Need advice with "cranky" Benelli M1014/M4

[ksxdguy]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and would really like some advice about my M1014. First, though, I love this shotgun, but nevertheless, it does have an issue.

I get frequent malfunctions that manifest themselves this way: a round is fired, then the bolt locks back, and the next shell gets stuck on the carrier with about 1/16th of an inch stuck inside the magazine tube. Other times it makes it out of the magazine tube, but the carrier does not lift. The load this happens with most often is AA #7 1/2 and #8 1 1/8 ounce Super Sport. I need this to function with birdshot because it's required for USPSA competition, and I shoot a lot, and need to buy the least expensive stuff I can find. Usually, what's on sale. That's why I have a lot of this load and would like it to function.

I previously had this gun set up with a Mesa Tactical 8 round side saddle and an Eotech, both of which I've removed. I also have a Sure Cycle extended magazine extension and replacement spring, and an extended bolt release. Still having problems.

If light loads are the problem, then I'm confused as to why it cycles Remington Managed Recoil 1 ounce slugs. It runs fine with full power 00 buck and most heavier loads, but I've also had trouble with 3 inch magnums. These were tried just as an experiment, not my idea of fun.

If the solution is to keep trying different loads until it finds something it likes, I can live with that. I must admit though, that the stories I hear, and have read in forums and magazine articles, where the gun gobbles up everything makes me want one like that also.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[superfly]

Send it to Benny Hill in corpus christi,tx he can make it run call him on Tuesday at 361-241-1091

Hi, I'm new to this forum and would really like some advice about my M1014. First, though, I love this shotgun, but nevertheless, it does have an issue.

I get frequent malfunctions that manifest themselves this way: a round is fired, then the bolt locks back, and the next shell gets stuck on the carrier with about 1/16th of an inch stuck inside the magazine tube. Other times it makes it out of the magazine tube, but the carrier does not lift. The load this happens with most often is AA #7 1/2 and #8 1 1/8 ounce Super Sport. I need this to function with birdshot because it's required for USPSA competition, and I shoot a lot, and need to buy the least expensive stuff I can find. Usually, what's on sale. That's why I have a lot of this load and would like it to function.

I previously had this gun set up with a Mesa Tactical 8 round side saddle and an Eotech, both of which I've removed. I also have a Sure Cycle extended magazine extension and replacement spring, and an extended bolt release. Still having problems.

If light loads are the problem, then I'm confused as to why it cycles Remington Managed Recoil 1 ounce slugs. It runs fine with full power 00 buck and most heavier loads, but I've also had trouble with 3 inch magnums. These were tried just as an experiment, not my idea of fun.

If the solution is to keep trying different loads until it finds something it likes, I can live with that. I must admit though, that the stories I hear, and have read in forums and magazine articles, where the gun gobbles up everything makes me want one like that also.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[StealthyBlagga]

Send it to Benny Hill in corpus christi,tx he can make it run call him on Tuesday at 361-241-1091

[rant]Oh brother . I really wish, just once in a while, people on this board would actually offer a more constructive and complete answer than "call Benny Hill". I'm sure Mr Hill is a very nice man and an excellent gunsmith, and he certainly deserves to make a living, but we don't all subscribe to the "black box" mindset when it come to making guns run. There is something to be said for being able to do it yourself ![/rant]

I'm not sure I can be too helpful in solving this problem, as I don't own an M4, but I'll offer what advice I can. As I'm sure you know, the M4 is a combination recoil/gas operated shotgun. It was made this way to function reliably even with all the junk the military likes to hang on their guns. My guess, from the symptoms you describe (i.e the gun runs fine with heavy loads, but seems to be slightly short stroking with light loads), are that you have an inadequate combination of gas pressure and/or recoil impulse. This is not too suprising, as the gun is designed for full-power combat loads, not light bird/target loads. Even the reduced recoil slugs you refer to are a good deal hotter than typical bridshot shells.

To confirm this, in the first instance test the gun with some hot birdshot loads, like Estate or S&B "Heavy Game" (e.g 1-1/4oz, 3-3/4DE). If it runs OK, then the gun is probably functioning as designed. You can then decide whether to run hotter loads all the time (more recoil, but the plates will fall with conviction), or you can have the gas ports drilled out (or DIY)... this is an area where Mr Hill may indeed be able to help you. There may be some other options, like reducing the weight of the bolt, but thats above my pay grade.

HTH.

[Larry White]

Sounds likee a weak mag spring to me. Its just not kicking the round back with enough force to trip the carrier.-------Larry

[StealthyBlagga]

Sounds likee a weak mag spring to me. Its just not kicking the round back with enough force to trip the carrier.-------Larry

Good point - a Wolff extra power 12ga mag spring would eliminate this concern, and is cheap insurance in any case (~$5).

[Larry White]

The Bennelli spring from Brownells is a better spring from what we have seen. A little more power and last longer.----------Larry

[ksxdguy]

Benny Hill does seem to be "the man" for Benelli shotguns, but I'd sure like to figure out something without the hassle of sending it off. The Sure Cycle did come with a longer mag spring, but I think the advice I'm going to go with first is to replace it. Thanks to all for your suggestions.

[benny hill]

Try the " long" benelli mag spring from brownell's, should solve your problem.

[M118LR]

Oh brother . I really wish, just once in a while, people on this board would actually offer a more constructive and complete answer than "call Benny Hill".

What wrong with calling him. If it gets the problem solved, what else do need.

[ksxdguy]

Try the " long" benelli mag spring from brownell's, should solve your problem.

Ordered yesterday, thanks. The mag tube was also filthy; I couldn't believe that much gunk could get in there. No longer will I neglect that part of maintenance.

[ksxdguy]

Try the " long" benelli mag spring from brownell's, should solve your problem.

Ordered yesterday, thanks. The mag tube was also filthy; I couldn't believe that much gunk could get in there. No longer will I neglect that part of maintenance.

Limited range report. After installing new mag spring and cleaning mag tube, the gun cycled with authority and fed everything. Result: one happy camper.

[Larry White]

Good. Glad we could help.---------Larry