Originally Posted by
Failure2Stop
Reasons I find it sub-optimal-
Collapsable stock that does not adjust. When in body-armor the stock is too long, and when collapsed it is too short to use.
Non intuitive manual of arms. While common to other semi-auto shotguns I am sure somebody could simplify and streamline the controls. They are also not fun when going lefty. The pistol grip is unnecessary and adds a snag-hazard when in tight confines with the shotty slung. The gun is also pretty long, which makes it difficult to maneuver and position in close confines.
The inertia requirement of the operating system makes it unacceptable for military breaching applications as the system will not reliably cycle unless there is a shoulder planted behind the stock. Breaching is my primary application of the shotgun, and pumps just work better than the 1014 for my primary application.
The only place there is a rail is on the top of the receiver. A lot of people seem to want to have a shotgun fill a carbine role, and while this is dumb for a number of reasons, it is pretty much impossible since the 1014 lacks attachment points for simple requirements such as IR devices and white lights. Sure, you can still use it in the day, but even when the sun is up, there are a lot of places inside enclosures that need to be illuminated by the user for a whole lot of reasons.
The 1014 does not work with many of our non-lethal rounds. While I don't really care much about non-lethal, the ability to select different rounds it often touted as a benefit to shotgun use, and one that the 1014 fails to meet.
The effective range of shotguns with slug is often advertised at 100 to 150 meters. While an average user can hit a torso reliably at 100 meters with rifled slugs, with an M4 the user can usually tell you which eye they hit.
The over-confidence in the "stopping power" of the 12 gauge. Sure, when all is said and done, the 12 puts pretty big holes in things- but there are lots of people running around who at one point had a big hole put through them. There is no magic bullet, even if it says "12 ga" on it. While the choice to provide MPs with the 1014 is probably pretty good, as it will do what they need it to do at the distances relevant to their job, it is not all that handy for most other shotgun users.
Different strokes for different folks. I will not own a combat shotgun without a pistol grip. I find it makes the gun easier to shoot and I have yet to have a snag issue with pistol grips on my patrol rifle or my 870 and both have pistol grips. I have been using them for 9 years now. I think that issue is overstated. You can get all kinds of rail mounts for the Benelli M4. You need to look around. I agree however that the shotgun takes a back seat to the patrol rifle for everything but breaching, animal control (killing bear moose ect) and less lethal on humans. My Benelli M4 is a fun gun for three gun. However if I could not have a rifle on patrol I would much rather have my Benelli M4 than my 870.
Pat
Last edited by Alaskapopo; 06-13-09 at 17:57.
Serving as a LEO since 1999.
USPSA# A56876 A Class
Firearms Instructor
Armorer for AR15, 1911, Glocks and Remington 870 shotguns.
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