The Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry Made a Bold First Impression
The Benelli M4 is a legendary shotgun, known for its reliability and combat-proven performance. Upgrading its barrel is a serious decision, and the Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry from Black River Manufacturing promises to enhance its already impressive capabilities. This barrel boasts porting designed to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise, while the OD Green finish offers a unique aesthetic.
I was seeking a way to improve the control and speed of follow-up shots with my Benelli M4 without sacrificing reliability. Factory barrels are great, but I’ve always been intrigued by the potential benefits of a ported barrel in managing recoil. The Black River Manufacturing barrel stood out because of its construction using 4140 steel, a material known for its strength and durability, as well as the included extended ported choke.
Unboxing the barrel revealed a robust piece of equipment. The OD Green finish was evenly applied and aesthetically pleasing. The weight felt substantial and the barrel appeared well-machined with clean porting.
I considered other aftermarket barrels, including those from some of the bigger names in shotgun accessories. Ultimately, I chose the Black River Manufacturing barrel because of the promise of superior steel quality (4140 versus 4130) and the inclusion of a ported choke, offering a complete recoil-reduction package. The price point was also very competitive.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve heard mixed reviews of ported barrels – some swear by them, while others find the benefits minimal. I was eager to see if the Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry would live up to the hype and provide a noticeable improvement in recoil management.
Real-World Testing: Putting Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range session with the Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry was at an outdoor range in mixed weather conditions. It was a typical Pacific Northwest day: overcast with intermittent light rain. I ran a variety of ammunition through it, from light target loads to heavier buckshot and slugs.
The difference in recoil was immediately noticeable. The muzzle rise was significantly reduced, allowing for faster target reacquisition. The ported choke certainly contributed to this.
Installation was straightforward, requiring only basic gunsmithing skills. I encountered no issues swapping out the factory barrel for the Black River Manufacturing offering. After about 50 rounds, the barrel had no issues and was performing flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it in various conditions, including dusty environments and during a few rainy days.
There are no visible signs of excessive wear or tear. The OD Green finish has held up well.
Cleaning is simple and no different than the factory barrel. I typically clean it after each range session using standard shotgun cleaning solvents and brushes. The chrome-lined bore makes removing fouling relatively easy. Compared to my previous experiences with non-ported barrels, the reduction in muzzle climb allowed for more accurate follow-up shots, making the investment worthwhile.
Breaking Down the Features of Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry
Specifications
- Length: 18.5 inches. This length offers a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.
- Brand: Black River Manufacturing. This manufacturer claims to prioritize high-quality materials and construction.
- Choke Thread: Benelli Mobil. This thread pattern allows for the use of a wide variety of aftermarket chokes.
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. Standard for the Benelli M4.
- Material: 4140 Steel. This is a significant upgrade over the commonly used 4130 steel.
- Models Fit: Benelli M4, Benelli M1014. Ensures compatibility with the intended firearm.
- Shell Length: 2 3/4″ and 3″. Handles both standard and magnum loads.
- Lining: Chrome Lined. The chrome lining enhances corrosion resistance and facilitates easier cleaning.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the barrel’s performance and longevity. The 4140 steel construction means the barrel is likely to be more durable and resistant to deformation under the stress of repeated firing.
Performance & Functionality
The Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry excels at recoil reduction. The porting effectively vents gases, mitigating muzzle rise and reducing the felt recoil.
The ported extended choke provides an additional layer of recoil management and allows for pattern adjustments. I noticed tighter groupings with buckshot when using the included choke. However, one should note the increase in muzzle blast due to the ports, especially when using magnum loads.
It meets and, in some respects, exceeds expectations. The recoil reduction is significant, and the overall build quality inspires confidence.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 4140 steel feels solid and robust. The OD Green finish is evenly applied and aesthetically pleasing, adding a tactical look to the Benelli M4.
The barrel is user-friendly, requiring no modifications to the firearm for installation. The Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry is a simple drop-in replacement. There is no noticeable increase in weight compared to the factory barrel.
Durability & Maintenance
The Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry is expected to last for many years. The chrome-lined bore and durable steel construction suggest a long service life.
Maintenance is easy, requiring only standard shotgun cleaning procedures. The chrome lining simplifies the removal of powder residue and plastic wad fouling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The barrel comes with a ported extended choke, threaded in the Benelli Mobil pattern. This allows for compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket chokes from various manufacturers.
The Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry is compatible with any accessories designed for the standard Benelli M4, such as aftermarket sights, rails, and forends.
Pros and Cons of Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry
Pros
- Significant recoil reduction for faster follow-up shots.
- Durable 4140 steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Chrome-lined bore for enhanced corrosion resistance and easy cleaning.
- OD Green finish adds a unique tactical aesthetic.
- Comes with a ported extended choke for optimized performance.
Cons
- Increased muzzle blast can be distracting.
- Porting may require more frequent cleaning.
Who Should Buy Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry?
Perfect for: Competitive shooters, tactical users, and anyone seeking to improve recoil management and follow-up shot speed with their Benelli M4. This is also great for anyone shooting 3-gun.
Who should skip this product? Those sensitive to increased muzzle blast or prioritizing absolute concealment. Those who prefer a traditional look.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality set of hearing protection is essential. Also consider a good set of sights for quicker target acquisition.
Conclusion on Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry
The Benelli M4 Ported Barrel- OD Green – No Concealed Carry from Black River Manufacturing is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to enhance the performance of their Benelli M4. The recoil reduction is noticeable, and the build quality inspires confidence.
The price of $210.49 is justified given the quality of materials and the performance benefits. It is a worthwhile investment to the Benelli M4 to bring it up to the next level.
I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to improve recoil management, follow-up shot speed, and the overall tactical capabilities of their Benelli M4. Upgrade your Benelli M4 today and experience the difference!