Benelli M4 Super 90

Benelli M4
Technical Summary

250px

a.k.a.: M1014, Joint-Service Shotgun

Caliber:

12 gauge

Trigger force

5.5 to 7.28 lbf (24 to 32 N)

Muzzle velocity:

1000 fps estimated

Firearm action:

Gas actuated Semi-automatic

Manufacturer:

Benelli Armi Spa.

Barrel length:

18.5 in (470 mm)

Overall length:

886 mm (34.9 in)

Magazine:

6+1

Effective range:

40 to 50 m with "00"

Safety:

Ambidextrous bolt

Unloaded mass:

3.82 kg (8.42 lb)

The Benelli M4 Super 90 also known as the M1014 Combat Shotgun is a shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi S.P.A.. It is currently used by the U. S. Armed Forces as their "Joint Service Combat Shotgun".

The M4 was developed in Italy by Benelli, and is imported into the USA by Heckler & Koch USA.

History

On May 4th, 1998, the U.S. Army Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ issued Solicitation #DAAE30-98-R-0401 requesting submission for a new 12 gauge, semi-automatic combat shotgun for the US Armed Services. In response to the request, Benelli Armi S.P.A. of Urbino Italy designed and built the Benelli M4 Super 90 Combat Shotgun. On the 4th of August, 1998, five samples of the M4 were delivered to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland for testing. After an intense testing, the Benelli M4 beat the competition. In early 1999, the U. S. Army ARDEC awarded the XM1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun contract to Heckler & Koch USA Inc. for importation of the Benelli M4 Combat Shotgun. The first units (count of 20,000) were delivered to the U. S. Marine Corps in 1999.

Design

The M4 is currently the only gas-operated shotgun produced by Benelli. Its function is designed around an entirely new method called the "auto regulating gas operated" (ARGO) system. The design uses two stainless-steel self-cleaning pistons located just ahead of the chamber to function opposite the rotating bolt, thereby eliminating the need for the complex mechanisms found on other gas-actuated automatics. A major benefit of this system is that it allows the shooter to stay on target while another round is loaded in the chamber - rather than busy himself by "pumping" another round into the chamber.

It is also self-regulating for cartridges of varying length and power levels. It can fire 2.75 in(70mm) and 3 in (76mm)shells of differing power-levels without any operator adjustments and in any combination. Low-power rounds, such as less-than-lethal rubber slugs, may be cycled manually.

The sights are military-style ghost-ring and are adjustable in the field using only a cartridge rim. The accessory rail on top allows use of both conventional and night-vision sights, while retaining use of the original sights.

Serviceability

Also extraordinary is the modular assembly basis of the weapon. It allows an operator to exchange the various assembly groups (barrel, buttstock, forearm, etc...) without tools. Especially useful in the field, the process is quick and allows the weapon to adapt to a changing tactical environment.

Durability

Preliminary testing of the M4 puts its reliability at the top of the scale. It can reliably function for at least 25,000 rounds without replacement of any major parts.[1]

The steel components of the weapon feature a matte black phosphated corrosion resistant finish while the aluminum parts are matte hard-anodized. These finishes reduce the weapon's visibility during night operations.

The weapon requires little or no maintenance and operates in all climates and weather conditions.

Telescopic buttstock

M1014 with extended buttstock

One of the advantages of the M1014 is the telescoping buttstock. It allows for an instantaneous change from shoulder-operation to close-quarters mode. Collapsing the buttstock shortens the weapon by almost 8 inches (200 mm), allowing it better maneuverability around tight corners and over obstacles. The telescopic stock is also interchangeable with a pistol grip or hunting-style stock. This operation requires no tools.

Rail Interface System

The Rail Interface System (RIS), or Picatinny rail, built into the top of the shotgun accepts scopes, laser illuminators, night-vision sights, and flashlights. Most modern military firearms (such as the M16A4 and the M4 carbine) have similar structures.

Usage

The M1014 is currently in use by the U. S. Marine Corps and is planned for distribution to the U. S. Army, the U. S. Air Force, the U. S. Navy, and the U. S. Coast Guard. It replaces the Remington 870, Mossberg 500, and Winchester 1100/1200 tactical shotguns.

Use in Culture

The M1014 one of only 2 shotguns in the PC and Xbox game Counter-strike.

Sources & external links