Benelli M4. Worth it?
- Thread starter L42A1
- Start date
They are really nice shotguns. My friend has one and it is really cool. He had a bit of trouble with light loads cycling at first, not sure what he did but thats ironed out and it functions flawlessly now. They are very good guns and if i had the money i'd buy one.
I just put heavier loads in it. 3 1/4 Dram birdshot functions flawlessly with it.
Target loads didn't function at first, but they are cycling better as the gun breaks in.
Slugs and buckshot both function flawlessly out of the box, as they have higher pressures.
Awesome shotgun. One of my faves.
Depending on your application.
Have you owned both?
I would love to hear your reasoning and perhaps a side by side comparison.
I've owned both and have drawn my own conclusions, but I'm interested in your opinion.
elektrobug
Regular
- Location
- Toronto (GTA), Ontario
Keep in mind the 14" version does not have a choke, just straight through cylinder bore. The 18" looks bigger in pictures but when you handle it its almost the same size. Also the 18" got an interchangeable choke system plus its non-restricted. The 18" is the one I would purchase. Without a choke if you shoot at any significant distance your groups will be quite large.
Utter reliability of the M2 in real world conditions is enough for me to justify recommending it over the m4. M4 is not a bad shotgun it just has design flaws that can affect surviveability of the user that's all. If it's only intended use is pleasure then heck by all means buy it.
Fair enough, the M2 has a good track record... I'm interested in any data you might have that shows the M4 reliability issues in real world conditions...
What are the design flaws you are referring to?
Last edited:
bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
I have owned both and currently own only the M2. I think it really comes down to what you plan to use the gun for. The M4 looks "meaner" and it has a bit less recoil due to the gas/inertia system as compared to inertia only of the M2, though I find it negligible.
My biggest gripe with the M4 is that you're stuck with a 18.5" bbl or 14" which makes it restricted. I have zero use for a range only shotgun and suspect many others do as well, that's why the 14" are a hard resell.
There are a whole pile of M2 barrels available. I currently have a rifled slug bbl. and a 28" bbl. for birds on the way. Mine is the M2 Field, but the M2 Tactical comes with an 18.5" bbl. like the M4.
The telescoping stock looks nice, but I found that it was difficult at best to use the ghost ring sights unless the stock was fully extended.
For a range gun only, I suppose the 14" M4 would be the ultimate in cool. For anything else I'd have to pick the M2 for its versatility.
My $.02 anyhow.
Such a great shotgun, any recommendations on a mag extension tube with a matching colour to the H2O cerakote? I picked one up at my local store but when I installed it the colour is off. I know it won’t be absolutely perfect but close would be nice. Maybe RX Arms?
You pay a tax because it's a Benelli, but it's honestly worth it. Like a Glock, never malfunctions. I tend to get rid of tactical shotguns as I mostly hunt and just don't use them. I have owned three M4s, and it is one of two guns I regret selling.
One of the world's greatest 'black and green' shotguns and easily available in this increasingly benighted country. Of course it's worth it, and the savings on a clone that doesn't function on occasion is not a true saving at all, unless maybe all you do is to shoot clays stuck to the front of a berm at your club where all you'll suffer is a disappointing day when your clone misfunctions.
Absolutely it is worth it… some people will try and say it’s not….. you get what you pay for just like anything in life.. nothing against clones or cheaper alternatives but things are always cheaper for a reason, this is stating the obvious but people tend to forget this common sense sometimes.
