Benelli M4 EXT Tactical Shotgun Tested

Same proven M4 heart with more of what matters: a factory 7+1 tube, a 5-position collapsible stock, and a bigger bolt release. We ran it hard, ghost loaded it to nine, and logged what broke in, what didn’t, and what Benelli should still tweak.

M4 EXT = Classic M4, Now With Real Capacity And Faster Controls

Benelli didn’t reinvent the M4. They finally shipped the features serious users kept adding. The M4 EXT brings a factory 7+1 tube, a five-position collapsible stock with integrated pistol grip, and an oversized bolt release that is fast to find with gloves. Underneath is the same ARGO dual short-stroke piston system that made the M1014 a legend. Chambering is 12 gauge for 2 3/4 and 3 inch shells. Finish choices are H2O, FDE, and Multicam Black.

Controls, Ergonomics, And What I’d Still Change

The new bolt release is the right move. It is drilled and tapped with a large paddle that speeds reloads and remedial action. The stock’s five positions give you real LOP solutions for armor, winter layers, or vehicles. The pistol grip is rubber over-molded with enough traction to lock the gun without tearing up hands.

Two asks for the next revision: the charging handle should be slightly larger in diameter and project farther so you can get a full purchase without fighting the enlarged bolt release. Also, hog the loading port a bit. Most competition-tuned guns do this and it speeds quad-loads or emergency topping off.

Reliability, Recoil, And Break-In: What The ARGO System Delivers

Out of the box, dry, the gun had one stumble on the very first ghost-loaded round. After a few tubes the EXT smoothed out and ran clean. With standard buck and slugs it chugs. It did not cycle ultra-light low-recoil 980 fps birdshot. That aligns with what I’ve seen on many gas shotguns. After break-in and a little oil, borderline loads often move from “almost” to “yes,” but I don’t count on gamer ammo for duty.

Capacity Math: 7+1 From The Factory, Nine With A Proper Ghost Load

Factory capacity is now 7+1. If your policy and mission set allow, the EXT will also stage one round on the lifter while you chamber another for a total of nine. Nothing protrudes past the muzzle. The shell release lever enables cruiser-ready storage with a full tube and an empty chamber.

Field Notes: Sights, Stock, Safety, And Maintenance

The rear ghost ring adjusts for windage and elevation using a shell rim. The front post is guarded, with a bright white dot. The crossbolt safety is large and easy to off-safe with the trigger finger. Re-engaging from a firing grip requires breaking the grip for most hands. Teardown remains simple: unscrew the cap, slide the barrel and operating system forward, drop the single receiver pin to remove the trigger group. Maintenance is quick.

Benelli’s Take

“The M3 has long been the standard by which all other tactical shotguns have been judged. Now, with enhanced capacity, greater adjustibility and new colorations, the M4 continues to set the bar at the highest level for tactical shotgun performance and dependablity.” — Timothy Joseph, Benelli Vice President of Marketing

[ga_price_button id=”[ItemID]” text=”Check Price on GunsAmerica”]

Benelli M4 EXT Specifications

Range Verdict: Where The M4 EXT Shines

• Pros: Proven ARGO reliability with full-power ammo, factory 7+1 capacity, ghost-load friendly, five-position stock fits armor, oversized bolt release, easy fieldstrip, protected sights that print slugs on call.
• Cons: Charging handle should be bigger, loading port deserves a factory bevel, ultra-light low-recoil birdshot did not cycle out of the box, premium MSRP.

Photos From The Bench And The Range

::contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}