First Impressions of Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety
As someone who’s spent over a decade immersed in the world of tactical gear and outdoor equipment, I’m always on the lookout for improvements, no matter how small, that can enhance performance and safety. The Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety immediately caught my eye as a simple, yet potentially significant upgrade for a platform I’m intimately familiar with – the Benelli shotgun. Strike Industries has a reputation for producing affordable, well-designed components, and the promise of improved ergonomics and positive engagement in this safety was enough to pique my interest.
Having run Benelli M series shotguns in various competitive shooting scenarios and even in some tactical training courses, the factory safety has always felt a little lacking. It’s small, sometimes difficult to manipulate quickly, especially with gloves, and doesn’t always provide a confident sense of engagement.
My initial impression upon unboxing the Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety was positive. The black QPQ finish looks durable, and the concave button face seemed like a smart design choice for tactile feedback. The weight, though negligible at 0.5 oz, felt reassuring, hinting at the use of quality steel. Compared to other aftermarket Benelli safeties, like those from GG&G or Taran Tactical Innovations, I chose this one for its price point and the more subdued, functional design; I wasn’t looking for flash, just improved performance.
I was excited to see if this simple upgrade could truly improve my handling of the Benelli, addressing a minor annoyance that could become a major issue in a high-stress situation. My expectation was a noticeable improvement in ease of use and a more positive, confidence-inspiring feel, and I hoped Strike Industries would deliver on that promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety at my local shooting range, during a practice session focused on shotgun drills and transitions. The weather was mild, but I made sure to cycle the safety multiple times while wearing shooting gloves of varying thicknesses. Installation was truly a drop-in affair, taking less than a minute.
Immediately, I noticed a difference in the ease of engaging and disengaging the safety. The extended button face and concave design provided a much more positive feel, and the satisfying click engagement, as Strike Industries describes it, was indeed present. The safety disengaged smoothly, requiring minimal effort.
There were no issues during the initial range session. The enhanced safety felt like a natural extension of the shotgun, requiring no real adjustment in my technique.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including participation in a 3-gun competition and a dedicated shotgun course, the Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or corrosion, and the QPQ finish remains intact. Cleaning is simple – just wipe it down along with the rest of the shotgun’s components.
Compared to the factory safety, the Strike Industries offering is a significant improvement in terms of both usability and confidence. It outperforms the original in every scenario I’ve encountered. I’ve used it in wet conditions, dusty environments, and even with numb hands in colder weather, and it has remained reliable and easy to manipulate.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety
Specifications
The Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety is a drop-in replacement safety designed for Benelli M1, M2, M3, and M4 series shotguns (both 12 and 20 gauge). It is machined from AISI 4140 steel for strength and durability. The safety undergoes a Quench Polish Quench (QPQ) process, which provides a durable and corrosion-resistant finish.
The safety’s length is 20.32 mm, and it weighs only 0.5 oz. These dimensions are critical because they extend the button face slightly without adding significant bulk or weight to the shotgun.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety is to provide a more positive and reliable safety mechanism for Benelli shotguns. It excels at this. The extended button face and concave design make it easier to locate and manipulate, even with gloves.
The satisfying click engagement provides a clear indication of the safety’s position, eliminating any doubt. The only improvement that could be made is offering different color options.
This upgrade significantly improves the overall usability and safety of the Benelli shotgun. It exceeds expectations for a simple, drop-in component.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety boasts a well-thought-out design. The concave button face is perfectly sized and shaped for easy finger placement, while the extended length provides ample surface area for manipulation. The build quality is excellent, and the materials used feel robust and durable.
There is no learning curve. It’s intuitive to use and feels like a natural extension of the shotgun’s existing controls.
Durability & Maintenance
The AISI 4140 steel construction and QPQ finish contribute to the safety’s exceptional durability. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of regular use and exposure to the elements.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe it down with a cloth and lubricate it as needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety itself doesn’t require any additional accessories. Its drop-in design means it integrates seamlessly with the existing shotgun components.
While there are no specific customization options for the safety itself, it is compatible with any other aftermarket Benelli M series accessories, such as extended magazine tubes, upgraded followers, and enhanced charging handles.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety
Pros
- Improved Ergonomics: The extended, concave button face makes it significantly easier to engage and disengage the safety, especially with gloves.
- Positive Engagement: The satisfying click provides a clear indication of the safety’s position.
- Durable Construction: The AISI 4140 steel and QPQ finish ensure long-lasting durability and corrosion resistance.
- Easy Installation: The drop-in design makes installation quick and simple, requiring no gunsmithing.
- Affordable Price: It offers excellent value for money, especially compared to other aftermarket Benelli safeties.
Cons
- Color Options Limited: Only available in black.
- No Texture Options: The surface finish is smooth and some users may prefer a more aggressive texture for added grip.
Who Should Buy Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety?
The Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety is perfect for:
- 3-Gun Shooters: The improved ergonomics and positive engagement can significantly enhance performance in competitive shooting scenarios.
- Tactical Shooters/Law Enforcement: The enhanced safety provides a more reliable and accessible safety mechanism in high-stress situations.
- Hunters: Those who hunt in challenging conditions or with gloves will appreciate the ease of use and positive feel of the safety.
- Anyone seeking a simple and affordable upgrade: Anyone who owns a Benelli M1, M2, M3, or M4 series shotgun and finds the factory safety lacking.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who are completely satisfied with the factory Benelli safety.
- Those who are looking for a more visually striking or highly customized safety.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Not applicable: The Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety is a standalone upgrade that doesn’t require any other accessories.
Conclusion on Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety
The Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety is a simple yet highly effective upgrade for Benelli M series shotguns. It addresses a common complaint about the factory safety – its small size and lack of positive engagement – with a well-designed and durable solution.
The price of $24.95 is more than justified by the improvement in ergonomics and reliability. It’s a small investment that can significantly enhance the overall shooting experience.
I would personally recommend the Strike Industries Benelli M Series Enhanced Safety to any Benelli M series owner looking for a simple and affordable way to improve their shotgun’s safety mechanism. It’s a worthwhile upgrade that will provide greater confidence and control. Upgrade your Benelli today; you won’t regret it!