Sidearms & Scatterguns Experiences with Benelli M4 collapsible stock

bullseye13

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  • Mar 29, 2013
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    Anyone have an M4 with the collapsible stock? Is it worth it or a gimmick? Thoughts on the cheek weld and hardiness. Dont know anyone that has one to try, and thinking of getting one for mine.

    Thanks
     
    I’ve got one on my M4.
    I like it. The original PG stock has a ridiculous LOP.
    I’m not a shotgun guy, so I don’t have a ton of rounds through it, but it was worth installing.
    Better LOP, and I can get a decent cheekweld.
     
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    I have had a Benelli M4 in the past. My rifle was a limited edition military collection one. It has the collapsible stock, extended tube and a different front sight. The adjustable stock is nice to fit it behind the seat in a truck. I was fortunate enough to pick up the full stock as well. When I actually ran the shotgun I preferred the full stock. To me it just felt more solid. That being said I didn't have any issues with it before hand. You could check your local cabela's they actually usually stock both models and get a feel for them. The m4's are usually located in the Gun Library.
     
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    I have one on this 14" Entry M4. The stock is well constructed. Like any shoulder mounted weapon cheek weld depends on facial dimensions and sight configurations. Not gimmicky.

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    Unless you're running a RDS mounted decently high anything except for the most extended position has too tight of a cheek weld for me. At that point the LOP is way too long, about the same as the factory pistol grip stock. It looks damn sexy though.

    I'm running a Mesa Urbino on mine and it's excellent for LOP and perfect cheek weld with the factory irons as well as the RMR on Scalarworks mount. A buddy of mine that has a far different body build from me runs the identical setup with the same result.
     
    Unless you're running a RDS mounted decently high anything except for the most extended position has too tight of a cheek weld for me. At that point the LOP is way too long, about the same as the factory pistol grip stock. It looks damn sexy though.

    I'm running a Mesa Urbino on mine and it's excellent for LOP and perfect cheek weld with the factory irons as well as the RMR on Scalarworks mount. A buddy of mine that has a far different body build from me runs the identical setup with the same result.

    I've heard nothing but good things about the Mesa. How do you like the rmr on there? I might try that.
     
    I have it and like it, really helps with OAL for transport. You can’t shoot it partially extended because it’s angled and skewers your sight picture, but I’m good with it
     
    I was thinking of bringing this up in a separate topic. With most tactical shotguns, why is there so much drop in the heel of the stock? Seem like it would hammer the face too much. I’ve actually shot an m4, and while it seemed fine, the stock shape defies logic in appearance for me. Anyone have thoughts?

    The only shotgun I own is a Belgian Browning A5, which I love, I’m no shotgun aficionado though.
     
    ^I did find it necessary to build up the cheek weld on this Wilson Combat Scatterguns based 14" Rem 870, ported by Vang Comp, one cartridge magazine extension. I am a fan of the Asgard (formerly Side Armor) 2 shell carriers for immediate reloads.

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    I put the ATI collapsible stock on my M4. It’s okay, good to shorten it for transport. You just have to get used to the fact you can only really shoot in the stock extended position where you set the comb for your face. I originally was going to get the Benelli stock but found a lot of hate out there for it, found a good deal on the ATI so went with it.
     
    Echoing what Gasgun said, the original stock has a looong LOP. The collapsible stock is far superior. As for being hardy, this one has been through a number of 3G matches, breecher drills, active shooter training sessions, hog and coyote hunts, and been thrown around boats. It is solid.

    One thing to note is that when fully collapsed the comb height is a bit high for the irons and is one of the reasons it usually wear a micro T-1

     
    the entry M4 just begs for the collapsable but I have the PG on my standard M4 and wouldn't change but
    doesn't the USMC M4 come with the collapsable? says quite a bit IMO as far as useability. (is that a word?)
     
    The collapsible stock offers an opportunity for some to keep LOP similar once you kit up with tactical chest gear etc.

    A setup I use for BUIS is the Barry Dueck offset irons as their use inside of the sight-in distance for the red dot is very effective.
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    The question right now is whether you already own an M4, or are considering buying one. If you own one, I think the collapsible stock is better for fit. The M4 itself really isn’t the cat’s meow it was made up to be. The gas system is the one benefit, but everything else about the gun fails to warrant the added cost over its competitors. Ironically menough the major competitors for the M4 all fall under the Benelli/Beretta umbrella. The aftermarket support for the M4 dropped off heavily compared to years ago when I had one. Of course, that was back when the collapsible stock was a restricted item due to 922R and was only available for LE sales. Bought it for $150 through LE division, and sold it online for $700. Now everyone can get them.

    The M2 is the flagship for Benelli Tactical Shotguns, and if you want something that has a lot of aftermarket support, that’s a good shotgun to go with. You have a substantial number of options for it. Most people opt for the pistol grip stock, but the ComforTech stock is the one you really should look hard at. ComforTech stocks make a monumental difference in recoil reduction. I have tested all the Benellis and ComforTech is king for recoil reduction and keeping the shotgun flat. The softest shooting shotgun on the market right now is the Vinci ComforTech, and the tactical model could easily be a gold mine for Benelli if they got off their ass and actually tweaked a few things with the design options.

    The big deal right now is the Beretta 1301. Aridus Industries has worked with Magpul and made some great furniture options. They also have their sidesaddle. On top of that, there is good aftermarket support for the 1301. It’s a gas system, so it’s not going to be as picky with loads as would a new Benelli (Benellis need to be heavily broken in before they’ll shoot lighter loads).

    I just started a gun shop find used shotgun project with an 870 I found for cheap. I was planning on getting a Beretta 1301 to do a build, but I put that on hiatus while I get the 870 put together. Keep in mind, I’m a Benelli nut and have 3, bought my dad one, and am planning on buying at least 2 more. And I’m still looking at the 1301.
     
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