Don Randall

There are many options for a home defense M4 shotgun. Options will add weight and length, but you can tailor to your defense desires, size/shape of your home complex, and your personal physical characteristics. Personally, my primary home defense firearm is my S&W M&P15T, but I do have my Benelli M4 as a backup. Some items to consider: HOME DEFENSE SHOTGUN ACCESSORIES AND ENHANCEMENTS Basic Stock Shotgun: Benelli M4 Tactical Pistol Grip Stock with Improved Cylinder Choke 12 Gauge Vertical Rail Grip: MAGPUL RVG - Rail Vertical Grip Picatinny Rail Mount Tri: Surefire M80 Picatinny Rail Forend Benelli M4 (Weight 8.00 oz) Black Synthetic Picatinny Rail Covers: Low Profile MAGPUL XTMTM Rail Panels Shell Side Saddle Receiver Section Attach: 3GunGear 8 Shell Side Saddle 3gg8SS to Support Benelli M4 Shell Side Saddle Rail Section: SideArmor Forward Shell Holder for Picatinny Rail 2 rds Top Picatinny MILSPEC Rail: SideArmor Short Rail Picatinny for Benelli M4 Top Rail Tactical Charging Handle: Carriercomp Titanium Hybrid Gen II Charging Handle Muted Tube Magazine Replacement: Carriercomp DG Parkerized Tone Ti FL 7-rd Magazine Tube+Prem Spring+US Follower Over-sized Bolt Release Button: GG&G Benelli Tactical Bolt Release Pad (GGG-1030) Tactical Shotgun Stock: Urbino, Mesa Tactical Products; 2" Shorter LoP than Stock Benelli M4 (91470) Hand Grip Sling Ambidextrous Adapter: KZ Benelli M1 / M4 Ambidextrous Sling Adapter Front Sling Adapter: MAGPUL Rail Sling Attachment HWS: Aimpoint Micro T-1, 4 MOA NVC Red Dot Sight 11830 + Tango Down IO Aimpoint Micro Optic Cover - Tan Red Dot Scope Picatinny Rail Mount Short: LaRue LT661 (Short) QD Flashlight Tactical Rail-mount: M600C Scout Light M75 Mount A009295 w/UE07 Plug-in Tape Switch Laser Illuminator: LaserLyte Center of Mass Dual Mode Green Lens - Black Night Iron Sights: Meprolight Benelli Tru-Dot® Night Sight ML-34302 (Planet optics) Barrel Ported Extended Chokes: Benelli TruLock Tactical, Carlsons Breecher, and Briley Ported Chokes

If this is what you are experiencing, then it can occur with low recoil or some types of birdshot rounds. If you are able to shoot from the hip per your scenario with 00-buck then the M4 is operating properly. Just as with a pistol you can "limp-wrist" a FTF, then same thing can happen with a semi-auto shotgun - call it "limp-hip" FTF.

This is a good primer on Benelli M4 902r compliance: http://homedefenseweapons.net/947-benelli-m4-922r/

I have an Aimpoint Micro T1 on my M4 with a low mount LaRue quick detach (LT661 Short QD). Even with this low mount you will not be able to co-witness with iron sights; obviously you can easily see the front sight though the Aimpoint, but can't see to align with rear sight. However, the LaRue Quick Release easily detaches with use of one hand; therefore, if Aimpoint fails, then remove. If complete co-witnessing is your desire without an extra step detaching a malfunctioning red-dot, then use a Trijicon RMR style red dot.

Trulock Tactical Choke for Benelli. http://www.brownells.com/shotgun-parts/choke-tubes-accessories/choke-tubes/12ga-tactical-mobilchoke-choke-tube-prod72023.aspx

See this link: http://www.hornady.com/store/Superformance-Slugs

I have not found any round (slugs, buck, steel, 3" magnum, etc.) that did not function properly. Primarily use Hornady brand. I've mixed buck and slug in the same magazine tube with no problems. I do clean the M4 after every range or hunting event and follow the recommended lubrication noted in the M4 manual. Note: I did have some feed issues for the first 100 rds from the M4, but I consider that a '"break-in" period event. For the break-in event use 00Buck.

The law-abiding citizen follows and knows the rules [922r regulations, permits, ATF tax fees, background checks, SBR/SBS paperwork, federal firearms restrictions (i.e. gun free zones) etc.]. These same law-abiding citizens have to educate the police, lawyers and other citizens about their own rules. While educating, keep writing your Congressman and Senators about the over-regulated, out-of-control bureaucracy called the BATFE.

Made my M4 922 compliant after adding Carriercomp magazine extension just to avoid any BATFE issues. I have witnessed what the BATFE has done to FFLs and individuals that are not in compliance with all their regulations, and it is not a pretty sight. Write your Congressman and Senators about all the out-of-date and unnecessary BATFE regulations.

http://forums.benelliusa.com/showthread.php/31424-Meprolight-Tritium-Sight-Review?highlight=meprolight

Concur. When you clean the M4, visually check and run your finger over the areas for any protrusions that could empede the BCG.

See: http://forums.benelliusa.com/showthread.php/29901-KZ-Benelli-M4-Ambidextrous-Sling-Adapter-opinions-Or-other-options

Agree with TD-Max. Clean, Lube, Shoulder, and Buckshot loads. By the way, the Benelli manual recommends cleaning and lubing after unpacking before any shooting. Semi-auto loader firearms all have some break-in needed IMHO. Some just a few rounds and some much more. My thumb-rule is one magazine's worth of ammo should be enough for a "break-in firing sequence".

If your state will allow, use of a trust is the best way to go for NFA class III items (i.e. avoid all the CLEO and fingerprint requirements). I used a lawyer (experienced in NFA rules) to draft the trust, and as well, the trust can be used for any items by just adding to the list of items. I not only have my NFA Class III items listed on the trust but all my firearms. I'm in Virginia and the wait time for class III items (SBS, SBR, Machine Guns and Silencers) is >10 months. Wait times in 2009-2010 were around 4 months. Demand for class III items have signifcantly risen in the past 4 years and the BATFE has done nothing to speed up the process; in fact, they use additional excuses like: government furfoughs, government shutdown and reduced budgets for >10 month wait times. All these rules for SBS, SBR and Silencers are so antiquated (NFA 1934 Law) given today's technology. Only the government could make it harder and more expensive.

I use Improved Cylinder chokes wit TruLock Tactical, Calrsons Breecher and Briley Extended Ported chokes. I shoot rifled slugs (Reminton Slugger 1oz, primarily), and as well as, shot cheap and expensive ammo with no problems. No issue with low recoil ammo, after I had put about 100 rds through with 00Buck and slugs; that is, breaking-in the M4 in. I've mixed 00Buck/Slugs and 2 3/4" and 3" shells with no recycling issues. I have not or do I plan to shoot any sabots. As long as I feed the M4, it consistently shoots - exactly what you want in a versatile tactical/hunting/personal defense shotgun!

Additional info: http://forum.benelliusa.com/showthread.php/29073-m4-front-sight?highlight=sight+nut

Stupidity, Ignorance, and Untrained leads to Unsafe. Review this picture and list how many of the 5 basic firearms safety rules are being violated. [ATTACH=CONFIG]2056[/ATTACH]

If anyone is looking for a good book (primer) on 2nd Amendment to explain to the "uninformed" try this: http://www.palladiumpress.com/shop/10124~The+Second+Amendment+Primer.htm

FYI, Magpul is stating they will leave Colorado if any of the crazy gun laws being proposed are passed.

And follow-up with emails to your Congressional and State representatives. Here's mine: "Dear Congressman X and Senators Y and Z, In regard to current gun control discussions post Sandy Hook tragedy, there is a strong consensus that guns in the hands of criminals (including terrorists) and the mentally unstable is the problem in regard to mass shooting, home evasion, armed burglary, random shooting and many other firearm felonies. Taking away firearms from law-abiding citizens will not fix criminal activity and the mentally ill. If this concept was viable, then places like Chicago, Washington DC and Los Angeles would have the lowest gun-violence occurrences within the United States. If the Democrats get their anti-gun/anti-2nd amendment agenda through Congress, the universal human right to self-defense, the constitutional right to keep and bear arms, the inherent right of a sportsman to hunt, the right of free people to enjoy competitive marksmanship events, and the opportunity for hobby gun collecting will either be severely curtailed or eliminated. If you think I might be a little paranoid about elimination, then why do I hear politicians talking about “confiscating” firearms? Public figures are armed or have armed body guards. They need this protection because their current position makes them vulnerable. I agree that any position or situation that could place a person in harms way should have the means to effectively protect themselves. There are many examples of vulnerability scenarios; too many to list in this email. I will provide just one example to make my point. I’m a 30-yr veteran, well versed in firearms and self-defense; however, I am also a senior citizen with gray hair and all. The FBI says my senior citizen demographic is vulnerable to violent criminal activities due to the criminal’s perception we are weak and slow. I can’t afford armed body guards so I have to depend on self-defense while vulnerable and in harms way. If the Democrats eliminate or restrict my access to firearms (semi-auto, magazine capacity, etc), then why would public figures continue to have access to all types and capacities of firearms, including automatic weapons? There is a reason that security experts carry semi-auto weapons and large capacity magazines because they know how fire-fights with criminals/terrorist and the mentally unstable actually unfold. You don’t want parity in a fire-fight when your life is at stake, you want unfair advantage. The amount of misinformation being disseminated inadvertently or on purpose about firearms and the current firearm laws is alarming. The media is the worst offender on ignorance and politicians are the worst on distorted rhetoric; neither group interested in being educated. This misinformation is generated to promote fear. Fear will create emotional and illogical actions – universally known as coercive propaganda. Allowing legislative decision making (or worse, Presidential Executive Orders) based on propaganda reminds me of several horrific historical events in the 19th and 20th centuries. One additional point concerning the rhetoric about military type weapons not being what our founders had in mind with the 2nd Amendment. On 15 December 1797 (ratification of the Bill of Rights), the firearm most owned by citizens was the .75 caliber flintlock Brown Bess long rifle which was also used by the United States Army (formed in 1796). The Brown Bess, in its time, was the best firearm for self-defense, hunting, long-range precision shooting, marksmanship competition and an heirloom handed down to family members. Our founders knew that eventually government would try to restrict US Citizen’s rights through excessive or unwarranted taxation and regulation, effectually removing rights. We all have to remember our 2nd Amendment includes protection of citizens from governmental tyranny. To prevent tyrannical behavior, our founders wisely ratified the Bill of Rights stating these are the rights of the people not the rights of government. Thanks for your service to this great Country, Don"

Gun stores in Virginia (currently a gun-friendly state) are stuffed with people buying ARs, Pistols, Ammo and high-capacity magazines. "Out of Stock" is a common sign.

I'm using Aimpoint Micro T1 on a LaRue L661 Low Mount. Slugs and 00Buck rounds not effecting mount. The Micro T1 zero has very little drift after many rounds (~100 rds). Can't be exact on zero and number of rounds given I re-zero every range trip with the zero tweak usually very small.

I still find it SAD that there is even an organization like NRA (whether you like them or not) that has to "lobby" to maintain the 2nd Amendment of the Bill of Rights! The Bill of Rights were written with words that told the government that the following rights were the Peoples's Rights and not the Government's Rights. As XTrooper pointed out, the "climate" is not good for gun owners/2nd Amendment, and the math supports a bad trend. We are also seeing the current government playing around with the 1st and 4th Amendments (e.g. religion - contraception mandate; search & seizure - DOJ Patriot Act) and how many other areas of the Bill of Rights are being "modified" via DOJ and Presidential Executive Orders since the main-stream Press sees nothing, hears nothings and says nothing, anymore. We can only hope that the people wake up and stand by the Constitution. I'm concerned about the 'math' in that regards, as well. A neighbor asked me why are so many people in the past month running out and buying guns and ammo? My answer: They are afraid of ______ (you fill in the blank). To stay aligned with this forum's subject matter: I just passed 1000 rds on my Benelli M4 WITHOUT any malfuctions!

Meprolight Benelli Tru-Dot® Night Sights ML-34302 are currently on sale for $86 at OpticsPlanet. If you have purchased from OpticsPlanet in the past year, they should have sent you a $15 off coupon. Through 24 Dec they have free S&H. Tactically, I like the tritium night sights. In dim light they provide a good sighting reference. In very dark situations they provide your only sighting reference. Under various night lighting situations, I have turned on my Surefire weapon light (front of light is even with muzzle) and I can still see the green tritium dots, albeit not as bright. Guess I'm weird,also!...I like mine...

Evil exists. Evil has no moral standard. Evil takes advantage of the helpless. Evil is done by man with the guiding hand of the devil. Triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Just one good man with a conceal carry could have stopped evil.