M4 vs M2

[Carlosa]

I want to buy a shotgun so I can start doing 3 gun.
I had my hart set on the benelli m4. But it seems folks here prefer the m2.
I'm curios as to what the pros and cons are between this two shotguns.
What is it that makes the m4 a bad 3 gun shotgun?
Cheers,
Los

[randy]

The M4 is heavy, expensive about $500.00 more, the barrel is short, not as many barrel extensions.

With a couple of personal preference options the ideal setup for 3 gun limited or tactical class is: Benelli M2 21" vent rib barrel extension to hold 9 in the tube, and internal work.

Exceptions are: M1's are fine but aren't made anymore.
24" barrel instead of the 21"
Installation of a rear site Williams or Ruger 10/22.
Some matches you might have to put a plug into a 9 round tube so it will only hold 8.
Pistol grip or straight stock

[Carlosa]

thanks Randy.
this is starting to make more seance now.
cheers,
Los.

[esskay]

+1 to what Randy said.

I would just add that I think the baseline internal mods that you would want to do to a Benelli for 3-gun are to weld the shell lifter (to prevent "Benelli thumb" during loading) and add an extended carrier release (I like Arredondo's lever).

Beyond this, gunsmiths will bevel open the loading port, polish/smooth, possibly lighten the bolt, modify the bolt to allow ghost loading, etc.

I also really like a Hi-Viz front fiber optic sight, I find it easier to pick up than the stock OEM Benelli one.

Another optional item is a barrel clamp (I like Nordic's), which some swear by and some don't like

[ar15barrels]

I would just add that I think the baseline internal mods that you would want to do to a Benelli for 3-gun are to weld the shell lifter (to prevent "Benelli thumb" during loading) and add an extended carrier release (I like Arredondo's lever).

Beyond this, gunsmiths will bevel open the loading port, polish/smooth, possibly lighten the bolt, modify the bolt to allow ghost loading, etc.

For context, here is a loading gate that I welded up.



And here are the two styles of carriers:

[randy]

If you get a 9 round tube you don't need the carrier set up for ghost loading. I have an 8 round tube and should change to a 9 but not only would I have to buy a new tube but a new gun case as well.

[randy]

I'm fortunate enough (or cursed if you listened to my wife) to have a gun or 3 for every occasion.

Here is my set up for a dedicated 3 gun shotgun. Benelli M1 21" VR Barrel, IC or Mod Choke, Pistol grip stock, Hi Viz front site DMW barrel nut and 8 round tube DMW bolt release, GG&G bolt handle (free or I'd use stock). Modified bolt carrier to allow GL and loading out of battery. Lightened up bolt carrier. Welded up shell lifter. Wolff reduced recoil spring. Polished bolt carrier, polished shell latch with a little material removed. Slight bevel from the extracter area of the barrel.

When I set up my M2 (safe queen) it will be the same as my M1 but I wouldn't change the recoil spring.

Recommended mods I haven't done would be trigger job, bevel loading port. I'm still toying with having Dave mill in a 1022 site into the VR. Softer recoil pad.

I don't know if I would put the HI Viz on a gun again. It's easy to pick up but the size of it I feel makes it more difficult for slug shots.

All the work done on my gun was done by www.davesmetalworks.com. He rebuilt my SVI pistols too.

My M1 shotgun is my favorite gun to shoot. I bought this gun less than a year after the Remington 1100 CM came out. I suffered almost a year trying to get the Remmy to run wasted countless dollars on entry fees and sending it back to Remmy.

Ammo is part of the system. Most of the shells I shoot are Estate 1.125 oz 7.5 2.75 or 3 dram loads or Fiocchi Spreader 3 dram 1.125oz 8's. Slugs and buck are Winchester Ranger Lo recoil. I do carry some #6's with 3.25 drams. I only use those when the steel is set hard or a long shot might save me. Not often.

The Federals from Wal Mart work well but stay away from the Winchester Super Sport or anything from Winchester except the AA's. The cheap Winchesters haven't had in the past a good crimp on the end and have caused feeding problems.

Would I use this gun for HD sure it's that good but I wouldn't want to clear any rooms with it, and I wouldn't want to shoot heavy recoiling ammo in it because of the spring and the lightened carrier.