The Benelli M4 / M1014: The Marine Corps Combat Shotgun

Published on August 29, 2021
Duration: 26:27

This guide details the field stripping and maintenance of the Benelli M4 / M1014 combat shotgun, as demonstrated by Garand Thumb. It covers the disassembly of the barrel and ARGO gas system, emphasizing the importance of cleaning these components for reliability. The process is designed to be tool-less for the most part, highlighting the shotgun's combat-ready design.

Quick Summary

The Benelli M4 / M1014 is the US Marine Corps' combat shotgun due to its proven reliability and durability, featuring a self-cleaning ARGO gas system. It supports various tactical accessories like Aimpoint optics and Arisaka lights, and its capacity can be upgraded from the standard 5-round civilian tube to the 7-round military specification.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Shooting Montage
  2. 02:22The Benelli M4 / M1014 Overview
  3. 04:34Basic Specifications and Capacity
  4. 05:16ARGO Gas System
  5. 07:28Field Stripping and Maintenance
  6. 08:10Durability and Finish
  7. 10:15Sights and Optics
  8. 11:58Accessories: Lights and Mounts
  9. 13:48Manual of Arms and Shell Selection
  10. 18:17Ghost Loading Technique
  11. 21:41Trigger and Ergonomics
  12. 24:41Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Benelli M4 / M1014 the US Marine Corps' combat shotgun?

The Benelli M4 / M1014 is chosen for its exceptional reliability and durability, stemming from its robust ARGO gas system and combat-proven performance over 15+ years of military service. It's designed from the ground up for combat use.

How does the ARGO gas system on the Benelli M4 work?

The ARGO system is a dual-piston, self-regulating gas-operated system. It's designed to be self-cleaning and highly reliable, capable of cycling a wide variety of ammunition loads without requiring manual adjustments, ensuring consistent performance in harsh conditions.

What are some common tactical accessories for the Benelli M4?

Common accessories include Aimpoint optics (like the T2) mounted on Scalarworks Sync mounts, Arisaka tactical lights, Impact Weapons Components mounts, and Esstac shotgun cards for shell carrying. These enhance the shotgun's combat effectiveness.

Can the capacity of the Benelli M4 be increased?

Yes, civilian models often come with a 5-round magazine tube due to import restrictions, but these are easily upgradeable to higher capacities, such as the 7-round military specification. Techniques like 'ghost loading' can also add an extra round.

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