My Benelli M4 Charging Handle MOd

[OnPointFirearms]

I've owned a Benelli M4 for a few years and believe it's one of the best combat shotguns in the world. The only shortcoming I can think of is its minuscule charging handle. At one time, Brownell's sold some over-sized titanium handles for upwards of $55 and GG&G currently produces a steel replacement handle for $25. The problem with both of these is that they spin freely in your bolt, unlike the stock OEM handles that ship with your weapon. Well, I've come up with my own solution. My buddy John owns a machine shop and he's had some free time lately, so I picked his brain and we came up with this over-sized, knurled, and extended charging handle for Benelli M4 shotguns. It'll also fit M1, M2, and M3 models thanks to its unique design-- which is machined from a single piece of aluminum and secures over your stock handle using a single set screw. The elegant design allows you to retain the structural integrity and rigidity of your stock charging handle while increasing your surface area.

I'm going to hit our action shotgun match tomorrow night and run it. Next, we're going to work on a model for the increasingly popular FN SLP series. At our club, most of the guys run either Benelli or the FN/Winchester design.

Here are some pics. What do you guys think (about the handle or the sombrero)?

-- Evan

 

[Youngster]

The knob looks like it came off of a '70s T.V. set, and that sombrero looks like its from The 3 Amigos. Seriously though it look quite functional, it just could be a little better finished.

 

[OnPointFirearms]

Hey, what's wrong with 70s TVs? I wish my LG LCD had these knobs on it! Bwahahaha!

 

[zhyla]

What diameter shaft is that knob attaching to? You can get telecaster guitar knobs that mount on 1/4" shafts that look similar to that and are inexpensive and come in different colors (chrome, black, etc). They look like this:

 

[OnPointFirearms]

Didn't think of that. I guess that would be a good jury-rigged solution, but what's the chance that it would be a nice tight fit-- and no what to tighten it down. We machined this with tight tolerances just for this application. I wouldn't want something hasty for a firearms application-- especially on my baby Benelli. Telecaster knobs belong on a gee-tar.

 

[MrCleanOK]

Looks good, but if you really like it and don't mind doing something permanent I would think about drilling the Benelli charging handle and pinning the mod to it. Set screws are notoriously let-you-down-worthy on something that takes a pounding like that. At least give it some loc-tite (red if you're serious) if you haven't already.

 

[OnPointFirearms]

It's got blue Loctite on it right now-- don't think it's going anywhere, but we'll see after tonight's action shotgun match.

 

[Birdmang]

Reminded me of strat knobs, looks cool though!

 

[Justin]

If I buy one, do I get a free sombrero?

 

[chevyforlife21]

yea that deff. looks like guitar nobs

 

[bootless]

Looks pretty functional but if it were mine I would anodize it black. If you had any places near you that did that sort of thing they'd probably do it for free next time they are doing some black.

 

[Blakenzy]

Paint it black, call it tactical, and market it through a mayor internet retailer. I think it would sell.

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

I don't want the charging handle, but where can I get a sombrero like that??? lol

 

[bignotti]

Well, cycling will definitely slow down and forget about cycling low power loads.

 

[OnPointFirearms]

Ran 100rds of my favorite load this week. Ran like a Champ Burger with cheese. My rule of thumb for the M4 is simple: stay at 3.25 dram or better and 1 ounce of shot or better. That helps you achieve Champ Burger w/ cheese results. It's a goodun!