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Benelli M4 Super 90 (M1014 JSCS)

1999 MODERN SPECIAL FORCES

History

The Italian Benelli M4 "Super 90" 12 caliber semi-automatic shotgun was adopted by the US military after extensive testing, where the US Army attempted to improve its line of shotguns in the late 1990s. In 1999 the Benelli Armi S. p. A. design officially entered service as the "M1014" Joint Services Combat Shotgun (JSCS) (the name was updated from the prototype "XM1014" name) signed with the German firearms company Heckler & Koch Import contract to compete on behalf of Benelli in the United States. That same year, the U.S.

Marine Corps received its first M1014s, and M1014s of this type have continued combat operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Original Benelli M4 designed in 1998, production started in 1999 and continues to this day (2013). The M4 is known for being Benelli's first gas-powered shotgun. The design weighs 3.82kg and has an overall length of 35 inches (18.5 inches in barrel). The internal structure allows semi-automatic firing with warheads, shot and non-lethal bullets as needed.

Effective range is up to 55 meters, depending on the ammunition used, while the tubular magazine holds 7+1 rounds (civilian brands are limited to 5+1). The sight has a "ghost" ring arrangement and is adjustable, while the short span Picatinny rails above the receiver (and above and to the side of the front end) are used to mount optics and accessories (including the vertical fore grip below the front end) maximum control). The M4 does not have a solid fixed stock, instead a collapsible stock with an ergonomically designed pistol grip (optional).

The overall structure of the M4 is made from a mix of steel, aluminium and plastic. The reliability of the M4 is excellent, while the action is quite good.

The Benelli M4 Shotgun is currently in service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps ("M1014") as well as the U.S. Navy SEALs and Los Angeles Police Department.

The gun has also been adopted by Australia, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Kingdom (L128A1) and South Korea. Many of these groups stock M4s for their special forces.