Benelli M4 Super 90

The true revolution of the M4 lies in the ARGO (Auto Regulating Gas Operated) system, a patented mechanism based on two short-stroke pistons located near the chamber. This configuration allows the weapon to harness hotter and cleaner gases, ensuring reliable cycling with both standard 70mm shells and powerful 76mm Magnum rounds while simultaneously reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

The weapon's architecture features a chrome-lined barrel and an anodized aircraft-grade aluminum alloy receiver, topped with an integrated Picatinny rail for optical sighting systems. The standard stock is a telescopic collapsible type, designed to reduce the overall length of the weapon by 20% without the use of tools, facilitating transport inside vehicles or during airborne operations.

The M1014 officially entered service with the United States Marine Corps in 2000, being rapidly deployed to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan as a primary weapon for close-quarters battle and room clearing. Its ability to provide a higher volume of fire compared to traditional pump-action shotguns made it indispensable for assault squads engaged in complex urban environments.

Beyond the Marines, the weapon was adopted by the British Army under the designation L128A1 and by Norwegian special forces, in addition to being actively used by Italian elite units such as the GIS and the Tuscania regiment. Its operational success is evidenced by its adoption in over 30 nations, where it is utilized not only for breaching but also as a defensive tool for VIP protection and high-risk convoys.

The Benelli M4 has redefined reliability standards for tactical shotguns, profoundly influencing the development of modern semi-automatic combat platforms. Its reputation for indestructibility led to the creation of numerous civilian variants, including the M4 Tactical series, which retains the mechanical features of the original while complying with local magazine capacity regulations.

More than twenty years after its introduction, the M4 remains the industry benchmark, continuing to receive updates such as new Cerakote finishes and M-LOK interfaces for accessories. The weapon has solidified Benelli's position as a world leader in the defense sector, proving that a gas-operated system can be as reliable as classic inertial or pump-action systems even in the most extreme environmental conditions.