- Benelli M4 Super 90
Infobox Weapon
name=Benelli M4 Super 90
caption=The Benelli M4 Super 90, also known as "M1014, Joint-Service Shotgun"
origin=flag|Italy
type=Semi-automatic shotgun
is_ranged=yes
service=
used_by="See users"
wars=
designer=Benelli Armi SPA
design_date=1998
manufacturer=Benelli Armi SPA
production_date=1999-present
number=
variants=
weight=kg to lb|3.82|sp=us|abbr=on|precision=2|wiki=yes
length=mm to in|886|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes
part_length=convert|470|mm|abbr=on|1
width=
height=
crew=
cartridge=
caliber=12 gauge
action=Gas operated
rate=
velocity=
range=50 m
max_range=
feed=4+1 or 7+1, internal tube magazine
sights=Ghost ring sightThe M4 Super 90 is an Italian-developed and made
shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi S.P.A.History
On May 4,
1998 , theU.S. Army Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) atPicatinny Arsenal , NJ issued Solicitation #DAAE30-98-R-0401 requesting submission for a new12 gauge , semi-automaticcombat shotgun for the US Armed Services. In response to the request, Benelli Armi S.P.A. ofUrbino ,Italy designed and built the Benelli M4 Super 90 Combat Shotgun. On the 4th of August,1998 , five samples of the M4 were delivered toAberdeen Proving Ground ,Maryland for testing. After an intense testing, the Benelli M4 beat the competition. In early1999 , the U. S. Army ARDEC awarded the M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun contract to Heckler & Koch, USA subsidiary for importation of the Benelli M4 Combat Shotgun. The first units (count of 20,000) were delivered to theU. S. Marine Corps in1999 . Initially, the prototype was called the XM1014, but once testing was finished, the 'X' was dropped and was officially designated the M1014.Design
The M4 was the first gas-operated shotgun produced by Benelli. Its function is designed around an entirely new method called the "auto regulating gas operated" (ARGO) system. The design uses two stainless-steel self-cleaning
piston s located just ahead of the chamber to function opposite the rotating bolt, thereby eliminating the need for the complex mechanisms found on other gas-actuated automatics.It is also self-regulating for cartridges of varying length and power levels. It can fire 2.75 and 3 inch shells of differing power-levels without any operator adjustments and in any combination. Low-power rounds, such as less-lethal rubber pellets, must be cycled manually.
The sights are military-style ghost ring and are adjustable in the field using only a cartridge rim. The accessory rail on top allows use of both conventional and night-vision sights, while retaining use of the original sights.
erviceability
Also touted is the modular assembly basis of the weapon. It allows an operator to exchange the various assembly groups (barrel, buttstock,
forearm , etc...) without tools. Especially useful in the field, the process is quick and allows the weapon to adapt to a changing tactical environment.Durability
Preliminary testing of the M4 puts its reliability at the top of the scale. It can reliably function for at least 25,000 rounds without replacement of any major parts. [cite web|url=http://club.guns.ru/eng/hkm4.html |title=HK M4 Super 90/XM1014 |publisher=Club.guns.ru |date= |accessdate=2008-09-08] The steel components of the weapon feature a matte black phosphated corrosion resistant finish while the aluminum parts are matte hard-anodized. These finishes reduce the weapon's visibility during night operations.
The weapon requires little or no maintenance and operates in all climates and weather conditions.
Collapsible buttstock
One of the potentially useful features of the M4 is the collapsible buttstock. The collapsible buttstock is functional on the M4 Model designated 11707 but will not collapse on the M1014. This is because the M1014 was manufactured before the assault weapon ban of '94 expired whereas the M11707 has been manufactured since the ban expired therefore not being subject to the terms under the ban. Collapsing the buttstock shortens the weapon by almost 8 inches, allowing easier storage and transportation; furthermore, it permits better maneuverability around tight corners and over obstacles. The M4 is also available with a fixed stock (pistol grip and semi-pistol grip styles are both available).
Rail Interface System
The
Rail Integration System orPicatinny rail , built into the top of the shotgun accepts scopes,laser illuminators, night-vision sights, andflashlight s. Most modern militaryfirearm s have similar structures.Usage in the US
The M1014 is currently in use by the
U. S. Marine Corps and is planned for distribution to the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, and the U. S. Coast Guard. It currently supplements theRemington 870 ,Mossberg 590 , and Winchester 1100/1200 tactical shotguns. It is currently used by theUnited States Armed Forces as their "Joint Service Combat Shotgun".This shotgun is civilian legal.
Other users
*INA
Bravo-90 Detachment
*flag|IrelandIrish Army Ranger Wing
*MASRoyal Malaysian Air Force PASKAU
*MEXMexican Army ee also
*
List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces *
Benelli M1 Super 90
*Benelli M3 Super 90 *
Pancor Jackhammer
*MAG-7
*Franchi SPAS-12
*Atchisson Assault Shotgun *
Firearm safety
*Combat shotgun
*List of shotguns References
External links
* [http://www.benelliusa.com/firearms/m4.tpl Official Benelli Website: M4]
* [http://www.benelliusa.com/customer-service/pdfs/M4Super90.pdf Benelli M4 operator's manual]
* [http://world.guns.ru/shotgun/sh19-e.htm Modern Firearms & Ammunition - Benelli M4 Super 90 / M1014 JSCS shotgun]
* [http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/7e931335d515626a8525628100676e0c/5ee9a6e9c96be5658525627b0060500c?OpenDocument USMC Factfile: Joint Service Combat Shotgun]
* [http://www.usmcweapons.com/articles/M1014/M1014NF.htm USMC weapons: M1014 Combat Shotgun]
* [http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/infantry/zimm.pdf Joint Service Shotgun Information (PDF)]
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