Varnius

Can anyone recommend a good M4 cheek riser for the sandard stock? The riser needs to allow for an attached sling and stock shell holder. I need the riser because I've mounted a reflex sight on the top rail and still want a good cheek weld.

I tried this at the range, using buckshot and slugs. I only tried it 3 times, but it worked each time without any problem. I also have some snapcaps for drills and practice, and the shells cycle manually without a problem when I have 5+1+1 (with one in the carrier). If anyone here did have a problem doing it, please post here so we can know if it's a reliability issue with the weapon, the ammo type, or something else.

Based on the M4's staging location, it will be easier/faster to pick up and point, instead of flipping and pointing (from having to reach lower to grab the pistol grip). I just need to know if I should worry about any damage it may cause the weapon, long term, or other considerations (such as lube getting into primers of a fully loaded M4, etc).

Would there be a problem with storing long-weapons, including the M4, facing down instead of facing up (meaning the barrel is holding up the weight of the gun instead of the stock supporting the gun from the ground). I am using soft material on top of carpet for the barrel to stand on.

I recently purchased an M4. I have some questions that I hope you guys can answer. There are many questions...I will appreciate any help. 1) After firing about 100 rounds, I took the gun apart to clean it. I noticed the tail of the bolt (the long skinny piece), near the end closest to the stock, has some shaving/chipping, and I can see silver metal where the black coating used to be. The marks are small (approx 0.60 cm), but are quite sharp and jagged. Is this normal wear while breaking in the gun? 2) The gas pistons: while cleaning, I noticed some wear on the surface coating on the section of the pistons that are not enclosed. Is it a good idea to slightly lubricate those sections of the pistons? I am not considering lubricating the sections that are housed in the piston cylinders. 3) What is the best way to clean inside the piston cylinders? 4) How reliable are the o-rings for the gas system? How long do they last, and will the gun work with damaged/missing o-rings in an emergency? How can I get replacements? 5) I noticed that the o-ring which holds the firing-pin locking pin in place is chipped (I believe it came chipped when I bought the gun). When cleaning the gun after shooting, that locking pin is always a bit loose. Is this normal? Where can I find replacement o-rings? 6) A local armorer told me that it is fine to use CLP Break-Free for cleaning and lubricating, and use nothing else besides that. Benelli's manual says only to use their oil, but it is hard to find. Also, the military's manual for the M4 says "any" quality cleaner/lube is fine to use. What are your opinions? 7) How often do you find yourself re-tightening the choke? After every shooting session, maybe 20-40 rounds, I find the choke very lose (but still on the threads properly). Will there be damage or poor performance if I do not tighten it every 20-40 rounds? I am using a cylinder choke for slugs/buckshot. 8) Has anyone had trouble with ghost-loading (keeping a shell held in the carrier for an extra round)? Again, I will appreciate any help with this.