Benelli M4: A Top-Selling Tactical Shotgun

by
posted on October 7, 2020
** 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-m4.jpg

In 1999, the U.S. Marine Corps fielded a version of the Benelli M4. Today, the firearm, with a military designation of M1014, is still in use by the branch. That combat-tough performance and uncompromising reliability is appealing to civilian enthusiasts and the attraction reflects in the annual list of top-10 semi-auto shotguns compiled by GunBroker.com. In 2019 the firearm claimed 5th place, 9th in 2018, and 7th, 5th and 4th in prior years, respectively.

The M4 was the company’s first gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun and the rigorous government testing before procuring the firearm proved, without question, the company got the design right. It uses the company’s auto regulated gas operated (ARGO) system, which has a pair of short-stroke, self-cleaning pistons. The shotgun can handle 2 3/4" and 3" shotshells equally well, regardless of velocity or projectile or weight, with no adjustment required.

Four Benelli M4 versions are available on the civilian market today. All are chambered for 12-gauge, have a black synthetic stock and 18.5" barrels with Modified choke. The tube magazine has a 5 shotshell capacity in each. Overall length is 40" and all versions tip the scales at 7.8 lbs. The receivers are drilled and tapped for optic mounting, but come with ghost rings for sights.

The pair available with a black anodized receiver have an MSRP of $1,999. The barrels have a phosphate finish and one wears a pistol grip. The other two have a titanium phosphate finish on both the receiver and barrel. One of them comes with a pistol grip and MSRP for either model is $2,269.

There is no left-hand Benelli M4 version currently available and, regardless of model selected, drop at comb is 1.5" and drop at heel is 2.25". The guns also have sling attachment points fore and aft.

Latest

Henry Mini Bolt G2 02
Henry Mini Bolt G2 02

Henry Updates Mini Bolt Youth Rifle

Henry Repeating Arms introduced its Mini Bolt Youth rifle nearly 25 years ago as an ideal training rifle for young firearm enthusiasts. In 2025, the platform received a number of design updates.

Preview: Avian-X AXP Lessers Fusion Pack

The AXP Lessers Fusion Pack from Avian-X offers a bundle of six durable life-like decoys in a variety of postures to attract even the wariest of Canadian geese.

Gun Of The Week: Armscor TM22-S-18

We're on the range in this video to get a closer look at an affordable plinker imported by Armscor. Whether you’re training on a budget or just want a rimfire for plinking, the TM22 is a proven platform worth investigating.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 22, 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.

Winter Warrior: The Finnish Lahti-Saloranta M/26 LMG

A little-known light machine gun from the inter-war era, the Finnish Lahti-Saloranta M/26 garnered a poor reputation during its service in World War II, but a closer look and some context reveals how innovative it was for its time.

Federal Ammunition Honored By National 4-H Shooting Sports

Federal Ammunition was recently honored with the 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award, which recognizes individuals or companies that have made significant contributions to the 4-H Shooting Sports program at a national level.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.