Gas blowback isn't the issue, but exposing the pistons on a COMBAT shotgun to the elements and impacts doesn't seem like a very good idea to me. The pistons seem to be pretty sturdy, but it's basically what the entire operating system relys on afterall.
Not that my M4 has seen or ever will see any combat, but making them prone to impacts and unnecessary wear just seems like a bad idea.
Probably not a big deal for home defence or competition use, but for "field" applications such as LE or hunting, I think it's less than ideal.
Surely there's a reason why Benelli designed the OEM forend to cover the pistons too?
Since almost every aftermarket forend exposes the pistons in some way, I guess there's a possibility I'm just beeing silly and my criticism is completely unwarranted.
But I suspect the manufacturers are cutting corners to get them on the shelves as fast as possible. Just focusing on making it look cool, cause they know that sells. I mean some of the aftermarket forends are just plain lazy! Cool sure, but lazy nonetheless!
This might not be as big of a problem as I make it out to be, but I still think it's less than perfect. And that bothers me, cause it can be! This one sure is getting close though IMO!