Can't decide, Versamax or M4

[AreWeFree]

I'm looking to buy my first semi-auto just to have fun on the range but I'm having a hard time deciding between the Versamax Competition Tactical or M4.

I know the Benelli is held in high regard, and I've read mixed reviews on the Versamax but it looks like it's more positive as of late.

Have any of you owned/shot a Versamax and would you recommend it?

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/tactical/shotguns/versa-max-competition-tactical.aspx

[anti]

I'd go with the M4 hands down.

[L84CABO]

The M4 is a fantastic gun. I love mine. But are you aware that an 18.5 barrel is all there is for it? The M2 is a better choice if you are considering competing or hunting with it.

[3GunFunShooter]

M2 or the Versa Max. Barrels are a lot cheaper for the Versa Max, if you want a shotgun that can do many things.

[AreWeFree]

I was thinking of this as strictly a range toy. Reading through this subforum really makes me want to try skeet or trap, but I don't have immediate plans for this and I'm ok with buying a shotgun specifically for that purpose if I ever do.

To give more info, the Versamax Comp Tactical is just under $1600 with 22" barrel, 7+1 and a separate +2 extentsion, extended charging handle, oversized bolt release, and I believe it comes with 5 chokes, has a tapped receiver, but only a fiber optic front sight. It looks like a lot of value, but I don't know how it performs or if it's worth the money.

The M4 is just under $1900, 18.5" barrel, ghost ring sights, pic rail, 5+1 tube, and everyone raves about how good it is.

My biggest concern is I've seen posts from various sites going back 2 years, and the price on the M4 keeps going up. It looks like in 2012 and 2013 they were about $1600, so is it overpriced for $1900?

The M2 has also gone up in price, and it's about $1300. I am considering this as well, but the gas gun seems more appealing since it'd be softer recoiling, or at least claims to be.

[hattles]

You asked about the Versa Max and the M4 so I'll just address them because I can follow directions and those are the two guns you wanted opinions on.

The M4 is Benelli's only gas operated shotgun and is the choice of military and law enforcement around the world. It is reliable enough for all of them to stake their lives on but it is far removed from the clay and winged sports. It's roughly $250 - $400 more than the Versa Max and an 18-1/2" barrel is the only offering...but it will last a lifetime if treated properly.

http://www.benelliusa.com/m4-tactical-shotgun

Remington offers many different options when choosing the Versa Max. Two tactical versions are the Versa Max Tactical and the Versa Max Tactical Competition, both have 22" barrels.

http://www.remington.com/product-families/firearms/shotgun-families/autoloading-versa-max.aspx

I think you can't go wrong with either one so I'd suggest you decide which one you like the best, not which one the rest of us might like.

FYI, I own 3 Benellis, all hunting models, an early H&K SBE, Vinci and M2 20ga and I love them all. I've been shooting my SBE for 22+ years and it has never failed on me.

[aippi]

You asked about the Versa Max and the M4 so I'll just address them because I can follow directions and those are the two guns you wanted opinions on.

The M4 is Benelli's only gas operated shotgun and is the choice of military and law enforcement around the world. It is reliable enough for all of them to stake their lives on but it is far removed from the clay and winged sports. It's roughly $250 - $400 more than the Versa Max and an 18-1/2" barrel is the only offering...but it will last a lifetime if treated properly.

http://www.benelliusa.com/m4-tactical-shotgun

Remington offers many different options when choosing the Versa Max. Two tactical versions are the Versa Max Tactical and the Versa Max Tactical Competition, both have 22" barrels.

http://www.remington.com/product-families/firearms/shotgun-families/autoloading-versa-max.aspx

I think you can't go wrong with either one so I'd suggest you decide which one you like the best, not which one the rest of us might like.

FYI, I own 3 Benellis, all hunting models, an early H&K SBE, Vinci and M2 20ga and I love them all. I've been shooting my SBE for 22+ years and it has never failed on me.

Not exactly true about the M4 as the R12 is simply a VersaMax with an 18.5" barrel and is selling hard and fast to Military and Government LE Agencies. So the M4 is not the only choice of our Military. Also, the R12 will soon be available for Standard LE and Civilian Sales as Freedom Group can not resist the revenue. If you have a Versa Max 3" chambered gun you simply get the 18.5" barrel and two shot extension and it is now an R12. If you have not seen an R12 simply go to www.remingtondefense.com

[bigbearbear]

They are very different shotguns.

The Benelli M4 is a combat shotgun, it does not even try to pretend to be a sporting firearm. No other shotguns have its fearsome reputation. Its menacing profile cannot be mistaken for anything else, even someone who is not familiar with guns will instantly recognize it for what it is, a weapon of war.

The Remington is a sporting arm, its straight stock design and vent rib is very "traditional", you'll have to learn how to mount the gun correctly and learn what is "gun fit" if you want to shoot these type of shotgun well.

In other words, it all depends on what you wish to shoot at the range. If you are shooting static targets with buckshots and slugs, and/or if the shotgun will be used for home defense, the M4 will work better. If you want to shoot flying clay targets, the Versamax will be better.

[SuperSet]

If you think you'll be shooting 3-gun in the future, definitely go with VersaMax or if you want a Benelli, get the M2.

[Mitch]

Actually, the Versa Max was derived from the M4. You can actually run an M4 bolt carrier in a Versa Max. It is not far-fetched to think of the Versa Max as a lower-cost, US-made M4.

While longer barrels are not available for the M4, by contrast there are no barrels shorter than 20 inches available for the Versa Max.

[L84CABO]

I was thinking of this as strictly a range toy. Reading through this subforum really makes me want to try skeet or trap, but I don't have immediate plans for this and I'm ok with buying a shotgun specifically for that purpose if I ever do.

To give more info, the Versamax Comp Tactical is just under $1600 with 22" barrel, 7+1 and a separate +2 extentsion, extended charging handle, oversized bolt release, and I believe it comes with 5 chokes, has a tapped receiver, but only a fiber optic front sight. It looks like a lot of value, but I don't know how it performs or if it's worth the money.

The M4 is just under $1900, 18.5" barrel, ghost ring sights, pic rail, 5+1 tube, and everyone raves about how good it is.

My biggest concern is I've seen posts from various sites going back 2 years, and the price on the M4 keeps going up. It looks like in 2012 and 2013 they were about $1600, so is it overpriced for $1900?

The M2 has also gone up in price, and it's about $1300. I am considering this as well, but the gas gun seems more appealing since it'd be softer recoiling, or at least claims to be.

I'm not up on latest pricing for the M4 but it doesn't surprise me that it's going up...like everything else in life. I can't tell you if it's overpriced at $1900. Many thought it was overpriced at $1600. It's a great shotgun. And a hell of a lot of fun.

If you get it, understand that you'll probably want to spend another $300 or so upgrading it. Maybe more. You'll want to increase the capacity with an upgraded mag tube...which will drive a couple other changes to keep it 922R compliant...assuming you care about that.

[hattles]

Not exactly true about the M4 as the R12 is simply a VersaMax with an 18.5" barrel and is selling hard and fast to Military and Government LE Agencies. So the M4 is not the only choice of our Military. Also, the R12 will soon be available for Standard LE and Civilian Sales as Freedom Group can not resist the revenue. If you have a Versa Max 3" chambered gun you simply get the 18.5" barrel and two shot extension and it is now an R12. If you have not seen an R12 simply go to www.remingtondefense.com

What did I say that is not true about the M4? In short, nothing!
I could care less about an R12 too.

[AreWeFree]

They are very different shotguns.

The Benelli M4 is a combat shotgun, it does not even try to pretend to be a sporting firearm. No other shotguns have its fearsome reputation. Its menacing profile cannot be mistaken for anything else, even someone who is not familiar with guns will instantly recognize it for what it is, a weapon of war.

The Remington is a sporting arm, its straight stock design and vent rib is very "traditional", you'll have to learn how to mount the gun correctly and learn what is "gun fit" if you want to shoot these type of shotgun well.

In other words, it all depends on what you wish to shoot at the range. If you are shooting static targets with buckshots and slugs, and/or if the shotgun will be used for home defense, the M4 will work better. If you want to shoot flying clay targets, the Versamax will be better.

If I worked for Benelli I would hire you as a salesman no questions asked lol

[AreWeFree]

Thank you all for your opinions. This is a tough decision since I'm not too familiar with the shotgun market, and I'm ok with dropping 1900 on a rifle, but for shotguns it seems really steep.

It really seems like a coin toss, so I think I'll go back to my LGS and take another look before spending the bucks.

[usclee]

M4 hands down!