Bernardelli B4

Tactical Combat Shotgun

Italy | 1985

"The Bernardelli B4 offered up semi-automatic or pump-action fire from a detachable 12-gauge box magazine."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 03/22/2019 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

The Bernardelli B4 series of gas-operated, tactical combat shotguns was a semi-automatic system utilizing 12-gauge ammunition and designed exclusively for operations by military and security forces. The B4 came about as an answer to the United States JSSAP (Joint Service Small Arms Program) specification calling for a new type of semi-automatic shotgun. The 1970's-era program sought to coordinate weapon standardization between the main branches of the US military.

The resulting B4 proved of high quality and durability and was distinct from other combat shotguns in that it operated from a detachable box magazine instead of a tubular magazine. Additionally, the B4 could be operated as a self-loading weapon or manually using the pump slide. The semi-automatic action was to provide a higher "second hit" probability by not having the operator pump the slide to introduce the follow-up round, thus potentially losing track of his target (if only for a second or two). The shotgun also featured an integrated carrying handle, folding stock and a high-quality steel barrel with an overall anti-glare finish. Ammunition types were all conventional and the weapon could fire from a 3-, 5- or 8-round curved detachable box magazine.

The series, along with its semi-automatic action, were banned from import in the United States, along with several other potential box-fed shotgun systems on the civilian market (including the Italian Beretta M3P and French SPAS-15) - courtesy of the Assault Weapons Ban Act beginning in 1994. The B4 also appeared in a pump-action only model designated as the B4/B. The B4/B visually retained the stock and body of the B4 with some slight alterations to the pump slide and forward section.

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Physical
The physical qualities of the Bernardelli B4. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

950 mm
37.40 in
O/A Length

7.61 lb
3.45 kg
Weight

Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic / Manual Pump-Action
Action

12 Gauge
Caliber(s)

3-, 5- or 8-round detachable box magazine
Feed

Iron Front and Rear.
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Bernardelli B4 Tactical Combat Shotgun family line.

B4 - Base Model; self-loading or pump-action loading via selector switch.

B4/B - Based on the B4 sans self-loading action and selection; lighter than standard B4 model.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Bernardelli B4. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Bernardelli - Italy

[ Italy; United States ]

1 / 1

Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

CLOSE SUPPORT

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Going Further...
The Bernardelli B4 Tactical Combat Shotgun appears in the following collections:

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2025 Military Pay Scale Military Ranks U.S. DoD Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols US 5-Star Generals WW2 Weapons by Country

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Part of a network of sites that includes Global Firepower, WDMMA.org, WDMMW.org, and World War Next.

©2024 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2024 (21yrs)