Benelli M4 or M2 Tactical?

[SubSolar]

I was looking to buy another semiauto shottie in case they get banned by the Obammunists. This one would be strictly for self defense so I wouldn't really need to use light loads. I am looking at the Benelli M4 or M2 Tactical because I don't have a Benelli yet and have heard great things about them. Here are the advantages I see for each one after researching:

M2 Tactical
About a pound lighter (6.75 lbs vs 7.75 lbs)
Greater capacity (5+1 vs 4+1)
Cheaper by at least $400 (some places $600)
Comfortech stock option
Inertia operated system can stay cleaner and easier to field strip


M4
More reliable if you add accessories like lights
Gas operated system can shoot lighter loads
Marines use it (possibly more rugged?)
Less recoil (although I'm not sure if you get the M2 with Comfortech)
Looks better

It seems like the M4 in black is a hot item and sold out at most places. Also the prices at gunbroker and some shops have gone from about $1550 to over $1800 now. Meanwhile the M2 Tactical can be found everywhere and the one I want is about $1150 (Comfortech stock and non-ghost ring sites). Am I missing something here? It seems like the M2 holds it's own with it being lighter, cheaper and holding an extra round. Many say the inertia system is cleaner and easier to field strip too. Is the big price premium for the M4 because the Marines use it?

[SubSolar]

Also, if I go with a M2 Tactical with non-pistol grip, can I extend the magazine without worrying about 922r?

[snaggletooth]

922r has nothing do with having a pistol grip or not, but rather having the propper amount of Non US made parts in the firearm. The CA AW reg stipulate that if a shotgun were to be a semi auto it cannot have a collapsible and or folding or collapsable stock then it would be a assualt weapon, or it were to have a detachable magazine, or a revolving feeding device. Its ok if one were to have the propper amount of US made parts in either shotgun to put an extended tube.

[Ding126]

The m4 mag capacity shown of 4+1 is for 3" loads. It will hold 5+1 with 2-3/4" shot.
My vote for the M4

[snaggletooth]

If you can learn to ghost load it you can theoretically have 5+1+1

[Jeffy]

Having second thoughts on the M4? You're going to be paying a premium on the M4 since 'the military uses it'. Everyone's speculating on what might happen in the future so some people are willing to spend more. Some stores are willing to charge more as well. Keep in mind, the M4 Desert Camo's MSRP is $1829 while the black is $1699.

MSRP on the one you want is $1269, so the price you saw is probably close to MAP. I've been looking at the same setup with Ghost sights instead of the rifle. I've been told MAP is $1249.

One thing I'm not sure about is many M2's come with a +2 extension. There doesn't seem to be anything that says if it does or not though. The pictures on Benelli's side show the extension on a few models. They all say 5+1 in teh specs. however.

I'm pretty sure all of Benelli's autoloaders have issues with 922R when swapping out parts.

[ptoguy2002]

Or find a used M1 that is old enough to not worry about 922r?

[Mr. Joshua]

If you've got the dough, I'd get the M4. It's an impressive piece of machinery.

[randy]

I'd have to check on mine to be sure but unless you modify the carrier on an M1 or M2 you cannot ghost load them. I bet the M4 is the same.

[yallknowho]

does anyone have the m4 in stock in CA? How long is the wait if you order one through your local shop?

[louscamaro91]

Sierra arms corp in modesto 209-544-1911

[aplinker]

I'd have to check on mine to be sure but unless you modify the carrier on an M1 or M2 you cannot ghost load them. I bet the M4 is the same.

It's not. I can ghost load mine.

[NineteenElev3n]

does anyone have the m4 in stock in CA? How long is the wait if you order one through your local shop?

I have not seen anyone having the M4 in stock out of the many gun shops I have been to recently. I was quoted six to eight week wait when I ordered mine. I am on week three, waiting patiently.

[gose]

I'd have to check on mine to be sure but unless you modify the carrier on an M1 or M2 you cannot ghost load them. I bet the M4 is the same.

Old M1s you can ghost load, newer ones and M2s need modifications.

[randy]

I just drug my M4 out of the safe and indeed you can ghost load it.

I have seen them with a mag extension out to 8 rounds it sticks past the barrel but it works.