CobraBG

Thanks Milspec... the old post has a link that didn't take me to anything much, but truckcop posted some good detail about the 2 letter code on the bottom of the receiver. It seems to point to the year it was made. I'm going to check my M4 and my M1 S90 which I bought in the 90's. I'd like to get a more detailed date on both so I will go ahead and call Benelli as well.

Can the manufacture date be deciphered by the serial number without placing a call to Benelli? I guess if you called they would be able to tell you. As I asked above is there a simpler notation or code on the box that identifies it?

My 11721 came with the 3 position stock and the factory 7 round mag tube. I bought it new in November of 2019 and I'm not sure when it was made. Is there something on the box that indicates the manufacture date like Sig or Marlin? I still have the box.

Well said!!

That's a good idea. Another thought would be to put an O-ring on before the cap. By compressing the O-ring it would create tension which might help keep the cap tight? Buna O-rings are only good up to 180-200 F you might want to try Viton which is good to 400. It's just a thought?

I guess you decided to buy the H2O? You must have gotten a price you liked and it looks like you passed on the optic. Looks nice, two are better than one! ?

So the used H2O with the NP3 finish on Gun Broker sold for $4469 ? That seems crazy. To the OP KyleL - What did you decide to do about the one with cerakote that you were looking at?

Sounds like you picked a good model. At least you won't be chasing parts like the extended mag tube and 3 position collapsible stock to make it right. It will be worth waiting for. I have the same 11721 and was lucky to find a new one for a good price in stock on Gun Broker last November. I've added a Scalarworks SYNC mount with a Trijicon RMR, an IWC front light/sling QD mount with a Surefire M300C (500 lumens) and the IWC bolt on rear QD mount with a Blue Force Gear Vickers sling. I also added a GG&G charging handle and bolt release and a set of Wolff mag springs and trigger pack springs from FFT. I really can't think of anything else I would add... maybe a set of night sights?

Out of my league... Some people have more money than sense or at least more money than me. As always the buyer determines the price something is worth. I should be listing some of my firearms that I have been thinking of selling. With all this crazy panic buying now would be the time. ?

That's a good tip!

I would suggest no more than $1600-1700 and I wouldn't want the optic. If it's what you really want then it might make sense. Is it somewhere that you can actually look at it?

I also have found it hard to find local inventory to "test out" before making a decision. Stranger makes a good point on the dot size. The RMR is available with a 1.0, 3.25 and a 6.5 moa size dot. I have the 3.25 and find it is perfect for my needs. It's easy to pick up quickly and it isn't so big that it compromises accuracy. I know some have preferred the 6.5 for quicker target acquisition. It really is just personal preference based on your intended usage. Good luck with your choice.

Now that's a great question!! ?

When I replaced the M4 factory rail with the Scalarworks for my RMR the factory screws came out easily. Just make sure to use the correct size hollow ground screwdriver to avoid stripping the screw heads.

I have no idea if they are open daily for business but you could always give them a call. My 11721 has been great! Sorry, didn't mean to post the image twice...

I had ordered their belt and a holster. It was taking so long I forgot about it. When they contacted me to let me know it was ready I had already gotten something else and canceled it with no problem. It wasn't a firearm. If they can get you the M4 you want at a good price I would encourage you to be patient. It will be worth waiting for.

I have used them for years with no issue. They were even very understanding once when I cancelled a back order. Buy with confidence.

Is it too late to change your order?

Buying online shouldn't be a problem. Mine came off Gunbroker from an FFL in Illinois and shipped to my favorite LGS in PA. He unpacked and checked it in while I was there. It was exactly as advertised, factory packaged waiting to be assembled. If your concerned that your LGS will be showing it to people your using the wrong LGS. Get the tracking number, track it and contact the LGS when it has arrived telling them you are on your way.

I've used Tooltech before for installing factory Trijicon sights on the slides for some 1911 handguns and they did good work, were quick and easy to deal with.

I picked the RMR because it seems a little lower profile and is supposed to be more robust, plus I have one on my Sig MPX Copperhead K 4.5 and really like it with the 3.25 dot.

I would also suggest that you keep it. Being a M4 it will only increase in value. You may not be able to replace it for the price you paid. If you need (vs. want) to sell it either take a beating selling it to a local gun store, find a friend who is willing to pay a good price or post it on site like Gunbroker. You may be able to get what you paid if not even more based on the current market. I've sold on Gunbroker and always ship and transfer through my local FFL. They charge me $50 to do the transfer and cover shipping to another FFL for the buyer. This way it's legal and the transfer of the serial number is properly recorded (proof you no longer own it and it was legally sold). I would encourage dealing with any sales/transfers through an FFL whether it's a private sale or sold online. Again... it's a M4... don't sell it!!

I will agree that training is very important. Both you and your wife should pursue that. The M4 is an excellent choice for a home defense shotgun. It's probably a better choice than a pump because of inexperienced people short stroking the pump action and not feeding the next round in a rush. A semi auto would be more reliable when shooting quickly. As Stranger and Nails have said. Consider a handgun as well. The M4 is only good if you have it with you which is not very likely all the time as you move around your property. A handgun is easier to be carried always. There are many small 9mm semi autos to choose from. Spend time at a range where they also sell and you can try different models with your wife. Select what feels right and seems intuitive to shoot. I would suggest looking at the Sig P365 MS (manual safety) which is small and easy to carry around,. Another good choice is the Glock 19, though it's larger. It just depends on what you like and what she likes. Regardless of what you decide, training and understanding Situational Awareness (like Don said) is very important. You do not want a weapon to become a liability instead of an asset.

That's nice. I like the bronze with the black.

What not to do is just as important as good advice, in fact it is good advice.