New Product Highlight: Benelli M2-G1
Benelli’s all-new M2-G1 boasts a bunch of high-end features at a more affordable price than the M4. Is it the perfect tactical shotgun?
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Looking for a tactical shotgun? The Benelli M2-G1 is fresh from Italy, and it looks like an extremely compelling option for home defense and range-day fun.
I was fortunate enough to get my hands on one, so you can expect a full, in-depth review very soon. In the meantime, here’s the basic rundown to whet your appetite.
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Benelli M2-G1 Specs & Features
Specs
- Gauge: 12ga, 3” chamber
- Action: Semi-automatic, dual piston
- Capacity: 7+1 (5+1 available)
- Colors: Flat dark earth, gray, Multicam Black
- Barrel Length: 18.5”
- Overall Length: 39.5”
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Country of Origin: Italy
- MSRP: $1,829 - $2,149
Features
- Dual short-stroke piston operation
- Conventional and collapsible stocks available
- Oversized controls
- Iron sights and a Picatinny rail
- Removable choke tubes
Before we get any further, let’s clear up what I’m sure will be a common misconception. Despite carrying the M2 name, this is not an inertia-driven shotgun. Instead, it uses a brand new RPO (Rear Piston Operated) gas system.
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Like the ARGO system made famous by the M4, RPO uses two small pistons just forward of the receiver to cycle the action while keeping the shotgun’s weight balanced.
Benelli made it clear that ARGO is still the company’s flagship system. The goal of RPO is to offer a high level of performance at a more attainable price.
The tradeoff? The M2-G1’s RPO system is not self-regulating or self-cleaning like the M4’s ARGO system. It should still be a step above other gas-operated shotguns in terms of weight, cleanliness, and reliability.
Aside from that, the M2-G1 comes with an oversized bolt handle and release. You can use the factory iron sights or mount an optic on the Picartinny rail.
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Standard models come with a collapsible buttstock, pistol grip, and 7+1 capacity. Color options include FDE, gray, and Multicam Black.
Two other versions are also available with a conventional stock and either 5+1 or 7+1 capacity. This time, gray is the only color available.
Benelli lists MSRP of $1,829 to $2,149 for the M2-G1.
That puts it $250 to $570 under the M4. Looking at parent company Beretta, the M2-G1 is priced between the A300 Ultima Patrol and 1301.
It looks like our next tactical shotgun comparison is going to get heated!
What do you think of the new Benelli M2-G1? Let us know below. For more awesome scatterguns, check out our guide to the Best Home-Defense Shotguns!