M4 12-Ga.
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This is the exception that proves the rule—Benelli's only gas-operated
shotgun. The U.S. military specified a shotgun capable of mounting heavy
night vision equipment and other accessories whose combined additional weight
could cause under-functioning of the reliable inertia system.
No problem: Benelli engineers developed and patented a unique new "auto
regulating gas operated" (ARGO) system. Dual, stainless self-cleaning
pistons located just ahead of the chamber operate directly against the proven
rotating bolt and eliminate the need for complex linkages found on other gas
autos. The result..."Marine"-tough reliability under the harshest
environmental conditions.
Five samples of the Benelli M4 Super 90 were delivered to Aberdeen Proving
Ground, Maryland, on August 4, 1998. The guns were put through
intensive, grueling tests for safety, function and performance, subject to
mud, sand, baking heat and extreme cold. The M4s beat out the competition
to be chosen as the new U.S. "Joint Service Combat Shotgun."
The M4 can quickly be reconfigured without tools with choice of three modular
buttstocks and two barrels.
Operating controls and sling attachment points are optimized for left- and
right-handed users.
Underneath its purposeful exterior are familiar Benelli features like a chrome-lined bore and rotating bolt head.
Sights are the military ghost-ring style, adjustable for windage and elevation
in the field, using a cartridge rim. A Picatinny rail allows
mounting of both conventional and night-vision sights, while retaining metallic-sight
capability.
Steel parts are black matte phosphated and aluminum matte hard-anodized for low visibility in night operations and corrosion resistance.