The Benelli M4 – The Marines Fighting Shotgun

[Talyn]

Back in 1999, the United States military wanted a new joint service combat shotgun. They had numerous requirements for the new shotgun. They wanted semi-automatic operation, the ability to add optics without affecting reliability, and obviously, it needed to be a 12 gauge.

The Marines were tasked with leading the competition, and in the end, they chose the Benelli M4 Super 90 shotgun. It would be christened the M1014 Joint Service Shotgun, and the M1014 arrived just in time for the Global War On Terror.

The Benelli M4 - The Marines Fighting Shotgun

The Benelli M4 Super 90 is the fighting shotgun of choice for the United States Marine Corps and can be your fighting shotgun of choice.

www.ammoland.com

The Benelli M4 was the first Benelli to move away from the famed inertia system the M1, M2, and M3 utilized. The ARGO system, in particular, was quite revolutionary. This dual gas piston design required very little maintenance and eliminated the need for linkages which simplified and lightened the design.

 

[Bassbob]

Article is a little dated as the un neutered versions are available these days.

 

[Ozarker]

That's a nice one but I went the cheaper route;

F12 Typhoon

 

[Talyn]

Article is a little dated as the un neutered versions are available these days.

OEM non-NFA M4s are still neutered, but that can be fixed with the aftermarket.

 

[BarryinIN]

Two or three years ago I got the bug for a fancy new shotgun. I had a Benelli M1, but it wasn’t the newest gee-whiz shotgun anymore.

Not a good reason to buy another, but it was the best reason I had.

I looked at the current usual suspects- the Benelli M2, Beretta 1301, and the then-new Beretta A300 Patrol. Eventually, I realized I hadn't heard of the Marines having trouble with the M4/M1014, and since they do have a reputation of either breaking or impregnating everything they touch, an M4 is what I got.

I’ve shot it a lot, used it in two classes, and worst of all for it, I’ve let the 4-H kids shoot it.
It’s been 100% good.

 

[Talyn]

 

[Bassbob]

OEM non-NFA M4s are still neutered, but that can be fixed with the aftermarket.

You can buy an M4 ( 11714) and other 7 rd. LE models that aren’t NFA. Albeit at a higher price.