Benelli M4 - General Purpose Shotgun?

S

symphony

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
6   0   0
I'm looking to add a shotgun to my stable that will serve as a general purpose (jack of all trades - master of none) firearm.

It will spend its time serving many functions such as close range varmint control, hunting (i.e. grouse, rabbits - not for ducks or geese) and finally for protection against wildlife. We have the occasional large furry omnivore that wonders onto the property and so it would serve as a last defence against any aggressive threats.

Is a NR M4 a good choice?

I don't want a pump and price is not an issue. I also do not want several shotguns, just one that will serve as many functions as possible.

Thoughts? Alternatives in semi-auto (shotguns)?
 
I think it would be a good choice. It is above all well built and reliable. The barrel is short as far as hunting shotguns go. But it is compact and chokes to compensate for shorter barrel. Add a aimpoint or eotech and get bonus points when take pics in front of game.
 
My M4 has been great, and more than reliable. The non restricted barrel would probably be fine for closer game, but as a distance duck/goose gun, it would be lacking. That being said, I've been quite successful at busting clays with my shorty DA 12.5" pump; but that's quite different from hunting. Grouse and bunnies should be more than adequate. Don't forget to plug the mag ;). Mine is always with us when we go camping as well.
 
M4 is a great gun. Swap out the collapsable stock for the 'field stock', and the gun improves. :) I REALLY wanted to like the pistol grip, but given all my other shotgun experience, it's too much work to get the muscle memory down. Straight stock, extended mag tube (5.9 x 3"), extended charging handle, oversize safety, bolt release bar... oh and a small optic. THEN it's the perfect all around shotgun!!!
 
Given what you want to use the shotgun for, I'd have a look at a Benelli M2. The M4 is a great combat shotgun, which it was designed for, but a lack of optional barrels and more importantly the sights make it somewhat less than ideal as a hunting shotgun. The ghost rings on it aren't the best for flying or running game and for defensive purposes, a simple bead will work just fine at close ranges and much better for birds and small game.
 
I've got an M4 with a solid stock and 18" barrel and a Super sport. Both are great units and fine works of art. The M4 is quite usable on the trap range and will not leave you thinking that it is a hopeless gun for shooting trap. The super sport will be a better choice but will not completely dominate the game. I am a hack and at best an average shooter but I can consistently get within 2-3 traps with the m4 and the Super Sport. Some times I can match the count and I chock that up to my shooting skills. I am hitting 22-24 traps per round on average. Sometimes I hit 20 and sometimes I hit 24. I have never hit 25. With the M4 I hit 18 to 22 on average. In my mind that is not too bad as I would never think about shooting a slug from my Super Sport or using it in a 3 gun competition. The M4 will do more things better then the trap gun will do but will not shoot trap as well as the trap gun will. It is simply a very cool shot gun to own. If you have the means you will never second guess the decision to buy one. It is the best all around shot gun I own.
 
bearkilr said:
Given what you want to use the shotgun for, I'd have a look at a Benelli M2. The M4 is a great combat shotgun, which it was designed for, but a lack of optional barrels and more importantly the sights make it somewhat less than ideal as a hunting shotgun. The ghost rings on it aren't the best for flying or running game and for defensive purposes, a simple bead will work just fine at close ranges and much better for birds and small game.
Click to expand...

+1

My idea of an all 'round shotgun would be the Benelli M2 Field 21" or the Beretta 1301 Comp 21".

The M4 with its ghost rings and muzzle-heavy balance, lacks the sighting properties and pointability that make it so much easier to get a lot of shotgun stuff done.
 
Thanks guys, lots of good advice. I'm leaning towards the M4 but will take a closer look at some of the other recommendations.

I do prefer the field stock but the collapsible stock will not go to waste as I can use it when I need to maintain portability for bush protection carry.

Never imagined that the M4 could be used for skeet shooting so this is an added bonus. Been almost thirty years since I've shot any clay pigeons so might be fun to do it with the kids.
 
870P said:
+1

My idea of an all 'round shotgun would be the Benelli M2 Field 21" or the Beretta 1301 Comp 21".

The M4 with its ghost rings and muzzle-heavy balance, lacks the sighting properties and pointability that make it so much easier to get a lot of shotgun stuff done.
Click to expand...

Amen, even the 24"bbl version of both guns will be fine
 
While the m4is my favorite semi shotgun
i would not say it is a good all round shotgun if u are into sleet and birds
i have the m2 versa max mossy 930 and many other semis
the m4 to me is the vest made shotgun of them all
 
I use my m4 for turkey and could use it for deer if I didn't already have a dedicated deer slug gun... it is by far my favorite shotgun and so much fun. I've shot skeet and trap with it but wouldn't be my first choice for those.
 
Hands down my Benelli M4 Super 90 was the most elite shotgun I've ever owned, next up my Mossberg M590A1 14" compact, Ghost ring sights, Speedfeed stock.

The collapsible stock was sh!t and would frequently unlock while shooting (maybe cause I'm left handed?). I ordered a OEM Benelli M4 solid pistol grip stock from Brownells ($200 USD) and didn't look back. For over 2K, it freaking better be. The ###iest, sleekest, precision craftsmanship, FORZA ITALIA ...like a freaking Ferrari its a high performance european machine of power and Awe. Couldn't find one negative thing to say about it (besides collapsable stock I replaced)

I think the collapsable stock looks like SH!t also, in combat I would be great to collapse and have slug over ur back as a secondary breeching CQB weapon for room clearing as backup to ur M4 Carbine.....but in the Civilian world.....order from BRownells an OEM Benelli M4 Solid Pistol Grip Stock.


I think I'll go fondle it now ;)
 
Get a 26inch versamax and cut it down to desired lenght. Get all the mods you want done and still be 1000 ahead of m4. My tac ord vers makes the m4 guys jealous every time ot comes out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom