So the Benelli M4 shotgun.....

[usmcveteran]

I really want this shotgun! I have shot it while in the Marines and it was always fun to shoot. I guess I am looking to be further talked into it or out of it. I don't own any shotguns at the moment and I can't afford the M4 at the moment but is this one of those things where I should just save up and get it or should I get something else to have and hold off on the Benelli?

I don't hunt, I don't shoot skeet or anything like that but I can use this shotgun for those if I choose too in the future right? What about 3 gun should I decide to try that in the future as well?

Sorry if these are dumb questions just would like peoples opinions.

[Celt]

The m4 is an awesome gun, but not idral for those activities. The benelli m2 is another story (and less expensive). The remington versamax has an extremely similar operating system to the m4, but you can buy a vm for around 1000 bucks, and its offered with longer barrels which make it better suited to sport shooting.

So, my vote for a multi purpose sasg is the m2 or vm. I chose the m2 and its one of my favorite firearms (and its super light even with 21" barrel).

[Cgrutt]

I have the M4 and love it.but wouldn't say it does anything much better than any other auto loader. It is without a doubt a tactical gun configured for home defense and suited for three gun type events. You could definitely use it for hunting deer but not sure I'd use it for birds with short barrel. Same goes for skeet. Not that it wouldn't work but there are better guns for this. One feature on M4 that is pretty unique is the ability to run 7+1+1 (5+1+1 out of the box) meaning 7 ( or 5) in the tube, 1 in the barrel and 1 on the shell carrier. Ghost loading. This feature also allows operator to eject round in barrel and replace it with a different round (say from buckshot to a slug) without dumping the whole tube first. Tactical feature. Mossy 590 allows you to do this too. M4 is built like a tank and is set up for to run reliably in the harshest environments. It has some nice features such as double gas tubes (redundancy) that others don't have. Lots of up grades available from different manufactures. Personally I'd say if you wanted an awesome gun primarily for home defense save up and get the Benelli. You won't be disappointed. You could get two or more other guns for same price though so its obviously your call.

[Norm DeGuerre]

personally, I would keep a cheap mossberg around for the bedside, and given that you are close to some awesum sporting clays/trap/five stand clubs...
spend some $$ on a good sporting gun that will provide some enjoyable use

[usmcveteran]

Ok then that leads me too another question...... what is a good sporting gun?

[Norm DeGuerre]

Beretta is my fav
I purchased a 687 many years ago at Beikirch's as a close-out
it has digested sooo many rounds without service, like prolly close to 35,000 at this point

a Ruger red label is a decent entry over/under used at around $750

edited to add--
I USED to be able to split a pallet of 7 shot 12g with a friend, before that *&(% Andy came up with the SAFECrap
thanks to that ass we now have to scavenge for ammo locally, no ship to NY

[Celt]

The new ruger red label is better than the old and can be had for around 1200.

I still say you should look at the remington vm or benelli m2. They are the 2 most common 3 gun shotguns for a reason (reliability)..

Watch some youtube vids of those guns.

[usmcveteran]

I will definitely check those you!

[Celt]

I did a MOUNTAIN of research on sasg's before i bought my m2, and i went with it for a reason, it fits all rolls, and does so very well with ultimate reliability!

[usmcveteran]

Did you get the M2 field or tactical shotgun?

[gtnorry]

I bought a Beretta 1301 for my home gun. I also have the standard Moss 500.
The moss has a lot of recoil for practice and I always seemed to short stroke the pump.
I know everyone says no to a auto for HD but the Beretta is rated as 1 of the most dependable autos out there.

[EvilD]

What Celt said

[Celt]

I bought the m2 field with 21" barrel, comes with chokes, etc... it eats the lightest loads without a problem.. not a hiccup yet out of it.

[usmcveteran]

Definitely going to give that one some serious consideration.