Why Consider the Capacity Boost? The Advantages of a 9 Round Tube
The primary reason to consider a Benelli M4 9 Round Tube is the immediate and significant increase in ammunition capacity. Instead of the standard five-round or seven-round magazine tube, you gain access to a greater number of shots before needing to reload. This expanded capacity translates directly into enhanced tactical capabilities and peace of mind.
More rounds in your magazine tube equate to increased firepower. Whether you’re facing a threat in a home defense scenario or participating in tactical training, having more rounds available at your fingertips provides a distinct advantage. The ability to maintain a sustained rate of fire, and to potentially address multiple threats without reloading, is a crucial factor in various situations. The added firepower allows for more shots on target and increases the likelihood of neutralizing a threat or achieving your desired outcome.
Reduced reloads are a significant benefit. Reloading under pressure can be a stressful and time-consuming process. With a Benelli M4 9 Round Tube, you’re minimizing the need to reload, allowing you to focus on the threat at hand. Fewer reloads mean less downtime, improving your reaction time and making you more efficient in a crisis. This can prove invaluable in high-stress environments where every second counts.
The psychological impact of an increased capacity can also be a factor. The mere presence of a shotgun with a larger magazine tube can have a deterrent effect. Criminals are less likely to engage if they perceive a greater risk of being met with overwhelming force. The visual impact and the inherent message of readiness are strong deterrents.
Moreover, for home defense applications, the added rounds give you more opportunity to engage multiple targets and/or multiple attempts at incapacitating one target. This increased number of rounds provides a higher chance of a positive outcome for yourself and your family. With the right ammunition and proper training, a Benelli M4 equipped with a 9 Round Tube becomes a formidable defensive weapon.
Understanding the Benelli M4 and Its Magazine Tube Fundamentals
The Benelli M4 shotgun, at its core, is a gas-operated semi-automatic firearm. The gas system is the key to its smooth and reliable cycling action. When a round is fired, a portion of the expanding gases are channeled to cycle the action, loading a fresh round into the chamber. The standard Benelli M4 comes from the factory with a magazine tube that typically holds five or seven rounds of 12-gauge ammunition, plus one round in the chamber. The specific capacity depends on the model.
The magazine tube itself is a cylindrical component that attaches to the underside of the barrel. It houses the rounds and the spring-driven follower. The follower is a small, typically brightly colored part that ensures the rounds are fed into the action smoothly. The magazine spring applies pressure to the rounds, pushing them towards the loading port for consistent feeding.
The original tube, along with the follower and spring are the components that will need to be removed and replaced when you decide to upgrade. Understanding these components is crucial to installing your Benelli M4 9 Round Tube.
Mastering the Installation Process
Installing a Benelli M4 9 Round Tube is a relatively straightforward process, typically achievable by a moderately skilled firearm enthusiast. However, safety must be your top priority, and thorough preparation is key.
Before starting any work, ensure the Benelli M4 is unloaded and that the chamber is clear. Double-check the chamber to confirm no live ammunition remains. This is always the first and most important step when handling any firearm.
Here’s what you’ll generally need:
- Your Benelli M4
- A new 9 Round Tube Kit (Tube, Spring, Follower)
- A vice with soft jaws (highly recommended)
- Appropriate tools (e.g., screwdrivers, wrenches, punches)
- Gun oil or lubricant
- A clean workspace
- Eye protection
Start by field-stripping your Benelli M4. This typically involves removing the forend, barrel, and bolt assembly. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Once you have the receiver, carefully detach the magazine tube from the receiver. This usually involves unscrewing the factory tube. Be careful not to damage the receiver or the threads. A vice with soft jaws to hold the receiver is very helpful at this point.
Remove the old spring, and follower, and the old magazine tube. Inspect and clean the threads on the receiver.
Take the new Benelli M4 9 Round Tube and start threading it into the receiver. Ensure it is properly aligned and screwed in securely. The 9-round tube will usually have an opening where the barrel clamp will connect.
Install the new magazine spring and follower. The spring is designed to work with the extended tube, providing consistent pressure for reliable feeding.
Reassemble the shotgun, ensuring all components are properly aligned.
Test the function of your newly upgraded Benelli M4 9 Round Tube by loading and cycling rounds. Make sure the shotgun feeds and ejects rounds smoothly. Also confirm that the new tube has sufficient clearance with the rest of the firearm and will allow for correct function of the bolt assembly.
Choosing the Right 9 Round Tube: Brands, Quality, and Considerations
The market offers a range of Benelli M4 9 Round Tube upgrades. Several reputable manufacturers produce high-quality tubes designed specifically for the M4.
When selecting a Benelli M4 9 Round Tube, material quality is paramount. Look for tubes constructed from robust, corrosion-resistant materials, often steel. The finish of the tube is also important. A durable finish protects against wear and tear and helps ensure smooth operation.
Reliability is another critical factor. Make sure the tube is designed to provide dependable cycling. The tube should be precision-manufactured to ensure the correct alignment and feeding of the rounds.
Ease of installation should be a consideration, although most tubes are relatively easy to install.
Price is also a factor. While the upgrade provides value, consider your budget.
Some recommended brands include known manufacturers of firearms accessories. Always research reviews and check for compatibility with your specific model of Benelli M4.
Addressing Potential Challenges
Upgrading to a Benelli M4 9 Round Tube can, in rare instances, present some challenges that are important to consider.
One factor to be aware of is potential reliability issues. While most well-made tubes are reliable, some users may experience cycling problems, particularly with certain types of ammunition. The spring tension and ammunition type can affect cycling. Always test and find which ammunition cycles best in your upgraded shotgun.
Weight and balance are also important. The added weight of the tube and the additional rounds it carries can slightly affect the overall balance of the shotgun. This may or may not be noticeable, but it is something to keep in mind.
Be sure to check your local laws and regulations regarding magazine capacity. Some areas restrict the number of rounds that can be held in a shotgun.
Maintaining Your Investment
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring that your Benelli M4 9 Round Tube continues to perform reliably. Regular cleaning and lubrication are critical. After each shooting session, disassemble the magazine tube and clean the interior, removing any debris or residue. Apply a light coat of gun oil to the spring and the tube itself to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth function.
Inspect the follower for wear and tear. If the follower is damaged, it can cause feeding problems. Replace it if necessary.
Troubleshoot any feeding issues. If you experience malfunctions, carefully analyze the situation to identify the source of the problem. Problems might include incorrect ammunition, a damaged follower, or a worn spring. Troubleshooting helps maintain the functionality of the Benelli M4 9 Round Tube.
Conclusion: The Enhanced Benelli M4
Installing a Benelli M4 9 Round Tube is a popular upgrade, offering a significant increase in ammunition capacity and the associated benefits of greater firepower, reduced reloads, and an enhanced psychological effect. Proper installation, coupled with regular maintenance, ensures reliable performance. When considering this upgrade, carefully assess your needs, research the available options, and choose a tube that meets your requirements. The upgrade offers increased firepower and overall efficiency.
This upgrade can significantly improve the Benelli M4, providing an enhanced experience.
Is the Benelli M4 9 Round Tube right for you? Considering the potential benefits and the relatively simple installation process, it’s a worthwhile upgrade for many Benelli M4 owners, especially those prioritizing home defense and tactical applications.
