Benelli M4 Burndown Ep. 1: What Happened?

Published on April 9, 2023
Duration: 17:02

This video details a 500-round burndown test on a modified Benelli M4, highlighting its ARGO gas system's low recoil but also revealing critical failure points. The test, initiated by TFB TV due to audience demand and inspired by Thunder Ranch's methodology, exposed issues with aftermarket parts like a Strike Industries handguard loosening and an aftermarket bolt release breaking. It also touched upon 922r compliance challenges and compared the M4 to its modern competitors.

Quick Summary

The Benelli M4's ARGO gas system offers low felt recoil, but a TFB TV burndown test revealed critical failures with aftermarket parts like a Strike Industries handguard loosening and a bolt release breaking, highlighting 922r compliance challenges and competition from newer models.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Benelli M4 Burndown Test
  2. 00:32Shotgun Burndown History & Thunder Ranch
  3. 01:22The 'Neutered' Import Problem: 922r Compliance
  4. 04:08Market Competition: M4 vs. Rivals
  5. 06:05Test Gun Modifications: Briley, Strike Industries
  6. 07:36Initial Failures & Ammunition Issues
  7. 09:56Recoil and Accessory Failures
  8. 11:50Catastrophic Handguard Failure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Benelli M4 burndown test?

A burndown test, as popularized by Clint Smith at Thunder Ranch and conducted by TFB TV, is a high-volume stress test where a firearm is fired continuously or in rapid succession to identify potential failure points and assess overall reliability under extreme conditions.

Why are Benelli M4 shotguns often imported in a restricted state?

Benelli M4 shotguns are often imported in a restricted configuration to comply with U.S. federal law 922r. This law limits the number of imported parts in domestically assembled semi-automatic firearms, necessitating the use of U.S.-made parts for features like collapsible stocks or higher capacity magazines.

What are common aftermarket upgrades for the Benelli M4?

Common aftermarket upgrades for the Benelli M4 include extended magazine tubes (like Briley's carbon fiber version) for increased capacity, M-LOK compatible handguards (such as Strike Industries) for accessory mounting, and bolt release extensions for faster manipulation.

What failures occurred during the Benelli M4 burndown test?

During the burndown test, the Benelli M4 experienced ammunition-related rim separation with BioAmmo shells, a bolt release extension breaking, and critically, the Strike Industries M-LOK handguard coming loose due to issues with its retention plate and the gas system's operation.

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