Benelli M4 12 Gauge
Model: 11703
Benelli M4 12 Gauge
Model: 11703
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Benelli M4 is the U.S. military's standard semi-automatic combat shotgun, designated the M1014 and formally adopted by the Marine Corps in November 2001 (initial deliveries began in 1999 following the contract award). The ARGO (Auto Regulating Gas Operated) system is the reason it won that contract. Unlike traditional gas guns that use a single piston and rely on manual gas valve adjustment to handle different loads, ARGO runs two stainless steel pistons positioned just ahead of the chamber. The pistons are self-cleaning and self-regulating — there is no gas valve to adjust regardless of whether you're shooting 2-3/4-inch target loads or 3-inch magnums.
The specs reflect its military purpose. At 124.8 oz (7.8 lbs) unloaded with an 18.5-inch barrel and 40-inch overall length, it's heavier than the Beretta 1301 Tactical by about 22 oz. The 5+1 standard capacity is lower than several civilian tactical guns, though military users typically run extended magazine tubes. The phosphate barrel finish and anodized aluminum receiver are chosen for corrosion resistance over appearance. The Picatinny rail is drilled and tapped onto the receiver — not the integrated rail arrangement of the 1301 Tactical, but adequate for the same optics and lights.
The M4 entered commercial production as the M1014 became standard issue, and the civilian version has changed little from the military specification in the 25-plus years since adoption. The design is not iterating, but it has more documented service history in genuinely harsh conditions than any other semi-auto shotgun currently in production.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The ARGO dual-piston system is self-regulating with no gas valve — it handles 2-3/4-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably without any manual adjustment. No other semi-auto at this price point matches its documented operational track record for load tolerance.
- Phosphate barrel finish and hard-anodized aluminum receiver provide better corrosion resistance than blued or standard anodized finishes. This matters for law enforcement guns stored in vehicles or exposed to weather.
- 25-plus years of Marine Corps and law enforcement service data gives the M4 the most documented operational reliability history of any semi-auto shotgun currently sold commercially.
- At 124.8 oz (7.8 lbs), it's 22 oz heavier than the Beretta 1301 Tactical. That weight difference is noticeable after 30 minutes of range time or any extended patrol carry.
- The standard 5+1 capacity is 2 rounds fewer than the 1301 Tactical's 7+1. Adding an extended magazine tube (a common owner modification) brings it to 7+1, but that's an aftermarket purchase on a gun that already costs more.
- No factory optic cut or integrated optic rail — the drilled-and-tapped receiver accepts aftermarket rail sections, but the 1301 Tactical ships rail-ready at a lower price point.
Ballistics Calculator
Calculate trajectory, drop, and energy for 12 Gauge ammunition.
12 Gauge Ballistics →Where to Buy
No prices available at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Benelli M4 in hard use, and what wears out first?
The M4's ARGO system uses two stainless steel pistons that operate at lower temperatures than single-piston designs, which Benelli says reduces carbon buildup and wear on the piston faces. Military armorers and high-round-count owners report that the recoil spring and magazine spring are typically the first components to need replacement, generally after 10,000–15,000 rounds in documented testing. The pistons themselves are widely reported to run 20,000+ rounds without replacement when the gun is cleaned on a normal schedule. Short-cycling due to carbon fouling on the gas ports is the most common complaint at higher round counts, and a full ARGO piston cleaning (accessible without tools) typically resolves it.
Can the Benelli M4 accept an extended magazine tube from the factory?
The standard civilian M4 ships with a 5+1 capacity tube. Extended tubes from Benelli (7+1) and aftermarket makers like Nordic Components are available and are a common first modification among owners who want to match the 1301 Tactical's 7+1 out-of-the-box capacity. The Benelli extension threads onto the factory tube without modification to the receiver. Note that some older civilian M4 models shipped with a dimpled magazine tube that blocks extension — if you're buying used, verify the tube is smooth-walled before purchasing an extension.
