The benelli m4 super 90 is one of the most trusted semi-automatic shotguns in the world, renowned for its rugged design, consistent cycling, and exceptional reliability. Whether used in military service, law enforcement, or home-defense setups, it has built a reputation for unmatched dependability. But to get the best performance out of this shotgun, choosing the right barrel length and choke configuration is essential.

Most shooters quickly realize that barrel selection affects far more than just aesthetics. It determines handling speed, recoil feel, pattern consistency, and overall versatility. With several factory setups and aftermarket options available, understanding how each one performs will help you tailor the benelli m4 super 90 to your shooting needs.

In this complete guide, we break down barrel length choices, choke options, and how each combination impacts real-world performance.

Understanding the Standard Barrel Lengths on the Benelli M4 Super 90

The M4 platform doesn’t come with a huge variety of barrel options from the factory, but the choices available cover most use cases—tactical, home defense, competition, and recreational shooting. The most common barrel length offered is 18.5 inches, but shorter and specialized barrels exist in limited markets.

Let’s explore how each length influences performance.

18.5-Inch Barrel: The Gold Standard

The most common and widely preferred barrel length for the benelli m4 super 90 is the 18.5-inch configuration. This is the factory length used on nearly all commercial and military variants.

The 18.5-inch barrel offers a balance of compact maneuverability and enough length for consistent patterns with buckshot and excellent velocity with slugs. This makes it ideal for tactical roles, home defense, and general-purpose shooting.

Its handling characteristics also suit close-quarters environments, giving users the ability to shoulder and transition quickly. The barrel doesn’t feel front-heavy, which can sometimes be an issue with longer shotgun barrels.

Another advantage is the capability to run interchangeable choke tubes, giving shooters more control over pellet spread and slug accuracy. With this setup, the benelli m4 super 90 delivers optimal performance for most shooters without any modifications.

14-Inch Short-Barreled Option (SBS)

The 14-inch barrel configuration is significantly shorter, usually requiring special licensing and classification as a short-barreled shotgun (SBS). This option dramatically enhances maneuverability in tight spaces, which is why certain law-enforcement and military units use it for breaching roles.

A 14-inch barrel provides the fastest handling possible on the M4 system. However, it does come with trade-offs:

Patterns open up more quickly, muzzle blast increases, and slug accuracy decreases slightly at mid-range distances. Still, for shooters who prioritize speed and compact size over long-range consistency, this option remains incredibly effective.

While the average civilian shooter may never use a 14-inch option, understanding what it offers helps clarify why the benelli m4 super 90 is so versatile across different tactical roles.

20-Inch and Custom-Length Barrels

While not common as factory offerings, some limited 20-inch or custom barrel lengths appear from time to time through aftermarket manufacturers or special production runs. A longer barrel generally provides:

A smoother sight picture
A longer sight radius
Tighter patterns with certain loads

However, adding barrel length to a semi-auto tactical platform often comes at the cost of added weight and reduced agility. Most shooters purchasing the benelli m4 super 90 prioritize speed, compact handling, and home-defense practicality, so longer barrels see far less use.

Still, for competition shooting, outdoor slug hunting, or very specific patterning needs, a 20-inch option can be a useful upgrade.

Choke Systems for the Benelli M4 Super 90

The benelli m4 super 90 uses the Benelli Mobil choke system for many models, though some variants may feature fixed chokes depending on the regional version. Understanding choke behavior is crucial because it determines how the shotgun patterns with birdshot, buckshot, and slugs.

Let’s examine the most relevant choke types.

Cylinder Choke

The cylinder choke provides the widest spread and zero constriction. This is often used for home defense or breaching because it provides fast-expanding patterns ideal for close-range impact.

It is also the safest choke for shooting slugs, as it minimizes deformation and maintains accuracy over short to medium distances. If the shotgun will spend most of its time beside the bed or used for home security, the cylinder choke is usually the best option.

Improved Cylinder Choke

Improved cylinder tightens the pattern slightly while remaining versatile. It still performs well with slugs but gives a bit more buckshot consistency at mid-range.

For shooters trying to optimize the benelli m4 super 90 for both home defense and range use, this choke sits in the perfect middle ground.

Many shooters consider IC the best all-around choke for buckshot loads, especially modern flight-control wad ammunition.

Modified Choke

A modified choke delivers tighter patterns, which can benefit slug shooters or anyone wanting longer-range precision. However, not all buckshot loads perform well under increased constriction.

It’s also important to check ammunition recommendations, as some manufacturers do not recommend heavy buckshot through modified chokes due to increased pressure.

The modified choke makes sense for outdoor use, competition scenarios, or slug-only events. Inside the home or for close-quarters defensive roles, cylinder or improved cylinder will be more practical.

Full Choke (Rarely Used on the M4)

Full choke constriction is almost never recommended for semiautomatic tactical shotguns like the M4. Not only does it reduce reliability with certain loads, but it also can deform buckshot or restrict slugs.

Full choke is more at home in hunting shotguns designed to push birdshot to long distances. For the benelli m4 super 90, avoiding full choke will ensure proper cycling and safe operation.

Choosing the Best Barrel and Choke Combination

Selecting the right setup depends on what you plan to do with the M4.

If your primary use is home defense, the 18.5-inch barrel paired with a cylinder or improved cylinder choke is the best option. It offers fast target transitions, safe slug use, and consistent buckshot performance at realistic interior distances.

If you want maximum maneuverability and have the appropriate licensing, the 14-inch SBS barrel paired with a cylinder choke delivers unmatched speed—but reduced accuracy at range.

For shooters participating in competition, hunting, or outdoor drills, longer barrels and more restrictive chokes (like modified) may provide better performance with slugs.

The key is recognizing that the benelli m4 super 90 was engineered around tactical reliability first. Any setup should complement those strengths rather than work against them.

Final Thoughts

The benelli m4 super 90 remains one of the most capable tactical semi-auto shotguns ever produced, and its barrel and choke configurations allow shooters to customize it for nearly any role. Whether you want ultra-fast handling, tight slug groups, or reliable home-defense performance, the right combination is out there.

If you’re comparing barrels, aftermarket options, or full M4 setups, browsing listings on GunsAmerica can give you a good sense of current availability, pricing, and what the business side of the market looks like right now.