MAC 1014: Affordable Tactical Excellence? or just another M4 Clone?

Discover the rugged performance of the MAC 1014 shotgun. This detailed review covers its features, reliability, design, and real-world use, helping you decide if this semi-automatic 12-gauge is right for your loadout.

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The Military Armaments Corporation (MAC) 1014 is a clone of the renowned Benelli M4. The Benelli M4 is, as anyone who spent time playing video games in the 2000s and 2010s can attest, a powerful room-clearing firearm. Many of us have longed to own an M4 but have not purchased one because of the daunting price tag. 2018 changed all of that. 

In 2018, Benelli’s patent on the M4 expired, and firearms manufacturers, many of them in Turkey, rushed to produce low-priced clones of the revered firearm. So many companies began to produce clones that a nickname was created for them: Turknelli. Unfortunately, many of these guns suffer from poor quality control and are not well made. The MAC 1014 is not one of the lesser clones.

Like the original M4, the MAC 1014 is a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun designed for tactical applications and general shooting. It is a cost-effective alternative to the high-end and pricey original, offering end users a reliable, easy-to-maintain clone that is compatible with many, if not all, M4 parts. Keep reading as we explore the technical specifications, performance, and user experience of owning and shooting a MAC 1014.

I am a long-term member of the gun community. I have more firearms than my wife is comfortable with, and I have used them to target shoot or hunt for my entire adult life. In addition to my experiences with using firearms, I am an active member of the firearms community. I am always working to further my firearms knowledge by learning from others in the community.

The MAC 1014 stands out in the market compared to other Turkish-made M4 clones for its reliability and higher quality control standards. Imported by SDS Imports, the MAC 1014 features a gas-operated system with dual short-stroke pistons, a rotating bolt, and is compatible with most Benelli M4 parts and accessories. Military Armament Corporation claims 99%.

The MAC 1014 is designed to be compatible with most parts, furniture, and accessories for Benelli M4 shotguns. This compatibility is one of its best features. The M4 has strong aftermarket support, and being able to tap into the existing aftermarket community gives owners of the 1014 a lot of versatility and customization options.

Gas-operated shotguns provide reduced recoil compared to inertia-driven systems. If you are shooting heavy recoiling loads like 00 buckshot and slugs, gas systems are more comfortable for most shooters.

The MAC 1014 is a very reliable shotgun, especially with heavy loads. The owner’s manual states that you should break in the shotgun with heavy loads over 1300 fps. My experience with the rifle reinforces this suggestion. Fresh out of the box, I tried a few lighter loads to see how the 1014 would handle them, and I did experience a few failures to eject. This was not the case with 00 Buck and Slugs. Also, after going through over 100 rounds of heavy loads, my 1014 eats lighter loads fine as well. Based on what I have read, it appears that other owners of the MAC 1014 have similar experiences.

The price of the MAC 1014 is definitely right. With an MSRP of well under $1,000 and frequently available for under $500, it is much cheaper than a Benelli M4. This shotgun provides a similar performance to the legendary shotgun without the corresponding sticker shock.

I ran the MAC 1014 at Trinity Armory and was very pleased with its performance. It handles well and points well. It is accurate for a shotgun, and the ghost ring rear and blade front sight combo is easy to use.

The biggest negative takeaway I had with the 1014 was the shotgun’s performance with lightweight loads before I broke it in. In the first box of 25 shells, I experienced three failures to eject. Lightweight target loads just didn’t have enough gas to fully cycle the action. After the break-in period, I did not experience the issues again.

Quality control is the second potential deal breaker with any firearm made in Turkey. Some users have reported minor issues relating to quality control or build quality, such as cracks in the wood for the shotguns with the walnut stock and handguard. Thankfully, MAC/SDS Imports provides quality support, and I have not seen anyone who had an issue getting it taken care of quickly and efficiently. 

The MAC 1014 is a clone of a Benelli firearm and is not an actual Benelli shotgun. So far, that has not resulted in many issues for end users, but it is important to understand that you are not getting Benelli’s long, proven history when buying a relatively new-to-market clone. That being said. I am confident enough with the MAC 1014 to trust it with protecting my family.

The MAC 1014 is for budget-conscious shooters who want a reliable semi-automatic shotgun, especially one with the reliability and design of the Benelli M4, without the cost of a higher-end shotgun. It is well suited to home defense, tactical applications, and general shooting/target practice.

To test the MAC 1014, I put close to 200 rounds through the shotgun while performing a variety of shooting drills. The shotgun performed well, punching neat holes in the paper and ringing steel with ease. The sights were very easy to acquire, even when moving.

For ammunition, we tested the MAC 1014 with a variety of loads from several manufacturers. I shot most 00 buckshot but also used slugs, and birdshot.

The MAC 1014 demonstrated great reliability with heavy loads. Initially, when shooting lighter loads, the 1014 struggled, but after going through more rounds of 00 buckshot and slugs, it ran the lighter loads well.

The MAC 1014 is a consistent shooter. The ghost ring rear sight and blade front sight are adjustable for windage and elevation, making precise shot placement a breeze. The 1014 can also have the chokes changed, allowing you to match the shotshells you are using and achieve the desired pattern.

• Compatible with Benelli M4 Parts
• Handles heavy loads with ease
• Excellent price point

• May struggle with light loads
• Minor quality control issues

The MAC 1014 is designed to be compatible with parts for the Benelli M4. SDS Imports/Military Armaments Corporation claims 99% compatibility. Considering the M4’s aftermarket support, the MAC 1014 has many customization options.

The gas-operated system reduces recoil compared to the inertia-driven systems on shotguns like the Benelli M2 and MAC 2. Shooting heavy loads with the 1014 does not beat you up as much as other shotguns can.

The ghost ring rear sight and blade front sight are excellent. The ability to adjust them for both windage and elevation makes dialing in the shotgun a breeze. Additionally, the Picatinny rail on the receiver allows for easy mounting of a red dot or other optic.

I paired the MAC 1014 with a Holosun 507C X2, which gave me fast target acquisition and solid durability, making it a great fit for a defensive shotgun setup.
WHere to Buy: Natchez or Amazon

For anyone looking for a reliable semi-automatic shotgun at an affordable price, the MAC 1014 is an ideal option. It avoids the high price tag of a Benelli M4, Beretta 1301, or even the more moderate prices of the Beretta A300 or Mossberg 940. The 1014 excels with heavy loads, offers extensive customization due to compatibility with Benelli M4 parts, and provides good value for your dollar. Overall, the MAC 1014 is a solid choice for budget-minded shoppers.

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