Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY Review

First Thoughts on the Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY

The Benelli M4 is arguably the most iconic and reliable tactical shotgun ever created, and customizing it is practically a rite of passage for any serious shooter. When I first saw the Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY, I was immediately drawn to the promise of enhanced adjustability and recoil mitigation. It touted a 6-position adjustable stock for length of pull, a 5-position adjustable cheek comb, and the intriguing “SHOCK FORCE” recoil system.

For years, I’ve struggled with the factory stock on my M4. It felt too long for comfortable use with body armor, and cheek weld was always a compromise. I was looking for a solution that would allow me to customize the fit to my body and shooting style, and ideally reduce some of the M4’s snappy recoil. Several similar options were available, but the Black River Pro stock’s adjustable cheek comb and “SHOCK FORCE” system made it stand out.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was mixed. The GREY polymer felt robust, but also somewhat…plasticky. The adjustable mechanisms seemed solid, but the overall weight felt lighter than I expected. I was definitely excited to try it out, but a small voice in the back of my head wondered if it would live up to the hype, especially given the price tag.

Real-World Testing: Putting Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY to the Test

First Use Experience

My first trip to the range with the Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY was intended to be a rigorous test. I ran through a variety of drills, including transitioning between targets, shooting from different positions, and rapid firing strings. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze.

The adjustability of the stock immediately proved beneficial. I was able to dial in the perfect length of pull for use with my plate carrier, and the adjustable cheek comb allowed me to achieve a consistent cheek weld with my red dot optic. The initial shots felt good, but after about 30 rounds of standard 2 3/4″ shells, the “SHOCK FORCE” system didn’t seem to be doing much. Then, disaster struck: after approximately six shots using magnum loads, I noticed a crack forming in the polymer near the buffer tube attachment point, rendering the stock unsafe to use.

Extended Use & Reliability

Unfortunately, the first use experience was also the last. The reported weakness of the plastic around the 6th shot suggests an unacceptable lack of durability. The product did not withstand even a moderate volume of fire with standard loads, let alone anything more punishing.

Maintenance was irrelevant given the early failure. If it hadn’t broken, cleaning would have been standard for polymer stocks. My previous experiences with aftermarket stocks from reputable brands have been far more positive, highlighting the Black River Pro stock’s significant shortcoming.

Breaking Down the Features of Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY

Specifications

• The Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY boasts a 6-position adjustable stock for length of pull. This allows for precise customization to the shooter’s body and preferred shooting stance.
• It also features a 5-position adjustable cheek comb. This provides optimal sight alignment when using various optics.
• An AR-style buffer tube is incorporated into the design. This allows for compatibility with a wide range of AR-style buffer tube accessories.
• The stock includes a rubber over-molded pistol grip. This aims to enhance comfort and control during firing.
• Ambidextrous QD swivel sockets are present. They offer versatile sling attachment options for both left- and right-handed shooters.
• The “SHOCK FORCE” recoil system is advertised as a key feature. It is described as having stiff spring tension to mitigate recoil.

Performance & Functionality

The adjustability of the Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY is undoubtedly a strength. It allows for a truly customized fit, enhancing comfort and potentially improving accuracy. However, the core functionality of recoil mitigation promised by the “SHOCK FORCE” system seemed negligible during testing.

The critical weakness is the apparent lack of durability. The rapid failure under moderate use raises serious concerns about its reliability. It falls significantly short of expectations, particularly considering the price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is visually appealing and the ergonomics, prior to the failure, seemed promising. The adjustable features contributed to a comfortable and customizable shooting experience. However, the build quality, particularly the choice of polymer in critical stress areas, raises significant concerns.

There is a minimal learning curve in using the stock. Adjusting the length of pull and cheek comb is intuitive and straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

The short lifespan of the test unit speaks volumes about its durability. The use of seemingly substandard plastic components is a critical flaw. Maintenance is a moot point if the product is prone to catastrophic failure after only a few rounds.

Repair would likely require replacement of the entire stock, further diminishing its value proposition. The poor durability overshadows any potential benefits of its design and features.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY is designed with an AR-style buffer tube. This theoretically opens up a range of customization options with compatible buffer tubes and stocks.

The ambidextrous QD swivel sockets also offer flexibility in sling attachment. However, the primary focus should be on the stock’s inherent durability before considering aftermarket accessories.

Pros and Cons of Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY?

Given my experience and the documented failure, I cannot recommend the Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY to anyone. Even if the adjustability seems appealing, the risk of premature failure outweighs any potential benefits.

Skip this product and invest in a stock from a more reputable manufacturer with a proven track record of durability. There are numerous alternatives from established brands that offer similar features with significantly better build quality.

Conclusion on Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY

The Black River Pro Benelli M4 Elite Collapsible Stock (Shock Force) – GREY promised a customizable and recoil-mitigating upgrade for the Benelli M4. In reality, it delivered a disappointing and potentially dangerous experience.

The price is not justified given the product’s poor durability and incomplete delivery. I would not personally recommend this stock under any circumstances.

Avoid this product and invest in a more reliable and durable alternative to ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting experience.

Check Best Price HERE