NRA Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun

by
posted on September 12, 2015

Benelli’s M4 has been in service with the U.S. military since 1999, after receiving the Joint Service Combat Shotgun Award and winning the contract to serve the U.S. Marine Corps. It is now used widely throughout the U.S. military, and has seen service in Afghanistan and Iraq. The M4 was Benelli’s first shotgun to employ its ARGO (auto-regulating gas operated) short-stroke gas system in which dual pistons cycle a rotating bolt—a design Benelli is known for in its autoloaders. The self-contained gas system not only requires fewer operational parts, it is also self-cleaning. For many of the same reasons the autoloader is favored by military worldwide, including its modularity and ability to be quickly reconfigured, the civilian-version M4 (18.5” barrel and reduced magazine capacity) is chosen today by millions as their all-around shotgun for home defense or 3-gun competition. In our latest NRA Gun of the Week video, American Rifleman’s Brian Sheetz discusses all of the features that are packed into this modern semi-automatic shotgun. For more, visit benelliusa.com.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Benelli
Action: Gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun
Gauge: 12; 3” chamber
Capacity: five 2 ¾” shotshells
Finish: Cerakote Flat Dark Earth
Barrel: 18.5”
Choke: modified, interchangeable choke tube
Sights: adjustable ghost-ring rear, post front
Trigger Pull Weight: 8 lbs., 10 ozs.
Length: 40”
Length of Pull: 14.38”
Weight: 7 lbs., 13 ozs.
Accessories: owner’s manual
MSRP: $2,399
benelliusa.com

Latest

Rodger’s “Self Protector” Knife Pistol
Rodger’s “Self Protector” Knife Pistol

I Have This Old Gun: Rodger’s “Self Protector” Knife Pistol

The old saw “never bring a knife to a gun fight” is somewhat moot when one is armed with a Rodgers knife pistol—a clever percussion-fired defensive arm composed of both blades and barrel. To be sure, by the mid-19th century when this particular piece made its appearance, combination arms were nothing new.

Otis Technology Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary

Otis Technology, started in 1985 after founder Doreen Williams tripped and fell in the mud with her grandfather's Model 1894 Winchester while whitetail deer hunting, is celebrating 40 years in business in 2025.

The CMP's M1 Garand Match

A federal law enacted in 1996 officially established the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety, better known as the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Today, one element of the CMP is the John C. Garand Match.

GunBroker Announces Most Popular Guns Sold In 2024

Gunbroker.com has released the top name brands and firearms that sold through retailers using its services during 2024.

New For 2025: Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

Ruger expanded its 10/22 lineup with two all-new Carbon Fiber models, which Ruger says are the lightest 10/22s the company has ever produced.

Rifleman Q&A: “Black” Colt M1911s

From the pages of American Rifleman, read the latest Rifleman Q&A poorly finished Colt M1911s.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.