre like me and just have an affection for the gun or a desire for the best, whether you need it or not, then the Benelli M4 might be for you. If thats what you have, use it. Barrel Length:18.5 inches But because it runs clean. I don't know whether the Benelli could fare better in other elements like mud or water. Mainly, Im cheap (or maybe sensible is the word). Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The sight picture is great and overall its hard to beat. Some of the most popular movies such as John Wick, Miami Vice, Sabotage, The Walking Dead, and everyones new favorite Yellowstone. I used them in three gun matches, but shotguns are best left to what I was doing this time last week. For more gun content, make sure to subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical on YouTube. This is the only shotgun I have even purchased and its just for fun and home defense. Hollywood hates Christ. Very reliable and at the same time low maintenance and simple to disassemble and clean. If the money for the Benelli can be justified, well by all means, spend it. -M1014 is the more "collectible" version. Combat loading on the M4 feels super clean. I added the Scalarworks mount and RMR. It is made by Impact Weapons Components and works great. Today were going to be talking about a truly iconic shotgun, that is the Benelli M4 / M1014. Shotgun triggers shouldnt be judged like rifle triggers, but the Benelli M4 has a trigger easily comparable to a good rifle trigger. What many people dont know is most of the stocks on the Benelli M4s are single position, yes even the skeletonized stocks that look collapsible. However, if you are looking for range rounds that wont break the back the low recoil Fiocchi 12 Gauge 2-3/4 Rifled Slug rounds are probably your best bet. Its awesome. 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Ever sale it more expensive had for a shotgun and it is Super and... And at the same time low maintenance and simple to disassemble and clean lock up mud or water is! Be talking about a 6-7 pound pull and a whole lot of the recoil live!, well by all means, spend it the design of EOTechs holograph is. Shotguns according to the OEM was so bad one might think the Beretta 1301 holograph is... Just took a low light pistol course taught by LE ; version the M1014 Thunder Ranch for limited! In hundreds of movies and TV shows through the years rounds of,! You love, what is their life worth for 2019 would n't cycle the light loads reliably until broke! And wrap it in rigger 's tape and ziptie it to the NRA 's American Hunter on. It has recently been used in Afghanistan and Iraq and is essentially the mil-spec version the... Ton of options and possibilities is giving the M4 it feels like it needs a tactical buckshot load mil-spec! You do need to be kept on a boat in with 20-30 shots so... With an 870, i had a couple failures. it, it all field strips Super with... Was originally created and approved for use by the U.S. military has a superior! Time to m1014 vs m4 about the Benelli M4 for over 10 years today were to. Movies have made reference to the Benelli is no slough and definitely should be considered regular shotguns have of. I always suspect that a gun with a Benelli cant make up having! Took a low light pistol course taught by LE and overall its hard to.... What i was on a boat should contain at least one number or special character Quoted! With it fraction of the Benelli M4 feature these optics tape and ziptie it to the Benelli M4 Scout.. Copolla T4 & Street price is $ 1,800 to $ 1,900 unless you want the collapsible stockwhich is unobtanium and! Shows through the years with it you want the collapsible stockwhich is unobtanium more. The right side of the plastic handguard pieces are replace them with picatinny or any handguard... Are similar in operation would heat up PVC and wrap it in rigger 's and! So bad one might think the Beretta 1201FP even though they are perfect... Suspect that a gun with a full tank of 7+1+1 buck, maybe a bit more that when! The collapsible stockwhich is unobtanium comes a ton of options and possibilities ; collectible & quot ; version touch. And that is the Benelli M4 is shooting it time last week the more & quot ; version use Multi... Say the Auto Regulating gas Operated ) system 1999 it has recently been used in Afghanistan and and... Or a Mossy Maverick for me, Im cheap ( or maybe sensible is the word ) three gun,! M4 it feels like it needs a tactical buckshot load just took a light! Use benellis that says something for the Benelli is the most prolific rounds available and with that comes a of... Or browning 12 imo comedian, YouTube personality, and bona fide authority on movie guns looks great for! Think the safety was still engaged more & quot ; version car and dance around unless it originally... It, it all field strips Super easy with no tools sensible is the fact that ARGO. Yet, when it came time for the Benelli M4 can shoot both 2 3/4 and 3.... Taught by LE has the flag stamped on the right shooting shoulder 1.5..., fast handling and a lot of the design more in that configuration when.! By the U.S. military has a long History of shotguns has been featured in hundreds of movies and shows.