Has anyone truly been successful at using an M4 as their competition w

[Smokin]

Ive searched on this topic pretty extensively and have come to the conclusion that you CAN use an M4 for multigun, but it may be suboptimal. Rather than run out and get a M2 or an FN SLP MK1 (which I still MAY do), I also wanted to see if anyone has modified their M4 succesfully for this game. This is what Im thinking:

-Carrier Comp Titanium Mag tube, will give me a 7+1 capacity

-Nordic Magazine Extension for Supernova which will give me either an 8+1 or 9+1 capacity depending on how long of an extension I want

-Briley Chokes (or other mfg)

-Mesa stock to shorten LOP

-HiViz fiberoptic front sight

-GG&G oversized release button

Is there a flaw in my thinking? I like the idea of having my competition rig, being the same as a home defense weapon. I also dont mind buying another weapon. I am not so concerned about cost so I am also not opposed to buying another platform and having it modified further. Thoughts?

[Bryan 45]

What is your definition of "truely successful"? If you mean enjoying the company of some of the best people in the world, having a good time, and putting lead downrange then I expect an M4 would allow you to be as successful as any shotgun out there.

If you intend to win matches, you may want to look for another shotgun.

I'm guessing you are somewhere in the middle?

Stick an extension on the gun, practice loading, practice loading, practice loading, shoot some matches, practice loading, practice loading, practice loading, and when you feel the shotgun is holding you back in the final results, buy an M2 or SLP.

[AustinWolv]

I've only used the M4 for the very limited number of matches I've attended, including the Larue match this year. It is workable but suboptimal. Honestly, the gun is not the problem yet as I had a poor match there with shotgun portions.

My M4 has the CC Ti full tube, Mesa stock, and GG&G release.

The other items you list would be nice, particularly the Nordic extension as there was a definite disadvantage just from being at 8 in the tube versus the M4's 7.

However, after test-driving a friend's M2 and another friend's SLP Mk1, I ended up buying a Mk1 (more readily available, a bit cheaper, and more ready out of the box). The M4 is quite a bit heavier than the other two and was slower for me moving across a target array and cycling as the timer revealed on the same shells. The M4 tube is also harder to load than the other two due to spring strength, so you'd want to 'tune' that also.....I went back to the stock Benelli spring in the M4 which stuck out 12" from the full tube as that was easier than the spring that ships with the CC Ti full tube. If you stick with the M4, you'd want to play with that further and probably polish inside the tube and the spring, which I admittedly haven't done.

I also slightly cut the shell catch lever as it is very, very stiff.

The nice thing about the M4 is mine is a frickin' laser with the Winchester X slugs.

Originally I wanted to just run what I had. After attending matches and playing with others' setups, it was time to take the first step towards a game gun.

Personally, I'd save the money and play with what you've got instead of updating the M4.....or config the M4 for your HD desire and go spend money on a game gun.

I'm by no means an informed expert, but my two cents.

Edited May 16, 2011 by AustinWolv

[Smokin]

Thanks for the replies. Even though I would like to win, but I am so new to the game, my personal abilities are going to limit me more than the equipment. That being said, I really dont subscribe to the thought that "go with what you have and upgrade when youre skills improve". I would rather not be limited by "substandard" equipment and have my skills grow into the equipment. I suppose my question is more to qualify what would remain suboptimal about the M4 if I do the above mods (and any other mods that others may recommend). If at the end of the day, other platforms are still far superior, I'll have a "game gun"....I just want to know what I'm sacrificing. What Im reading so far is:

1) Weight (wont be able to fix that)

2) Shell Catch Lever (I suppose a gunsmith can alter this easily).

3) Polish inside of tubes

hmmm, still cant decide...

[AustinWolv]

I am so new to the game, my personal abilities are going to limit me more than the equipment.

Completely understand.

. I would rather not be limited by "substandard" equipment and have my skills grow into the equipment.

Agree, and thus why I decided to pick up a Mk1. My other thought on this was to spend all the practice time and such with something I plan on using instead of investing lots of time and effort on something that I know I'm going to transition away from, i.e. get familiar with and use the heck out of the game gun when practicing for the game.

I suppose my question is more to qualify what would remain suboptimal about the M4 if I do the above mods

To me, and some much more experienced types can give you better info:

Weight

Slower cycling

(Other items like the shell catch lever, opening up the loading port, polishing stuff, welding lifters can apply to other shotguns also, so I only listed the distinguishing items.....)

BTW, not sure if this has happened to anyone else, but I had added the GG&G oversize charging handle. During a match, I actually pulled it out of the gun during the middle of a long stage and didn't realize it until the stage was over. It had rotated and just pulled out.

[Smokin]

I just ordered the CC Titanium Charging handle, but dont have it in my hands yet. Most think it will be a great replacement handle. Time will tell.

I had a GG&G that I bought second hand, but it bent during cycling.

[esskay]

A stock M4 will give you "Benelli thumb" ... but then so will an M1/M2 until you get the lifter welded.

I ran an M4 for 3-gun when I first started until I finally tracked down and invested in an M2 which I got smithed into a game gun. The only modifications I did at the time to the M4 were a Nordic +1, field stock, and extended carrier release button. Some thoughts:

* the ghost ring sights were great for slug shots and slower for everything else (flying clays were my nemesis with that gun!)

* like Austin felt not quite as quick through a stage, though I never put a timer on it

* if you get serious about 3-gun, I consider it a must to weld the lifter, open the loading port and tune the gun for smooth loading

* lots more aftermarket support and gunsmiths with a lot of experience working on M1/M2 platform

* mine was an M1014 which has a fixed choke, so wasn't really tenable in the long run anyway

* it is a lot softer shooting if that is a consideration for you

Edited May 17, 2011 by esskay

[carlosa]

I ran my m4 for the first time Sunday..

I have the titanium tube, plus the Nordic +1 extension.

I would suggest that you don't do anything else other than the mods needed to get 8 in the tube.

Keep it cheap, don't spend money on a stock, charging handle etc..

Save your money, if you get really serious about 3 gun, I'm guessing you will end up buying a dedicated shotgun so save your money for that.. keep your current investment small and have fun.

I'm selling my m4 and putting the cash towards a salient m2.

My biggest grip about the m4 is the weight and the sights..

Cheers,

Los

[dchang0]

esskay, you still suck at flying clays even with your M2, so don't blame the M4 for that, LOL... "Point, don't aim," remember? Ziegler would kick your butt for trying to ghost ring a flying clay...