r/canadaguns • u/pooshlinger • Aug 06 '26
Buy recommendations M4 vs 1301
Both of these bad boys just went on sale and im thinking of giving up my Makasi pre order for one. Leaning towards the M4.
Help me decide.
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Aug 06 '26
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u/Mysterious_Virus5468 28d ago
Its Silly, isn't it. You may laugh. But in the States most the M4 Clones have Chrome lined Barrels and Chambers. The Panzers are fully compatible with the Benelli. Other than the 1911 rail screw thread pitch. My two examples have been phenomenal one I have Short Barreled.
I also have a MAC1014 that is also reliable. The overall finish on the Panzer is nicer.
If you have a good M4 Clone in Canada that is fully compatible with a chrome lined bore and Chamber. I would give one a try. Just clean lube and break in with stout buckshot.
Scratched my Benelli itch
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u/swhissell Aug 06 '26
M4 for sure, great price. Also, Reliable Gun is a great business, very happy with my purchase from them.
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u/Metalock Aug 06 '26
Agreed on Reliable Gun. Incidentally got my M4 from them lol, will probably use them again when I finally spring for a 1301.
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u/alexorange178 Aug 06 '26
1301 runs fast, kicks hard. M4 is slower, heavier but kicks softer. I consistently find myself outrunning the trigger on the m4, but never on 1301.
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u/MeepsG Aug 06 '26
To clarify, when you say you outrun the trigger does that mean you’re actively ready and trying to fire and the guns just not keeping up? Sorry just not a phrase I’m fully familiar with.
Been shopping a semi 12ga and these two have been at the top my my list, M4 has been taking the lead because I’m a sucker for Benelli marketing however I really do just wanted the fastest/funnest for just plinking down range.
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u/alexorange178 Aug 06 '26
Means as I pull trigger the 2nd time the gun is not yet finished cycling and trigger is dead. I have to deliberately slow down to run the m4 properly. Whereas the 1301 I can shoot as fast as I want and the gun can keep up fine.
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u/MeepsG Aug 06 '26
Interesting, thanks for elaborating on that, appreciate it. Makes my choice a lot easier to be honest, nearly all the m4 reviews I’ve watched go on about how it’s as fast as you are so I appreciate an actual candid take on the matter.
Think I’ll pick up a 1301 next then, unless that damn makasi finds its way into my cart haha. Thanks again dude.
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u/lolshveet Aug 06 '26
A300 (ultima patrol) is another slightly cheaper alternative if the price of either is still high. Runs quite fast as well but has a much more basic barrel compared to the 1301.
either or, both are great to run.2
u/MeepsG Aug 07 '26
To be honest I’m not to concerned about price unless we’re talking like 3k plus just cuz I usually like to just buy one of whatever type of action I want and have it be something pretty damn nice.
Biggest thing for me is honestly just speed and build quality, I just haven’t been too serious about shopping a semi 12ga til recently.
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u/lundske Aug 12 '26
The m4 is fast... your not placing ACCURATE shots AND outrunning the trigger lol... he probaly just spams the trigger as fast as possible then yeah it can be outrun. But the benelli when ive shot at multiple targets cycles fast enough, ive never outrun the trigger in actual training landing good shots
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u/MeepsG Aug 12 '26
Hmm, appreciate the info man. It’s tough cuz I really, really, really prefer the build of the Benelli and just how it feels to hold over the 1301 but I also do wanna be able to just mag dump here and there regardless of accuracy.
Ultimately I think I’ll end up with both at this point, just can’t decide what to do first ya know? I genuinely also don’t think I’ve got the skill/experience yet to mag dump a semi 12 ridiculously fast. Just haven’t shot any at all yet, and an sks or .22lr semi doesn’t feel like it would really prepare me haha.
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u/alexorange178 Aug 06 '26
Also keep in mind that the bolt release button on the stock m4 is borderline unuseble, and modifying it requires drilling and tapping.
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u/Kd705 Aug 06 '26
Not true, I have an extended bolt release that did not require drilling or tapping.
https://rxarms.com/products/benelli-m4-parts-and-accessories/benelli-m4-bolt-release-tab/
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u/alexorange178 Aug 06 '26
Let me rephrase that. If you want to modify the bolt release properly it needs to be drilled and tapped. Or you can get the janky metal strip thing.
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u/shamone94 Aug 06 '26
GG&G makes a proper extended bolt release button that doesn’t require drilling and tapping; got mine last year from Aztech
https://www.gggaz.com/benelli-m4-tactical-bolt-release-pad.html
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u/No_Win_9797 Aug 06 '26
I am by far an experienced machinist and rookie gunsmith and I drilled and tapped my own extended bolt release, 100% success rate
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u/JohnnyCanuck133 Aug 06 '26
Get the 1301, then used the money saved to snag a Canuck M4 clone for shits n giggles. Sure it's hit or miss on quality, but the stink eye I get from guys running 10K+ over/unders, while shooting trap with my tactical clone make it worth it to me.
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u/Relevant_Diver_3228 Aug 06 '26
Do you out shoot them it would be hilarious if you did
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u/JohnnyCanuck133 Aug 06 '26
Lol I wish. I was all over the place and walked out with a severely bruised shoulder. Borrowed my friends decent over under and was hitting them pretty consistently. Was still pretty fun for a filthy casual like myself.
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u/BiggGlue Aug 06 '26
I have an M4 personally I wish I had a 1301 basically because there is such a strong ecosystem around them for competition. Something to consider if you ever get into competition shooting like three gun
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u/MontanaBlack Aug 06 '26
Had a same dilemma back when I wanted my first shotgun
Went with 1301, haven’t looked back 🙂
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u/Trogar1 Aug 06 '26
I prefer the 1301. It shoots quicker, is lighter, and the new hotness. The M4 is noticeably heavier, without the actual benefits of a heavier firearm, which would be less felt recoil. Those are really my only thoughts. If there wasn't a 1301, I would 100% own the M4.
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u/ExplorerEnjoyer Aug 06 '26
Personally prefer the M4 for the pistol grip but you can’t go wrong with either
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u/BrotherLefthand Aug 06 '26
1031 runs faaaaast. You'll love it. You'll also love how much money you save for the same quality shotgun.
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u/Agonizing-Stroke1812 Aug 06 '26
The 1301 dethroned the M4 as the best semi shotgun on the market and at a lower price. No brainer IMO
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u/shooptydoop Aug 06 '26
Just want to say good for you for giving up your Makasi pre-order and getting a quality shotgun
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u/pooshlinger Aug 06 '26
I would love a dope semi and was really excited for it, but i know it will become a burden. I want to be able to trust these things with my life.
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u/JOAT_4u Aug 06 '26
Get the 1301, i got mine not long ago. Great deals they came down in price nicely. Go for one with mlok handguard (usually only black in Canada for now) unless you plan to customize it.
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u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
What are you using it for? The 1301 is much more suitable for range and competition shooting. The M4 is not all that practical but cool, high probability it may sit in the safe after the initial fun wears off.
Stoeger just started a 15% sale, seems like many vendors are participating.
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u/jollygreengiant1655 Aug 06 '26
I haven't handled either of them, so I'm curious what makes the 1301 the better range gun?
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u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
The 1301 is lighter and has a larger mod ecosystem. You can change almost anything on it, including the stock, grip, trigger, rails, lifter, bolt release, handguard, etc. You can easily dual or quad load, especially if the reload port has been widened. There's a lot of threads on the Benelli forum discussing why the M4 is not the ideal gun for shotgun competitions.
I recently got a 1301 Comp Pro and am pretty impressed with how easy it is to maintain it.
In the end, both are Beretta shotguns, so whatever floats your boat 😂
Check Tactical Ordnance in Newmarket, ON as well - Casey B there does a lot of custom builds using the 1301 and also Remington Versamax.
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u/HeRlyDead Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
Had both my M4 and 1301 touched up by Casey and I can vouch, that man is a magician with his machining work when it comes to opening the feed ports
Edit: Totally forgot about the comparison for a moment: If you're new to the whole semi-auto shotgun thing and you're recoil sensitive then the M4 will treat you nice, it pillows out even some really hefty loads with little issue and despite what some people are saying, the M4 does actually have a reasonably sized aftermarket. The 1301 though IS still a really good shotgun with an even better aftermarket and the gas system cycles fast enough that I highly doubt you'd ever outpace the gun, it IS really light and short though so recoil impulse even with lighter stuff tends to be more noticeable. Honestly get whichever one your heart is set on both are reliable as hell and I'm sure you'll enjoy either of them!
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u/VaselineCarpetSlug Aug 06 '26
Own both.
M4 if you have the money and that's not just for the gun itself. There are probably a bunch of things you want to/should change on the gun and accessories get expensive. Buy if you are comfortable working on your own gun too, it needs a good amount of work done to it to get it up to the same standard that the 1301 basically ships out with.
1301 is best value out of box, great gun, good weight and overall just excellent. Recoil a bit stronger but that is to be expected. Have had the gun jam on me a couple times out of 100's of rounds.
Which would I choose if I could only have one? M4 - but thats because all the work I did made it truly mine and... it is reliable as hell.
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u/rambo_900 Aug 06 '26
Besides a mag tube extension and maybe QD slots I love my M4 stock. To each their own
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u/Upbeat-Concentrate70 Aug 06 '26
Pretty sure someone on YouTube said the m1014 didn't worth the price difference with the 1301 mod 2 on the canadian market.
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u/leyland1989 Aug 06 '26
Nice to see my M4 has appreciated in value since last year's black Friday sale. (Still up $300 after the discount)
But no, just get the 1301 and a Turknelli
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u/elo_itr Aug 06 '26
I'd suggest thinking about your use case, rather than which shotgun is "better". I wanted a semi-auto shotgun and was pretty set on the Panzer M4 Speed Pro. However, I thought about how I wanted to have a reliable gun for life and ended up getting the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. I considered the 1301 Tactical as well but the faster B-Link operating system wasn't a "must have" for me.
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u/MourningWood1942 Aug 06 '26
Dang I just bought a 1301 one month ago full price because there was never a sale. Reliable is local to me too 😢
That being said, in my limited one month experience it’s a great rifle with a lot of aftermarket mods. Cheaper and lighter, even fully built up with different fore end, heat shield, stock and charging handle it’s still cheaper than an M4
The answer from me is obvious, get an SKS
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Aug 06 '26
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u/AndyTheWoman Aug 06 '26
Which handguard did you decide to go with? I also got the magpul sga stock for mine but haven’t put it on yet.
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u/Cute_Ad6301 Aug 06 '26
Opinion:
M4: Great gun. The benchmark for semi-tac shotties. Solid, rugged, etc.
1301: Super fast. Light. You'll feel everything.
If you don't care about the price, go for the M4 but you can't go wrong with either one.
I have the EGE Arms Panzer M4 with walnut stock. Clone-ish of the M4 but only $800 or so. Runs like a charm after a slug break-in period. I spent the saved money on ammo, optic, and another gun.
With the number of rounds I'm putting through it and if it lasts me 6-8 years it doesn't owe me anything. But with proper cleaning and maintenance it will last a while.
My two cents.
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u/Mr-Figglesworth Aug 06 '26
I have an operator and also got a chance to shoot a buddies m4 several times, I would choose the 1301 if I was in the market for a new 12 gauge.
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u/putcheeseonit Aug 06 '26
What are they for?
M4 is a fun range toy and/or apocalypse gun, but the 1301 will likely beat it in any practical application.
Doesn't mean the M4 can't fulfill any practical roles- it will just be worse than the 1301.
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u/pooshlinger Aug 06 '26
I want it as an all around reliable go to shot gun so im thinking the 1301 after seeing these comments. The weight is big too as it will be the camping/hiking gun.
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u/OkBurner777 Aug 06 '26
Depends what you’re shooting, lots of people have been saying the “1301 is lighter and kicks more, and the M4 is heavier and kicks less” but what that translates to is - ‘are you’re shooting light target loads all day, or magnum slugs all day.’
In any practical application, I’m shooting hot slugs or buckshot out of a shotgun. And that’s where the 1301 loses its edge. It’s way less fun to carry the M4 in the bush all day if you’re a smaller dude though.
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u/Equivalent-Shoe-1652 Aug 06 '26
Im planning on making the switch to 1301. That price point is just too good for almost the best semi tactical available. Use the rest of the money for ammo.
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u/escv_69420 Aug 09 '26
1301 is straight up better and cheaper.
Lighter, faster, gas powered, nearly ammo agnostic, more customizable, easier to strip. Doesn't have a buffer tube thing in the stock so you can run anything you want back there.
I've put thousands of rounds through mine and it's only failure was an FTE after my girlfriend shot it one handed.
The M4's only advantage in 2026 is LARP. Beretta owns Benelli. The 1301 is just the newer, better gun from the same company.
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u/DougMacRay617 Aug 06 '26
Why pay 6-800 more for an older inferior design? I guess if the looks and nostalgia do it for you then go for it, but the 1301 is clearly superior nowadays
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u/rambo_900 Aug 06 '26
To say superior is crazy. One is purpose built from the ground up as a combat shotgun rugged enough to go through extreme conditions and one is a sporting shotgun dressed up in tactical clothes. It's not even a comparison. My buddy has the 1301 and it feels like a cheap plastic toy compared to my M4 which feels like you're holding a tank in shotgun form
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u/DougMacRay617 Aug 06 '26
Buys bias, opinion invalid.
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u/rambo_900 Aug 06 '26
Ok ill buy the 1301 also. Then sell it shortly after because it's built inferior. Or I'll just keep both! Either way ill die with my M4 before I sell it :)
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u/DougMacRay617 Aug 06 '26
Do whatever you wanf chief, as someone who actually owns both id sell my m4 long before the 1302. To each their own.
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u/GooseGosselin Aug 06 '26
I like a pistol grip, went with the M4 and very very happy with it. I'd probable have gone with the 1301 if a pistol grip was available when I bought and spent the savings on ammo.
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u/TheeSweetestCheeks Aug 06 '26
1301 has faster cycling, cheaper, and if you’re using cheaper light target loads, M4 is more prone to jam.
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u/Diligent_Studio6763 Aug 06 '26
I have shot both and in my opinion the M4 wins. That is if you can afford to throw 3k at a gun. My friend has a 1301 and has told me multiple times he still wants an M4. I purchased an M4 and haven’t thought much about getting a 1301 since.
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u/huynhpt108 Aug 06 '26
Wouldn’t the M2 be more of direct comparison? I also have debating this for while myself. Always wait to long and the sale is over by then.
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u/DavinciMoose Aug 06 '26
Id get a 1301. Unless ur running slugs only, the M4 doesn’t cycle lighter loads well. At least from my experience.
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u/IamDaddyDon Aug 06 '26
I have both and the speed difference is not that crazy to wear a regular Joe Schmo can actually tell. I have the m4 t-pro so I’m not sure if the trigger resets faster but outrunning the trigger only happens when I’m deliberately firing as fast as I can at which I outrun both their triggers. The differences I think that matter are 1301 is lighter and more comfortable with a co-witness sight. Both are amazing but I do pul out the 1301 more technically. Can’t go wrong either way I’m a big guy so the kick is nice on both I like to ride the thunder. If I could only have one I’m going t-pro but if it’s regular then I’m going 1301
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u/Neat_Imagination2503 Aug 06 '26
I own both. If I had to only keep one it’s the m4 and it’s not even slightly close
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u/GenuineSteak Aug 06 '26
1301 feels cheap and plasticy when you hold it. m4 feels solid and smoother, also costs more and is slightly heavier.
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u/liquidationlarry Aug 06 '26
the 1301 is a better shotgun for less money. but it’s not an M4. if you want an M4, get an M4. if you’re simply asking which is “better” it’s a 1301
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u/yummybunnybear Aug 06 '26
If I recall correctly, the 1301 has more barrel length options. M4 has a more limited use case between competing in 3 gun and surviving in an apocalypse - probably the best shotgun for the coolest use cases but limited if we're just counting the number of use cases.
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u/LumberjackCDN Gold'n Loan Outfitters & Pawn Aug 06 '26
We have the same promo running as all the stoeger dealers right now the 1301 is definitely the faster of the two options and would be my pick personally for competition but youre not going to be upset either way.
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u/th3badwolf_1234 Aug 06 '26
1301 is much newer tech and works better. If you want a pistol grip just add an aftermarket one
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u/Hotdog_Broth Aug 07 '26 edited Aug 07 '26
For me it’s 1301 for function/ergonomics and M4 for cool factor, but I don’t have any real problem with either gun.
If I were only getting one and the M4 is within budget, I’d just get a 1301, a mag extension, and put the what’s leftover toward an optic and mount (HS509T and GG&G mount are what I personally have)
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u/EscapeChance823 Aug 07 '26
I own both the M4 Pro and 1301 Tac, and I still find myself preferring the M4. Part of it is the proven track record adopted by the U.S. military and it’s built a reputation over many years.
Another thing I find interesting is how many companies are making M4 clones. Everyone seems to be trying to compete with the M4 design. On the other hand, I’ve only seen one or two 1301 clones.
Both are great shotguns, but if I had to keep just one, it would be the M4.
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u/BottleFederal Aug 10 '26
Panzer m4 speed pro. You get a ported barrel, oversized charging handle, oversized bolt release, ambidextrous charging handle, hand stopper, mlok handguard, pic rail at the front, and a one shell holder thingy. All out of the box for under 900. At least 8 of my friends have them and of those who have the classic Benelli m4 would choose the panzer over it anyday of the week. Some of my friends have 2, one of them I think has 4 of them 😂. I've seen them get beat up by heavy shells, light shells, it'll feed almost anything. If you're worried about life expectancy, 1, it just won't break on you, but 2, you can buy 3-4 Panzer's with the cost of one outdated Benelli
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u/IfImBitchyImDrunk Aug 13 '26
Can I go a bit sideways? I have a few Tukenelli ME clones... They'll never last as long as a real one... But for the price, God they are fun.
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u/ManufacturerMuch5116 Aug 13 '26
The only reason I would ever pick a 1301 over the M4 is because you can put a side folding stock on it, where you cannot with the M4.
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u/567432Gains Aug 06 '26
Weirdly good deals…
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u/iatekane Aug 06 '26
Reliable gun having a sale, what’s weird about that?
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u/567432Gains Aug 06 '26
Weird is merely another way of saying not normal. It was not meant to be taken in a negative tone, just that it’s a really good deal. Apologies for the confusion
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