SnidelyWhiplash

I’m not really a James Reeves fan. He’s likely a decent fella but there’s something about his personality and excessive use of foul language that I don’t care for. I have no idea why I watched the attached TFB TV YouTube video but I was pleasantly surprised that it featured Rob Haught and his “Push-Pull Shotgun Technique”. I had heard of this shooting technique before but never saw an example or explanation of it. After watching this video I went through a sleeve of slugs in my M4 and, although it took a while to get used to the technique, once it “clicked” I’ll be darned if it didn't make my follow-up shot’s and transitions noticeable faster. I’m not recoil sensitive but it did help lessen recoil significantly as well.

I run my M4 Entry with the Scalarworks Sync Aimpoint T2 optic package. That allows me to run the c-stock in the middle position so it saves me more than just the 4 inches from the shorter barrel. It “feels” significantly shorter than the standard M4 and like @rubicon20032003 said it balances really well so target transitions are much easier and faster. The lower capacity (6 rounds) isn’t a concern for my particular situation but you’ll have to decide if it is for you. I paid “pandemic panic pricing” for mine and still don’t regret it at all. I have two 11715 M4’s, a LTT Beretta 1301 (huge mistake), a Remington 870 Express (Tactical) that I’ve relied on for 30+ years, and the M4 Entry is, by far, my favorite shotgun. It’s the last shotgun I would ever sell. As an aside, and you might well know more than I do when it comes to Gunbroker, but I’m reluctant to trust auctions with stock photos. You could get a blue receiver M4 or worse ……

Have you tried inserting the barrel without the gas pistons installed? Perhaps that would help you locate what part of the barrel assembly is the problem. My M4 barrels all fit snug the last millimeter or two inserted into the receiver but not a “something metal is in the way” kinda snug. While inserting the barrel tang into the receiver I’m usually slightly twisting, jiggling, and firmly pushing the barrel towards the receiver; it sounds like you are doing the same. I just recently picked up my M4 Entry model that had been awaiting ATF Form 4 approval for one year and one week. I purchased it new from a high-volume Benelli dealer so I’m guessing it was manufactured about 16 months ago +/- . This newer M4 Entry is significantly tighter in fit and finish than my other M4’s (also purchased new). None of my M4’s are loose but this M4 Entry doesn’t go together nearly as easily. Maybe a couple of range trips with slugs will help this shotgun adjust and get broken in.

I mean no disrespect with my comments but I really don’t understand your thinking. You think there’s a problem and Benelli customer service is willing to look at your shotgun and make sure it’s right but you’re reluctant to let them. To me, it sounds exactly the opposite of Benelli being unhelpful, it sounds like they are making a legitimate effort to be very helpful. If it were me I’d let Benelli look at it and use one of your other five or six shotguns during the turnaround time. I have three M4’s and none of mine have a charging handle as loose as you are describing.

I want to give the Vang Comp cards a try. Where / what Velcro are you running on the receiver?

Here’s a discussion you’ll probably find interesting / informative. https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?49457-Federal-Flight-Control

I’ve had the best experience with a cylinder bore choke on all of my M4’s. Anything tighter interferes with the FliteControl wad.

The gap has always bothered my OCD and I’ve adjusted and readjusted to eliminate it or, on one M4, minimize it as much as possible. I’m with you, I’m not sure I’m comfortable with only 10 inch pounds even with loctite.

Why is that I wonder? I’ve felt like the 1301 has also been pushed pretty heavy via YouTube for the past six months which strikes me as kinda odd as they’ve been unobtainium ( ? ) for quite a while. @12508, Been thinking about your 1301 and the issues you’ve experienced. Any change since you last posted?

OK. I feel for you having to go through all of this but, as you said, given the way things are in the world today that’s a pretty fair resolution.

You have to send your shotgun back and wait 6-8 months for its return or you can keep the shotgun / black barrel and they will send you the new barrel in 6-8 months?

I should note that in my 18.5” barrel M4’s I run a cylinder choke. Anything tighter interferes with the versatite (and FliteControl) wads.

I keep a pretty healthy inventory of the following: Brenneke Special Forces Maximum Barrier Penetration Magnums - I bought a healthy supply of these slugs before the panic and these are my SHTF / Grizzly defense / EOTWAWKI go-to slugs. Hornady Critical Defense Buckshot 8 pellets w/Versatite (1600 fps) - I like the 1600 fps for great penetration and the versatite wad (similar to Federal’s FliteControl) and the 8 pellet load limits the possibility of a flier. The only downside are the lead pellets; I really wish they were plated to reduce the possibility of deformation. PB127 DPRS Federal Vital-Shok 1 oz Deep Penetrator TruBall Hollow Point Rifled Slug (1350 fps) or LEB127DPRS Federal LE Tactical TruBall Deep Penetrator Rifled Slug - These are identical loads so I buy either one and are the standard slugs I use for general purpose and practice. My M4’s are reasonably accurate with these and they hit hard. I’d feel comfortable using these in any situation. LE13300 Federal LE Tactical Buckshot 8 Pellets w/FliteControl (1145 fps) - at my condo I keep my old Remington 870 loaded with these. Very tight pattern and the low fps limits penetration worries with regard to my neighbors. I’ve never had the opportunity to try these in my M4’s.

Then I apologize for misreading your message and misconstruing your intent. In the classes you’ve participated in what has been the ratio of M4 / 1301 / Other type shotguns and has there been any notable or reported common issues?

Interesting. Who is adopting the 1301?

I stand by my opinion, as posted elsewhere on this forum, that the M4 is a markedly better built combat grade weapon, while the 1301T is “a hunting gun converted to a tactical model by the addition of black furniture”. The lightness of the 1301 models is due to the use of lower quality plastic parts than are on my M4 and don’t create a level of comfort for me that warrant the cost savings. I bought my M4’s because I’m willing to pay the price for the most durable combat grade weapon available for my needs (home defense, duty work, truck gun, etc). I couldn’t care less about the M4’s ability to shoot “light loads”; My M4 will only see buckshot and slugs that it was designed for and which it handles flawlessly. I know I sound like a broken record but another user posted a quote from the owner of Battlefield Vegas : “If I could only ever own just one shotgun in my life, it would be the Benelli M4.” That convinced me. I’m glad your 1301’s have been reliable for you and that you’re happy with them. I’m just not willing, and don’t need, to drop down in price / quality / reliability / durability for my shotguns and the roles they fill. PS - The more I read your message the more it comes across as a kinda pompous reply. Perhaps I’m misreading it or missing your true intent? I’m willing to listen if you have a legitimate argument and reason (other than “It’s lighter”) as to the superiority of the 1301 over the M4.

My Entry check was cashed on May 30th, 2021 but I’m hoping for a bit of luck…. The Reddit/NFA stamp approval tracking mega-thread is showing a fair amount of batch approvals, possibly ATF’s attempt to clear out the Form 4 backlog given the introduction of Eform 4’s, and I have a suppressor with a check cash date of 3/25/01. Here’s hoping we both get to pickup our shotguns by the end of the month or thereabouts!

Someone got a great deal, that was pre-panic level pricing. I have an M4 Entry in NFA jail now that should be out (hopefully) soon or I don’t think I could have resisted that deal. Part of the problem too is that these shotguns are so reliable and durable I don’t think multiples and backups are as necessary as they are for other firearm types. Battlefield Vegas Owner “If I could only own one shotgun for the rest of my life, it would be the Benelli M4.”

I don’t want to rain on the 1301 parade but I’m still not convinced the 1301 holds a candle to the M4. Did anyone else pickup on the failure to eject in the video at 16:06 ?

Wow. That’s really a good price. Cheaper than I paid for mine. I don’t need another one ….. I don’t need another one ….. I don’t need another one ….. I don’t need another one …..

Disregard. I’m not sure how the lanyard ring is supposed to be removed, but mine were permanently removed with the side cutter of needle nose pliers.

I received my tail cap order very quickly as well. I can’t figure out how to remove the lanyard ring. Do either of you know?

CobraBG, I agree with you completely. The IWC setup is perfect for me but I never gave a thought to the fact that some may prefer a pressure switch. Just never occurred to me. The stock handguard is certainly not ideal for pressure switch mounting.

OK, I certainly understand (and agree with) the “cool factor”. Better ergonomics is just icing on the cake. ?

What is the benefit with these type of handguards? Is it just for better positioning of a light? I use the IWC light / sling mount on my M4’s and like that setup. I can’t think of what additional accessories anyone would put on a shotgun handguard other than a light / sling. Or maybe it’s just for looks? All of the above? ?