On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a true stalwart of the firearm world, the Benelli M4. Long held in high regard by concerned citizens looking for a pedigreed self-defense shotgun, quite a few have been plugged to reduce capacity, and used in the turkey woods over the years, as a true multi-purpose scattergun. Why? Well, as it turns out, there is very little that separates a good defensive shotgun from a good turkey gun.
The Benelli M4 we have here today is cut above a standard M4. Termed the M4 EXT, that EXT stands for extra capacity, as it carries 7+1 shotshells, as opposed to the standard 5+1, a true boon for self-defense or competition shooters. It comes with an anti-reflective, corrosion-resistant coating on all metal parts, colored in either Titanium Cerakote, MultiCam Black or Flat Dark Earth. All models, however, come with an 18.5-inch barrel that is perfect for the run and gun hunter tackling the turkey woods. The barrel is topped with a front sight that pairs with an adjustable ghost ring rear, for those looking to go old school, though the receiver is topped with a stretch of Picatinny rail for anyone looking to add a red-dot or reflex sight for faster acquisition. The M4 EXT is threaded for Benelli chokes. Though it only ships with one Modified choke, which comes installed, you can order a full set separately, or just a turkey choke specifically. You can, of course, chase gobblers with a Modified choke, plenty of old timers still do it, but it will necessitate getting pretty close to the birds, and probably running some smaller shot. Think 6s or 7s within 40 yards. It is chambered in 12-gauge, with a 3-inch chamber.
The receiver houses the gun’s semi-automatic, piston-driven, Auto-Regulating Gas Operated action, and comes with standardized controls like a cross bolt safety that sits to the rear of the trigger guard. It is also drilled and tapped for magnified optics, if you decide to discard that Picatinny rail, as we did, customizing the gun with a Mesa Tactical SureShell Carrier and Reflex Mount instead. This, plus a light and a Steiner MPS reflex sight, show just how customizable this platform can be.
Moving rearward, the stock is adjustable between five different positions, to ensure the perfect length of pull for any shooter or scenario. It has QD cups top and bottoms on both sides of the buttstock, for equipping a sling in whatever position is desired. Given the minimalist nature of the stock, the gun comes fitted with a pistol grip, which also adds to the gun’s maneuverability.
Thanks to that ARGO gas system, and classic Benelli reliability, our M4 ran the gamut of 2 ¾ and 3 inch shotshells with no issues. Whether for home defense or chasing gobblers, this is a scattergun that delivers. For more information on this limited edition Benelli M4, visit benelliusa.com. And of course, to help in the fight to keep our 2nd Amendment rights, click the join button in the upper lefthand corner to pick up an NRA membership.
