Introduction:

The combat shotgun has evolved from its original role as a short range combat weapon into a wider role in modern times. With proper configuration, ammunition and training, the modern combat shotgun plays three roles: offensive weapon, breaching system and less lethal crowd control.

The Italian Benelli M4 “Super 90” 12-gauge, gas-operated, semi-automatic, magazine fed shotgun was adopted by the US military in 1999 as the M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun (JSCS). The M1014 features an entirely new “auto-regulating gas operated” (ARGO) system that eliminates the need for complex mechanisms. The M4 Super 90 self-regulates for cartridges of varying lengths and power levels, firing 2.75 in. (70mm) and 3 in. (76mm) shells of differing power levels without any operator adjustments, and in any combination. This shotgun also has a Rail Integration System designed to attach scopes, laser illuminators, night vision sights, and flashlights. The system weighs 3.82 kilograms with an overall length of 35 inches. Due to its telescopic stock, it can be shortened by almost 8 inches, allowing easier storage and transportation; furthermore, it permits better maneuverability around tight corners and over obstacles. The M1014 is built on a modular assembly basis, enabling it to be modified without any tools. It is an extremely durable and reliable weapon in all weather conditions and is currently in service with US Army and US Marine Corps, as well as many Special Forces services around the world, and has seen consistent combat action in both Afghanistan and Iraqi theaters.

Review:

M1014 (Benelli M4 Super 90) Tactical Shotgun with opened and closed stock (LRE-35217) is packed in a zip-lock bag safely secured within hard cardboard clamshell. The box art on the front shows all the pieces supplied in this kit, while the one on the back displays M1014 in more detail.

The kit consists of six M1014, each weapon on its carrier block. The pieces are molded in grey resin and the cast is very impressive; I found no air-bubbles or seam lines only some thin flash residue which is easily removed. The casting blocks are pretty large with number of thin carrier stubs. I would suggest patience when cleaning the pieces, particularly the delicate weapon stocks.

Live Resin offers three slightly different M1014 variants in 1/35 scale. This particular kit includes basic M1014 setup with the weapon depicted with its collapsible stock extended or retracted (labeled LRE35217A and LRE35217B, respectively). The M1014 features ghost-ring rear and blade front sight, forearm, tubular underbarrel magazine and a short Picatinny rail installed at the top of the receiver for mounting of optics and accessories. The weapon also features telescopic buttstock with a base ergonomically-shaped pistol grip. And now for the hard part… finding new superlatives to describe Live Resin products. It may seem like an exaggeration, but check the pictures in this review and see for yourself: these weapons are meticulously researched and accurately reproduced to the tiniest detail: the accessory rail is wonderfully executed with each segment sharp and well defined, the collapsible stock is magnificently rendered, as well as numerous details on the receiver and tubular magazine. As you already know, Live Resin utilizes 3D sculpting and high-resolution rapid prototyping technique for producing their weapon sets, making their products incredibly realistic miniature reproductions of real weapons.

Conclusion:

This kit features M1014 Benelli M4 Super 90 shotgun, a weapon currently deployed by US military in Afghanistan and Iraq. The set consists of six shotguns in 1/35 scale, flawlessly cast in resin and featuring incredibly well defined details. If you need some extra firepower for your grey army, these shotguns are something you should not miss.

References:

Benelli USA
World Guns
Military Factory
Wikipedia