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Vintage 1990's HK Benelli M1 Super 90 12 ga vs current Benelli M4 Tactical recoil comparison and reliability

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9.6K views 29 replies 13 participants last post by  Sooner67  
#1 ·
Vintage 1990's HK Benelli M1 Super 90 12 ga vs current Benelli M4 Tactical recoil comparison and reliability
My 1990's HK Benelli M1 Super 90 12 ga kicks like a mule. Does the current ones have less recoil due to it's a gas system?
 
#2 ·
In my experience, no. Also in my experience (limited on the the M4), the vintage iron is the more reliable of the two with low brass loads. The inertial recoil system relies on the recoil to operate, so that impulse is somewhat by design. Matter of fact if you add a bunch of stuff to increase inertial mass (increase weight) of the gun (lights, sidesaddles, etc..), it can affect the reliable function of the Benelli.
 
#3 ·
My vintage M1 felt pretty much the same as my M2 with the Comfortech though the rubber cheekpiece lessened some of the physical evidence on my face. As noted the inertia recoil gonna be what it is.

The M4 is slightly different with the piston system; its also a heavier system than the above (and can go as heavy as you want unlike the older models). It will cycle some shells that the older guns will not if you adjust the system accordingly. That being said, this is still a semi-auto 12ga system with reciprocating mass.

One thing to note in general is the geometry of the Benelli pistol grip stock design. Depending on training and mechanics of how the user is applying pressure to the shotgun, the Benelli PG stock alone WILL punish most users who do not know how handle the system (especially in a light, inertia Benelli).
 
#5 ·
The Benelli inertia system is a thumper no doubt about it. I’ve been shooting super 90s since they came out in 1989 when I bought my first one….. The M4’s are the same ,no noticeable difference here.
Reliability is excellent on all accounts once you break them in with heavier loads.
The only problems I can recall with the super 90s, this was early on, was they were breaking extractors and advice was to have a spare extractor on hand.
 
#6 ·
The Benelli M4 is a hefty 8lb. gun with the ARGO Gas system. These two specs alone contribute to it being a much softer shooter than either the M1 or the M2. The lighter M1/M2 guns at around 6.5 lbs. with the the Inertia System inherently produce more recoil than the same shell in an M4. But you already know that Reginald because you own an M1. The Inertia system also can be finnicky with very light loads, but it gets better with use. After breaking in the M4 Argo system with a diet of heavy shells and slugs (@50-75 rounds), it will fire lighter payloads reliably. There is no adjustment to the ARGO System and it functions reliably and clean. I have an M1, an M2 and an M4. Pick up a box of your 'favorite' shells that punish you in your M1, and shoot some, side by side, with an M4. You'll notice a big difference with the M4.
 
#7 ·
I’ve never felt the recoil to be that bad with my Benelli M4, and I’m not a big guy. However, I’ve never shot an M1 so I don’t have anything to compare it with.
 
#8 ·
I own a 14” benelli m1 and have owned later versions. I find the m1 kicks the least w heavy loads. It has a stronger spring. It doesn’t like soft loads. Newer versions will eat anything but are harder recoiling . I assume a softer spring. If you hold it well I don’t even get bruised with 00 or slugs. I don’t find it to kick that bad at all.
 
#12 ·
You can’t go wrong.
They are a fantastic and reliable shotgun. I bought a field barrel and a standard stock for mine, and I shoot trap with it every month …..just like wine they get better with age , if properly maintained and cleaned.👍🏻
 
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#26 · (Edited)
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The mag tube is threaded into the receiver. Sealed with some type of cement I’ve only had to remove one that had a dented tube that wouldn’t feed. Had to remove it to put an expanding-ball down it and straighten it out. As noted in the other thread, had to heat it to loosen whatever the cement is they use to seal the threads and thread it out.