Benelli M4 Shotguns

The Benelli M4 is a gas-operated 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun made in Italy by Benelli Armi and adopted by the U.S. military as the M1014. It uses Benelli's ARGO (Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated) system, has a 3" chamber, and is offered in 18.5" commercial and 14" Entry configurations. We carry 20 M4 configurations, listed below by Benelli model number: the 5+1 M4 Tactical, 7+1 adjustable-stock models, the factory M4 EXT, the Titanium Cerakote M4 H2O, the M4 A.I. Drone Guardian, and NFA-regulated Entry and Breacher models.

Benelli M4 Specifications at a Glance

• Action: Semi-automatic, ARGO dual-piston gas system
• Gauge and chamber: 12 gauge, 3" (fires 2-3/4" and 3" shells)
• Barrel: 18.5" standard; 14" to 14.5" on Entry and Breacher models (NFA)
• Capacity: 5+1 on standard models; 7+1 on EXT and extended-tube models (2-3/4" shells)
• Sights: Adjustable ghost ring rear sight; tritium night sights on select models; Picatinny rail for optics
• Stocks: Fixed pistol grip, collapsible, 3-position, or 5-position telescoping depending on model
• Finishes: Black, OD Green, FDE, Black MultiCam, Titanium Cerakote (H2O)
• Military designation: M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun

How the ARGO System Works

The M4 was Benelli's first gas-operated shotgun. Two stainless-steel pistons sit just ahead of the chamber and act directly on the bolt. The system regulates itself across 2-3/4" and 3" loads, so buckshot, slugs, and birdshot can be mixed without adjustment. Because the M4 does not rely on recoil to cycle, a weapon light, optic, or side-saddle does not affect function the way it can on an inertia-driven shotgun.

The trade-offs are typical of gas guns: carbon collects around the pistons and needs periodic cleaning, and the lightest target loads may not cycle as reliably as full-power ammunition. Test any practice ammunition in your gun before relying on it.

Benelli designed the M4 for the U.S. military's Joint Service Combat Shotgun program. Test samples were delivered to Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1998, and the M4 was selected and designated the M1014.

M4 Tactical (5+1)

The standard commercial M4 has an 18.5" barrel, ghost ring sights, a Picatinny rail, and a fixed stock. The magazine tube extends to the muzzle but is limited to five 2-3/4" shells. It is the lightest M4 configuration and is legal in more states than 7+1 or adjustable-stock versions.

• 11703: M4 Tactical, black, 5+1
• 11707: M4 with fixed pistol grip stock, 5+1
• 11797: M4 with pistol grip stock and ghost ring sights, OD Green

M4 EXT (Factory 7+1)

The EXT is Benelli's factory version of the two most common M4 upgrades. It has a true full-length magazine tube holding seven 2-3/4" shells and a 5-position telescoping stock adjustable from 9-1/4" to 14-3/8" length of pull, plus an enlarged bolt release. It is 922(r) compliant from the factory, accepts interchangeable choke tubes, and ships with a modified choke.

• 11787: M4 EXT, Black MultiCam
• 11788: M4 EXT, Flat Dark Earth
• 11789: M4 EXT, Titanium Cerakote (H2O)

The EXT keeps the standard M4 forend, which has no M-LOK slots, so mounting a light typically requires an aftermarket forend or clamp mount. Fully loaded with a light, optic, and side-saddle, an EXT weighs close to 10 pounds.

M4 with Adjustable Stock and 7+1 Tube

These configurations combine an extended 7+1 magazine tube with a collapsible or 5-position telescoping stock. Models labeled GEN 2 use the 5-position stock. Choose between ghost ring sights and tritium night sights based on whether the gun will be used in low light without a weapon light.

• 11721: Collapsible stock, ghost ring sights, 7+1
• 11715: Collapsible stock, night sights, 7+1
• 11714: GEN 2, 5-position stock, 7+1 full tube
• 11732: GEN 2, 5-position stock, 7+1 full tube, night sights

M4 H2O (Titanium Cerakote)

H2O models are mechanically identical to the standard M4 but have a Titanium Cerakote finish on the barrel, receiver, and magazine tube, with black Cerakote on the bolt. Benelli reports that Cerakote-coated panels showed no corrosion after 3,500 hours of indirect salt spray at 95°F. The H2O is the practical choice for a shotgun stored in a vehicle or boat, or used in humid or coastal conditions.

• 11794: M4 H2O Tactical, pistol grip stock, 5+1
• 11796: M4 H2O, telescoping stock, night sights
• 11733: M4 H2O GEN 2, 5-position stock, 7+1 tube, night sights
• 11789: M4 EXT H2O (see M4 EXT above)

M4 A.I. Drone Guardian

This M4 variant uses Benelli's patented Advanced Impact barrel and choke system, which has a longer forcing cone intended to keep patterns tighter at extended range. Benelli developed it for counter-drone use with specific buckshot loads and markets it primarily to military and law enforcement users. For home defense or general duty use, a standard M4 or M4 EXT is the more practical and less expensive option.

M4 Entry and Breacher (NFA Short-Barreled Shotguns)

Entry and Breacher models have barrels under 18", which makes them easier to handle in vehicles and doorways and reduces magazine capacity. Breacher models are configured for door breaching.

• 11722: M4 Entry 14", pistol grip stock, ghost ring sights, 5+1
• 11724: M4 Entry 14", 3-position telescoping stock, ghost ring sights, 5+1
• 11723: M4 Entry 14", tactical stock
• 11729: M4 Entry 14.5", telescoping stock
• 11726: M4 Entry Breacher 14.5", telescoping stock
• 11734: M4 Door Breacher 14", 5-position collapsible stock

All of these are short-barreled shotguns under the National Firearms Act. Since January 1, 2026, the federal transfer tax on short-barreled shotguns has been $0, but an approved ATF Form 4, fingerprints, photographs, and a background check are still required before you can take possession, and the transfer must go through a dealer licensed to handle NFA items. Several states prohibit civilian SBS ownership, and some Breacher configurations are sold only to law enforcement. Each product listing states its purchase requirements.

Benelli M4 Model Comparison

Capacities are for 2-3/4" shells; fewer 3" shells fit in the same tube. Each product listing shows the exact sights, stock, and finish for that model number.

Before You Buy a Benelli M4

State restrictions. Some states limit shotgun magazine capacity or restrict collapsible stocks and pistol grips. The fixed-stock 5+1 M4 Tactical is legal in more places than the 7+1 and adjustable-stock versions. Review our shipping restrictions page before ordering.

Converting a 5+1 M4. Because the M4 is imported, federal law (18 U.S.C. 922(r)) limits the number of imported parts allowed in certain configurations. Adding a magazine extension or collapsible stock to a standard M4 requires replacing enough parts with U.S.-made components to stay compliant. When parts and labor are added up, a factory 7+1 configuration such as the M4 EXT is often the simpler and less expensive route.

Weight. Every accessory adds weight at the front of an M4. If you plan to mount a light, an optic, and a side-saddle, handle the fully loaded configuration before deciding how much to add.

Benelli M4 FAQ

What is the difference between the Benelli M4 and the M4 EXT?

The M4 EXT has a full-length 7+1 magazine tube, a 5-position telescoping stock, and an enlarged bolt release, and it is 922(r) compliant from the factory. The standard M4 Tactical has a 5+1 tube and a fixed stock. Both use the same ARGO gas system, 18.5" barrel, and 3" chamber.

Is the Benelli M4 the same as the M1014?

Yes. M1014 is the U.S. military designation for the Benelli M4. Commercial M4 shotguns use the same ARGO operating system, though most are sold with a fixed stock and 5+1 capacity unless they are an EXT or another 7+1 configuration.

How many rounds does a Benelli M4 hold?

Standard M4 Tactical models hold 5+1 rounds of 2-3/4" shells. The M4 EXT and extended-tube models hold 7+1. Fewer 3" shells fit in either tube.

Can I convert a 5+1 Benelli M4 to 7+1?

Yes, but the converted shotgun must meet 922(r) requirements, which means replacing enough imported parts with U.S.-made components. Factory 7+1 models such as the M4 EXT are already compliant.

What does H2O mean on a Benelli M4?

H2O models have a Titanium Cerakote finish on the barrel, receiver, and magazine tube for corrosion resistance. They are otherwise mechanically identical to a standard M4.

Will the Benelli M4 cycle light target loads?

The ARGO system handles a wide range of 2-3/4" and 3" loads, but the lightest target loads may not cycle reliably. Test any practice ammunition in your gun before depending on it.

Do I need a tax stamp for the Benelli M4 Entry?

The federal tax on short-barreled shotguns has been $0 since January 1, 2026. ATF Form 4 approval, fingerprints, photographs, and a background check are still required, and some states prohibit civilian ownership of short-barreled shotguns.

Where is the Benelli M4 made?

The Benelli M4 is manufactured by Benelli Armi in Urbino, Italy, and imported into the United States by Benelli USA.