Benelli M4 EXT Tactical

The Benelli M4 EXT is an updated take on the M4 Tactical, the semi-automatic shotgun Benelli built for the US military. Benelli's M4 family runs on the ARGO system, short for Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated. It uses two short-stroke pistons to cycle the action, and Benelli builds it to handle a wide range of 12-gauge loads.

Benelli's main change on the EXT is capacity. The magazine tube holds seven shells, so you have 7+1 on board, compared with 5+1 on the standard M4 Tactical. The chamber takes both 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shells.

The barrel is 18.5 inches long with a Modified choke. The EXT keeps the M4's 40-inch overall length and 7.8-pound average weight, so the extra capacity doesn't make it longer or heavier.

The stock is a five-position telescoping design with a pistol grip. Length of pull adjusts from 9 1/4 to 14 inches, so you can fit it to your frame, your gear or a smaller shooter. Benelli also gives the EXT an oversized bolt release, which is easier to find and press quickly. Sights are ghost-ring style, and the receiver is drilled and tapped, so adding a red dot or other optic is simple.

Benelli offers three receiver finishes, each with a black synthetic stock: MultiCam Black, Flat Dark Earth Cerakote and Titanium Cerakote. Cerakote adds corrosion resistance and a distinct look.

If you like the M4 but want more shells and a stock that adjusts to you, the M4 EXT Tactical is the upgrade Benelli built for exactly that.