A New Addition to the Marine Corps
The M1014, Joint Service Combat Shotgun was adopted in November, 2001 by the United States Marine Corps to replace three different service shotguns currently in use by the Corps.
According to a Benelli press release, "five samples of the Benelli M4 Super 90 were delivered to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland on Aug. 4, 1998." From August 1998 until the adoption in late 2001, the shotguns were supposedly put through extensive testing with Marine Corps units. Several attempts to contact Benelli have failed, so I have no solid testing data.
A Marines' Opinion
As far as the Marine Corps arsenal of weapons is concerned, I feel that shotguns in general will not turn the tide of combat. However, there are several distinct advantages to having this particular weapon that other shotguns, the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500, do not have.
The first obvious advantage theM1014 has is the telescoping buttstock. This adaptation allows for more extensive use of the shotgun in close quarter fighting where different types of ammunition can be used without extensive over-penetration. Being able to maneuver from room to room, over obstacles, and through small openings while keeping your weapon in your hand is always a plus. But don't expect the table of organization or equipment to change anytime soon. This weapon will probably still be used mainly for special operations and security forces.
Another edge this shotgun has is an accessory rail on top of the receiver which is capable of accepting the numerous night vision scopes, lasers, and flashlights that the Marine Corps uses. This is a plus over the legacy shotguns in inventory and appears to be the standard for the future weapons as well, such as the M16A4.
I expect almost every new weapon to come with some sort of adaptation, such as a rail system. It only makes sense to require a manufacturer of a new weapon system to meet standards that take advantage of the existing Marine Corps inventory. Occasionally, the Marine Corps has weapon system that is not compatible with night vision goggles, scopes, or lights. Instead, they have other manufacturers create straps or other devices to morph one technology with another. The Corps appears to be getting smarter with its infantry gear purchases and a bit more savvy with its requirement statements.
The final benefit the M1014 has is the semi auto action. Using a simplification, it takes the physical "pump" out of the shotgun. Benelli uses a regulated gas system to cycle the weapon. This allows the shooter to maintain sight on the target while another round is pumped into the chamber. Without the opportunity to fire this weapon, I will take the opinion that this system seems to be to the shooters advantage. I am sure stress tests were conducted with thousands of rounds to ensure the failure rate on the cycle of operation was miniscule.
Without solid testing data from either Benelli or the Marine Corps, I can only speculate that this weapon will endure at least as well as the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500. Speaking from a hunting point-of-view, several of my friends state that Benelli has stood the test of time for them, however, the stress of annual pheasant, quail, rabbit, and deer hunting is definitely less then what a Marine will put the weapon through over time. I will work on gathering more information about this weapon.
-Additional opinions from Marines who have used this weapon would be appreciated.-
M1014 Nomenclature
The M1014 Combat shotgun is a lightweight, gas operated, tubular magazine fed, 12 gauge, semi-automatic shotgun capable of firing 2.75 or 3.00 magnum shells with a telescoping tubular buttstock.
Types of Ammunition
Rifled Slug
00 Buck
Bird Shot
Dummy
Special Ops Rounds
Avon Round--Lock Buster
Ferret Round- CS Round
M1014 weapon Conditions
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Condition 4 - Magazine tube empty, breech bolt forward on an empty chamber, weapon on safe.
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Condition 3 - Ammunition inserted into magazine tube, breech bolt forward on an empty chamber, weapon on safe.
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Condition 2 - Does not apply to the M1014 Combat shotgun.
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Condition 1 - Ammunition inserted into the magazine tube, breech bolt forward with a round in the chamber, weapon on safe.
The characteristics of the M1014 Combat Shotgun
Manufacturer: Benelli U.S.A. Corporation.
Caliber: 12 gauge, accepts 23/4" and 3" standard and magnum loads.
Length: 39.8" w/stock extended, 34.9" collapsed.
Weight: 8.44 lbs. empty.
Safety: Ambidextrous manual cross bolt.
Magazine Capacity: Six 3" shells seven 23/4", plus one chambered round can be unloaded without cycling through the action.
Trigger Pull: 5.5 to 7.28 lbs.
Buttstock: Modular telescopic with removable pistol grip.
Sights: Adjustable aperture rear and fixed post front, radius 23.7"
Maximum Effective Range: 40 yards with 00 buckshot and in excess of 100 yards with the rifled slug.
