Benelli M2
Benelli Armi SpA · Shotgun · In Production · 2004
Also known as: Benelli M2 Super 90, M2
Overview
The Benelli M2 is a semi-automatic shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi SpA of Urbino, Italy. Introduced in 2004 as the successor to the Benelli M1 Super 90, the M2 is built around Benelli's signature inertia-driven operating system, which relies on the kinetic energy of recoil rather than gas to cycle the action. A two-piece bolt with an internal inertia spring momentarily stays in place when the shotgun recoils; the compressed spring then drives the bolt rearward to eject the spent shell and strip a fresh round from the tubular magazine. This elegantly simple mechanism has only three operating parts, making the M2 exceptionally lightweight, easy to clean, and reliable across a wide range of ammunition from light field loads to heavy 3-inch magnums. The M2 is available in 12 and 20 gauge, with barrel lengths ranging from 14 inches (Entry model, LE/military only) to 28 inches (Field models). ComforTech models feature Benelli's progressive comfort recoil reduction system with gel cheek pad and sorbothane chevrons in the buttstock, reducing felt recoil by up to 48%. The M2 has become one of the most popular semi-automatic shotguns for competitive 3-gun shooting, upland hunting, waterfowl, and law enforcement due to its light weight, fast cycling, and proven reliability.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3040 g (107.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1010 mm (39.76") |
| Barrel Length | 470 mm (18.50") |
| Action Type | Inertia Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Anodized |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
- 20 Gauge — also known as 20 ga, 20 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Crossbolt Safety, Trigger Disconnect
- Features: Inertia Driven System, Comfortech Recoil System, Rotating Bolt, Crio Barrel, Ghost Ring Sights, 3 Inch Chamber, Interchangeable Choke Tubes, Chrome Lined Bore, Oversized Bolt Release, Sling Swivel Studs
Variants
- Benelli M2 Field — Hunting
- Benelli M2 Tactical — Tactical
- Benelli M2 Speed — Competition
- Benelli M2 3-Gun — Competition
- Benelli M2 Entry — Compact
- Benelli M2 Performance Shop — Premium
- Benelli M2 ComforTech — Recoil Reduction
Service history
Operators
- Italian Law Enforcement
- United States Law Enforcement Agencies
- IPSC / 3-Gun Competition Shooters
Production
Production years: 2004-present
Exact production numbers not disclosed by Benelli. One of the best-selling semi-automatic shotguns worldwide, particularly dominant in the 3-gun competition market.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Bruno Civolani
Notes
The M2's inertia system is fundamentally different from the ARGO gas system used in the Benelli M4. The inertia system has fewer moving parts and does not vent gas into the action, keeping the internals cleaner. However, it requires a minimum recoil impulse to cycle, meaning extremely light loads may not reliably operate the action. The M2 Speed and 3-Gun variants are specifically tuned for competition use with enlarged loading ports, oversized controls, and extended magazine tubes. Exhibition shooter Tom Knapp famously used a Benelli M2 with an extended magazine to break 10 clay targets thrown simultaneously in 2.2 seconds. The Crio barrel treatment involves cryogenically freezing the barrel to relieve stress in the steel, improving pattern consistency.
Background
The Benelli M2's inertia-driven system traces back to Bruno Civolani's original 1967 patent that launched Benelli Armi as a firearms company. Exhibition shooter Tom Knapp made the M2 famous by breaking 10 hand-thrown clay targets in just 2.2 seconds, a feat that became one of the most-watched shooting videos on the internet.