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Benelli
M2

An inertia-operated semi-automatic with a fixed barrel

M2 Field · USM2 Field Compact · USM2 BlackM2 MAX 7

Drawing of a Benelli M2 from the right: one barrel, a rib, a receiver with an ejection port and bolt handle, a black synthetic stock, a recoil pad and a textured fore-end.
Drawing: 12-gauge field, 28 in, black synthetic, right side

he M2 is Benelli’s inertia-operated with a fixed barrel.1 The Field range, in 12 and 20 , is for waterfowl and turkey hunters.2 Earlier ComforTech stocks have damping chevrons, and the revised M2 changes the cap and checkering.3, 4

The rotating bolt head locks into the barrel extension.5 Recoil compresses the spring between the locking head and the bolt, and the spring then drives the bolt rearwards.1 The system needs neither a gas outlet nor a recoiling barrel.1

Specifications

12-bore · game

LockingRotating bolt head locks into the barrel extension5, 1
LockworkInertia operation with fixed barrel and a spring between locking head and bolt5, 1
Made inUrbino, Italy6
Introduced20047
Bore12-bore
Chambers76 mm (3 in)
Barrels26 in
ChokesCrio; removable; 3 tubes
Weight3.039 kg (6 lb 11 oz; catalogue, 26 in)

2 Compare specifications

Specifications

ConfigurationBoreChambersBarrels, inGradeChoke systemYearsWeightMarketsStock
Black9, 1012-bore76 mm (3 in)24, 26, 28, 30BlackCrio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 2024Pistol grip; 365 mm pull
Black Compact9, 1012-bore76 mm (3 in)26Black CompactCrio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 2024Pistol grip; 337 mm pull
Black9, 1020-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28BlackCrio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 2024Pistol grip; 365 mm pull
Black Compact9, 1020-bore76 mm (3 in)24Black CompactCrio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 2024Pistol grip; 337 mm pull
MAX 711, 1012-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28, 30MAX 7Crio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 2024Pistol grip; 365 mm pull
MAX 7 Compact11, 1012-bore76 mm (3 in)26MAX 7 CompactCrio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 2024Pistol grip; 337 mm pull
MAX 711, 1020-bore76 mm (3 in)26, 28MAX 7Crio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 2024Pistol grip; 365 mm pull
MAX 7 Compact11, 1020-bore76 mm (3 in)24MAX 7 CompactCrio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 2024Pistol grip; 337 mm pull
ComforTech Left Hand, left-handed12, 1012-bore76 mm (3 in)24, 26, 28ComforTech Left HandCrio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 2024ComforTech pistol grip; left-handed; 365 mm pull
ComforTech Left Hand, left-handed12, 1020-bore76 mm (3 in)24, 26, 28ComforTech Left HandCrio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 2024ComforTech pistol grip; left-handed; 365 mm pull
ComforTech MAX 5 Left Hand, left-handed12, 1012-bore76 mm (3 in)28ComforTech MAX 5 Left HandCrio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 20243.2 kg (7 lb 1 oz; catalogue, 28 in)ComforTech pistol grip; left-handed; 365 mm pull
Cerakote Tungsten Black13, 1012-bore76 mm (3 in)28Cerakote Tungsten BlackCrio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 20243.2 kg (7 lb 1 oz; catalogue, 28 in)ComforTech pistol grip; 365 mm pull
Cerakote Tungsten OPTIFADE Timber14, 1012-bore76 mm (3 in)28Cerakote Tungsten OPTIFADE TimberCrio internal 70 mm; removable; 5 tubesby 20243.2 kg (7 lb 1 oz; catalogue, 28 in)ComforTech pistol grip; 365 mm pull
Speed15, 1012-bore76 mm (3 in)24, 26SpeedCrio; removable; 5 tubesby 2024ComforTech 3 pistol grip; 365 mm pull
SP16, 1012-bore76 mm (3 in)24, 26SPCrio 70+20 mm; removable; 3 tubesby 2024ComforTech pistol grip; 365 mm pull
Speed1712-bore76 mm (3 in)24SpeedCrio; removable; 5 tubesby 20253.084 kg (6 lb 13 oz; catalogue, 24 in)US365.125 mm pull
Performance Shop 3-Gun1812-bore76 mm (3 in)24Performance Shop 3-GunCrio; removable; 5 tubesby 20233.062 kg (6 lb 12 oz; catalogue, 24 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game
Game212-bore76 mm (3 in)26Field, Black syntheticCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20253.039 kg (6 lb 11 oz; catalogue, 26 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game212-bore76 mm (3 in)28Field, Black syntheticCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20253.084 kg (6 lb 13 oz; catalogue, 28 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game1920-bore76 mm (3 in)26Field, Black syntheticCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.676 kg (5 lb 14 oz; catalogue, 26 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game1920-bore76 mm (3 in)28Field, Black syntheticCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.722 kg (6 lb 0 oz; catalogue, 28 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game212-bore76 mm (3 in)26Field, Realtree MAX-7Crio; removable; 3 tubesby 20253.039 kg (6 lb 11 oz; catalogue, 26 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game212-bore76 mm (3 in)28Field, Realtree MAX-7Crio; removable; 3 tubesby 20253.084 kg (6 lb 13 oz; catalogue, 28 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game1920-bore76 mm (3 in)26Field, Realtree MAX-7Crio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.676 kg (5 lb 14 oz; catalogue, 26 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game1920-bore76 mm (3 in)28Field, Realtree MAX-7Crio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.722 kg (6 lb 0 oz; catalogue, 28 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game212-bore76 mm (3 in)26Field, Mossy Oak BottomlandCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20253.039 kg (6 lb 11 oz; catalogue, 26 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game212-bore76 mm (3 in)28Field, Mossy Oak BottomlandCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20253.084 kg (6 lb 13 oz; catalogue, 28 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game1920-bore76 mm (3 in)26Field, Mossy Oak BottomlandCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.676 kg (5 lb 14 oz; catalogue, 26 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game1920-bore76 mm (3 in)28Field, Mossy Oak BottomlandCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.722 kg (6 lb 0 oz; catalogue, 28 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game212-bore76 mm (3 in)26Field, GORE OPTIFADE TimberCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20253.039 kg (6 lb 11 oz; catalogue, 26 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game212-bore76 mm (3 in)28Field, GORE OPTIFADE TimberCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20253.084 kg (6 lb 13 oz; catalogue, 28 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game1920-bore76 mm (3 in)26Field, GORE OPTIFADE TimberCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.676 kg (5 lb 14 oz; catalogue, 26 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game1920-bore76 mm (3 in)28Field, GORE OPTIFADE TimberCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.722 kg (6 lb 0 oz; catalogue, 28 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game1920-bore76 mm (3 in)24Field, Black syntheticCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.631 kg (5 lb 13 oz; catalogue, 24 in)US365.125 mm pull
Game1920-bore76 mm (3 in)24Field Compact, Black syntheticCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.585 kg (5 lb 11 oz; catalogue, 24 in)US333.375 mm pull
Game1920-bore76 mm (3 in)24Field Compact, Realtree MAX-7Crio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.585 kg (5 lb 11 oz; catalogue, 24 in)US333.375 mm pull
Game, left-handed1920-bore76 mm (3 in)26Field left-hand, classic stylingCrio; removable; 3 tubesby 20252.631 kg (5 lb 13 oz; catalogue, 26 in)USleft-handed
Game2020-bore76 mm (3 in)24Performance Shop Turkeyremovable; 6 tubesby 20232.585 kg (5 lb 11 oz; catalogue, 24 in)US365.125 mm pull
Wildfowl
Wildfowl21, 22, 4, 2320-bore24, 26, 28Revised 20 gaugeby 2023Pistol grip; 365 mm pull

Scroll for more columns.

Game2. Game2. Game19. Game19. Game2. Game2. Game19. Game19. Game2. Game2. Game19. Game19. Game2. Game2. Game19. Game19. Game19. Game19. Game19. Game, left-handed19. Black9, 10. Black Compact9, 10. Black9, 10. Black Compact9, 10. MAX 711, 10. MAX 7 Compact11, 10. MAX 711, 10. MAX 7 Compact11, 10. ComforTech Left Hand, left-handed12, 10. ComforTech Left Hand, left-handed12, 10. ComforTech MAX 5 Left Hand, left-handed12, 10. Cerakote Tungsten Black13, 10. Cerakote Tungsten OPTIFADE Timber14, 10. Speed15, 10. SP16, 10. Speed17. Performance Shop 3-Gun18. Game20. Wildfowl21, 22, 4, 23.

Identify and date

The revised receiver has a wider ejection port and an enlarged loading opening.8 The revised has an integrated sling-swivel base.4 The US left-hand Field listed for 2025 keeps the classic styling and a ComforTech stock.19 Italian proof stamps sit beneath the rear of the barrel and on the .24 The Italian year stamp dates proof.25

WhereMarkings
Front face of Notches identify constriction26
Rear underside of barrel and on the actionItalian proof stamps24

Proof date

The stamp gives the year of proof. CZ applies up to 31 May 2020, and 20 from 1 June 2020. The later stamp encloses the year’s last two digits in a rectangle.25, 27, 28

Proof date codes

Before you buy

  1. Identify the stock and receiver version before ordering parts; the 2023 revision changes the stock, fore-end and receiver.21, 29
  2. Check that an older gun’s bolt closes fully; a retrospective describes bolts knocked out of battery, and the revised gun has an Easy-Locking mechanism.30, 31
  3. Match a replacement 20-gauge barrel to the configuration; Benelli allows earlier barrels on the revised gun but also supplies new barrels made for it.22
  4. Count the tubes against the market configuration: the US Field comes with three Crio tubes, while the international Black comes with five.2, 9
  5. Check that each internal tube is the correct length for the barrel and seats on clean threads, as Benelli requires.32, 33
  6. Read each tube’s steel-shot marking; Benelli rules out Full and Improved Modified tubes for steel shot.26

History

The M2 replaced the M1 in 2004.7 Its ComforTech stock used damping chevrons and soft cheek and pads.3 In 2010–2011 the US American configuration omitted ComforTech.34 Benelli announced the revised M2 in April 2023.21 The revision reshaped the stock and fore-end and enlarged the ejection and loading openings.4, 8

Revised M2

2023–. Reshaped stock and fore-end, wider ejection port and revised loading opening.21, 4, 8

DateChangeObservable feature
2023M2 stock, fore-end and receiver revised21, 4, 8New grip and cap; wider ejection port and larger loading opening

Sources

  1. Benelli M2 Field use and maintenance manual, operating-system. Benelli Armi. manual · Archive
  2. Benelli USA 2025 Dealer Workbook, catalogue-extract-19. Benelli USA, 2025. maker catalogue · Archive
  3. Benelli M2 Shotgun Review: The Ultimate Mid-Priced Semiauto, passage-32. Outdoor Life, 2025-06-19. magazine · Archive
  4. m2 revision 2023, revision-detail-4. Benelli Armi, 2023-04-20. maker website · Archive
  5. Benelli M2 Shotgun Review: The Ultimate Mid-Priced Semiauto, passage-26. Outdoor Life, 2025-06-19. magazine · Archive
  6. Benelli Sustainability Report 2024, urbino-and-beretta-ownership. Benelli Armi, 2024. maker website · Archive
  7. Benelli M2 Shotgun Review: The Ultimate Mid-Priced Semiauto, passage-30. Outdoor Life, 2025-06-19. magazine · Archive
  8. m2 revision 2023, revision-detail-8. Benelli Armi, 2023-04-20. maker website · Archive
  9. Benelli international catalogue 2024 — Montefeltro tables, m2-catalogue-extract-65. Benelli Armi, 2024. maker catalogue · Archive
  10. Benelli international catalogue 2024 — Montefeltro tables, catalogue-year. Benelli Armi, 2024. maker catalogue · Archive
  11. Benelli international catalogue 2024 — Montefeltro tables, m2-catalogue-extract-66. Benelli Armi, 2024. maker catalogue · Archive
  12. Benelli international catalogue 2024 — Montefeltro tables, m2-catalogue-extract-67. Benelli Armi, 2024. maker catalogue · Archive
  13. Benelli international catalogue 2024 — Montefeltro tables, m2-catalogue-extract-68. Benelli Armi, 2024. maker catalogue · Archive
  14. Benelli international catalogue 2024 — Montefeltro tables, m2-catalogue-extract-69. Benelli Armi, 2024. maker catalogue · Archive
  15. Benelli international catalogue 2024 — Montefeltro tables, m2-catalogue-extract-122. Benelli Armi, 2024. maker catalogue · Archive
  16. Benelli international catalogue 2024 — Montefeltro tables, m2-sp-specification. Benelli Armi, 2024. maker catalogue · Archive
  17. Benelli USA 2025 Dealer Workbook, additional-m2-catalogue-extract-37. Benelli USA, 2025. maker catalogue · Archive
  18. Benelli USA 2023 Dealer Workbook — Montefeltro, additional-m2-catalogue-extract-27. Benelli USA, 2023. maker catalogue · Archive
  19. Benelli USA 2025 Dealer Workbook, catalogue-extract-20. Benelli USA, 2025. maker catalogue · Archive
  20. Benelli USA 2023 Dealer Workbook — Montefeltro, additional-m2-catalogue-extract-28. Benelli USA, 2023. maker catalogue · Archive
  21. m2 revision 2023, dated-revision. Benelli Armi, 2023-04-20. maker website · Archive
  22. m2 revision 2023, revision-detail-11. Benelli Armi, 2023-04-20. maker website · Archive
  23. m2 revision 2023, revision-detail-5. Benelli Armi, 2023-04-20. maker website · Archive
  24. Conarmi: Italian proof marks and year codes, shotgun-stamp-positions. Consorzio Armaioli Italiani. magazine · Archive
  25. Beretta USA catalogue 2004: National Proof House Year Stamp Markings, proof-year. Beretta USA; PDF hosted by BerettaWeb, 2004. maker catalogue · Archive
  26. Benelli M2 Field manual — choke marks and cleaning, choke-identification. Benelli Armi. manual · Archive
  27. Conarmi: Italian proof marks and year codes, code-table. Consorzio Armaioli Italiani. magazine · Archive
  28. Cambio marchio anno di prova, numeric-stamp. Banco Nazionale di Prova, 2020. proof house · Archive
  29. m2 revision 2023, revision-detail-3. Benelli Armi, 2023-04-20. maker website · Archive
  30. Benelli M2 Shotgun Review: The Ultimate Mid-Priced Semiauto, passage-41. Outdoor Life, 2025-06-19. magazine · Archive
  31. Benelli M2 Shotgun Review: The Ultimate Mid-Priced Semiauto, passage-42. Outdoor Life, 2025-06-19. magazine · Archive
  32. Benelli M2 Field use and maintenance manual, manual-extract-131. Benelli Armi. manual · Archive
  33. Benelli M2 Field manual — choke marks and cleaning, choke-cleaning. Benelli Armi. manual · Archive
  34. Benelli M2 Shotgun Review: The Ultimate Mid-Priced Semiauto, passage-38. Outdoor Life, 2025-06-19. magazine · Archive

Revised