Shorten LOP on Benelli M4 - Project

[StraitR]

Wanting a shorter LOP on my M4, but not wanting a PG stock (Mesa Urbino) or collapsible with PG, I decided to shorten the OEM field stock. It started out at 14 3/8" LOP, and I finished at 12 7/8". It feels more handy, presents easier, and mounts more naturally that it did. Here is what I came up with.

Pardon the quality on some pics, I was getting what I could get in my limited time.

Original 14 3/8" LOP Field stock.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4573/38371441654_481fff270a_c.jpg


Cut 1 1/2" off stock with a jig saw, then used a belt sander to even it out. I then fabricated a wood insert out of some 5/8" treated white pine.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4543/38199589775_e6ed4e5d26_c.jpg


Here is the final test fit of the wood insert. I then removed it, roughed up inside with 80 grit sandpaper, cleaned surface with alcohol, then reinstalled with JB Weld (KwikWeld) epoxy.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4638/38199589395_285cf45c39_c.jpg


After letting that set, I went back and covered the wood insert with the same JB KwikWeld, using a putty knife to force epoxy into any gaps around the insert. Utilized a spark plug socket to plug hole, wrapped it in nylon painters tape and then sprayed with WD40 to keep epoxy from adhering to the tape/socket.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4554/39080892671_faf1323391_c.jpg


Removed socket after letting the epoxy set up, then trimmed excess around the hole.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4579/39050479822_749c0e1b30_c.jpg


Used hand sander on epoxy and final squaring for flush mounting of Limbsaver grind to fit pad.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4517/39050480032_68bf989274_c.jpg


After the JB Kwikweld set up, I used the provided Limbsaver template to mark holes, then drilled 1/8" pilot holes. Screwed in the recoil pad and took it back to the belt sander to remove as much excess material as I could (used a size small Limbsaver). I read WD-40 helps when grinding down these pads, and that proved to be true. After I got it as close I could comfortably get on the belt sander, I moved on to hand sanding. For the whole process, I had the stock wrapped in copious amounts of regular blue painters tape (paper).
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4685/38199589785_062fdd1100_c.jpg


It was date night for the wife and I, so I had to wrap it up before finishing. Still have a little more hand sanding that I'll finish up tomorrow and get some better pics. Also installed a AVA Tactical light/sling mount and SF G2something.

New 12 7/8" LOP
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4549/38199719965_25e4dd778e_c.jpg

[03RN]

Nice job

[jlw]

I had the stock on my M1 shortened. It does make them much more handy.


https://i.imgur.com/8Cro472.jpg

[Unobtanium]

*begs magpul*

[StraitR]

I had the stock on my M1 shortened. It does make them much more handy.

No doubt. Looks good, who did you find to do it? I asked around locally to the smiths I know, none wanted to do it. I can see why.


*begs magpul*

I submitted a message/request to Magpul via their website earlier this week. No response. Would be really nice though. Maybe one of the current models could be fitted with an adapter similar to what Adam made for the SGA/1301.

[Erick Gelhaus]

I had a gunsmith shorten the synthetic stock on my 1201FP3, fairly similar internal design. He swore he would never touch another one. Never.

Looks good.

[JodyH]

I did something similar with the field stock on my Nova Tactical.

BTW: instead of doing your socket trick to make the big hole I've seen people use 1" or 3/4" PVC and just leave it in place and the sand it down flush later.

[jlw]

No doubt. Looks good, who did you find to do it? I asked around locally to the smiths I know, none wanted to do it. I can see why.


We have a local smith who did this one for me as well as one for one of our other personnel.

I liked the improvement so much that I had the stock on a Marlin 336 shortened too.

[StraitR]

Ok, I'm mostly done, didn't get as long to work on it today as I had hoped. Pretty much just hand sanding at this point, which is slow going. I may or may not bother doing anything more with it, since it's a M4 and not a PS Super Sport.

Best comparison pic I could put together currently. A little closer on the new LOP pic, but it allows for a comparison between sling attachment and butt pad.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4734/24233916267_b58752d35f_c.jpg

[Gadfly]

That looks awesome!


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[StraitR]

That looks awesome!

Thank you. I'm happy with it. Completely transformed the handling.

[StraitR]

I submitted a message/request to Magpul via their website earlier this week. No response. Would be really nice though. Maybe one of the current models could be fitted with an adapter similar to what Adam made for the SGA/1301.

Just to follow up on this, if anyone else was wondering. Magpul did eventually respond. I'm not surprised, nor find fault in their response...



Thank you for contacting us. Sorry at this time we don't have any plans to produce any stocks or accessories for the Benelli M4.

[Mjolnir]

You could make some money if you could cut out and sell the 5/8" wood pattern...

That seems to be the part that stumps most DIYers.


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[GJM]

Thank you. I'm happy with it. Completely transformed the handling.

Next step in improving handling more is a 14 inch barrel! :p

[StraitR]

Next step in improving handling more is a 14 inch barrel! :p

Currently, that would prevent it from being a west coast travel friendly long gun for the next few years. But when we decide to settle back down, I'll stamp it and grab a 14" barrel if I like even half as much as I do now, which is a considerable amount. :)


Side note...

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