Benelli M1 super 90 VS M4

[ROCKETW19]

Ok I will admit I know zero about this M4 I do know every Benelli owner says M4 is the best? Can anyone explane the difference between them? I went to the Benelli website to try and compare but no luck.

[bernieb90]

The M1-M3 series Benelli shotguns use the inertia operating sysyem while the M4 uses a dual piston gas system. The inertia system relies on the principle of the bolt remaining stationary for a split second while the gun begins to recoil. The rotating bolt head is cammed out of engagement with the locking lugs and the bolt is free to move rearward. The problem with this system is that the gun must recoil with a certain velocity in order for the system to operate. Put an M1 against a wall, and it won't work. If you add too much weight to the gun then you may have issues as well. The M4 uses a self cleaning dual piston gas system that operates independent of the guns movement. The gas ports are located close to the chamber where gas pressure is highest to improve reliability. I have fired the M1, M3, and M4 and can tell you that the M4 is the softest shooting of the three.

[ROCKETW19]

The M1-M3 series Benelli shotguns use the inertia operating sysyem while the M4 uses a dual piston gas system. The inertia system relies on the principle of the bolt remaining stationary for a split second while the gun begins to recoil. The rotating bolt head is cammed out of engagement with the locking lugs and the bolt is free to move rearward. The problem with this system is that the gun must recoil with a certain velocity in order for the system to operate. Put an M1 against a wall, and it won't work. If you add too much weight to the gun then you may have issues as well. The M4 uses a self cleaning dual piston gas system that operates independent of the guns movement. The gas ports are located close to the chamber where gas pressure is highest to improve reliability. I have fired the M1, M3, and M4 and can tell you that the M4 is the softest shooting of the three.

Wow great info. So it pretty much comes down to a more reliable system?
Reliable is good since this would be my goto gun if I could only take 1.
I already have a M1S90 and can sell it for the same amount as the M4s cost if I can find 1 that is. I think I will work it out and get a M4 since it is pretty much a trade money wise.
Anyone know where M4s are in Sacramento?

[PEBKAC]

Wow great info. So it pretty much comes down to a more reliable system?
Reliable is good since this would be my goto gun if I could only take 1.
I already have a M1S90 and can sell it for the same amount as the M4s cost if I can find 1 that is. I think I will work it out and get a M4 since it is pretty much a trade money wise.
Anyone know where M4s are in Sacramento?

M4s seem to got for about $1600. I see most M1s going for about $1000. Just BTW.

Also do remember that the M4 does not have all that much you can do with it barrel-wise. 1 size of barrel, 2 varieties thereof (one with 4 gas ports, one with 2, the standard is 2 but confirm that before shooting it, as a 4 port barrel with full power rounds ~will~ crack your BCG in short order).

Not trying to discourage you from getting an M4, they are brilliant guns. It's just that there are things to consider since going from an M1 to an M4 limits you options somewhat as basically none of the parts interchange. Except the chokes. And given the advent of M1/M2 interchangeability and CRIO barrels/chokes, that is not a guarantee.

[wildhawker]

http://www.benelliusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13805

[ROCKETW19]

M4s seem to got for about $1600. I see most M1s going for about $1000. Just BTW.

.

I found a brand new in the box M4 for 1450.00 with extension tube
I have a guy begging me to sell him my M1 for 1500.00
So for me it would be a wash. I just want the one that will go bang the most. It seems to be the M4 but I have just started my research

[lerroy1119]

I found a brand new in the box M4 for 1450.00 with extension tube
I have a guy begging me to sell him my M1 for 1500.00
So for me it would be a wash. I just want the one that will go bang the most. It seems to be the M4 but I have just started my research

Do it and never look back.

[randy]

I found a brand new in the box M4 for 1450.00 with extension tube
I have a guy begging me to sell him my M1 for 1500.00
So for me it would be a wash. I just want the one that will go bang the most. It seems to be the M4 but I have just started my research

That's when 2 fools met him for offering and you for not taking. I believe is how the quote goes.

That is a no brainer sell it. If you don't want to sell him yours then PM me and I'll sell him one of mine.

[ERdept]

Other thing about the M4 gas system is you run it dry. So don't over lube it.

[SCMA-1]

I found a brand new in the box M4 for 1450.00 with extension tube
I have a guy begging me to sell him my M1 for 1500.00
So for me it would be a wash. I just want the one that will go bang the most. It seems to be the M4 but I have just started my research

Hell, if I was up in your area and you passed on that offer, I'll sell him my M1.

[PEBKAC]

I found a brand new in the box M4 for 1450.00 with extension tube
I have a guy begging me to sell him my M1 for 1500.00
So for me it would be a wash. I just want the one that will go bang the most. It seems to be the M4 but I have just started my research

Do it quick before he changes his mind.

That's more than a good deal right there.

[ROCKETW19]

Im sorry for being a bit slow but are you guys saying hurry and do it cuz of the money or cuz the M4 is that much better?

I am not rich but I dont care about the money I want the better gun.
My M1 also has a factory HK tube extension and I had a rail put on top.

[5150Marcelo]

M1 more reliable (inertia). Less moving and working parts to wear out.

[bernieb90]

The gas piston system is quite reliable. M14s, M1 garands, HK 416s all use gas piston systems, and no one complains about it. Most conventional gas operated shotgun pistons are located in front of the forend and need a linkage between the piston, and the bolt/bolt carrier group. The piston is located quite a distance from the chamber, so there is less pressure to cycle the action. The M4 pistons are close to the chamber and act directly on the BCG so in essence the M4 has 2 (the 2 pistons) more moving parts than an M1. Like I mentioned earlier the M4 will be less sensive to how it is held, and the weight of the gun, and to some extent the type of ammo.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the M1 it is a fine shotgun with a good track record. If it works reliably, and you shoot it well I see no real reason to get a new one. However I think the M4 is a step in the right direction as far a versatility, and reliabilty go. it also shoots quite a bit softer than the M1.

[axhoaxho]

I have both the M1S90 (with the HK stamp) and the new M4.

They are both Benelli yet they are different.

Out of the box, the M1 is ligher and easier for the first shot aiming, yet the M4 kicks easier for follow-up shots aiming.

I can understand the military uses the heavy-duty M4 because it builds-and-feels like it can survive any beating. Other than that, I appreciate the lighter-weight and more simple M1.

Both have Benelli quality and reliability.

I think for Benelli fans, it is worth to have both.

With best regards,