Benelli M4?

[demarpaint]

TIA- Simple question, does anyone here own a Benelli M4 w/o the pistol grip stock? I'm familiar with the clones, I'm specifically asking about the Benelli M4. A buddy of mine is kicking the idea of buying one around and get me interested as well. Understood they aren't cheap and are pretty much a Military/HD shotgun. I'm interested in learning more about them here.

 

[BobsArmory]

Good shotgun, reliable. Some people think it's a little heavy. I would say the closest competition is the Beretta 1301 family.

I've shoth both M4 & 1301. The 1301 fits and shoots better for me so I went with the 1301 but the M4 might fit him best.

 

[SShooterZ]

The 1301 fits and shoots better for me so I went with the 1301 but the M4 might fit him best.

This is the key with shotguns. If it doesn't fit you, you'll struggle to shoot it well. Good gun, just make sure it's a good fit too.

 

[BISCUT]

Benelli M4 is an excellent shotgun. If for HD it is heavy and not conducive to CQB but a heck of a choice if you are wise enough to post up with cover in a room and await the bad guy coming to you. All around one of the best, most reliable shotguns out there. I have a collapsible stock but prefer Mesa Tactical pistol grip over OE Benelli which is an inch LOP longer. They shoot heavy slugs and Buck to lightweight birdshot without a flinch. Be prepared to open the purse for extras....

I have a Gen2 and 2.5 1301. Overall, reliability is every bit of the M4. Lighter and easier to maneuver around with by far. Generally, I recommend the 1301 over the M4 for most people, but really can't go wrong with either. Also dependent upon the end use.

Add: I've shot many thousands of rounds down all 3 of the shotguns mentioned above. LE Instructor for over 20 years. The reliability of the M4 as well as 1301 is superb.

 

[demarpaint]

Benelli M4 is an excellent shotgun. If for HD it is heavy and not conducive to CQB but a heck of a choice if you are wise enough to post up with cover in a room and await the bad guy coming to you. All around one of the best, most reliable shotguns out there. I have a collapsible stock but prefer Mesa Tactical pistol grip over OE Benelli which is an inch LOP longer. They shoot heavy slugs and Buck to lightweight birdshot without a flinch. Be prepared to open the purse for extras....

I have a Gen2 and 2.5 1301. Overall, reliability is every bit of the M4. Lighter and easier to maneuver around with by far. Generally, I recommend the 1301 over the M4 for most people, but really can't go wrong with either. Also dependent upon the end use.

Add: I've shot many thousands of rounds down all 3 of the shotguns mentioned above. LE Instructor for over 20 years. The reliability of the M4 as well as 1301 is superb.

Thanks! The 1301 is a runner up for sure. From what I read you either have to have the M4 barrel threaded or get a replacement barrel to swap choke tubes. I saw a Black River Mfg barrel for under $300, which is threaded for choke tubes, but the reviews left a lot to the imagination. I'm not sure if being able to swap choke tubes matters much with this type of shotgun, but it was a concern of my friend.

 

[RamFan]

I have a Benelli Nova Tactical and love it. If their entry level shotgun shoots and feels as good as that does, I can only imagine how nice the M4 must be.

 

[shortyb]

My 2001 M4 Tactical 18.5 was an oldie but a goodie with thousands of rounds downrange. Had the pistol grip, but solid buttstock instead of the sought after collapsible one. For a gas shotgun, it was deadnuts reliable. The system is "self cleaning" and it did work as advertised since there was always a minimum of carbon build-up. Price wasn't a lot cheaper 25 years ago than it is today, showing the value has held well, and it was worth it. Should have never sold it .

 

[HyundaiAbuser]

I’ll echo the sentiments here. Had an m4 without the pistol grip for a bit and a friend still has one. I liked the beretta 1301 a bit more for the ergonomics and a lot more for the price. The a300 optima patrol is also a great option and USA made. I would worry much more about fit than reliability with the upper end shotguns but you certainly cant go wrong with an m4

 

[RitcheyRch]

I have an M4 Super 90 and really like it. I need to shoot it more.

 

[BISCUT]

Thanks! The 1301 is a runner up for sure. From what I read you either have to have the M4 barrel threaded or get a replacement barrel to swap choke tubes. I saw a Black River Mfg barrel for under $300, which is threaded for choke tubes, but the reviews left a lot to the imagination. I'm not sure if being able to swap choke tubes matters much with this type of shotgun, but it was a concern of my friend.

Mine came threaded from the factory. My Gen2 1301 is also threaded, while my Gen2.5 is not threaded.

Get ready to grab your ankles for an extended mag tube. AND you'll need a heat gun to remove the factory low cap tube. Nothing difficult, just go slow. If you look into 1301 check our Aridus industries. Quality upgrades. I've had their handguards for over 4k rounds and they remain like new.

A300 Patrol is a solid shotgun to save some coin. If you can swing the cost, 1301 is the better option. There are legitimate differences between the 1301 and A300.

I wish the 1301 came in a 20ga as well!

 

[football]

There are four worthy semi auto self defense shotguns. They are

Beretta 1301 ($1500)
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol ($900)
Benelli M2 Tactical ($1500)
Benelli M4 ($2000)

The M4 is the worst of the bunch. Its heavy. Clunky. Isnt designed to work with low recoil defensive loads, so you are stuck with full power ammo. Pick any of the other three I have listed. I currently own the Benelli M2 tactical and the A300 Patrol. Both are excellent and 100% reliable.

If I was in your shoes I would start with the cheapest of the bunch, the a300 Patrol. Its an excellent self defense shotgun at a good price.