If you’re going to sell guns in the U.S., you have to play by the rules. For Benelli, that means watering down the mighty M4 tactical shotgun until the federal government considers it a sporting firearm.
That’s a real drag for consumers. If we’re going to shell out the big bucks for an M4, many of us want to get the same thing U.S. Marines use at checkpoints and embassies around the world.
But I have good news! The new Benelli M4 EXT checks all the legal boxes, so you can get the whole enchilada with minimal hassle.
Benelli M4 EXT Specs & Features
Specs
- Gauge: 12 ga / 3” / modified choke
- Action: Semi-automatic, gas
- Capacity: 7+1
- Stock: Five-position adjustable
- Sights: Ghost ring, Picatinny rail
- Barrel Length: 18”
- Overall Length: 40”
- Weight: 7.8 lbs
- MSRP: $2,599
Features
- Increased magazine capacity (7+1)
- Five-position adjustable stock
- Oversized bolt release
- Titanium, FDE, and Multicam Black Cerakote options
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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The big news here is a magazine tube that finally delivers 7+1 capacity instead of 5+1. That’s about 18 more pieces of 00 buckshot at your disposal.
When it’s time to send the bolt home on one of those shells, the M4 EXT has a huge bolt release button that’s easier to hit than the one on previous models.
The M4 EXT also has a five-position adjustable stock, so you can get a perfect fit with or without body armor.
There are cosmetic perks, too. Take your pick from titanium, flat dark earth, or Multicam Black Cerakote that stands out from the usual grayscale finishes.
Benelli’s lightning-fast, self-cleaning ARGO dual-piston gas system remains. So do the ghost ring sights, Picatinny rail, and sling points. All this shotgun needs is a red dot.
Sure, you could modify your M4 with these upgrades before, but this is how the M4 always should have come from the factory.
Benelli accomplished this without running afoul of 18 USC 922 by making more of the naughty-list components in the U.S., which makes them not naughty at all, but nice in the eyes of the ATF.
“It shall be unlawful for any person to assemble from imported parts any semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun which is identical to any rifle or shotgun prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) of this chapter as not being particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes except that this subsection shall not apply to-
(1) the assembly of any such rifle or shotgun for sale or distribution by a licensed manufacturer to the United States or any department or agency thereof or to any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof; or
(2) the assembly of any such rifle or shotgun for the purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Attorney General.18 USC 922 (r)”
What will all this awesomeness cost you? Pony up an extra $300 over the M1040 or $200 over the base M4 we reviewed. Benelli lists an MSRP of $2,599 for the M4 EXT.
What do you think of the new Benelli M4 EXT? Let us know below. Looking for something more affordable? Check out our guide to the Best Semi-Automatic Shotguns!
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