Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Turkish firearms manufacturer Panzer Arms launched a full-featured competition-style shotgun at SHOT Show this year.
Panzer’s Competition M4 shotgun has all the features you’d add for 3-Gun competitions, but it seems to do it for less than the base cost of many semi-auto shotguns. Let’s start at the front end and work back.
Barrel, Magazine, and Sights
Panzer’s M4 shotgun includes a ported barrel to mitigate muzzle rise, which makes a difference when follow-up shots are on the timer.
This M4 is compatible with Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes. Also, the magazine is extended for more continuous shots.
There’s a red fiber optic front sight, but there’s also an adjustable mid-barrel fiber optic for distance shots that require more precision.
Quick Loading Upgrades
Working back toward the action there are four features that help with speedy loading. First, the extra round holder lets you slide an extra shell back into the open action when you’ve run dry. That’s really helpful if you missed a shot and need to make it up.
Next, the loading port under the action is enlarged and tapered for quick loading. In the video above, he demonstrates how easy it is to quad load this shotgun.
Third, Panzer’s M4 has an enlarged bolt release button. After you drop the extra round in or load the magazine, this large paddle allows you to be ready to shoot swiftly. Surprisingly, it also helps with unloading.
Lastly, most shotguns require you to chamber a round, and then use the charging handle to expel the unshot round. But Panzer Arm’s Competition M4 shotgun lets you hold open the charging handle, and then press the back bolt-release paddle button. The shell in the magazine is ejected out of the loading port without ever going into battery. This is a big safety feature.
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The Action
Again, this gun is a clone of Benelli’s venerable M4. But Panzer has reduced the bolt’s mass with lightening cuts. They’ve also added an oversized charging knob, which can be repositioned to the left side for left-handed shooters.
Another handy feature is the optics rail. There’s a full-size Picatinny rail machined into the top of the receiver, as well as a narrower dovetail.
Whichever system you use, the machined-in rail means your optics will be lower to the bore than if you had to add rings/rails as on most other guns.
Panzer Arms’ M4 Competition Shotgun will be available this year. Keep an eye on their site for updates. MSRP $750. While you’re waiting for it to come out, check out this post about an adaptive shooting competition.
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