Kitting up a M4/I have questions and looking for suggestions

[PaseMaker]

Hi everyone,

I’m about to buy a new stock Benelli M4. I want to increase the magazine tube capacity from 5 to 7 and I was wondering if there are any reasons why I should replace the whole tube with a 7 round over just adding the 2 round mag extension. I of course plan on replacing the spring too. Other things I’m looking at are:

larger charging handle

oversized bolt release 

ghost ring sights

red dot/Thinking Eotech

7 round mag tube or extension 

Surefire weapon light

collapsable stock, I’m thinking this: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1026463817?pid=592525 (does anyone know if this fits?)

M-lok handguard, I’m think this: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1025591475?pid=971349

Please provide feedback and suggestions on items I’m considering as well as alternative suggestions to all items I’m looking to add. I’m also looking to keep weight down as much as possible and I’m concerned I’m adding too much, so please provide thoughts on that also.

Thank you so much!

Steve

[Sukhoi_fan]

If it's a Benelli two round extension that doesn't help your USA parts count. If a made in USA two round extension those are generally crap and are only +1 from my experience (on a M4 I bought used). On the lower end of made in USA mag tubes is a Dave's Metal Works full length mag.. There's also a forum member that offers a fine quality made in USA tube however I don't recall his username atm.

[xblax619]

many of these upgrades are user preference. if u do a search here you’ll find a ton of threads regarding this very subject, many with pics. don’t want to rehash it all. good luck with your choice. 

on a sidenote: that stock is fairly new (at least to me) so haven’t heard of any feedback regarding it. 

[John Doe]

5 hours ago, PaseMaker said:

larger charging handle

https://www.gggaz.com/benelli-m4-tactical-charging-handle.html

https://freedomfightertactical.com/collections/most-popular-benelli-m4-upgrades/products/the-freedom-fighter-tactical-half-inch-diameter-steel-tactical-charging-handle-for-benelli-m4-shotgun

5 hours ago, PaseMaker said:

oversized bolt release 

https://www.gggaz.com/benelli-m4-tactical-bolt-release-pad.html

https://freedomfightertactical.com/collections/most-popular-benelli-m4-upgrades/products/the-fft-oversized-bolt-release-button

5 hours ago, PaseMaker said:

 

ghost ring sights

My M4 came with ghost ring sights, so not sure what you mean by these, but I did change out the front sight with Blitzkrieg Componets front sight.

https://www.blitzkriegcomponents.com/benelli-beretta-chevron-front-sight--short--lumi-green-tritium-dot.html

7 hours ago, PaseMaker said:

red dot/Thinking Eotech

I don't have an optic on mine and I am still going back and forth if I am going to get one, but if I did I would go to scalar works website and get one of their setups or just put an EO Tech like you mentioned because those things are just tanks and I love my EO Tech on my rifle. 

https://scalarworks.com/shop/integral-mounts/sync-01/

7 hours ago, PaseMaker said:

7 round mag tube or extension 

I have a Carrier Comp full-length mag tube and I could'nt recommend them enough. Their customer service is A+++ and the product is a 10/10. I personally do not like the 2 round extension but that's just my thoughts others may like them.

8 hours ago, PaseMaker said:

collapsable stock, I’m thinking this: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1026463817?pid=592525 (does anyone know if this fits?)

Oh the infamous Black River products. Yeah, I have tried emailing them multiple times and have never received a response from them and I have yet to find a review of anyone putting one on their legit Benelli M4. They are a Turkish manufacturing company so to say and they put them on their faknellis so I would not spend the money personally on it, but if you do and it works out please let us know.

8 hours ago, PaseMaker said:

M-lok handguard

I see a lot of people who like the midwest handguards and I have heard of some that dont. I have the 13" Briley hand guard and absolutley love it and would fully recommend it to anyone wanting a new handguard on their M4. 

 https://www.briley.com/p-63643-briley-3gun-m-lok-handguard-benelli-m4.aspx

 

Hope this info helps out and points you in the right direction. Things to put on your shotgun are very subjective to the individual and some may like certain items and some will not so it will be up to you to do as much research as you can to find what you need and want. Let us know what you end up going with and please share some pics I would love to see them.

[CEBEP]

I would suggest to keep an eye on weight. M4 is no light shotgun out of the box and more you put on the heavier it gets. The heavier it is the more difficult it would be to manipulate and carry if you have to. My modifications were towards making it lighter.  I would definitely suggest to get a shotgun first before ordering anything else and see how it feels like in your hands “stock”. If you put all this on, you may end up with about 4-4.5kgs empty. Put 7 slugs to the tube along with a sling and you will definitely feel it.

While always a preference, Eotechs are heavy and bulky. I’d recommend going lighter, optic mount something like Scalar works which replaces the rail and a red dot of your choice, RMR or Micro mount. I have Aimpoint H-2 and Vortex Sparc Solar on both of my shotguns. Very happy with them. Using optic mount will also put your red dot closer to the receiver so it will cowitness with your iron sights and allow to maintain cheek weld to the stock.

 

Edited July 26 by CEBEP

[Kahamu]

On 7/25/2024 at 8:05 PM, Sukhoi_fan said:

If it's a Benelli two round extension that doesn't help your USA parts count. If a made in USA two round extension those are generally crap and are only +1 from my experience (on a M4 I bought used). On the lower end of made in USA mag tubes is a Dave's Metal Works full length mag.. There's also a forum member that offers a fine quality made in USA tube however I don't recall his username atm.

Are we really still worried about 922r? 922r is about importation; you only have to worry about it if you're importing firearms. It means nothing to the individual user, and has there ever been any persecution, or even an attempt to prosecute, an individual for non-compliant 922r firearms they own?

It seems this 922r crap is championed by companies like FFT, who have built their entire business model on how you should be 922r compliant and purchase from them.

[Copo9560]

If you have not yet purchased, look up the model 11710 on Gunbroker, I picked one of these up earlier this year and it comes 7+1 from the factory.  No LEO letter needed.

[PaseMaker]

Thanks. I’ll check iy out

[Jditter1]

On 8/12/2024 at 9:49 PM, Copo9560 said:

If you have not yet purchased, look up the model 11710 on Gunbroker, I picked one of these up earlier this year and it comes 7+1 from the factory.  No LEO letter needed.

I am new to this forum.  I agree.  I just picked up my first Shotgun.  M-4

[Jditter1]

On 7/25/2024 at 10:21 PM, John Doe said:

https://www.gggaz.com/benelli-m4-tactical-charging-handle.html

https://freedomfightertactical.com/collections/most-popular-benelli-m4-upgrades/products/the-freedom-fighter-tactical-half-inch-diameter-steel-tactical-charging-handle-for-benelli-m4-shotgun

https://www.gggaz.com/benelli-m4-tactical-bolt-release-pad.html

https://freedomfightertactical.com/collections/most-popular-benelli-m4-upgrades/products/the-fft-oversized-bolt-release-button

My M4 came with ghost ring sights, so not sure what you mean by these, but I did change out the front sight with Blitzkrieg Componets front sight.

https://www.blitzkriegcomponents.com/benelli-beretta-chevron-front-sight--short--lumi-green-tritium-dot.html

I don't have an optic on mine and I am still going back and forth if I am going to get one, but if I did I would go to scalar works website and get one of their setups or just put an EO Tech like you mentioned because those things are just tanks and I love my EO Tech on my rifle. 

https://scalarworks.com/shop/integral-mounts/sync-01/

I have a Carrier Comp full-length mag tube and I could'nt recommend them enough. Their customer service is A+++ and the product is a 10/10. I personally do not like the 2 round extension but that's just my thoughts others may like them.

Oh the infamous Black River products. Yeah, I have tried emailing them multiple times and have never received a response from them and I have yet to find a review of anyone putting one on their legit Benelli M4. They are a Turkish manufacturing company so to say and they put them on their faknellis so I would not spend the money personally on it, but if you do and it works out please let us know.

I see a lot of people who like the midwest handguards and I have heard of some that dont. I have the 13" Briley hand guard and absolutley love it and would fully recommend it to anyone wanting a new handguard on their M4. 

 https://www.briley.com/p-63643-briley-3gun-m-lok-handguard-benelli-m4.aspx

 

Hope this info helps out and points you in the right direction. Things to put on your shotgun are very subjective to the individual and some may like certain items and some will not so it will be up to you to do as much research as you can to find what you need and want. Let us know what you end up going with and please share some pics I would love to see them.

Thanks for these links!!! ❤️ Mine came almost as decked out as I want for now.  I do like the bolt release upgrade and likely will get a  2 point sling.  Any suggestions?

[John Doe]

6 hours ago, Jditter1 said:

Thanks for these links!!! ❤️ Mine came almost as decked out as I want for now.  I do like the bolt release upgrade and likely will get a  2 point sling.  Any suggestions?

Well first off, welcome to the Benelli forums!!!! I hope you enjoy your time here and learn as much as I have from all the great guys on here. I'm glad the list of companies has helped you, I am currently working on something that will be a type of FAQ so new people can reference when finding parts and companies for the Benelli shotguns, still needs more work and want to clear it with the other mods first. 

As far as two point slings go, there are a couple threads of guys posting all their recommendations if you want to see more, just look it up in the search. My personal favorite for the shotgun is the Larry Vickers Blue Force Gear non padded. That is my personal choice and what I train with and I love it. Others will have their favorites. My suggestion is if you can go down to the store and check them all out and see what you like the most. Hope this info helps!

[Copo9560]

I purchased a Magpul MS1 Lite, the standard was too wide to fit stock end.  The Lite was a disappointing compared to the original MS1 I have on other platforms.  It is an easy install though.

[mr2jeff]

on this topic, what are your guy's light recommendations, I prefer the new surefire turbos, but I am pretty sure they lack a scout direct mount, its a mlok or pic rail setup, I am likely going IWC or the remake for sling and scout light mount, I know it has a pic rail attachment for that mount, but I dont know how tight it will be setup like that, I will be wanting it left side setup with push button no pressure pad

[John Doe]

2 hours ago, mr2jeff said:

on this topic, what are your guy's light recommendations, I prefer the new surefire turbos, but I am pretty sure they lack a scout direct mount, its a mlok or pic rail setup, I am likely going IWC or the remake for sling and scout light mount, I know it has a pic rail attachment for that mount, but I dont know how tight it will be setup like that, I will be wanting it left side setup with push button no pressure pad

I use the Scout Turbo on my BM4 and I love it. It does have the ability to mount on either pic or mlok. It has a little swivel piece attached to the body and you can change them out. The pieces are provided with the light. I think Surefire has stepped up and are making awesome lights in their Turbo models.

[CEBEP]

On 8/31/2024 at 1:29 AM, mr2jeff said:

on this topic, what are your guy's light recommendations, I prefer the new surefire turbos, but I am pretty sure they lack a scout direct mount, its a mlok or pic rail setup, I am likely going IWC or the remake for sling and scout light mount, I know it has a pic rail attachment for that mount, but I dont know how tight it will be setup like that, I will be wanting it left side setup with push button no pressure pad

If you don’t want to pay triple the price check Olight Odin Mini. It’s small, light, has Scout mount and already comes with magnetic quick release pad switch if you’d want to use it.

[PaseMaker]

Olight is known for high failure rates during hard use. Don't skimp on costs for a potential life-saving accessory.  If you are that guy, I have some budget tourniquets in the trunk of my car I can sell you.

[mr2jeff]

yea to each his own, but I prefer Surefire and after that Modlite, Cloud Defensive and Streamlight for my budget

[PaseMaker]

I prefer Surefire Scout lights also

[CEBEP]

17 hours ago, PaseMaker said:

Olight is known for high failure rates during hard use. Don't skimp on costs for a potential life-saving accessory.  If you are that guy, I have some budget tourniquets in the trunk of my car I can sell you.

I tried Odin Mini on my M4 shooting about 100 rounds - no issues. I’d absolutely trust my life to this flashlight. 

Olight had some quality issues before, but I don’t remember hearing about high failure rates with Odin Mini model I refereed to. If I’m wrong could you share the sources of high failures?

[CEBEP]

Here is a flashlights torture test video for various models including Surefire, Modlight, Streamlight, Olight and few more. 

[PaseMaker]

5 hours ago, CEBEP said:

I tried Odin Mini on my M4 shooting about 100 rounds - no issues. I’d absolutely trust my life to this flashlight. 

Olight had some quality issues before, but I don’t remember hearing about high failure rates with Odin Mini model I refereed to. If I’m wrong could you share the sources of high failures?

Respectfully 100 rounds is not hard use and doesn’t come close to laying a track record of reliability like Surefire has. Try taking a 2-3 day low light shotgun course with it and then tell me if it holds up. Maybe it will and maybe they have worked out their issues, but I’m not comfortable with one when I might need to defend myself with.

[CEBEP]

5 hours ago, PaseMaker said:

Respectfully 100 rounds is not hard use and doesn’t come close to laying a track record of reliability like Surefire has. Try taking a 2-3 day low light shotgun course with it and then tell me if it holds up. Maybe it will and maybe they have worked out their issues, but I’m not comfortable with one when I might need to defend myself with.

I think it’s subjective. For you the reference maybe a flashlight surviving a 3 days low light shotgun course to understand if the flashlight is solid. But if we will subject a Surefire flashlight to 100k consecutive shots it would most probably fail. Would it make it unreliable?
 

Anything will fail at some point and I think the best balance of durability and value for me is just not Surefire. I have old defender model which carried with me for self defense mainly and hardly ever used it as flashlight. It died on my for no reason. I’m not saying it’s you, but when some people say “I wouldn’t trust my life to that flashlight but will to Suredire” it is a little over the top for me. I think there is a much greater chance that your life will depend on another 100 factors like bad aim, or a sling catching the door handle, you freezing and not taking a shot, short stroke of a pump for the follow up shot if you missed, ammo issue or even dead batteries in your Surefire flashlight that you forgot to change then a flashlight being unreliable as your cause of death. If that would be the case there would be 5 backup flashlights on every shotgun. 
 

Personally I’m not attached to brands and think that certain models of different brands may suit one shotgun or another better. I have Olight on my M4, Streamlight on KS7 and Klarus on my Remi 870. I carefully checked reviews on all 3 models before committing to buying them. Happy with all 3 so far. 

Edited September 3 by CEBEP

[PaseMaker]

4 hours ago, CEBEP said:

I think it’s subjective. For you the reference maybe a flashlight surviving a 3 days low light shotgun course to understand if the flashlight is solid. But if we will subject a Surefire flashlight to 100k consecutive shots it would most probably fail. Would it make it unreliable?
 

Anything will fail at some point and I think the best balance of durability and value for me is just not Surefire. I have old defender model which carried with me for self defense mainly and hardly ever used it as flashlight. It died on my for no reason. I’m not saying it’s you, but when some people say “I wouldn’t trust my life to that flashlight but will to Suredire” it is a little over the top for me. I think there is a much greater chance that your life will depend on another 100 factors like bad aim, or a sling catching the door handle, you freezing and not taking a shot, short stroke of a pump for the follow up shot if you missed, ammo issue or even dead batteries in your Surefire flashlight that you forgot to change then a flashlight being unreliable as your cause of death. If that would be the case there would be 5 backup flashlights on every shotgun. 
 

Personally I’m not attached to brands and think that certain models of different brands may suit one shotgun or another better. I have Olight on my M4, Streamlight on KS7 and Klarus on my Remi 870. I carefully checked reviews on all 3 models before committing to buying them. Happy with all 3 so far. 

What are you basing your statement on regarding a Surefire light failing if a hundred consecutive shots were fired? Have you ever owned a Surefire or used one? I think the various branches of military operators running Surefires for decades has proven reliable beyond anything Olight can claim and there is nothing subjective about decades of use by the special operations community. Sure, every electronic device is capable of failure, but there’s a big difference between capable of failing and having a track record of failing. Like I said, maybe Olight has ironed out their reliability issues and they are good lights now, but do any special ops units run them?

Edited September 3 by PaseMaker

[CEBEP]

8 hours ago, PaseMaker said:

What are you basing your statement on regarding a Surefire light failing if a hundred consecutive shots were fired? Have you ever owned a Surefire or used one? I think the various branches of military operators running Surefires for decades has proven reliable beyond anything Olight can claim and there is nothing subjective about decades of use by the special operations community. Sure, every electronic device is capable of failure, but there’s a big difference between capable of failing and having a track record of failing. Like I said, maybe Olight has ironed out their reliability issues and they are good lights now, but do any special ops units run them?

100k is not 100 but 100.000. 

To my knowledge Singapore police, law enforcement and some military branches use Nitecore flashlights. Does it make Nitecore flashlights the best or maybe Singapore special forces the worst?

Why not every special forces, law enforcement and military agencies in the world use Surefire? Most probably because they use whatever flashlights their departments issue. 

People asking for flashlight recommendation on this forum are not special ops. I’d assume they are asking for a HD shotgun where they may use it for it’s actual purpose few times in their life if ever. Yes, I think Olight flashlight is good enough to survive this purpose just fine for a fracture of SF price.

And yes, that’s the Surefire marketing strategy, special ops, crazy reliable etc. How else make people pay triple the price? I also like people immediately mentioning Jerry Miculek in forums when anyone asks how Mossberg 940 Pro is. Jerry and his daughter uses Mossberg 940 only because Mossberg is there sponsor. I’m pretty sure should they be offered to choose for themselves, they would have chosen something else. That’s how marketing works. 

 

Edited September 4 by CEBEP

[CEBEP]

On 7/25/2024 at 10:10 PM, PaseMaker said:

Please provide feedback and suggestions on items I’m considering as well as alternative suggestions to all items I’m looking to add. I’m also looking to keep weight down as much as possible and I’m concerned I’m adding too much, so please provide thoughts on that also.

 

You asked for suggestions on items you plan to add, I provided you my suggestion and thoughts keeping in mind you want to control overall weight of the shotgun. Yet you start telling me Surefire is king and Olight is crap. Why ask for suggestions then if you already know it all?