Benelli M4 Super 90

About the Benelli M4 Super 90

The Benelli M4 Super 90 is a semi-automatic combat shotgun designed and manufactured by Italian firearms company Benelli Armi SpA. Introduced in 1998, the M4 was specifically developed to meet the requirements of the United States Joint Service Combat Shotgun program, which it won in 1999 under the military designation M1014 JSCS (Joint Service Combat Shotgun). The first 20,000 units were delivered to the United States Marine Corps. The M4 features Benelli's proprietary Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated (ARGO) system, which uses two short-stroke stainless steel pistons located forward of the bolt, one on each side of the magazine tube. This dual-piston design provides exceptional reliability while keeping the action clean and cool. The ARGO system self-regulates to handle a wide range of ammunition from light target loads to heavy magnum slugs without adjustment. Chambered in 12 gauge with a 3-inch chamber, the M4 features an aluminum alloy receiver, chrome-lined bore, adjustable ghost ring sights, and Picatinny rail for optics. Military variants feature a 7+1 round capacity, while civilian models in the United States are restricted to 5+1. The M4 has been adopted by over 20 nations and is widely regarded as the gold standard for semi-automatic combat shotguns.

The Benelli M4 won the U.S. Joint Service Combat Shotgun Program in 1999, beating entries from every major shotgun manufacturer. Its ARGO dual-piston gas system was so reliable that the USMC famously reported near-zero stoppages during extended desert combat trials. Denmark adopted it in 2025 specifically for counter-drone operations.

Benelli M4 Super 90 specifications

The Benelli M4's ARGO (Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated) system is distinct from both traditional gas-operated and inertia-driven systems used in other Benelli shotguns. The dual stainless steel pistons are self-cleaning and self-regulating, meaning they adjust automatically to different ammunition pressures without user intervention. The M4 Entry variant with its 14-inch barrel is restricted to military and law enforcement sales. The UK adopted the M4 as the L128A1 Combat Shotgun for operations in Afghanistan, specifically for breaching operations and close-quarters combat. Denmark adopted the M4 in 2025 specifically for counter-drone operations. Civilian models in the US are sold with a 5-round magazine limiter and fixed stock (collapsible stocks are restricted to military/LE). The M4 Tactical and M4 H2O (titanium-cerakote finish) variants are available for the civilian market.