NRA Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun

by
posted on September 12, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

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

TriStar Raptor II Walnut
TriStar Raptor II Walnut

Review: TriStar Raptor II Walnut

TriStar Arms offers an extensive variety of cost-effective shotguns, including this walnut-stocked Raptor II, the latest in the company's semi-automatic line.

Preview: TangoDown iO Cover For Aimpoint T-2

The Aimpoint Micro T-2 and H-2 are quality, versatile red-dot optics, but they are also expensive, and, like all such units, can sustain damage from impacts and the elements.

Hornady’s 338 ARC

The latest hard-hitting Advanced Rifle Cartridge from Hornady, the 338 ARC, takes a swing at both established numbers and newcomers—after already producing successful offspring. 

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 8, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Youth Firearm Education, Shooting Leagues On The Rise

Several states have instituted firearm education courses for students in public schools, and several scholastic shooting leagues have posted record attendance numbers in recent years.

Preview: Fix-It Sticks Rifle And Optics Toolkit With All-In-One Torque Driver

An optic coming loose can ruin a hunt or a range session, so having a pocket-size remedy such as the Fix-It Sticks Rifle and Optics Toolkit is a prudent hedge.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.