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

Ukraine Operators
Ukraine Operators

Ukraine Operators Use Drone Round to Defeat UAS

Ukrainian operators recently tested and defeated drones with the Drone Round—a purpose-built cartridge that requires no firearm modifications, no new equipment and no additional training.

From The Counter: The Gun Store Prime Directive

When visiting a firearm retailer, know when it’s appropriate to interject, and when you should keep quiet.

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

New for 2026: Dead Air Nomad Ti Over-The-Barrel (OTB) Suppressor

The Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB is designed to be a compact and lightweight suppressor for the backcountry hunter.

I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster

For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.

The Armed Citizen® May 8, 2026

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.