firing an M1014 shotgun as part of training in December 2006 s The M4 was the first
gas-operated shotgun produced by Benelli. Its function is designed around an entirely new design called the "auto-regulating gas-operated" (ARGO) system. The short-stroke design uses two
self-cleaning stainless steel pistons located just ahead of the
chamber to function opposite a
rotating bolt, thereby eliminating the need for the complex mechanisms found on other
gas-actuated automatics. The ARGO incorporates only four parts: two symmetrical
fore-end shrouds containing two small steel pistons that push directly against the
bolt. Additionally, the weapon is self-regulating for use with
shotshells of varying lengths and
power levels. It can fire and shells of differing
propellant loads without any operator adjustments and in any combination. Low-power rounds, such as less-lethal
baton rounds, must be cycled manually. The sights are military-style
ghost ring and are adjustable in the field using only the
rim of a shell. The MIL-STD-1913
Picatinny rail on top of the
receiver allows use of both conventional
optical sights and
night-vision devices, while retaining use of the original iron sights. The
modular basis of the shotgun means many of its features can be reconfigured as needed. It allows a user to quickly exchange the various assembly groups (
barrel,
buttstock,
forend, etc.) without the use of additional tools.
Durability Preliminary testing of the M4 suggests a high level of reliability. It can reliably function for at least 25,000 rounds without replacement of any major parts. The steel components of the weapon feature a matte black phosphated corrosion resistant finish while the
aluminium parts are matte hard-
anodized. These finishes reduce the weapon's visibility during night operations.
Collapsible buttstock The
buttstock is collapsible on the M4 Model (designated 11707) and on the M1014. Collapsing the buttstock shortens the weapon by almost , allowing easier storage and transportation; furthermore, it permits better maneuverability around tight corners and over obstacles. The M4 is also available with both
pistol grip and semi-grip fixed stocks, with these also being available for the M1014.
Rail interface system The
Picatinny rail built into the top of the shotgun accepts
scopes,
laser illuminators, night-vision sights and
flashlights. Most modern military
firearms have similar structures. There are
aftermarket accessories such as
handguards that incorporate other
rail interface systems such as
M-LOK.
Benelli Tactical and the M4 Benelli Tactical is a division of Beretta's Law Enforcement (LE) division. Benelli Tactical manages the sales of all tactical shotguns to law enforcement agencies, government and military entities. The M4 shotgun is sold in three configurations: M4 Entry with a barrel; M4 with an barrel; and M1014, which is an M4 with the "M1014" nomenclature on it for military usage only. M4 shotguns sold through Benelli Tactical are available with the collapsible buttstock. Benelli Tactical and Beretta LE have maintained the belief that the
collapsible stock, while no longer illegal in the United States, is still only to be made available to law enforcement and government agencies, and thus does not sell them to private individuals; however, Benelli Tactical sells the stock piece for retrofitting the pistol grip stock, which can be shipped without restrictions. Suggested retail price in the US of the civilian version is around $2,300. An
NFA stamp is required to purchase or own the 14.5" barreled model only since this model is considered to be a Short Barreled Shotgun or SBS. Standard
magazine capacity of the civilian version is 5+1, although it is possible to fit 6+1 and two shot extension tubes are sold by Benelli as well as some other companies. Also available are 9 + 1 extension tubes, which are popular in
3-gun competitions. Some LE models have become available to private individuals on the secondary market. ==Users==