The Benelli M4 set the standard for a combat-grade semi-automatic shotgun when it was adopted by the Marine Corps as the M1014. While it proved to be a popular shotgun, civilian users in this country have had to settle for a version missing some of the features of its Marine brethren. That all changed with Benelli’s introduction of the new-for-2025 M4 EXT.
Imported shotguns and semi-automatic rifles must conform to the standards of 18 U.S. Code § 922 of the Gun Control Act of 1968. Known as the “sporting purpose clause,” in the case of shotguns, this law prohibits features such as extended capacity magazines and folding or collapsible stocks. For Benelli’s civilian M4s, this meant having a fixed stock and a magazine that was limited to a five-round capacity. Earlier this year, Benelli introduced the Nova 3 Tactical, which achieved 922(r) compliance by having the requisite number of American-made parts added to the shotgun once it arrived in this country, allowing the shotguns to have extended seven-shot magazines.
Benelli has given the 12-ga. M4 the same treatment with the new EXT model. What does the “EXT” stand for? Well, Benelli frames the new M4 as “more” of a good thing — more capacity, more finish options and more adjustability. So maybe “EXT” means all the “extras” you’re getting with the new model. For starters, the underbarrel tubular magazine now has a capacity of seven rounds.
On the back end, the buttstock is collapsible, with five different positions to vary length-of-pull, and it has an integrated pistol grip. The rest of the features are the M4 we’re used to, including its ARGO gas-operating system, 18.5” barrel with screw-in choke tubes, oversized controls and “ghost-ring” sights with a Picatinny rail for mounting optics.
The Benelli M4 EXT is available with “more” finish options on the receiver and barrel. These include H20 (Titanium Cerakote), Flat Dark Earth Cerakote and a black Multi-Cam finish similar to what is offered on the Nova 3 Tactical. The shotgun has an MSRP of $2,599 for each finish option. For more information, see the company’s website.
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