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M4 (mostly specific) Upgrades


quad44

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Below is a list of manufacturers, their websites (so as to not show favoritism to a particular vendor; even though many do not sell direct) and a list of the products they produce. While this list is probably far from comprehensive, this should give a new owner a jumping off point to start "pimpin' out" their M4. Please add any vendors I missed.

 

Benelli M4 Accessories

 

Arredondo - http://www.arredondoaccessories.com/category.cfm?cid=1004,2008

(Tactical bolt release bar, tactical bolt handle)

 

Benelli ? http://www.benelliusa.com/

(Collapsible stock, +2 magazine extension)

BlackBore Chokes - http://blackborechokes.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=19&category_id=8&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=7

(many chokes including tactical)

Made in the USA

 

Briley - http://www.briley.com/brileybreachbuster.aspx

(Many chokes including tactical / breeching choke)

 

Brownells - http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=44592/sku/Benelli_Follower__Alum__Red__12_3__Ga_

(Aluminum / Stainless Steel follower (red or black finish))

Made in the USA

 

Brugger & Thomet - http://www.brugger-thomet.ch/en/manufacturing/handguards/shotgun.php?pid=359

(Aluminum four (4) picatinny rail hand guard)

 

Carlson?s Choke Tubes - http://www.choketube.com/mobilchoke.html

(Many chokes including tactical / breeching choke)

 

Carrier Comp - http://shop.carriercomp.com/category.sc?categoryId=4

(Titanium full length magazine tube (various finishes))

Made in the USA

 

CMM ? (can?t find manufacturer?s website)

(Bolt release pad)

 

Dave?s Metal Works - http://davesmetalworks.com/ben4.htm

(Oversized safety, +2 magazine extension, full length magazine tube, tactical bolt handle, speed bar (bolt release))

 

EGW (Evolution Gun Works) - http://egw-guns.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=39

(Aluminum picatinny rail (for scope mounting))

 

Fab Defense - http://www.fab-defense.com/en/weapon-benelli-m4.html

(Polymer four (4) picatinny rail hand guard)

 

Freedom Fighter Tactical - http://www.freedomfightertactical.com/products.php

(Titanium full length magazine tube (various finishes), +2 magazine extensions, tactical bolt handle)

Made in the USA

 

GG&G - http://www.gggaz.com/index.php?cat=63&parents=60

(Tactical bolt handle, tactical bolt release pad

 

KZ (Kley Zion / BoTach Tactical) - http://www.botachtactical.com/kzm4.html

(Aluminum four (4) picatinny rail hand guard, several bolt handles, +2 magazine extensions)

Made in the USA

 

Meprolight - http://www.meprolight.com/?catid={A1CC7186-A683-4876-99AA-1C0FE320AAC8}&itemid={ECA215F2-EB0E-4AFD-BB0D-428164F6C310}

(Tritium ghost ring night sights)

 

Mesa Tactical - http://www.mesatactical.com/

(Shot shell carrier / picatinny rail combo)

 

Nordic Components ? http://shop.nordiccomp.com/Shotgun_c4.htm

(Follower, +2 magazine extension, tactical bolt handle, tactical bolt release button)

 

SideArmor - http://www.sidearmor.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=46&zenid=1efnl9l6828osb862bnnivfqc6

(Aluminum up to three (3) picatinny rail / shot shell carrier (4 shells) combo)

 

Surefire - http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main.pl?pgm=co_disp&func=displ&strfnbr=6&prrfnbr=24259&sesent=0,0&search_id=2091368

(Aluminum three (3) picatinny rail hand guard)

 

TacStar - http://www.tacstar.com/

(+2 magazine extension, shot shell carrier)

 

Teague Precision Chokes - http://www.teagueprecisionchokesltd.co.uk/

(Various chokes)

 

Trulock Chokes - http://www.trulockchokes.com/cgi-bin/eShop/index.cgi?choke_info=yes&cart_id=2860355.55017

(Many chokes including tactical / breeching choke)

 

TSG (TacticalShotgunner) ? http://www.tacticalshotgunner.com/one-piece-replacement-tube-for-benelli-m1014-m11707-shotguns-p-196.html

(Full length magazine tube)

Made in the USA

 

Vang Comp Systems - https://vangcomp.com/gun_accessories.html

(Stainless Steel follower, Standoff device (breeching))

Made in the USA

 

Wolff Gun Springs - http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?page=items&cID=2&mID=10#470

(Magazine spring, recoil spring, hammer spring)

________

COACH PURSES

Edited by quad44
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Great Post. They should definitely make this a sticky, as well as some of the walk thru's Duggan and some of the other guys generously took the time to post on how to do some of those upgrades yourself. It definitely helped me. How do we make stickies?

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Great Post. They should definitely make this a sticky, as well as some of the walk thru's Duggan and some of the other guys generously took the time to post on how to do some of those upgrades yourself. It definitely helped me. How do we make stickies?

We don't, that is up to the administrators and moderators of the site.

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Below is a list of manufacturers, their websites (so as to not show favoritism to a particular vendor; even though many do not sell direct) and a list of the products they produce. While this list is probably far from comprehensive, this should give a new owner a jumping off point to start "pimpin' out" their M4. Please add any vendors I missed.

 

Benelli M4 Accessories

 

Arredondo - http://www.arredondoaccessories.com/category.cfm?cid=1004,2008

(Tactical bolt release bar, tactical bolt handle)

 

Benellihttp://www.benelliusa.com/

(Collapsible stock, +2 magazine extension)

 

Briley - http://www.briley.com/brileybreachbuster.aspx

(Many chokes including tactical / breeching choke)

 

Brownells - http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=44598/pid=20384/sku/Browning_A_5_Follower__Alum__Black__12_Ga_

(Aluminum / Stainless Steel follower (red or black finish))

Made in the USA

 

Brugger & Thomet - http://www.brugger-thomet.ch/en/manufacturing/handguards/shotgun.php?pid=359

(Aluminum four (4) picatinny rail hand guard)

 

Carlson’s Choke Tubes - http://www.choketube.com/mobilchoke.html

(Many chokes including tactical / breeching choke)

 

Carrier Comp - http://shop.carriercomp.com/category.sc?categoryId=4

(Titanium full length magazine tube (various finishes))

Made in the USA

 

CMM – (can’t find manufacturer’s website)

(Bolt release pad)

 

Dave’s Metal Works - http://davesmetalworks.com/ben4.htm

(Oversized safety, +2 magazine extension, full length magazine tube, tactical bolt handle, speed bar (bolt release))

 

EGW (Evolution Gun Works) - http://egw-guns.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=39

(Aluminum picatinny rail (for scope mounting))

 

Fab Defense - http://www.fab-defense.com/en/weapon-benelli-m4.html

(Polymer four (4) picatinny rail hand guard)

 

Freedom Fighter Tactical - http://www.freedomfightertactical.com/products.php

(Titanium full length magazine tube (various finishes), +2 magazine extensions, tactical bolt handle)

Made in the USA

 

GG&G - http://www.gggaz.com/index.php?cat=63&parents=60

(Tactical bolt handle, tactical bolt release pad

 

KZ (Kley Zion / BoTach Tactical) - http://www.botachtactical.com/kzm4.html

(Aluminum four (4) picatinny rail hand guard, several bolt handles, +2 magazine extensions)

Made in the USA

 

Meprolight - http://www.meprolight.com/?catid={A1CC7186-A683-4876-99AA-1C0FE320AAC8}&itemid={ECA215F2-EB0E-4AFD-BB0D-428164F6C310}

(Tritium ghost ring night sights)

 

Mesa Tactical - http://www.mesatactical.com/

(Shot shell carrier / picatinny rail combo)

 

Nordic Componentshttp://shop.nordiccomp.com/Shotgun_c4.htm

(Follower, +2 magazine extension, tactical bolt handle, tactical bolt release button)

 

SideArmor - http://www.sidearmor.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=46&zenid=1efnl9l6828osb862bnnivfqc6

(Aluminum up to three (3) picatinny rail / shot shell carrier (4 shells) combo)

 

Surefire - http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main.pl?pgm=co_disp&func=displ&strfnbr=6&prrfnbr=24259&sesent=0,0&search_id=2091368

(Aluminum three (3) picatinny rail hand guard)

 

TacStar - http://www.tacstar.com/

(+2 magazine extension, shot shell carrier)

 

Teague Precision Chokes - http://www.teagueprecisionchokesltd.co.uk/

(Various chokes)

 

Trulock Chokes - http://www.trulockchokes.com/cgi-bin/eShop/index.cgi?choke_info=yes&cart_id=2860355.55017

(Many chokes including tactical / breeching choke)

 

TSG (TacticalShotgunner)http://www.tacticalshotgunner.com/one-piece-replacement-tube-for-benelli-m1014-m11707-shotguns-p-196.html

(Full length magazine tube)

Made in the USA

 

Wolff Gun Springs - http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?page=items&cID=2&mID=10#470

(Magazine spring, recoil spring, hammer spring)

 

 

An awesome post, long, long overdue. Should be copied and pasted into every noob thread. Lot's of good info here. I was going to do this when I had time...glad you made it happen.

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Below is a list of manufacturers, their websites (so as to not show favoritism to a particular vendor; even though many do not sell direct))

 

OK.

 

Could someone knowlegable eliminate the ones who;

 

  • Won't sell direct
  • Sell Junk
  • Aren't US made

...or is this favoritism? As a "newb" what I DON'T want is to have to navigate these waters with a "cheat sheet" that makes accessorizing feel like "Pin the Tail on the Donkey".

 

This sticky might be a good idea for some people, but hopefully it won't smear every item specific inquiry people make.

 

I mostly visit to silently observe and read real reviews, rarely posting since I'm learning. It would suck to have it dumbed down to a list of things most people avoided at some point, and have to glean from that list what really impressed the masses long term.

Edited by BM4robbins
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Should be copied and pasted into every noob thread.

 

OK if a "noob" asks for a list then cool deal--- but why "every noob thread"? Arrrggghhh ?!?! Most of us want clarity in a sea of choices that brought us here.

Giving us a bibb made from that list is like climbing into a lifeboat full of ocean water.:(

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Below is a list of manufacturers, their websites (so as to not show favoritism to a particular vendor; even though many do not sell direct) and a list of the products they produce. While this list is probably far from comprehensive, this should give a new owner a jumping off point to start "pimpin' out" their M4. Please add any vendors I missed.

Benelli M4 Accessories

Arredondo - http://www.arredondoaccessories.com/category.cfm?cid=1004,2008

(Tactical bolt release bar, tactical bolt handle)

Good stuff, but mainly for M1/2 owners who 3-gun.

Benellihttp://www.benelliusa.com/

(Collapsible stock, +2 magazine extension)

Mesa Urbino will be better, cheaper, and the +2 mag extension is pointless when full-length tubes exist.

Briley - http://www.briley.com/brileybreachbuster.aspx

(Many chokes including tactical / breeching choke)

Highest quality chokes I have found.

Brownells - http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=44598/pid=20384/sku/Browning_A_5_Follower__Alum__Black__12_Ga_

(Aluminum / Stainless Steel follower (red or black finish))

Made in the USA

Get the aluminum one.

Brugger & Thomet - http://www.brugger-thomet.ch/en/manufacturing/handguards/shotgun.php?pid=359

(Aluminum four (4) picatinny rail hand guard)

I have no experience with this part.

 

Carlson’s Choke Tubes - http://www.choketube.com/mobilchoke.html

(Many chokes including tactical / breeching choke)

 

Good cheaper chokes.

 

Carrier Comp - http://shop.carriercomp.com/category.sc?categoryId=4

(Titanium full length magazine tube (various finishes))

Made in the USA

 

Excellent R&D/QA-QC, wait-times can be long (this is reportedly a thing of the past), responds directly to customer demand for specific products and can/does 1-off parts.

 

CMM – (can’t find manufacturer’s website)

(Bolt release pad)

 

CMM is now known as Tac2, www.tac2.com and they make 2 kinds of bolt-release pads, one flush-fit, and one where the bolt protrudes. Be sure to CALL AND SPECIFY AND DISCUSS WHAT YOU WANT!

Dave’s Metal Works - http://davesmetalworks.com/ben4.htm

(Oversized safety, +2 magazine extension, full length magazine tube, tactical bolt handle, speed bar (bolt release))

 

No Experience here

 

EGW (Evolution Gun Works) - http://egw-guns.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=39

(Aluminum picatinny rail (for scope mounting))

 

Kip's/Carrier Comp's will be better. EGW's offers NO improvement over OEM.

 

Fab Defense - http://www.fab-defense.com/en/weapon-benelli-m4.html

(Polymer four (4) picatinny rail hand guard)

 

No personal experience, have read they require some lovin' to get to fit correctly.

 

Freedom Fighter Tactical - http://www.freedomfightertactical.com/products.php

(Titanium full length magazine tube (various finishes), +2 magazine extensions, tactical bolt handle)

Made in the USA

 

Less R&D goes into products than Carrier Comp based on what I have seen from them, similar products with higher prices. Wait-time is virtually 'nil and ships with a T-shirt and other schwag. Avoid their steel stuff and buy only the Ti gear.

 

GG&G - http://www.gggaz.com/index.php?cat=63&parents=60

(Tactical bolt handle, tactical bolt release pad

 

Very good part,but can tear the side of your finger or skin on knuckle depending on how you rack the bolt. Will scratch reciever during normal usage.

 

KZ (Kley Zion / BoTach Tactical) - http://www.botachtactical.com/kzm4.html

(Aluminum four (4) picatinny rail hand guard, several bolt handles, +2 magazine extensions)

Made in the USA

 

No experience with their rail, but there are better tubes and bolt handles to be had. Pass.

 

Meprolight - http://www.meprolight.com/?catid={A1CC7186-A683-4876-99AA-1C0FE320AAC8}&itemid={ECA215F2-EB0E-4AFD-BB0D-428164F6C310}

(Tritium ghost ring night sights)

 

The only players in this game. Finding a 5.5 wrench is a PITA! Buy an extra nut from Brownell's as it is a nylon-locking 1-time use item. It rounds off easily.

Mesa Tactical - http://www.mesatactical.com/

(Shot shell carrier / picatinny rail combo)

 

The only product I want from them is the Urbino. Based on my interactions with them, if something goes wrong with their stuff--it's your fault, Benelli's fault, the wind/sky/moon's fault, because MESA doesn't make mistakes.

Part One (1)

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Part Two (2)

Nordic Componentshttp://shop.nordiccomp.com/Shotgun_c4.htm

(Follower, +2 magazine extension, tactical bolt handle, tactical bolt release button)

 

The button is supplied with a 3-36 screw. This is too large to drill and tap the OEM bolt-release for (yes, it can be done, but it's not a great idea). Pass. Also, better extensions/handles available. If you want a circular bolt-release, keep tuned for a thread of mine coming next week. It will detail how to achieve it.

 

SideArmor - http://www.sidearmor.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=46&zenid=1efnl9l6828osb862bnnivfqc6

(Aluminum up to three (3) picatinny rail / shot shell carrier (4 shells) combo)

 

Oink Oink. It looks rather heavy and mall-ninja.

 

Surefire - http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main.pl?pgm=co_disp&func=displ&strfnbr=6&prrfnbr=24259&sesent=0,0&search_id=2091368

(Aluminum three (3) picatinny rail hand guard)

 

I have heard mixed reviews about piston-interferance.

 

TacStar - http://www.tacstar.com/

(+2 magazine extension, shot shell carrier)

 

I guess, but there are better options.

 

Teague Precision Chokes - http://www.teagueprecisionchokesltd.co.uk/

(Various chokes)

 

Good luck getting them in the US. I got one in MOD constriction, and it was MURDER! to get. It patterns with buck/slug about the same as conventional MOD chokes I have tried.

 

Trulock Chokes - http://www.trulockchokes.com/cgi-bin/eShop/index.cgi?choke_info=yes&cart_id=2860355.55017

(Many chokes including tactical / breeching choke)

 

George Trulock is a pleasure to speak and do business with. His chokes perform just as well as Briley's, but the fit/finish doesn't QUITE equal them in my experience.

 

TSG (TacticalShotgunner)http://www.tacticalshotgunner.com/one-piece-replacement-tube-for-benelli-m1014-m11707-shotguns-p-196.html

(Full length magazine tube)

Made in the USA

 

I have dealt with these people before and they are EXCELLENT! However, I feel there are better mag-tubes on the market from Carrier Comp and FFT.

 

 

Vang Comp Systems - https://vangcomp.com/gun_accessories.html

(Stainless Steel follower, Standoff device (breeching))

Made in the USA

 

SS followers add unnecesary weight and corrosion liability. Stick with Aluminum. How many doors have you breeched lately?

 

Wolff Gun Springs - http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?page=items&cID=2&mID=10#470

(Magazine spring, recoil spring, hammer spring)

Kip did the leg-work for you and had custom springs made and you can buy springs from him for your 7-shot mag-tube.

 

 

There, all the BS, murkiness, and ambiguity removed and replaced with my indisputable opinion.

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OK.

 

Could someone knowlegable eliminate the ones who;

 

  • Won't sell direct
  • Sell Junk
  • Aren't US made

...or is this favoritism? As a "newb" what I DON'T want is to have to navigate these waters with a "cheat sheet" that makes accessorizing feel like "Pin the Tail on the Donkey".

 

This sticky might be a good idea for some people, but hopefully it won't smear every item specific inquiry people make.

 

I mostly visit to silently observe and read real reviews, rarely posting since I'm learning. It would suck to have it dumbed down to a list of things most people avoided at some point, and have to glean from that list what really impressed the masses long term.

 

I don't think that such a sticky can exist. If you have "silently observed" this forum, you realize that there is no definitive choice for a particular component. There are plenty of personal opinions and experiences, but no unanimous agreement re: what is the "best" (e.g. the forum is filled with debate over extension vs. full length magazine tubes; what bolt release is the best, what bolt handle is the best, etc).

 

My intent was to compile a list of all manufacturers in one thread so that those who have a mind of their own, can research an item and temper that with real life experience from here in the forum and other boards.

 

I do think adding whether the part was made in the USA is a good idea for those that obsess about big brother kicking down the door for 922r compliance checks.:D

 

In short, if this thread can be improved using any other objective information (other manufacturers, product overlooked for existing manufacturers, manufacturers not listed correctly as "Made in USA", etc.), I will edit post #1 in an effort to keep the thread relevant over time.

________

Arizona Medical Marijuana Dispensary

Edited by quad44
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