Benelli M4 Shotgun Review: Is it worth the price?
When it comes to discussing the best shotguns in the world, very seldom is the Benelli name left out. Benelli has more than established itself as a versatile, high-quality purveyor of arms, and the Benelli M4 is no exception.
When the military went looking for a new shotgun in the late 1990s they put the United States Marine Corps in charge of the program. The Marine evaluated entries from several companies, including Mossberg, but ultimately settled on the Benelli M4. The Benelli M4 became the M1014 Joint Service Shotgun.
It has since grown into one of the world’s foremost shotguns, being utilized by the military, law enforcement, and civilian use worldwide.
BENELLI M4 SPECS
- Operating System Auto Regulating Gas System
- Gauge/Bore 12 Gauge
- Weight 7.8 lbs
- Action Gas operated semi-auto
- Overall Length 40’’
- Barrel Length 18.5″
The Four Configurations of the Benelli M4 Shotgun
Now before you start telling that there are more configurations than just four, let me tell you why only 4 apply to the majority of us reading this.
Benelli is also known for making firearms that are strictly for military and law enforcement. Even after the ban in the United States on the collapsible butt stocks was lifted, Benelli still restricted that feature from their civilian oriented models.
So, here’s a quick overview of the 4 available for home-defense and civilian use.
- M4 Tactical with Pistol Grip
- M4 Tactical with Tactical Stock
- M4 H20 Tactical with Pistol Grip
- M4 H20 Tactical with Tactical Stock
The major differences between the models are the grips and stocks and the Titanium Cerakote Finish on the H20 platforms.
Benelli M4 Features
1 Pistol Grip Option Available
For those of you more comfortable with a pistol grip on your shotgun, Benelli offers 2 versions for you.
2 Ghost Ring Sights
These sights help you to accurately hit your target for any nighttime hunt or home defense situation.
3 Receiver Mounted Picatinny Rail
Allows for any Picatinny compatible accessory to help customly optimize the shotgun.
4 Extended Magazine Tube
The M4 comes with a 5+1 magazine capacity.
Benelli M4 – Our Take
The Benelli M4 strays from the standard Benelli inertia-driven guns. Rather than using an inertia system, the Benelli M4 is gas operated. The ARGO system utilizes a pair of pistons to drive the bolt rearward and cycle the gun. The dual stainless steel piston systems are self-cleaning for the most part and are a large part of why the Benelli M4 is so successful and reliable.
In the late 1990s, semi-automatic shotguns were nowhere near as reliable as they are today. Benelli really led the way in creating reliable semi-auto guns. Still, the military wanted a gas-operated system rather than an inertia-driven one due to the need to use night vision optics. Those optics used to be quite large, and adding weight to an inertia system creates reliability issues.
The Benelli M4 is a highly reliable semi-automatic, gas-operated shotgun. I’ve shot a ton of rounds through it and pressure-tested it with some absurdly low-recoil ammo. It functions without a problem with the 1145 FPS Federal Flitecontrol, which I greatly admire. In fact, it only seems to choke with those sub-1000 FPS loads designed specifically for trap and skeet.
It blows through every standard buckshot, birdshot, and slug loads I’ve put through it. The gun even shoots the shorty 2.5-inch shells perfectly reliably. The gun just runs and runs and runs. It’s easy to see why it gained the reputation it did during the Global War on Terrorism.
Shooting the M4
The gas-operated, semi-automatic design of the Benelli M4 series takes a lot of sting out of a 12-gauge shotgun. With reduced recoil buckshot, I can put two rounds on an IPSC A-zone-sized target in less than .75 of a second at ten yards. It cycles quickly and with a red dot and puts buckshot exactly where you want it.
The Benelli M4 does use a stock design that isn’t the best for recoil control. The downward slope of the stock creates leverage, which can create more muzzle rise. I’m using the three-position M4 stock, which is M1014 authentic, but performance-wise, it’s not the best. The field stock would create a more inline design, which would help increase control.
The Benelli M4 is plenty accurate. It comes with ghost-ring iron sights and an optics-ready setup. I prefer a red dot, but with ghost ring irons it’s quite capable. Shotguns aren’t exactly tough to make accurate since they are used at close range and fire a spread of shot. That’s not a big concern.
The Benelli M4 is accurate even with slugs. Using Federal Tactical reduced-recoil slugs, I could group five rounds into an 8-inch circle. At 100 yards, I could hit an ISPC target with ease and put those slugs into the chest area of that target. Little things like the sights and trigger, as well as the massive pistol grip make the gun plenty easy to shoot accurately.
Where the Benelli M4 Stumbles
The Benelli M4 isn’t perfect. It’s a product of its time, and the ergonomics are not the best. The M1014 style stock, and the standard stock has a long length of pull. It exceeds 14 inches, which makes it far from comfy for most shooters in a modern shooting stance. When you adjust the stock to the 12.5-inch position, it becomes difficult to see the sights due to the stock’s design.
All of the controls are very small. Modern shotgun companies have embraced large controls, and it’s been a godsend. Benelli used the smallest controls they could, and the gun suffers for it. My least favorite is the incredibly small bolt release, which is a real hassle to deal with while trying to reload on the fly.
This gun is also costly. Prices hit close to the two grand mark. Even then, you’re buying a 922R compliant model, which sucks. It’s neutered and has a five-round tube, fixed stock, and more. You have to spend another small fortune to get the gun up and running like it’s meant to.
Benelli M4 Pros and Cons
- Fast and fun to shoot
- Made by a legendary shotgun manufacturer
- Reliable (with the right power loads)
- Low capacity for a “tactical” shotgun
- Expensive
Report Card | ||
Reliability | It’s a beast in the reliability department. | A+ |
Accuracy | Very accurate | A+ |
Customization | Not much you can change | B |
Ergonomics | The controls are insanely small and the stock length is way too long. | C+ |
Value | Too expensive for what you’re getting | D |
Our Grade
B+
Reviewed by Dave Chesson
Reader’s Grade
B+
Based on 15 Reviews
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The Benelli M4 is a well made shotgun, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need improvement. These are some essentials that every gun owner would do well to have, in order to maximize their owning experience.
- Choke Tube: TRUGLO TG185X Head Banger 12 Gauge
- AMMO
- Hornady AG Reduced Recoil Slugs at Brownells
- GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon
- GUN SAFE: Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe on Amazon
Now that we’ve got the must-haves out of the way… Let’s get into some cool personalizations for the Benelli M4.
Best Gun Case for the Benelli M4
When I make a firearm purchase, it is so important to me to protect it. There are a few things that I can do in order to accomplish that goal. First, I clean and maintain my firearm consistently. Second, I use my firearm properly and am aware of how and when I use it. Third, I get a gun case to make sure it is out of the elements and I can transport it in safety.
I am a fan of hard cases because I travel so much. Also, out of any rifle/shotgun case, the hard enclosed cases I have found keep your gun the cleanest. So, this is the editors choice because it is reasonably priced and does exactly what it is designed to do, protect your firearm. You will also have no problems taking it with you to the airport as long as you have some good locks from Amazon on on them.
This bag gets our Durability Award. It is made with strong stitching and can take just about anything you throw at it. I like the extra pockets and protected zippered compartments for extra shells, mags, lights and more. Good protection overall.
Not much to say here about this bag. It is solid has good value and will not come apart at the seams. You can count on the handles staying together and being able to lock it up tight. This gets our Best for Budget Choice.
Other Shotguns in its Class to Check Out
#1 Remington Versamax
Remington Versamax
The Remington reputation is definitely upheld when it comes to their Versa Max Series. and the Versa Max Tactical is the centerpiece of Remington’s Versa Max family.
- Shootability B
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A-
- Accuracy B
- Value A
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
D
Based on 6 Reviews
Your Grade
Do You Own This Gun? Leave A Review
Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
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When we put together our list of best combat and tactical shotguns, it wasn’t easy to decide which guns would be our favorite like the Beretta Comp 1301, or the Remington VersaMax. We like to make the comparison between these, so if your curious to know more about it check it out. READ MORE
#2 Mossberg 500
Mossberg 500
Available in several calibers, Mossberg 500 models range from tactical to muzzle-loading.
- Shootability A-
- Reliability A+
- Ergonomics A-
- Accuracy A
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A
Based on 38 Reviews
Your Grade
Do You Own This Gun? Leave A Review
Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
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If your looking for good pump action, you can’t go wrong with a trusty Mossberg 500. It’s super-reliable, budget friendly, and an all-around great pick for anyone looking to buy a new shotgun. Plus, the Mossberg 500 has the ability to shoot mini shells which are great for picking off field small rodents. READ MORE
How to Care for Your Benelli M4
With all the features the Benelli M4 has, you might expect that maintenance to be relatively difficult. Truth be told, it’s a lot simpler than you think. Aside from the manual, this video is a great instructional video showing you how to disassemble the weapon and get it back together.
- GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon
Important Links And Manuals For Your Benelli M4
Looking for more info on the Beretta Benelli M4? Check out these links for the manual and other news!
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About Dave Chesson
Dave Chesson is prior Navy with a specialty in international arms dealing for the US government across multiple countries. Having traveled the world and abided by ATF and ITAR, Roy has a unique background in legal as well as practical capabilities of weapons deployment and use.
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I read reviews by respected magazines , Youtuber’s praise the almighty Benelli M4. You would think angels sang when you shouldered that weapon.
Well, They didn’t sing until after the recoil from my first round kissed my shoulder. My indoor range let me fire two rounds of 00 to verify function.
Fit, finish and function thus far are outstanding . I understand now the ARGO gas recoil system cuts recoil big time.
This is a clear cut example of ” If you buy quality, you will not be disappointed” . It’s worth every penny paid.
I am fine with the author not liking the recoil impulse. How a gun feels when shot is largely subjective. I have friends that love the AK47. I have never shoot one that I like, no matter how good the build quality or origin of the manufacturer. It’s a subjective metric. So is cost and value. So while I disagree with the authors opinion regarding value, I wholeheartedly respect the opinion given and I give that portion of the article a pass. But I do have a few areas I would push back on.
First: Cases are not “cool personalization’s”. They are for protection during transportation and do nothing to change the function of the gun. The “cool personalization’s” segment of the article is clearly an advertising area in the middle of the article. I don’t begrudge the advertisement and learn of many great products via advertising, but this segment has nothing to do with altering the function/appearance of the weapon and should not be labeled as such. Everyone has bills and needs to eat, but call a spade a spade. Don’t try to camoflauge the advertisement.
Second: This gun has many options for customization. Almost everything but the receiver and bolt can be replaced. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of offerings for the Benelli M4 that I have come across are military/tactical/3-gun Comp grade components(Mesa Tactical, Taran Tactical, B&T, Freedom Fighter Tactical, and so on). True, some shotguns guns have more third-party options on the market, but more does not equal better here as many of those offerings are low quality modifications that barely function for airsoft games, let alone duty/service/comp grade weapons.
Third: The stock and magazine tube can be replaced with the manufacturers collapsible stock and 7 round tube. Yes, there are additional modifications required to then bring the weapon into compliance with current restrictions(922r compliance). I withhold any opinion regarding the efficacy, value, or Constitutionality of said requirements and restrictions, but the gun can be modified to the original design of an adjustable stock and 7-round magazine tube.
Also, the M4 is very often used in 3-gun comps and many of the top-tier shooters in these comps are using modified M4’s as well as the M1/M2/M3 seeing frequent use. This gun very much can be used to 3-gun and often will out last other guns seeing that kind of trigger time. I respectfully disagree with the author regarding use in 3-gun comps.
Lastly: Remington once sat king amongst shotguns makers. Regardless of whether you like the gun, the Remington 870 is quantifiably the most prolific shotgun in the world. That being said, while the Versa Max showed promise, and some owners have not had issues, that gun was riddled with problems. The dramatic decline in quality from Remington over the years, is the single biggest reason they went bankrupt, their divisions and holdings were sold off, and the company no longer exists. Those problems were very well known in the industry and the consumer market at the time this article was written. So, my point? This gun may hold subjective favor with the author as a better option then the Benelli M4, but the gun and manufacturer were already in serious trouble and should not have been used as an alternative in this article. Too much exists to call into question whether the Versa Max is a better contender then the M4. Furthermore, it’s not even on the shelves unless you can stumble upon old stock or find one used. Having researched the Versa Max extensively, I would caution buyer beware.