SOLVED Auto-loading problem on a new benelli M4 (pics added)

[hp95125]

I picked up a brand new Benelli M4 this week and took it to the range today. It is not auto-loading. Most Shells do not eject. some eject but are stuck in the ejection port. it is shooting great, but I have to cycle most cartridges by hand.

I am sure it is assembled correctly. I tried several types of shells - 6 shot, 4 shot, two types of 00 and slugs. both 2 3/4 and magnums. the only thing auto-loading most of the time are the slugs.

I shot over 50 shells with no change so I doubt it's a "break-in" issue.
Benelli's website recommends lubrication but I doubt that is the problem.

I cleaned it and oiled it heavily today, will take it out tomorrow again. if not, it's going back to benelli.

Figures the most expensive new gun I buy is the one to give me trouble out of the box.

any similar experience or suggestions out there???

[j6p2004]

Make sure you lube the bolt carrier VERY well and report back after you'd put at least 200 rounds through the m4.

[JJ1911]

Did you break the gun down and wipe the factory grease off (if any), lubricate then reassemble? Some auto loaders take awhile to break in. My friend has a 930 SPX and it took between 150-200 shells before it started to feed properly. Just find the cheapest shot you can find and shoot the heck out of it.

Is the gas system adjustable or is it self regulating? If its adjustable you may need to tune it to the correct gas setting.

I was thinking of picking up one of these so let me know how it goes with it!

[hp95125]

thanks for the suggestions, I lubed it well and will take it back to the range tomorrow with a few more boxes of shells, trying to reach 200 before I give up and send it in. I am hopeful since slugs do auto-load so I know something is working.

The gas system is auto-regulating on the M4.

[randy]

Use light oil when lubing the gun, and shoot some heavy field loads through it, for break in.

[Ding126]

What type of ammo are you using?

[hp95125]

I don't know if my shoulder can take that many magnums

I tried maximum power 00 as well as reduced recoil ones. I will try to shoot another 150 rounds today and see what gives.

[PEBKAC]

I had one issue with light birdshot loads not ejecting quite right in mine (1 stovepipe). Ran a bunch more standard 1 1/8 oz birdshot through it and haven't had a problem since.

If you are running rounds marked "low recoil" you will have a problem though, you need a special barrel for the M4 to do that.

You could open up the gas system just to see if anything wonky is going on in there. At the very least it will be educational.

[Ding126]

Try Benelliusa.com there is a lot of discussion on many things...I am under the impression you need to use full power loads for a break in period..but I never had any issues.
I think a good cleaning and oiling with 50 rnds of quality buck or slug with fix it. Remeber some of the bulk and cheaper ammo have steel bases with a brass coat which can lead to ejection issues

[tyrist]

Something is wrong the benelli m4 can cycle very light loads straight out of the box.

Are you positive you have the M4 and not one of the other semi autos which use a blowback instead of a piston system? The M1 will short stroke on you if you use light loads or don't lean enough into the recoil.

[hp95125]

After another ~100 shells today I decided to send it back. It only cycles magnum 00 and slugs. anything weaker - magnum birdshot, low recoil buckshot, will not cycle. this is not right.

I will update next week when/if I hear back from benelli.

[hattles]

Benelli USA Forum

Benelli USA has a forum for questions just like yours
http://www.benelliusa.com/forum/index.php

[hattles]

Benelli M4 Break In question

Benelli M4 Break In question straight from the Benelli forum page

http://www.benelliusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8023

[hp95125]

thanks for pointing me to the Benelli forum, I saw that. I have two friends that bought new M4s and didn't have to go through this. I dread the thought of spending another day in the range shooting $200 worth of ammo just to find out something is still wrong with the gun.

I'll call Benelli and see what they say.

[ROCKETW19]

What i havce read at the benelli fourm is you have to take it apart and clean all the packing lube off it and oil up pretty good with CLP or some stuff called machine gun oil. then shoot heavy loads.

I still have mine in the box with zero time to do this but i will do this soon. My M1 was 100% right outta box not sure why the M4 isnt?