Benelli M4

Benelli M4 Super 90 (M1014)
The Benelli M4 Super 90
Type	Semi-automatic shotgun
Place of origin	Italy
Service history
Used by	See Users
Wars	Iraq War, War in Afghanistan
Production history
Designer	Benelli Armi SPA
Designed	1998
Manufacturer	Benelli Armi SPA
Produced	1999–present
Specifications
Weight	3.82 kg (8.42 lb)
Length	886 mm (34.9 in)
Barrel length	470 mm (18.5 in)
Caliber	12 gauge
Action	Gas operated
Effective range	40 yards (36.5 m)[1]
Feed system	4+1 (civilian) or 8+1 (Military, LE) internal tube magazine
Sights	Ghost ring sight

The M4 Super 90 is an Italian semi-automatic shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi S.P.A.

History

On May 4, 1998, the U.S. Army Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ issued Solicitation #DAAE30-98-R-0401, requesting submissions for a new 12 gauge, semi-automatic combat shotgun for the US Armed Services. In response to the request, Benelli Armi SpA of Urbino, Italy designed and built the Benelli M4 Super 90 Combat Shotgun. On August 4, 1998, five samples of the M4 were delivered to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and after intense testing, the M4 had beaten the competition. In early 1999, ARDEC awarded the M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun contract to Heckler & Koch, USA subsidiary for importation of the Benelli M4 Combat Shotgun. The first units (count of 20,000) were delivered to the United States Marine Corps in 1999. During testing, the prototype was named XM1014, but after adoption, the 'X' was dropped, and the weapon was officially designated the M1014.

Design

The M4 was the first gas-operated shotgun produced by Benelli. Its function is designed around an entirely new method called the "auto regulating gas operated" (ARGO) system. The ARGO system on the M4 opened the door for Benelli's development of the R1 rifle line. The design uses two stainless-steel self-cleaning pistons located just ahead of the chamber to function opposite the rotating bolt, thereby eliminating the need for the complex mechanisms found on other gas-actuated automatics. Benelli accomplishes this level of reliability through the simplicity of the mechanism. The ARGO is a short-stroke system that incorporates only four parts. It consists of two symmetrical shrouds containing two small steel gas pistons.

It is also self-regulating for cartridges of varying length and power levels. It can fire 2.75 and 3-inch (76 mm) shells of differing power-levels without any operator adjustments and in any combination. Low-power rounds, such as less-lethal rubber pellets, must be cycled manually.

The sights are military-style ghost ring and are adjustable in the field using only a cartridge rim. The MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny sight rail on top allows use of both conventional and night-vision sights, while retaining use of the original sights.

The M1014 Combat Shotgun being used in training by a US Marine.

Serviceability

Also touted is the modular assembly basis of the weapon. It allows an operator to exchange the various assembly groups (barrel, buttstock, forearm, etc...) without the use of tools. Especially useful in the field, the process is quick and allows the weapon to adapt to a changing tactical environment.

Durability

Preliminary testing of the M4 puts its reliability at the top of the scale. It can reliably function for at least 25,000 rounds without replacement of any major parts.^[2] The steel components of the weapon feature a matte black phosphated corrosion resistant finish while the aluminum parts are matte hard-anodized. These finishes reduce the weapon's visibility during night operations.

The weapon requires little maintenance and operates in all climates and weather conditions.

Collapsible Buttstock

One of the potentially useful features of the M4 is the collapsible buttstock. The collapsible buttstock is functional on the M4 Model designated 11707 but will not collapse on the M1014. This is because the M1014 was manufactured before the assault weapon ban of '94 expired whereas the M11707 has been manufactured since the ban expired therefore not being subject to the terms under the ban. Collapsing the buttstock shortens the weapon by almost 8 inches, allowing easier storage and transportation; furthermore, it permits better maneuverability around tight corners and over obstacles. The M4 is also available with a fixed stock (pistol grip and semi-pistol grip styles are both available). The M4 is no longer sold today with the skeleton fixed stock (model M11707). Benelli only sells the M4 with a fixed pistol grip style tactical stock.

Rail Interface System

The Rail Interface System or 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.

Benelli Tactical and the M4

Benelli Tactical is a division of Beretta's Law Enforcement (LE) division. Benelli Tactical manages the sales of all Benelli tactical shotguns to law enforcement, government, and military entities. The M4 shotgun is sold in three configurations: M4 Entry with a 14 in barrel; M4 with a 18.5 in 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 buttstock, while no longer illegal by the Assault Weapons Ban of 1994, is still only to be made available to law enforcement and government agencies. Benelli Tactical/Beretta LE will not sell these stocks to individual civilians. Benelli Tactical does sell the stock piece for retrofitting the pistol grip stock for $150. The stock must be direct-shipped from Italy. This again is only done for law enforcement and government entities.

Users

•  Australia^[3]
•  United Kingdom: Designated L128A1^[4]
•  United States: United States Marine Corps (designated M1014)^[5]

See also

• Benelli M1 Super 90
• Benelli M2
• Benelli M3 Super 90
• Combat shotgun

References

External links

• Benelli M4 Website
• Benelli M4 operator's manual
• Official M4 Super 90 page
• Modern Firearms & Ammunition - Benelli M4 Super 90 / M1014 JSCS shotgun
• British Forces show off Firepower
• USMC Factfile: Joint Service Combat Shotgun
• USMC weapons: M1014 Combat Shotgun
• Joint Service Shotgun Information (PDF)
• Beretta LE Catalog