On August 4, 1998 Benelli delivered five shotgun samples featuring the A.R.G.O. system to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The guns were put through an intensive, grueling test for safety, function and performance. Subjecting them to mud, sand, baking heat and extreme cold, the guns beat out the competition to be chosen as the new U.S. “Joint Service Combat Shotgun.” Benelli’s patented Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated (A.R.G.O.) system has more than met the needs of the U.S. Marines’ M1014 semiautomatic � an ultra-reliable, battle-proven shotgun.

The A.R.G.O. Piston-Driven System is also the heart of the Benelli’s R1 and MR1 rifles, featuring simplicity, sturdiness and accuracy, all packaged in an ingenious design.

Upon firing a Piston-Driven gun, single port, located just forward of the chamber, bleeds gases where they are hotter and cleaner. The results are less fouling and more reliable cycling. A short-stroke, self-cleaning piston and two tappet pistons push directly against the R1’s bolt body, eliminating the need for connecting linkages or heavy action bars. Because the pistons push directly against the bolt, they move only ½-inch for complete and rapid cycling with minimum vibration.