Benelli M4: Tactical Shotgun With a Tender Touch
Last updated: March 23, 2026 · Originally published: August 11, 2021
Quick Answer
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.
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