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Shotgun Review: The Benelli M4 H2O Tactical


Benelli has been producing some of the world's best shotguns since their founding in 1967. In late 1998, Benelli introduced the U.S. Army to its new M4 Super Combat shotgun which would become one of the most renowned military/civilian shotguns of all time.

The Benelli M4 is considered by many to be the Cadillac of tactical shotguns and for good reason. It happens to be the current general-issue combat shotgun of the United States Marine Corps. It has been through rigorous battle ​​testing without failure. Not only does the U.S. military trust the M4's performance but many of the world’s top Special Forces units including Italy, Brazil, Greece, Australia and the United Kingdom incorporate the Benelli M4 into their armament.

THE SYSTEM

A piston-driven platform with dual stainless steel self-cleaning short-travel strokes and at it's heart, Benelli’s ARGO (Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated) system combined with Benelli’s rotating bolt, produced the world’s fastest and most reliable cycling semi auto ever.

The ARGO system eliminates the more complicated mechanisms and heavier parts that other semi-auto models use, This produces a relatively simple and robust action capable of handling stiff loads all day long while maintaining a much cleaner chamber and well able to function 100% even if one piston fails. No longer dependent only on inertia, the user can now add needed accessories without fear of over loading the weight balance. ARGO also means that the M4 has the ability to instantly self-adjust to everything, from a standard 2.75-inch shotgun shell to a more power full 3-inch magnum shell. The safety button located at the top rear of the trigger guard on the Benelli M4 shotgun is ambidextrous. An exaggerated bolt handle reduces stumbling under stress. The bolt-release button is small enough to be unobtrusive, but large enough to find and activate without delay. To help manage the speed and recoil, Benelli added a pistol grip to its stock that allows for fast handling. Standard features of the M4 offered are ghost ring sights which can be had with tritium night sights for low light shooting a top mounted picatinny rail for optics and an optional collapsible stock. The front and rear sight combine in a three-dot pattern with tritium as an option. Overall, it’s compact enough to be nimble and overswing tends not to be a problem.

THE H2O TACTICAL

The M4 comes in several configurations, including variations with standard, skeletonized collapsible, and pistol-gripped stocks. However, arguably the best is the M4 H2O Tactical. The M4 H2O Tactical is an enhancement of already duty-proven platform, which adds a Titanium Cerakote finish for increased corrosion resistance and durability.

Regarded as one of the best firearm coatings on the market today, the Titanium Cerakote finish on the Benelli M4 H2O Tactical is proven to protect it from salt spray corrosion, even at elevated temperatures.

Benelli has gone through extensive testing to show the true durability and protection the Cerakote finsih provides. After 3,500 hours of continuous salt spray at 95-degree (Fahrenheit) chamber all Cerakote-coated panels proved to have no-corrosion. The Titanium Cerkatoe's impact resistance testing showed an impact strength measurement of 160 inch-pounds, which was the maximum Benelli's impact tester can measure.

The Titanium Cerakote finish is added to the barrel, receiver and magazine tube of the Benelli M4 H2O Tactical. However, the bolt is coated in a black Cerakote finish. In addition to the exterior coatings, crucial internal components are also coated, further enhancing the M4's corrosion resistance and durability.

Don't miss the chance to experience the M4 H2O Tactical on July 21st at our 2018 Benelli Event!

SPECIFICATIONS

Barrel Length: 18.5 in.

Caliber: 12 Gauge Capacity: 5+1 Chokes: M,F Type of Sights: Ghost Ring Length: 40.0″ Length of Pull: 14 3/8 in. Drop at Heel: 2-1/4″

Drop at Comb: 1-1/2″ Weight: 7.8 lbs.

Picatinny: Rail included

RATINGS

Reliability * * * * *

Thanks to its super-reliable proprietary along with Titanium Cerkaote finish ARGO system, the M4 H2O Tactical can handle anything you throw at it no matter the situation. An exaggerated bolt handle that reduces stumbling.

Ergonomics: * * * * * The stock and forend fit nicely in the hands. Ambidextrous safety button. Pistol grip for fast handling and managing recoil. Overall, it’s compact enough to be nimble while incorporating every feature a tactical shotgun would need.

Customize This * * *

The built-in Picatinny rail holds add a variety of optics on top. However, the ghost rings prove sufficient for home-defense and short-ranges.

Overall Rating * * * *

For the performance and durability it provides, it doesn't get better than the M4 straight from the box.

 

In order to pre-order the M4 H2O Tactical call 305-252-6677.

We also have an extensive inventory of over 25 Benelli shotguns, click the link below to check them out:


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