Introduction:

The Benelli M4 “Super 90” is a 12-gauge, semi-automatic, magazine fed shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi SpA. The M4 was the first gas-operated shotgun produced by Benelli, with its function designed around an entirely new method called the "auto regulating gas operated" (ARGO) system. The short-stroke design uses two stainless-steel self-cleaning pistons located just ahead of the chamber to function opposite the rotating bolt, thereby eliminating the need for the complex mechanisms found on other gas-actuated automatics. Additionally, the weapon is self-regulating for use with 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. Low-power rounds, such as less-lethal rubber pellets, must be cycled manually.

The M4 “Super 90” was adopted by the US military as M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun (JSCS) in 1999, and is currently in service with the US Army and US Marine Corps, as well as the US Navy SEALs and the LA Police Department. It is an extremely durable and reliable weapon in all weather conditions and has seen consistent combat action in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Review:

M1014 (Benelli M4 Super 90) Tactical Shotgun with loading accelerator, opened and closed stock (LRE-35218) is a 1/35 scale kit released under Live Resin label. The kit is packed in a zip-lock bag additionally secured within a hard cardboard clamshell. The box art on the front shows the pieces included in this kit, while the box art on the back displays M1014 and its shell carrier in more detail.

The kit consists of six M1014s, with each weapon on its individual carrier block. The pieces are perfectly cast in grey resin with no evidence of air-bubbles or seam lines whatsoever. The casting blocks are large with number of thin carrier stubs so some extra patience is required 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 addition of side saddle shell carrier. The carrier is installed directly on the shotgun receiver and is capable of mounting 6 additional 12-gauge rounds in an accessible location for fast reloading. The M1014 in this kit also features ghost-ring rear and blade front sight, forearm, tubular underbarrel magazine, short Picatinny rail at the top of the receiver for mounting of optics and accessories, and a telescopic buttstock with a pistol grip. Note that the M1014 included in this kit are depicted with its collapsible stock extended or retracted.

After taking a long hard look at these weapons and comparing them to my reference images, I found a really good match: all the details found on the real M1014 are present and perfectly delivered on these 1/35 scale resin masterpieces. Live Resin designs their sets using CAD software and, with the help of 5-micron rapid prototyping, produces incredibly realistic weapons and accessories in scale.

Conclusion:

M1014 (Benelli M4 Super 90) Tactical Shotgun with loading accelerator, opened and closed stock (LRE-35218) features a shotgun currently deployed by US military in Afghanistan and Iraq. The set consists of six weapons in 1/35 scale, wonderfully cast in resin and featuring loads of perfectly defined details. The shotgun can be upgraded with number of different optical sights available separately from Live Resin.

References:

Benelli USA
World Guns
Military Factory
Wikipedia