Benelli M4 Introduction:
The Benelli M4/M1014 is the most battle proven semi-automatic shotgun in the world. It is used by military groups worldwide, including the US Marines. It is one of the most desirable semi-automatic shotguns on the market due to its reliability, dependability, and iconic history.
The Benelli M4 is the crème de la crème of tactical shotguns. Even though it's nearly perfect, it still can be upgraded and customized for whatever situation you please, from home defense to outdoor recreation.
The Best Benelli M4 Upgrades:
Best Benelli M4 Magazine Tube:
The Shell Tactical Benelli M4 7-Round Titanium Magazine Tube:
Shell Tactical Benelli M4 Extension Tubes
The first upgrade most people do to their Benelli M4 is upgrade the magazine tube from 5 rounds to 7 rounds.
There are two ways to increase magazine capacity:
- The first is the 2-round extension tube that replaces the 2-round aluminum limiter. It screws right onto the 5-round tube.
- The second option is to replace the entire 5-round tube and limiter with a full length 7-round magazine tube.
It is recommended to go with the second option because the 7-round titanium magazine tube is much lighter and better looking than the 2-piece screw on extension tube. The 7rd titanium tube comes in either black or H2O to closely match the model you own.
The 7-round tube is available on the marketplace in either steel or titanium. The titanium option is usually about half the weight as the steel tube, and also slightly stronger.
Going with the second option takes a little bit longer to install, but it is well worth it in the long run. To remove the 5-round tube, just use a heat gun to break the thread locker and replace it with the new tube.
While you have the tube disassembled, you can add a Benelli M4 follower that also counts as a 922r part. This is the least expensive 922r compliant part, and it installs quick and easy. Many people also like to install an increased power magazine spring to improve the reliability of their Benelli M4.
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The Carrier Comp Benelli M4 7rd Titanium Tube
If you are looking for a 922r compliant tube and don’t mind paying a bit extra, check out the Carrier Comp 7 round Titanium tube that comes bundled with a red follower and Wolff Spring.
Best Benelli M4 Bolt Release:
The Shell Tactical Benelli M4 Bolt Release tab:
Shell Tactical Benelli M4 Bolt Release
The Shell Tactical bolt release tab is a much-needed upgrade for the Benelli M4. It increases the size of the factory bolt release button for quicker and easier operation of your shogun.
The factory bolt release button is less than a quarter of an inch in diameter which makes it hard to find and press in high stress situations. The upgraded bolt release increases the OEM bolt release button size by over 24 times, allowing you to close the bolt with three fingers instead of with the tip of one finger.
This is one of the best upgrades for your Benelli M4 because it is highly functional and at a low cost. It installs quickly without any tools, and doesn’t require any gunsmithing, or drilling and tapping.
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The GGG Benelli M4 Bolt release button:
GGG Benelli M4 Bolt Release Pad
The GGG bolt release button is a more integrated version of the bolt release tab. It is a pre-drilled and tapped OEM cartridge release latch that comes with a knurled aluminum pad that attaches to the tapped hole.
Like the Shell Tactical bolt release tab, the GGG bolt release button increases the surface area of the OEM button making it easier to find and press when it matters most. It allows you to release the bolt with 2 fingers instead of the tip of one finger.
It is more than $100 more expensive and requires the removal of the roll pin from the receiver, but once its installed, it doesn’t need to be reinstalled on each disassembly of the shotgun.
The only downsides compared to the bolt release tab is that it: is more expensive, bulges out more than the bolt release tab, and has less surface area.
Best Benelli M4 Handguard:
The Midwest Industries Benelli M4 M-Lok Handguard:
Midwest Industries Benelli M4 Handguard
The Benelli M4 Handguard by Midwest Industries adds a more modern design to your shotgun. It has 35 slots of M-Lok rails across 7 rows for maximum versatility.
It allows you to mount your favorite accessories like lights, lasers, and other M-Lok accessories. It is 12 inches in length and extends further than the OEM forends to allow for thumb push button and pressure plate flashlights.
It is 100% made in the USA and counts as a 922r compliant part for those looking for another part and interested in making their Benelli M4 922r compliant.
The hard anodized aluminum matches the color of the receiver well and looks like it was made by Benelli themselves. It only adds about an extra 3 ounces when replacing the OEM forends and barrel sling attachment (which is required for installation).
Best Benelli M4 Charging Handle:
The GGG Benelli M4 Oversized Charging Handle:
Benelli M4 GGG Charging Handle
The Benelli M4 charging handle by GGG is a knurled, oversized, spinning charging handle. It is ¾ inches in diameter making it much easier to grip and charge than the OEM charging handle (see below for a ½ inch charging handle)
This charging handle is 100% made in the USA. It was specifically designed and tested for the Benelli M4. It is made from 4140 steel for a lifetime of use.
The increased size of the GGG charging handle is easier on the hands, especially when racking the bolt with knuckles or side of hands. The OEM handle is slim and the grooves can be uncomfortable during long periods of use.
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The Midwest Industries Benelli M4 Charging Handle:
Midwest Industries Benelli M4 Charging Handle
The MI Benelli M4 charging handle is the GGG charging handles little brother. The diameter is about a half inch instead of three-fourths inch like the GGG.
The MI charging handle is the middle ground between the over-sized GGG handle and the OEM handle. It is also knurled and it spins 360 degrees within the bolt which makes it less likely to fall out when operating the Benelli M4.
The MI charging handle is also 100% made in the USA specifically for the Benelli M4, and from 4140 steel.
The Best Benelli M4 Shell Holder:
The Mesa Tactical Shell Holder:
Mesa Tactical Benelli M4 Shell Holder
The Mesa Tactical side saddle shell holder is designed for the Benelli M4 and mounts using the five pre-drilled and tapped holes on the top of the receiver replacing the OEM picatinny rail. There is also a RMR mount & shell carrier version, so you don’t have to pick one or the other.
The shells retain firmly in place and don’t come out unintentionally. The shells can be inserted brass up or brass down and won’t fall out until needed.
Pick between multiple different shell counts: 4, 6, or 8. Each are completely made in America by skilled workers. They are made from aluminum and it contours your receiver for a close fit every time. There is also a polymer 6-round version that is lower cost and lower weight.
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The Esstac Shell Card:
The Esstac shell card attaches directed to the receiver of your shotgun with adhesive. It funtions similarly to the Mesa Benelli M4 shell holder. However, it isn’t made specifically made for the Benelli M4 and so it is sold at a much cheaper price.
The Esstac card is a lower cost and lighter alternative compared to the Mesa shell holder. It is held on by a Velcro backing that can be replaced with another full card once the first is empty.
They have multiple different shell counts to choose from: 4, 5, 6, or 7. For the Benelli M4, 7 is recommended because it holds the same number of shells as the magazine tube.
The Best Benelli M4 Stock:
The Mesa Tactical Benelli M4 Urbino Stock:
Mesa Tactical Benelli M4 Urbino Stocks
The Mesa Tactical Stock has a shorter length of pull so it can be used by people with a normal arm span. The OEM stock is much too long for many people. The shorter length of pull on the Mesa stock can also be used with body armor.
If you are using an optic, mesa provides a cheek riser option that lifts your head up to the proper sight height. The cheek riser version can also be paired with the Urbino side saddle for mounting extra rounds on the side of the stock.
It’s recommended to shop for the LimbSaver version which comes with an upgraded air-tech LimbSaver, which can reduce felt recoil by up to 70%.
The Mesa Tactical stocks are made in America and count as a 922r compliant part when swapped out with the OEM stock.
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The OEM Benelli M4 Collapsible Stock:
Benelli M4 OEM Collapsible Stock
The Benelli M4 is the most sought-after stock because it is so iconic due to its use in the Marine Corps. Unfortunately, it is extremely hard to find because it in such high demand and the supply by Benelli is so low.
If you can find one that is in stock, and listed for a reasonable price, snatch it up while you can. Another way to get your hands on the Benelli M4 collapsible stock is to buy the limited edition M1014 that already has one installed from the factory.
The Best Benelli M4 Trigger Housing:
The A&S Engineering Benelli M4 Aluminum Trigger Guard:
As a cost savings measure by Benelli, all new Benelli M4’s come with a polymer trigger guard instead of the old-school aluminum one.
A&S Engineering restored Benelli’s glory and brought back the aluminum trigger housing with their own unique twist.
It has much closer dimensional tolerances than the OEM trigger housing, and it facilitates easier loading with its shell guide ramp. This ramp makes it easier to load single shells and also two shells at once.
The A&S Trigger housing is made for the serious Benelli M4 enthusiast. It is machined from billet aluminum, in the USA, to the tightest specifications, and that comes with a large price tag. However, since it is made in America, it counts as a 922r compliant part.
Benelli M4 922r compliance:
We are not lawyers and this is not legal advice. Please refer to an attorney versed in firearm laws.
The Benelli M4 is manufactured in Urbino Italy, and as an imported long-gun, it is sold to civilians in a restricted format to comply with 922r laws.
The civilian model Benelli M4’s are imported into America with a limited 5-round capacity magazine tube, and if it has a “collapsible stock”, it comes with a non-collapsing recoil tube (single position tube).
922r laws are commonly thought of as silly, arbitrary laws that don’t save lives or make society better. It is rumored that no one has ever been convicted for 922r violations, except for 922r violation ‘tack-on’ charges.
It's recommend to trying to follow all federal and local laws to the best of your ability to avoid possible consequences.
922r laws are relatively simple, and easy to get around.
- To increase magazine capacity over 5 rounds, swap three Italian parts with American made parts.
- To Increase magazine capacity and/or have a stock that telescopes, swap four Italian parts with American made parts.
To learn more about 922r compliance, click here.