Benelli M4: Tactical Shotgun With a Tender Touch
Quick Answer
Last updated: August 18, 2026 · Originally published August 11, 2021
The Benelli M4 is a semi-automatic 12-gauge tactical shotgun best known as the U.S. military’s M1014. Its defining feature is the A.R.G.O. (Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated) system — twin self-cleaning stainless pistons that reliably cycle everything from 2¾-inch target loads to 3-inch magnums with no gas valve to adjust. The standard model runs an 18.5-inch barrel, weighs about 7.8 pounds, holds 5+1 rounds, and comes with ghost-ring sights and a Picatinny rail. Rugged and famously reliable, it carries an MSRP around $1,999 (street price often near $1,800) — premium money, but widely regarded as one of the best combat shotguns made.
Benelli M4: key questions
What is the capacity of the Benelli M4?
The standard 18.5-inch model holds 5+1 rounds of 12-gauge and runs both 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells. Extended-tube versions are available for higher capacity.
How does the Benelli M4’s gas system work?
It uses Benelli’s A.R.G.O. system — two self-cleaning, self-regulating stainless pistons just ahead of the chamber. There is no gas valve to adjust, so it reliably cycles light and heavy loads with minimal maintenance.
Is the Benelli M4 the same as the M1014?
Yes — the M1014 is the military designation for the Benelli M4 with an 18.5-inch barrel, adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps. The civilian M4 is mechanically the same shotgun.
How much does a Benelli M4 cost?
MSRP is around $1,999, with street prices often near $1,800 — premium for a shotgun, but reflecting its combat-proven reliability.
Imagine a world in which shooting your defensive shotgun is fun. You’re in that world.
All shotguns are versatile enough to be used for defensive, hunting, and sporting purposes … but that doesn’t mean that it’s always necessarily fun for the shooter. Italian gunmaker Benelli is a brand under the Beretta imprint, bringing nearly 500 years of continuous, family-owned expertise to the world of things that go “boom,” so if anyone can engineer a shotgun to “do it all” and be pleasant to shoot, it’s Benelli. In fact, as you’ll see in this video from famed gun reviewer Arm&Gun, it is possible to create a dedicated defensive shotgun that you won’t mind using to blast targets. Spoiler alert: It’s awesome. But of course, Arm&Gun has a lot more to say than that… “The Benelli M4 is a fantastic weapon system produced by Italian firearms manufacturer Benelli. It was developed for a USA semi auto shotgun request for the military. The Benelli M4 is now one of the most commonly used shotguns in Military and Law Enforcement. This was the first gas operated shotgun Benelli designed, having traditionally used an inertia driven system in the semi automatics. The Auto Regulating Gas Operating, or ARGO for short, is a self adjusting, self cleaning system that allows both light field loads and heavy buckshot/slugs to be used and reliably run interchangeably without any adjustments to the shotguns gas system.” Want a defensive shotgun that’s fun to shoot? Check out the Benelli M4 specs and find a dealer here.Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun: 2026 Models & Pricing
The Benelli M4 Tactical lineup for 2026 comes in four configurations, all built around the same 12-gauge ARGO gas system, 18.5″ barrel, and 5+1 capacity — the differences come down to stock type and finish.
| Model | Stock | Finish | MSRP | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 Tactical (11703) | Fixed Tactical Stock | Black Phosphate | $2,299 | 7.8 lbs |
| M4 Tactical Pistol Grip (11707) | Pistol Grip | Black Phosphate | $2,299 | 7.8 lbs |
| M4 Tactical (11795) | Fixed Tactical Stock | Titanium Cerakote | $2,399 | 7.8 lbs |
| M4 Tactical Pistol Grip (11794) | Pistol Grip | Titanium Cerakote | $2,399 | 7.8 lbs |
Every configuration ships with ghost-ring sights, a Picatinny rail for optics or a weapon light, and chambers both 2-3/4″ and 3″ shells — the same core spec that got the M4 adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps as the M1014 and put it in service with law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Is the Benelli M4 Worth the Price?
At $2,299–$2,399, the M4 costs roughly 3–4x what a quality pump-action defensive shotgun runs. What you’re paying for is the ARGO gas system’s reliability across a huge range of ammunition — from light target loads to full-power buckshot and slugs — without any manual adjustment, plus mil-spec durability proven over two decades of military and police service. For a dedicated home-defense or duty shotgun that has to run flawlessly, the M4 is widely considered the benchmark semi-auto tactical shotgun; for a range gun or a budget-conscious first defensive shotgun, a pump gun or lower-priced semi-auto covers the basics for a lot less money.
FAQ: Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun
How much does a Benelli M4 cost?
MSRP runs $2,299 for the black phosphate finish and $2,399 for Titanium Cerakote, in either a fixed tactical stock or pistol-grip configuration. Street price at dealers is typically close to MSRP given steady demand.
What gauge is the Benelli M4?
12-gauge only, with an 18.5″ barrel and 5+1 capacity, chambered for both 2-3/4″ and 3″ shells.
Why does the military use the Benelli M4?
The U.S. Marine Corps adopted the M4 as the M1014 for its ARGO gas system’s ability to reliably cycle everything from light loads to magnum buckshot without adjustment — a key requirement for a combat shotgun that has to run in the field without maintenance downtime.
Is the Benelli M4 good for home defense?
Yes — its reliability across ammunition types and proven combat pedigree make it one of the most trusted semi-auto shotguns for home defense, though its price puts it well above entry-level options.
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Wow! I have always known Benelli was sort of like the Cadillac in the shotgun arena. I just became a big fan after watching the video of the M4 semiautomatic tactical. That model is really nice. I am going to look for a “ previously enjoyed “ item that I might have an easier time talking the Mrs. into letting me grab one with little argument. lol