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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21543 Posts |
 Posted - 12/26/2011 : 16:38:44
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"Now the same Benelli M4 used by the U.S. Marine Corps can be your home defense shotgun of choice. When the U.S. Marine Corps went shopping for a shotgun, they bought the M4 — the 12-gauge shotgun that functions the first time, every time. Its unique Auto Regulating Gas Operated (A.R.G.O.) system developed by Benelli engineers has dual stainless steel, self-cleaning pistons located just ahead of the chamber that operate directly against the bolt assembly.
The M4 Tactical comes standard with a Picatinny rail for optics, a fully adjustable ghost-ring rear sight and fixed-blade front sight and a black synthetic pistol-grip style stock. An optional standard stock is offered. With features and reliability that do it for the U.S. military, the Benelli M4 is an excellent choice for your own home defense plan." - SOURCE
When searching for what I considered the ultimate defensive scatter-gun I had never really considered the Benelli M4 due to its price point. I had heard many great things about them, but believing theres only so many ways you can reinvent the wheel I just didnt see how I could justify spending $1,700.00 on a shotgun when there are so many great choices for half the cost. Lucky for me, my wife Vicki thought differently by surprising me with a Benelli M4 for Christmas!
The weapon is shipped almost completely disassembled. After spending much of the morning assembling presents for my young daughters the last thing I wanted to do was to assemble yet another gift. After I began the assembly process however my mood changed as this gave me a great opportunity to gain indepth knowledge of my new shotgun. Before I began the assembly process I first continued to completely strip the weapon and in doing so I grew to appreciate the genius in the design of this weapon.
What I Like:
 Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated (A.R.G.O.) system: On August 4, 1998 Benelli delivered five shotgun samples featuring the A.R.G.O. system to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The guns were put through an intensive, grueling test for safety, function and performance. Subjecting them to mud, sand, baking heat and extreme cold, the guns beat out the competition to be chosen as the new U.S. “Joint Service Combat Shotgun.” Benelli’s patented Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated (A.R.G.O.) system has more than met the needs of the U.S. Marines’ M1014 semiautomatic Š an ultra-reliable, battle-proven shotgun.
The A.R.G.O. Piston-Driven System is also the heart of the Benelli’s R1 and MR1 rifles, featuring simplicity, sturdiness and accuracy, all packaged in an ingenious design.
Upon firing a Piston-Driven gun, single port, located just forward of the chamber, bleeds gases where they are hotter and cleaner. The results are less fouling and more reliable cycling. A short-stroke, self-cleaning piston and two tappet pistons push directly against the R1’s bolt body, eliminating the need for connecting linkages or heavy action bars. Because the pistons push directly against the bolt, they move only ½-inch for complete and rapid cycling with minimum vibration. - SOURCE
The above quote is what Benelli has to say about the ARGO system. I included this because what I have to say about it can be summed up in just a few words: "Freakin' Incrdible!". I have never found anything so effective at reducing felt recoil. This system is so effective in fact that it enables small women to handle 3" Magnum slugs with relative ease.
Shooting the Benelli M4
While the video may show how unexpected the recoil was, keep in mind that we (including two small and recoil sensitive women) are shooting 3" Magnum slugs! Shooting 2.75" slugs and buckshot was even easier.
Ergonomics: Everything is right where it needs to be both for comfort as well as effortless and instinctual manipulation.
Aesthetics: Since form isnt comparable to function I put little value on the aesthetic properties of any defensive weapon. That said, this shotgun just looks viscious and I value this due to the mental impact the mere sight of this weapon should have on a potential threat. While I wouldn't depend on this alone to prevent an attack, the less confident your attacker is the less likely you are to be forced to shoot him and his confidence is based on his mental state.
Accuracy: Although recoil anticipation is a shooter issue and not a gun issue, since I don't anticipate excruciating recoil with this shotgun I don't flinch when shooting 3" Magnum slugs. Because of this, I shoot this shotgun with more accuracy than any other I own and I've only had it twenty four hours.
Simplicity: If you've ever field stripped an M16 you already know most of everything there is to know about the bolt assembly. All the tools you need to disassemble this shotgun are built into the shotgun (bolt handle serves as pin removal tool).
What I Don't Like:
If you have followed my reviews in the past you know that I always find something that I don't like about the weapon I am reviewing. For the first time ever I just might have found an exception as I honestly can't find anything to gripe about with this shotgun. I suppose I could bitch that it should come with night sights standard but this isn't an expected item on any gun. I could bitch about how much it cost but I find value to be the more important consideration. I don't think it matters what something costs so long as you are getting what you pay for and that is certainly the case with this shotgun. In fact, had I shot one in advance I would likely be willing to pay even a little more. This weapon is such a smooth shooter (both in action as well as diminished felt recoil) that I'm absolutely certain that my wives could use it defensively and effectively even with the hardest hitting loads available today and how can you put a price on confidence like that?
How Does It Compare?
In order to determine overall value and appeal I am comparing the Benelli M4 to a comparable size Remington 870 Tactical and a Browning 1300. While I would have liked to have used truly comparable (automatic short barrel) shotguns, all of my other autoloading shotguns are 28" barrel trap shooting shotguns.
Lethality
Benelli M4 Tactical 
Remington 870 Tactical
Browning 1300
Recoil Reduction
Benelli M4 Tactical
Remington 870 Tactical 
Browning 1300
Cost
Benelli M4 Tactical
Remington 870 Tactical 
Browning 1300
Value
Benelli M4 Tactical
Remington 870 Tactical
Browning 1300
Reliability
Benelli M4 Tactical*
Remington 870 Tactical
Browning 1300
Aesthetics
Benelli M4 Tactical
Remington 870 Tactical
Browning 1300
Weight
Benelli M4 Tactical
Remington 870 Tactical
Browning 1300
Capacity
Benelli M4 Tactical
Remington 870 Tactical
Browning 1300
Conclusion:
The Benelli M4 Tactical shotgun is one of the "great ones". If asked to describe this weapon without using pictures, phrashes like "nasty little bastard" and "dirty son-of-a-bitch" come to mind. After a few hundred more failure-free slugs/buckshot shells are ran through this weapon it will without a doubt become my primary home/vehicle/camp/remote job-site/etc. defense weapon.
I have absolutely no valid criticism of this weapon. I will likely ad a red dot sight and a single point sling, but these are personal enhancements to suit me and the lack of them doesnt affect the value found in this shotgun. I would encourage everyone to not make the same mistake that I did for so long. Don't let the price point turn you away from this weapon. To put it simply, its that good.
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Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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deadguy
I see dead people
7297 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2011 : 03:48:38
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| Great review Nathan. While I only have the Benelli Nova Tactical I must agree that Benelli has it figured out for sure. |
People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore. |
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medic68
Master of Mojo
5104 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2011 : 11:45:19
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Great review Nathan. How am I gonna explain needing this one |
"Coimhead fearg fhear na foighde"
   
'It doesn't matter how big a ranch ya' own, or how many cows ya' brand,the size of your funeral is still gonna depend on the weather.' -- Harry Truman.
Sometimes there's justice, sometimes there's just us--- Anonymous
"In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." -- Mark Twain
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21543 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2012 : 21:39:21
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quote:
Originally posted by medic68
How am I gonna explain needing this one
...a loving husband and father determined to defend his family? |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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samuelrp
Senior Member
USA
1884 Posts |
Posted - 02/10/2012 : 14:28:08
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| Very nice looking firearm. How does one prepare for reloading a tactical shotgun in a defensive situation ? |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21543 Posts |
Posted - 02/10/2012 : 19:07:55
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quote:
Originally posted by samuelrp
Very nice looking firearm. How does one prepare for reloading a tactical shotgun in a defensive situation ?
please explain what you mean. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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samuelrp
Senior Member
USA
1884 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2012 : 13:15:21
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| You carry a speed loader for a revolver, xtra mags for a semi auto, but how do you train with a shotgun ? When you're in the wilderness, or on the farm, or close to the truck, you just have a bag( or pocket ) full of xtra shells to load one at a time. I am asking for the correct tactical way to reload a shotgun in a stressful situation. Do you carry xtra on your person strong side..........or close by in a bag..........or on a belt strapped to the butt stock.........This Benelli can be empty in a couple seconds. Reloading quickly seems to be the only drawback of a defensive shotgun......just thinking. In the photo with xtras on the stock I suppose the shells are in with metal on top so they don't fall out. Seems metal on bottom would be quicker for me. I'm just unsure of correct methods. How does the FBI train to reload. It's just one at a time but where's the speed ? |
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nmuskier01
Senior Member
USA
1845 Posts |
Posted - 02/12/2012 : 06:49:06
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quote:
Originally posted by samuelrp
You carry a speed loader for a revolver, xtra mags for a semi auto, but how do you train with a shotgun ? When you're in the wilderness, or on the farm, or close to the truck, you just have a bag( or pocket ) full of xtra shells to load one at a time. I am asking for the correct tactical way to reload a shotgun in a stressful situation. Do you carry xtra on your person strong side..........or close by in a bag..........or on a belt strapped to the butt stock.........This Benelli can be empty in a couple seconds. Reloading quickly seems to be the only drawback of a defensive shotgun......just thinking. In the photo with xtras on the stock I suppose the shells are in with metal on top so they don't fall out. Seems metal on bottom would be quicker for me. I'm just unsure of correct methods. How does the FBI train to reload. It's just one at a time but where's the speed ?
Remington Versa Max holds 8 (I believe the barrel is longer than the Benelli), Remington 870 holds 7 (pump action). The M4 holds 4 rounds (+1). When 5 rounds of buckshot don't stop the threat, you go to your sidearm and fight your way to a high cap rifle ( like an M240B  ).
Reloading is the battlefield drawback of the shotgun. That is why the SG operator is backed up by four guys with M4 rifles. SD isn't battlefield tactics (sustained offense vs. self defense).
Benelli technology has made some of the (supposedly) smoothest shooting and reliable waterfowl guns. I'm loving the house gun application. Thanks for the review.
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samuelrp
Senior Member
USA
1884 Posts |
Posted - 02/12/2012 : 16:08:30
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| Internet research suggests that "weak-hand" reloading from the bottom, using a "side saddle" or butt wrap, is the fastest way to reload the tactical shotgun. That is what I was asking. In that manner, the shotgun does not come off your shoulder necessarily, and you don't loose sight of the target. There is an accepted, correct technique for mag reloading and also for using a speed loader. I had never seen the fast shotgun reload performed, to understand proper technique. |
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Buck
Senior Member
1041 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2012 : 09:20:09
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If you're concerned about capacity and reloading, you can get a nice TITANIUM 7 + 1 magazine here for the M4.
If you're still concerned, you can get a Saiga 12 with a 20 round drum.
By the way, NICE M4!!!! Great review! Thanks! |
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JBARRETT
Average Member
USA
979 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2012 : 20:30:39
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In all the shotgun training I have received the normal most effective reloading technique was:
1. keep count of shells fired.
2. never fire final round( so as to have a round chambered at all times.
3. when to last shell turn weapon at 45 degree angle towards dominant side.
4. using non dominant hand load while keeping clear line of sight(to target).
5. return to firing position when loaded (or at anytime threat level increases)
a army variation is showed here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WxLmwuBRTQ&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLA59C5E767777E8B8
Using this method the shooter can rapidly transition to a firing position.
Only flaw I have found is with each weapon being different, one must practice often with the specific weapon being used. But if the weapon is being carried on a normal basis this is not hard.
Another method taught to me by a NCO in the Navy is: HIP FIRE.
Basically the same method but bring weapon to hip fire position and load there. (this allows the shooter to transition to a crouching position. Making the shooter a smaller target. |
USN Veteran "Hooya"
"This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it or their revolutionary right to dismember it or overthrow it."
Abraham Lincoln, 4 April 1861
"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace."~ Thomas Paine
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sgtgrogg
New Member
USA
64 Posts |
Posted - 05/11/2012 : 15:47:28
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| nice review...I think I will get one to add to my collection |
'Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the Act of depriving a whole nation of arms as the blackest.
Mohandas Gandhi |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21543 Posts |
Posted - 05/11/2012 : 18:55:19
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quote:
Originally posted by sgtgrogg
nice review...I think I will get one to add to my collection
you could sure do a lot worse. this is still my #1 go-to gun. from grizzly bear to boar to pig im quite confident in this shotgun. worth every penny. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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rambosky
New Member
USA
84 Posts |
Posted - 05/12/2012 : 17:42:26
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| Sorry, give me a Remington 870 anytime. |
"NEVER SHALL I FAIL MY COMRADES" |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21543 Posts |
Posted - 05/12/2012 : 17:48:15
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quote:
Originally posted by rambosky
Sorry, give me a Remington 870 anytime.
i own several 870s and theyre fine guns for what they are....totally different league though. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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Smurf
Senior Member
USA
1101 Posts |
Posted - 05/12/2012 : 21:30:40
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I also own several 870s and a mossy but the Benelli jumps out and says "take me".
The Benelli can be shot so fast that all the emptys are still in air when the last shot is fired. |
Fight Crime-SHOOT BACK
Charter member of Second Amendment Task Force |
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rambosky
New Member
USA
84 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2012 : 16:46:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Nathan
quote:
Originally posted by rambosky
Sorry, give me a Remington 870 anytime.
i own several 870s and theyre fine guns for what they are....totally different league though.
Yes, you're right. But......when I was a LEO in Washington DC back in the 70's I had a pump Ithaca 37 and a S&W Model 10 .38 spl. I am no longer in law enforcement. If I still was, I would have a Remington 1187 with a Glock 21 and a vest. |
"NEVER SHALL I FAIL MY COMRADES" |
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Joey4545
Starting Member
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2012 : 10:47:28
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Hi Nathan,
Very impressive review of the Benelli. I would love to get one and wonder if you have a recommendation on where to purchase?
Also, are you very familiar with AR15 ammo or have a recommendation on a thread to read regarding it? I'm looking for reliable ammo that won't cost me an arm and a leg. :)
Thank you sir!
Joe |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21543 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2012 : 17:25:41
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hi joey,
mine came from scheels all sports but pricing is pretty comparable anywhere even online, usually coming in around $1700. this shotgun is by far the superior combat shotgun over any shotgun ive ever owned or fired. theres nothing else even in the same league in my opinion, due to the dual pistol setup that virtually eliminates recoil. i could never describe it accurately and can only say that you gotta shoot one to believe it.
i like lake city (government surplus) ammunition just fine and is primarily what i stock for my 15s. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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Joey4545
Starting Member
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 08/21/2012 : 06:56:55
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Hi Nathan,
Thank you very much for your reply sir. Very much appreciated!
Joe
quote:
Originally posted by Nathan
hi joey,
mine came from scheels all sports but pricing is pretty comparable anywhere even online, usually coming in around $1700. this shotgun is by far the superior combat shotgun over any shotgun ive ever owned or fired. theres nothing else even in the same league in my opinion, due to the dual pistol setup that virtually eliminates recoil. i could never describe it accurately and can only say that you gotta shoot one to believe it.
i like lake city (government surplus) ammunition just fine and is primarily what i stock for my 15s.
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mpgo4th
Starting Member
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - 08/22/2012 : 09:40:15
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| How does one get a sweet shotgun like that and TWO wives???? |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21543 Posts |
Posted - 08/22/2012 : 14:30:13
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quote:
Originally posted by mpgo4th
How does one get a sweet shotgun like that and TWO wives????
I got game. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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Jackson5
Junior Member
177 Posts |
Posted - 08/22/2012 : 19:09:09
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| It's God's way of making up for what he missed out on (from teachers) in high school... :o) |
Jackson5
"By perseverance the snail reached the ark."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon |
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bubbinator
Starting Member
USA
24 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2012 : 00:44:47
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My State Police Agency sought to upgrade the Tactical shotgun our Agts carried. We had Rem M870s from the 70s. (BTW not a bad platfrom-mine was 18" BBL/mag extension 3 rds- w/ side saddle(6rds+14 rds on gun). Local SO and PD carried 14"Benelli's. We spec'ed the same gun-cheapo bean counters and BS bureaurocrats put us with Rem 11-87 14" Police guns. The first comment from the agency gunsmith was
"Good Luck making them shoot"! It was a nightmare-only Hornady Tactical Buckshot shot worth using @ $8. a box of 5!, it took POWER TOOLS to clean the bores due to fouling and they ate O-rings like jelly beans! My first parts order after that purchase was 200 rings-for 50 guns!. Rem Staff lied to us and said 2X O rings will cycle every round-NOT-I repeat-NOT.Rem lied. As of this week I spoke with a local SO former SWAT member who worked with as my partner, his agency still loves the Benelli gun-my old agency still buys bore brushes and steel wool to clean the Rem 11-87s. BTW-I have a 1980 era Rem 1100 with the same action(so far as o-ring.piston parts) that has been thru untold dove/duck/snipe/deer/turkey hunts that I didn't even know it had an O ring becuase it never failed and was jusy routinely cleaned! |
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bubbinator
Starting Member
USA
24 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2012 : 00:46:18
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My State Police Agency sought to upgrade the Tactical shotgun our Agts carried. We had Rem M870s from the 70s. (BTW not a bad platfrom-mine was 18" BBL/mag extension 3 rds- w/ side saddle(6rds+14 rds on gun). Local SO and PD carried 14"Benelli's. We spec'ed the same gun-cheapo bean counters and BS bureaurocrats put us with Rem 11-87 14" Police guns. The first comment from the agency gunsmith was
"Good Luck making them shoot"! It was a nightmare-only Hornady Tactical Buckshot shot worth using @ $8. a box of 5!, it took POWER TOOLS to clean the bores due to fouling and they ate O-rings like jelly beans! My first parts order after that purchase was 200 rings-for 50 guns!. Rem Staff lied to us and said 2X O rings will cycle every round-NOT-I repeat-NOT.Rem lied. As of this week I spoke with a local SO former SWAT member who worked with as my partner, his agency still loves the Benelli gun-my old agency still buys bore brushes and steel wool to clean the Rem 11-87s. BTW-I have a 1980 era Rem 1100 with the same action(so far as o-ring.piston parts) that has been thru untold dove/duck/snipe/deer/turkey hunts that I didn't even know it had an O ring becuase it never failed and was jusy routinely cleaned! |
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MisterB
Average Member
645 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2012 : 12:25:50
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That's a beautiful gun, although I guess I'm too practical to spend that much over and above what a good 870 home defense would run.
That video is fun to watch. Vicki's response is priceless lol! |
See, guys like flowers too... |
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Topic |
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Review: Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun
