Re: benelli m4
I have one and an old-school HK imported M1.
The M4 is noticeably heavier than any other shotgun I have owned or shot be it an 870, 500, 1200, or the M1. Fully loaded, the M1 is one of the lighter shotguns despite being able to hold the most shells
The M4 is supposed to be able to cycle better due to the piston assisted bolt. It will not cycle the Winchester Ranger slugs that my M1 will eat up in all but the coldest conditions.
I'm not wild about the M4's ghost ring sights. Since it won't shoot the slugs I have in abundance, they are unnecessary. Most of my training has been on shotguns w/ rifle type sights....so that is what I prefer. That said you can mount an optic. I tried a friends EOTech just for shits and grins. I could not find a comfortable cheek weld to appreciate the advantage of an optic and it added even more weight to this hog.
The handguard assembly of the M4 can not accept a surefire foreend like that of the M1 or M3. You must get a rail (which feels like a cheese grater in your hand) if you wish to mount a light. This is a huge negative for my book.
Couple all this with the added cost, cost of accessories, and the import law that complicates the addition of such accessories. It is not worth the money IMHO.
The only way it trumps my M1 are:
- the weight difference does make a difference in felt recoil. However, I don't feel it is worth the cost of carrying the extra weight
- I like the chrome bolt head. I have often considered getting my M1 internals NP3'd. This is just a personal preference
- Although this is offered in current M1/M2 models. I like the option of using different choke tubes. While I feel a fixed IC choke is ideal for a combat gun for use of slugs and various shot, a modified or better with a heavy intermediate sized shot (BB, #4, etc) is my preferred choice for a utility type shotgun.
If you want one "cheap", mine should be up on the boards before Christmas.