Benelli's M2: A Tried-And-True Repeater

by
posted on April 2, 2022
Benelli M2 semi-automatic shotgun right-side view full length gun wood metal steel aluminum black
Image from the 2004 American Rifleman archives.

Benelli developed its Inertia-Driven System of operation in 1967 that, partly because the gas and carbon produced during firing don’t enter the mechanism, has built a reputation for being among the cleanest running shotgun actions ever designed. It’s simple in principle and unfailing in reliability, too, with only three main parts—bolt body, rotating bolt head and inertia spring. For those reasons the reception from enthusiasts was a warm one when the company chose it to run the M2 semi-automatic shotgun line it introduced nearly 20 years ago.

The M2’s virtues continue to make it a popular choice to this day, and there’s a staggering variety of models from which to choose. Early in the model’s run, the company offered the warmth of oiled-wood furniture (seen above from our 2004 files), but as news of the shotgun’s performance and rugged build spread, owners made it obvious the main attraction was the gun’s function and durability, not head-turning looks. As a result, brand-new versions wear a synthetic stock in black or various camouflage patterns.

The Inertia-Driven System can take abuse, with steel locking lugs and rotating bolt. It reliably cycles everything from light field loads to magnums offering enthusiasts, home defenders, hunters and target shooters diverse functionality for task-specific roles.

There are six distinct branches in the M2 shotgun family—Field, Field Rifled Slug, 3-Gun Performance Shop, Turkey Performance Shop, Waterfowl Performance Shop and Tactical. MSRPs start at $1449, $1559, $2,599, $2,999, $2,699 and $1,249, respectively.

M2 Fields are available chambered in 12 and 20 gauge and run 2 3/4" and 3" shotshells. Receivers are anodized black or camouflage. Barrels, which are either 21", 24", 26" or 28", are blued or camouflage. There are even versions built for southpaws.

The M2 Field Rifled Slug is available in 20 and 12 gauge with 24" barrel. It also has a 3+1 capacity and chambers up to 3" loads.

Benelli's M2 Performance Shop versions carry all the designs virtues, including the perceived-recoil reducing ComforTech Recoil Pad and Comb Pad system. The special features added, however, make them an ideal choice for their respective pursuits.

The Tactical model is the lone version available with a pistol grip (although the other black stocks are also offered) configuration. They are chambered in 12 gauge only, wear an 18.5" barrel and have a shotshell capacity of 5+1. Add the company’s Crio System of cryogenically treating the barrels and choke tubes (included), and you can’t go wrong choosing a Benelli M2.

Latest

World War II Production Poster
World War II Production Poster

"The Gun Plant:" How General Motors Armed American Troops In WWII

America's "Arsenal of Democracy" relied on commercial manufacturers re-tooling to make the firearms necessary for American troops to fight across the world. A major contributor to the war effort was the Saginaw Steering Gear Division of General Motors in Michigan.

Trio Of Deals Launch Holiday Savings Season

With the 2024 holiday season approaching right around the corner, companies such as Smith & Wesson, Silencer Central and Taurus are announcing this year's best savings with rebates, BOGO offers and more.

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms P99 AS Final Edition

Walther Arms celebrated its groundbreaking P99 polymer-pistol design with the P99 AS Final Edition before discontinuing the design.

New For 2025: Savage Arms Stance XR

Going into 2025, Savage Arms has announced a few major updates to its Stance micro-compact handgun design.

Vincent Hancock: Most Decorated Men’s Skeet Olympian In History

American men’s skeet competitor Vincent Hancock made waves at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as the first Olympic shooter to win four gold medals in the same individual event.

Review: Riton 5 Primal 15-45X 60 mm

The 5 Primal spotting scope is a compact, angled-viewing optic designed to be as condensed as possible.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.