If you want the rugged combat utility and looks of the M4 without the price, the Beretta 1301 is also an option. It will shoot slugs at 100 yds quite accurately then switch to birdshot or buckshot without changing a thing. Both have had a fiber optic front and XS 'V' notch type pistol sight dovetailed into the vent rib. I also use it to turkey hunt as the shorter barrel is great in a blind. Or use the 26' barrel from the other M2 if I want. My other M2 is a 21' and I can switch the mag tube to hold 8 for tactical stuff and competitions that limit capacity, or a shorty for hunting. I set an M2 up for 3 gun with a 26' barrel and fixed 12 rd tube (gun holds 14).

If you want to use it for defensive purposes, get a 21' barrel and a +3 mag extension to give you an 8 round tube.

If you want to bird hunt, put on a 26 or 28' VR barrel and plug the mag. That way you can change barrels and magazine tubes to fit it's purpose. If you want a versatile shotgun, you are better served with a M2. But realize, depending on your intended use, the M4 is somewhat limited. Now if you are worried about using various shells the Benelli M3 is also a great weapon ) Good luck in your decision.Ĭlick to expand.Get the M4 if that is what you really want. Honestly you are getting a well designed, robust shotgun. The price for the benelli is close to medium end AR15s these days.

Overall, I would say if you enjoy shooting shotguns you should take the plunge. Some of the controls are small, Bolt release and charging bolt could be beefed up (which there are aftermarket parts for), and the finish is meh…If only I could get a tenifer coating (like glock) or take the plunge and cerekote it, I would be completely happy. The problem is that those companies are usually out of parts so getting your M4 to where you want it can take time. Some downsides: 922(r) is an issue to think about if you want a collapsable stock plus some other combined features, but there are a number of companies that make “upgrades” to counter the foreign part issue. Things I love about the weapon system: I can shoot slugs out of mine and consistently hit targets at 100 yrds, the cycle rate is phenomenal, and the recoil is negligible. Get a 7 rnd tube and some ghost ring night sights (or a red dot) and its a blast. Some decent engineering went into its design. Just like the M1 Garand, the design of the weapon just feels right. First off, I am not much of a shotgun enthusiast however I have fired my fair share of different models and different brands to realize that the M4 is a great Shotgun.

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