Benelli M4 Speedbar Install - Barrel Fully Seated?

[Blain]

Wanted to try a bolt assist device so I bought and installed Dave's Metal Works "Speedbar".  In the instructions it ssys I need to file out a portion of the handguard to create space for the bolt assist device to fit, but other bolt assist devices fit and function fine without having to do that (from what I've read).  I'd rather not permanently alter my factory handguard. 

The barrel looks like it isn't 100% fully seated, there appears to be a minor gap between the barrel and receiver.  Seems to function fine with snap caps though.  Is this a problem?  If so, other bolt assist devices don't suffer from this but the DMW's speedbar does?

 

 

Edited April 5, 2025 by Blain

[Blain]

No one has any thoughts?  I'd rather not fire it and find out the hard way if there's a problem!

[John Doe]

Yeah, I'm not sure on this. I installed the FFT oversized bolt release. I never liked the idea of those "speed bars". I would say to cough up the money for the overside button from GG&G or FFT. Sorry, I know this doesn't help you much.

[Steve Rose]

On 4/5/2025 at 12:15 PM, Blain said:

Wanted to try a bolt assist device so I bought and installed Dave's Metal Works "Speedbar".  In the instructions it ssys I need to file out a portion of the handguard to create space for the bolt assist device to fit, but other bolt assist devices fit and function fine without having to do that (from what I've read).  I'd rather not permanently alter my factory handguard. 

The barrel looks like it isn't 100% fully seated, there appears to be a minor gap between the barrel and receiver.  Seems to function fine with snap caps though.  Is this a problem?  If so, other bolt assist devices don't suffer from this but the DMW's speedbar does?

 

 

 

Your DMW device is keeping the hand guard from fully seating which keeps the barrel forward by the same distance ...and hence the barrel cannot fully seat.

Do these other bolt assist devices fit in between the receiver and hand guard - or are they the buttons or levers that attach to the small round button of the factory bolt release?

[Blain]

13 hours ago, Steve Rose said:

 

Your DMW device is keeping the hand guard from fully seating which keeps the barrel forward by the same distance ...and hence the barrel cannot fully seat.

Do these other bolt assist devices fit in between the receiver and hand guard - or are they the buttons or levers that attach to the small round button of the factory bolt release?

As can be seen in the picture, the barrel is NOT forward anywher near the same distance as the right handguard.  Also the left handguard IS fully seated. Furthermore, these bolt assist devices are supposed to be able to be installed in this fashion and are supposed to let your guns fire just fine! 

I am just not sure if Dave's is different as it specifies in the instruction manuel that one should file the handguard (but none of the other bolt assist devices require such)? 

Would prefer to hear from someone who has actual experience with the Dave's Metal Works speedbar.

 

[benelliwerkes]

On 4/13/2025 at 9:37 AM, Blain said:

I am just not sure if Dave's is different as it specifies in the instruction manuel that one should file the handguard (but none of the other bolt assist devices require such)? 

Would prefer to hear from someone who has actual experience with the Dave's Metal Works speedbar.

 

I'm guessing Dave's Metal Works could directly answer your concerns with a phone call; provide rationale for the content of the instruction manual.  Standing by to hear the information.

[bambihunter]

How does a 12ga shell "headspace"? On the extractor, rim, or case mouth? I know shotguns with longer chambers can shoot shorter shells with no issues, but the entire shell is within the chamber. I'd be concerned not all the shell is supported by the chamber if the barrel isn't all the way seated. There's no way I'd shoot a centerfire rifle in this position, but of course shotguns are way lower pressure so it might be fine. Benelli barrels are not cheap to replace, and fingers are impossible to replace, so like the above advice, call the manufacturer and see what they say. Ask why theirs is different.