I've heard the M4 doesn't cycle some target and reduced recoil shells.
IAM4 - welcome to CGN...
I don't know how much of this (that the M4 can't cycle certain rounds) is urban myth, but it seems to be applied to the 1301 as well through what "some" say. Maybe it's true, maybe it's not. Lots of things I "heard" before I actually bought both guns. I can tell you this: in having an M4 and a couple of 1301s - both shotguns cycle everything from birdshot to buck to slugs without problems. I primarily shoot low recoil Score slugs out of mine.
I will also say that adding weight to the M4 helps in the recoil impulse, which honestly is not that bad and I am a small, wiry guy. I put a Mesa Tactical aluminum handguard on my M4, threw a Streamlight flashlight on it and I can still shoot slugs all day long without it bothering me whatsoever. I had a clunky EOTECH XPS 3 on my M4 but recently (like 2 days ago) just replaced it with an Aimpoint T2 Micro.
My 1301 Tactical is more pronounced on recoil, mostly due to how light it is, but the pro lifter and how fast that thing cycles rounds is impressive. On my 1301 Comp Pro with the Kick Off stock, the recoil is highly mitigated.
I took my future brother in law to my club recently a couple of times and he shot my M4 and my 1301 Comp and compared to my 870 Pump 20 GA, both 12 ga M4/1301 Comp had negligible recoil, whereas he really felt it on the 870 20GA.
M4 is awesome - I have essentially stopped cleaning mine as often, and it is no worse for wear. The M4 can benefit from a few upgrades, but out of the box, it's a super reliable shotgun, though I won't lie - the 1301 has almost surpassed it in terms of shooting enjoyment.
