The Benelli M4 is the Italian sports car of shotguns, and that fine Italian heritage makes it one of the most dependable and capable shotguns on the market. But even the best can be upgraded, right?
That said, there is one slight problem…this pesky little law known as 922R. This prohibits the shotgun from reaching its peak performance.
Luckily for you, we’re gonna talk about how to fix the Benelli M4 and how to take it from excellent to outstanding (and legal!).
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Pistol Grip Stock
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Best Forend
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Best Red Dot
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Best Sights
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Best Side Saddle
Table of Contents
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Parts and Pieces for 922R Compliance
Note: We are not lawyers, so don’t take this as legal advice. Always consult an actual attorney with legal questions.
In the U.S., the Benelli M4 comes with some form of fixed stock and a 5-round magazine tube. The gun cannot be imported for civilian sale with the 7-round tube and the famed collapsing M4 stock, which is available to our lucky European firearms enthusiasts.
You can fix it, though, with a few American-made parts and some of that old-fashioned American ingenuity (or Bubba-ing? Let’s call it ingenuity. That sounds better.)
There is plenty of debate on whether 922R is a real issue for gun owners. Plenty of people are happy to point out that no one has ever been convicted of violating it, but as the writer of a public website, I would encourage you to, of course, always follow the law.
It’s my understanding that to install a higher-capacity magazine tube and collapsing stock, I have to install four American-made parts.
For more info on 922R compliance, check out our guide!
How We Tested the Best Benelli M4 Upgrades
For this article, I rounded up some parts and accessories and put them on my personal Benelli M4. My goal for this shotgun was to make it the ultimate home defense shotgun, so that was the approach I took when upgrading it to beyond basic.
Each of these recommendations has been tested thoroughly and chosen based on features, performance, durability, and value.
Best Benelli M4 Parts
1. Mesa Tactical Urbino Pistol Grip Stock
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Mesa Tactical Urbino Pistol Grip Stock Pros & Cons
Pros
- Shorter length of pull
- Comfortable
Cons
- Pricey
The problem with Benelli M4 stocks is the length of pull. In the shorter second position, the comb is so high it’s tough to use the sights.
If you want the most effective stock, the Urbino Pistol Grip Stock is for you. This stock features a shorter length of pull, and it rounds out to 12.5 inches in total.
This shorter length of pull delivers a more comfortable stock that allows you to get behind the gun and assume a good squared-up shooting position. The Mesa Tactical Urbino Pistol grip stock still gives you the same pistol grip experience as the intended stock. The Mesa Tactical Urbino Pistol Grip Stock gives you more than a shorter length of pull.
The stock gives you a couple of nice sling points, an adjustable cheek riser for optics, and the same Benelli M4-style pistol grip we all know and love. This stock is a professional-grade option that’s rugged and tough and comes from the shotgun masters at Mesa Tactical.
2. Freedom Fighter Tactical Follower and Magazine Tube – Best Mag Tube
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Freedom Fighter Tactical Follower and Magazine Tube Pros & Cons
Pros
- Matches M4's finish
- Smooth loading
Cons
- Installation requires some patience and a heat gun
To hell with a silly 5-round magazine tube! However, the Benelli tubes are nearly impossible to find and require a shipment from Italy. They also tend to be quite expensive.
The Freedom Fighter Tactical magazine tube is made from steel and matches Benelli’s M4 finish perfectly. I was a bit nervous that the tube would not match Benelli’s grayish finish, and boy, I was happy to be wrong.
It blends in perfectly and attaches with ease. Installation is simple, and removing the original tube does require a heat gun and a little patience to get things loosened up. The 7-round tube allows for perfect feeding and smooth loading.
I have the steel model, but Freedom Fighter Tactical also produces an H20 NP3 magazine tube for those with the Benelli H20 model. Admittedly, that’s a sweet Benelli, and owners now have a seven-round tube option to replace that foul-stock five-rounder.
There is also a titanium tube available. Titanium is extremely strong, and the finish is unbreakable. It also weighs just a bit more than half of a standard magazine tube. You can trim a bit of weight from your gun and get an unbreakable tube.
This counts as a 922R part, as does the precision machined follower FFT makes. This follower is modeled after the stock Benelli follower to ensure reliable performance. The follower is an American made part and available in a variety of colors.
I went with high-visibility red, so it’s easy to see under the shell lifter. The followers also come in black, green, and stainless. It glides through the magazine tube ultra smoothly without any issues, burrs, or catches.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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These two components are 922R compliant and perfect for the Benelli M4. You already want a 7-round tube, and the follower is a cheap and easy upgrade that functions without issue.
3. Mesa Tactical Truckee Forend – Best Forend
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Mesa Tactical Truckee Forend Pros & Cons
Pros
- M-LOK slots
- Blends well with Benelli finish
Cons
- Instructions are terrible
There are numerous handguards out there that add modularity to the Benelli M4; this includes a Surefire model, one from Strike Industries, and one from Mesa Tactical. Mesa Tactical makes lots of shotgun parts, and one is the Truckee.
The Benelli M4 Truckee handguard comes in both a standard 8.5-inch model and this fabulous 11-inch model. To install the 11-inch handguard, you have to remove a snap ring that holds on the sling keeper. This install process is not complicated, but the instructions kind of suck, as do the pictures.
There is no installation guide online either, so you gotta use the crummy included photos. Once installed and put together through the Truckee is quite lovely. It has a slight bit of play, so installing a PEQ 15 and expecting a perfect zero is a fool’s errand.
Also, hi, yes–it’s a shotgun.
The Truckee 11-inch handguard offers not only M-LOK slots but it pushes them further forward. I wanted to mount my light further than the 8-inch handguard allowed, and I could with the 11-inch model.
This kit is made from aluminum and features the same darkish-gray finish that the barrel and magazine tube have, which makes it quite aesthetically pleasing. It’s also comfortable to grip and provides a good base for accessory mounting.
4. Benelli M4 Bolt Assist Device – Best Bolt Assist Device
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Benelli M4 Bolt Assist Device Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to use and press
- Affordable upgrade
Cons
- Not a replacement but an addition
The Benelli M4 features a bolt release a lot like the Grinch’s heart. It’s about three sizes too small. There are plenty of bigger buttons, but one of my favorite fixes comes from SJ Hardware — the M4 Bolt Assist Device.
This doesn’t replace the button but provides a piece of spring steel that attaches between the handguard and receiver and over the bolt release. This doesn’t provide a replacement bolt release but a huge surface that makes it easier to press.
Not only is it bigger than the stock button, but it’s bigger than all the replacement buttons on the market. It’s huge and super easy to press and engage. This makes closing the bolt a blast and will certainly speed up those emergency reload times.
Plus, it won’t empty your pocketbook, and that’s rare to say about anything when it comes to the Benelli M4.
Best Benelli M4 Accessories
Outside of the parts that allow you to rock and roll legally, we have numerous upgrades we’ve made to the M4 to make it a more competent blaster.
5. Holosun 507C – Best Red Dot
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Holosun 507C Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sideloading battery compartment
- Durable red dot
- Easy target acquisition
Cons
- More expensive than standard irons
Let’s start with the sighting system I’ve put together. I know I wanted a miniature red dot sight simply to reduce size and weight. Smaller sights allow you to reach over the top of the gun and port load without a big sight getting in the way.
The Holosun 507C is the optic of choice, and while it’s easy to say I chose it over the Trijicon RMR to save money, that’s simply not true! The Holosun 507C offered me a variety of features that made it a better optic for my purpose.
This includes some things like the sideloading battery, the easily accessible controls, and the more competent solar panel. The biggest reason I chose the 507C was the reticle.
Or should I say reticles?
The reticles include a simple red dot, a 32 MOA circle with a red dot, and a 32 MOA circle. I wanted the 32 MOA circle for a specific reason. Shotguns have spread, right?
Well, I wanted to use that 32 MOA circle to pattern my buckshot inside of. This way, I know the max range in which my buckshot will stay in that 32 MOA circle. I know the longest shot I’m going to take is about 12 yards inside my home.
At 15 yards, my chosen buckshot load patterns entirely in the 32 MOA circle. The reticle and perfect zero help me account for the pellets and ensure I know where every single one will land as long as that reticle covers that portion of my target.
Red dots are also faster than iron sights, and speed is critical for CQB purposes. The Holosun 507C is a durable shockproof optic that seems to have no issues with the gun’s recoil. It’s held steady for nearly 300 rounds of assorted shotgun ammo without a problem.
It’s light, small, and, best of all, matches the Trijicon RMR pattern for mounting purposes, which leads us to the…
6. Meprolight Night Sights – Best Sights
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Meprolight Night Sights Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tritium makes these easier to see
- Easy to install
Cons
- Some might prefer the stock sights and the hassle-free experience of not installing sights
I already like the stock sights on the Benelli M4 and didn’t necessarily want to replace them. The Meprolight night sights are identical to the stock M4 sights except for the addition of tritium inserts.
These glowing inserts make finding the sights quick and easy regardless of the time of day or external environmental factors. These sights are easy to install and are made to last. These bright glowing sights are perfect for low light situations and as a backup, just in case my optic dies.
7. Aridus Industries Universal Q-DC – Best Side Saddle
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Aridus Industries Universal Q-DC Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to install
- Durable
- Can pull the carrier off and pop in bag
Cons
- Pricey
The Aridus Industries Universal Q-DC has to be, without any doubt in my mind, the most overengineered side saddle out there. I mean that with nothing but love. This side saddle now rides shotgun (get it) on my Benelli M4 and holds six rounds of buckshot ready to go.
It’s an all-aluminum design made up of two pieces. The first is the base, which attaches to the M4 via an extremely sticky High Bond 3M tape. That sounds sketchy, but trust me, it clings to the gun and will not let go. I’m several hundred reloads into it without a problem.
The second part is the actual carrier. The carrier is detachable and is what physically carries your shotgun ammo. With the press of a lever, the carrier can detach from the base. This makes it easy to refill the base with another carrier on the fly. Those carriers just so happen to fit perfectly in an AR-15 magazine pouch.
The carrier portion features an integral spring that gives you excellent retention over your shells. The Q-DC is the only side saddle I’d trust for carrying my shotgun shells inverted. It might be overengineered, but so is your Benelli M4.
8. Carlson’s Cylinder Bore Choke – Best Choke
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Carlson’s Cylinder Bore Choke Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple addition
- Improves consistency
- Threads easily
Cons
- Might loosen over time
The Benelli M4 came with an improved choke that was causing all sorts of chaos with a lot of my buckshot loads. I initially assumed it was a cylinder bore, as the website states it should be, but maybe I just got unlucky?
Either way, a Carlson’s stainless steel cylinder bore choke was a simple addition to clean up my buckshot patterns and improve consistency. It threaded in without an issue and has remained tight over lots of shooting.
9. Blue Force Gear Padded Sling – Best Sling
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Blue Force Gear Padded Sling Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfy
- Durable, lasts a loooong time
Cons
- Pricey
Is this a surprise? I mean, I use these same slings for basically every gun build I do. I’ve used one for almost a decade now, and I mean the exact same one. It’s an unbeatable modern two-point sling.
The BFG Vickers padded sling is very well made and sports a quick pull tab that allows for instant adjustment of the sling to a tight hands-free design to a lose and mobile mode. The extra part of padding increases the comfort of the sling, and the Benelli is not the lightest weapon out there.
That extra padding is comfortable and worth the additional cost, at least it is to me.
10. Magpul AFG Gen 2
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Magpul AFG Gen 2 Pros & Cons
Pros
- M-LOK compatible
- Offers increased control while shooting
Cons
- Some shooters might not like the angled style
The Magpul AFG Gen 2 is a direct-attach M-LOK accessory that mounts to the handguard perfectly. It allows me to pull the gun into my shoulder a bit tighter and increases my ability to control the gun and its recoil. The AFG Gen 2 is more compact and allows for increased control over the gun.
This seems like an instant and easy upgrade and is perfect for the Truckee handguard. It also positions my hand to better use my chosen light.
11. Surefire Scout Light Pro – Best Shotgun Light
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Surefire Scout Light Pro Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rugged and durable
- Cna angle light
- 1,000 lumens and 11,300 candela
Cons
- Expensive
That Turckee handguard offers you all those M-LOK slots. What’s a shotgunner to do?
Well, you can fill one with the Scout Light Pro from Surefire. Surefire makes bombproof lights, and the new Pro series has embraced a mounting system that allows direct attachment to Picatinny rails and M-LOK slots.
More than that, the mounting system makes it easy to angle the light appropriately to keep the light tight and close to the body of the gun. The Surefire series is well supported by a massive market that makes it easy to attach a variety of tape switches to the gun for easy access.
The Scout Light Pro delivers 1,000 lumens of light and 11,300 candela. That’s enough for a shotgun at shotgun ranges. The light remains small and lightweight, ensuring it won’t weigh you down. The Surefire brand is known for its bombproof design, which will easily absorb the recoil of a 12-gauge shotgun.
Final Thoughts
This Benelli M4 build has been about seven months in the making. I knew after I purchased the gun, I would be spending a whole heck of a lot more money on it.
That is one thing that should be mentioned. The Benelli M4 is not a cheap gun, and neither are most of the compatible upgrades. The good news is that most of these upgrades are durable, duty-driven designs that aren’t made in questionable locations and are of dubious quality.
You have to be a real shotgun fan to want to go this far with a gun, and I’m just that kind of fan. I sold guns, parts, and optics to fund it, and I’m still happy with my choice.
What upgrades would you make? Am I a mad man? Let us know below. Interested in home-defense shotguns? Then check out our hands-on review of the Best Home-Defense Tactical Shotguns!
Latest Updates
May 10, 2024: Removed Geissele Hammer, Scalarworks Mount, Esstac Shotgun Card, STNGR Handguard, and Streamlight TLR RM2. Added Benelli M4 Bolt Assist, Mesa Tactical Pistol Grip Stock, Aridus Industries Universal Q-DC, and Surefire 640U Scout Light Pro. Added supplemental information to each product and also added data on how we tested the gear listed.
24 Leave a Reply
Freedom Fighter is way over priced, can get better quality at a better price elsewhere
It appears he sits and waits for various parts suppliers to restock (insert part name) then he buys up everything they have and sells it on his website for considerably more money. I've watched quite a few of his videos and he's extremely arrogant and condescending. He's the self proclaimed Benelli expert of the World. Example: Benelli Factory Night Sights #60795. FFT price $200. ShopBenelli price $145. Neither has them in stock right now. Get on the wait list for ShopBenelli and as soon as they get them in stock, they're sold out in a day. Oddly enough, the next day or so, FFT has them in stock and for sale for $55 a set more. This is one example I've seen over the last 3 years that I've had my M1014. One last example. Factory Benelli H2O Titanium 7 round magazine tube at Benelliparts $249. FFT $330. Dude claims he "has the exact perfect coating by Robar" bullshit. Robar was in Arizona and went out of business in something like 2019 and now the work for the Benelli H2O is done by Coating Technology LLC and some is done by Wright Armory. Point is, FFT rips people off by buying up available stock when he can and then over charging people for what he sells. I will NEVER buy from FFT again. Look online people, the parts are out there for a whole lot less. So what if you have to get on a wait list for a couple of weeks to get it somewhere else. At least you're saving money and not giving your hard earned cash to a guy who PURPOSELY rips you off. I can promise you these other Benelli parts retailers are making money otherwise they wouldn't be selling stuff. FFT choses to make MORE money by taking more from your wallet for the exact same parts.
Mesa handguard is a pain with 2 inserts on both ends, Stupid design, but nice when installed
Awesome article. Based on your article, I have acquired many of these upgrades, and they are worth the investment. One you didn’t mention which you may want to consider is the larger-sized charging handle from Freedom Fighter Tactical. The OEM charging handle that comes with the M4 is tiny and uncomfortable.
Glad you mentioned Freedom Fighter Tactical which is a terrific resource and has great service and M4 parts. MidwayUSA is also outstanding for the M4.
Overpriced FFT parts. Shop around. You can find the same charging handles at Benelliparts for $6.00 less. There are also many other aftermarket companies that sell those handles for WAY less.
Regarding the Mesa Tactical...it looks cool but not really that functional.
This 8.5" is advertised as the “easy” version. You will have to remove the 2 shell extension every time, and if you have an H20 version, you will scratch the shell tube up as you fiddle around trying to get this seated, as the pistons and the barrel and the two plastic pieces and the stock all have to be aligned just so. The top is open, and you can see the cylinders so the pistons are exposed to the elements. You can’t mount anything nearest the muzzle as there is not enough clearance for the m-lock screws underneath. The finish is slick so you will likely need some m-lock inserts. You may better off with a CDM Gear ROC-12S Low Profile Light Mount with Built-In Sling Swivel Dock. I’m still looking for the IWC picatinny rail…but the owner died on Feb so not sure if these will ever go back in production.
Sometimes it’s just hard to improve on a great original design.
Hey Travis, great article! any updates or changes that you made now?
The Magpul afg-2 is not an mlock attachment. You need the standard afg. Thee links are also incorrect
Can the Benelli M4 reliably shoot Mini-Shells (Buck & Slug)? It would make for easier training and also a high-volume, accurate weapon for home defense.
Nope!! Jams on extraction most of the time. Not for home defense at all.
I only shoot Hornady light home-defense loads and it’s cycles perfectly every time.
I’ve shot 2.75 and 3 inch shells, including light loads without a problem. For home defense, I use Hornady Critical Defense, which is super powerfull with a tight group. Works great with an M4 as that recoil is hardly felt at all. Can shoot 8 without moving my red dot.
Is there an adjustable stock for the m4?
yes, if you've got the $$$: freedomfightertactical . com/collections/m4/products/copy-of-70130-benelli-m4-recoil-spring-tube-m4-le-3-position
FFT is selling the complete tube (with guts and lock nut) for $603.00. Freaking rip off. BenelliParts has the same factory Benelli part brand new with all the internals for $249.00. BenelliParts doesn't include the locknut. You can buy a factory Benelli locknut for $16 at one of the big gun part vendors. Quit telling people FFT is the end all be all for everything Benelli. He's not. He's a rip off artist/bullshi!! artist. His head is so big, I don't know how he fits it through the doorway.
BenelliParts has the 3 position COMPLETE recoil tube for $249.00. I had to buy a recoil tube nut for $16.00. All ready to go, just remove the original and install this one as it is with red loctite. I just did mine the other day. Freedom Fighter Tactical is selling the exact same complete factory Benelli recoil tube for $603.00. Dude is a rip off. Shop elsewhere.
I agree with nearly everything in your article, EXCEPT........your choice of optical sight.
The "holosun" sight is made in china. That by itself kills any chance I would ever buy one.
The communist chineese are our ENEMIES plain and simple. By purchasing anything made in china is akin to outrite financial support of our enemies.
Dumbest comment to date.
What's dumb about not supporting your enemy?
Mike's mantra in life is "thank you sir may I please have another"
You believe everything you read? Bet you love Trump and live in a trailer as well. Reality is you never stopped living with your parents and haven’t been any further than your city limits.
Love how people who can't and don't know how to debate something insult others instead.
So true
Absolutely agree Alpha. Would like to see Pew Pew offer more non-Chinese manufactured options. Have zero interest in aiding that wretched place.
I couldn't afford an M3 (I always wanted a convertible shotgun) so I ended up with the Tristar Tec12, the good quality M3 clone and I need to bring it up to snuff but, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of aftermarket M3 parts and it will be an experiment to see what can fit. I just know that if I spent my money on a "real" M3, I'd have none left for any kind of upgrades. Any suggestions??? lol