OEM Benelli M4 Pistol Grip Stock (81040): Why So Many Owners Switch Back to the Factory Stock
One of the conversations I have over and over with Benelli M4 owners is about choosing the right stock. Many people purchase special editions that include a European-style stock and other factory upgrades, only to discover that the stock isn't the best fit for them. In this article, I explain why the OEM Benelli M4 Pistol Grip Stock (Part 81040) remains one of my favorite factory options, how to determine whether the length of pull fits your body, and why I believe it's often better to start with a simple Benelli M4 configuration and upgrade it the way you want rather than paying for features you may eventually replace.
One of the things I hear most often from Benelli M4 owners is that they purchased a special edition because it included several factory upgrades, but after spending time with the shotgun, they realized some of those upgrades simply weren't for them.
Most commonly, owners decide they don't like the European-style stock. Others replace the factory two-round magazine extension, oversized bolt release, or charging handle with aftermarket components that better fit their preferences.
If they had known that from the beginning, many of them would have purchased the standard Benelli M4 with the OEM pistol grip stock and used the savings to install the exact upgrades they wanted.
That's where the OEM Benelli M4 Pistol Grip Stock, Part 81040, comes in.
It's a genuine Benelli factory stock that continues to be one of the most popular replacement options I offer.
One thing I always recommend is checking the length of pull before deciding on any shotgun stock.
A simple way to do that is to place the buttstock against the inside of your arm with your elbow bent at approximately 90 degrees. If there's a little room between the recoil pad and your bicep, or it feels comfortable, the stock is probably a good fit. If it's pressed tightly against your arm, the stock may be too long for you.
For me, at about 5'10", this stock is slightly longer than I prefer. Everyone is built differently, so what works perfectly for one shooter may not be ideal for another.
That's why I always encourage people to buy the shotgun that best fits their needs instead of assuming a package with more accessories is automatically the better value.
The good news is that if you decide the OEM Pistol Grip Stock is the right choice for your Benelli M4, I keep them in stock and I'm always happy to answer questions about compatibility or choosing the right configuration.