Italian semi-automatic shotgun Benelli M2

The Benelli M2 (Super 90) shotgun is a semi-automatic inertia shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi SpA. This shotgun was created in 2004 on the basis of the previous Benelli M1 model with inertia automatic. Design features include Benelli Armi's patented ComforTech recoil absorption system. The Benelli M2 shotgun is ergonomic; changes have been made to the design to increase the service life of the weapon.

Among the modifications of the Benelli M2 shotgun, there are variants for civilian use, as well as police and military ones.

General description of Benelli M2

The Benelli M2 shotgun is a semi-automatic weapon and is a further development of the Benelli M1 shotgun. While maintaining continuity in the automatic design, the Benelli M2 shotgun received slightly improved ergonomics and a new stock with a Comfortech recoil reduction system, which includes a pair of shock-absorbing pads (on the comb and butt plate) filled with a special gel.

Benelli's patented Comfortech®System provides the ability to reduce muzzle jump, reduce re-aim time and improve weapon performance.

The Benelli M2 family of shotguns makes up a fairly large range of variants, differing in finish, accessories, barrel length, weight (Benelli M2, 12/76, Comfortech, Practical Comfortech, Tactial, Slug Tactial, Tactial Comfortech, etc.). The Benelli M2 smoothbore shotguns are available in both hunting and combat versions - the Benelli M2 Tactical series shotguns.

The Benelli M2 is a self-loading smoothbore semi-automatic shotgun that operates without recoil using an inertia mechanism. "Benneli M2" has a 12 gauge and a magazine capacity of 2-9 rounds, which is increased with the help of an extension. Both standard (12/70) and reinforced Magnum ammunition (12/76) are used for shooting. The gun weighs 3.25 kg. Loading is carried out one cartridge at a time at the bottom of the receiver, which is made of a special lightweight aluminum alloy Ergal. The gun is intended for hunting, sports shooting, security and self-defense.

Benelli history

The Benelli M2 semi-automatic smoothbore shotgun appeared in 2004 as a result of the modernization of the “predecessor” Benelli M1 Super 90. The Benelli M2 not only retained all the best qualities of its “progenitor”, but also has a number of innovative solutions that improve overall technical performance and ergonomics semi-automatic and the appearance of the gun itself. The Benelli campaign itself is one of the oldest weapons campaigns in the world. Currently, Benelli is part of another Italian arms concern, Beretta. However, this does not mean that Benelli does not have its own developments and innovative solutions.

Design features

The Benelli M2 shotgun uses inertial automatic action, developed by Benelli designers back in the 1980s. In this system, the inertia of a massive bolt frame is used to unlock the rotating bolt, which is accumulated in a powerful spring located inside the bolt frame during the recoil process of the weapon.

The return spring is located in a tube running inside the stock, which is why M2 series shotguns cannot be produced with a folding stock.

The stock of the gun is made of special plastic such as “Technopolymer”, a material that is not subject to aging and has been successfully tested by the army in combat conditions. In hunting versions of the M2 shotgun, wooden stocks can be used.

The cartridges are fed from an under-barrel tubular magazine, and it is possible to install special extension bushings to increase the magazine capacity to 9 rounds.

The Benelli M2 shotgun is distinguished from other types of weapons of this class by a small number of parts, an extremely simple principle of operation, a novelty of the rotary breech locking system, and a new cartridge supply system (cutter).

The safety is located on the trigger guard, is made in the form of a cross pin and has a red dot that warns that the gun is ready to fire. If the shutter is not fully closed, the release is automatically blocked. Above the barrel there is a sighting bar, consisting of a front sight and rear sight.

Depending on the modification, the gun includes a set of choke constrictions, which, if selected correctly, improve shooting accuracy. You can use cartridges equipped with one (bullet) or several damaging elements (shot). You can also use cartridges with hunting capsules “Zhevelo”, cartridges of the “Magnum” type (with a shot weight of 46 g).

The bolt has a rotary locking system, represented by a hammer and a rotary cylinder. There is an inertial spring inside the shutter. The models have a cut-off device for quick cartridge change. The safety is activated using a special button located on the trigger guard.

The plastic stocks are equipped with ComforTech, a patented system developed by the company's engineers that reduces recoil by 47%. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that a special polymer is used to make the butt, butt plate and comb, which provides the elements with elasticity that absorbs energy from recoil at the moment of firing.

The stock has 12 special holes on both sides, which give it flexibility and significantly reduce the recoil impulse and dissipation of its energy. This increases comfort during the shot. The anatomical shape of the comb and butt plate, by increasing the area of ​​their contact with the shooter's shoulder and cheek, allows for optimal energy distribution. Wooden stocks use plastic butt pads.

The Benelli M2 barrel is made of high quality metal and has a hardened tang. The length of the gun depends on the barrels in different modifications. Models for combat purposes have barrels with a cylindrical drill, onto which various types of constrictions can be mounted.

Tips for choosing when buying

If you purchase a gun in a store, then any copies will be guaranteed to be in good working order. When buying a used gun, you should pay attention to the appearance and the serviceability of all mechanisms. The barrel inside should be perfectly mirror-like: this indicates that the gun has been looked after and is in good working order. There should not be too large gaps or backlashes. Like any weapon, the Benelli M2 must be regularly cleaned of dirt and carbon deposits and lubricated with gun oil. Otherwise, the gun will quickly become unusable. Any weapon should be stored in an iron safe under lock and key: this is established by Russian law.

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How Benelli M2 works

The operation of the Benneli M2 is based on inertial automation, which turns the impulse into a recharge cycle. The massive bolt frame moves freely along the guides that are equipped with the wall of the receiver. The main elements of the bolt body are a rotating cylinder with lugs, behind which there is a rigid inertial spring. The return spring is located behind the bolt in the stock.

Before firing, the bolt is in the locked position. It is held due to the fact that the lugs of the rotary cylinder are blocked in the grooves inside the barrel bore. After pressing the trigger, a shot occurs. As the shot shell moves down the barrel, the weapon moves backward due to recoil.

In this case, the shutter continues to remain closed, and the inertial spring compresses, accumulating energy. When the inertial spring expands, it pushes the bolt back. At this time, the cylinder rotates, the barrel opens, the spent cartridge is ejected, and the firing mechanism is cocked. When the shutter is moved to the rear position, it affects the return spring, which, unclamping, pushes it back.

At this stage, the cartridge is captured, it is sent into the chamber, then the lugs of the rotary cylinder fall into the grooves again, and the barrel closes. The gun is ready to fire again.

Automation is a reliable and simple mechanism that is easy to maintain. The system gives the weapon excellent balancing and minimal barrel bounce during a shot. Reloading has an uninterrupted cycle, high processing accuracy and speed, which makes the weapon reliable and safe. It can be used even in the most extreme situations.

Disassembly and care

As you know, everything ingenious is simple. The M2 shotgun is a clear confirmation of the statement. To understand this, it is enough to break it down into its main parts:

1. The magazine is removed by unscrewing the fastening screw of the connecting clamp.
2. The barrel-forend is removed as one unit by separating it from the receiver.
3. All moving elements of the automation are located in the receiver-stock assembly unit.
4. Having disassembled the bolt-trigger mechanism, you can disconnect the butt from the receiver. The result is all the components of the Benelli M2 shotgun.

To perform all of the above operations, you will not need a special tool, but you will need to follow step-by-step instructions for servicing the weapon. To comply with safety precautions, before disassembling you need to make sure that the gun is completely unloaded.

The safety and functionality of all gun mechanisms is guaranteed by proper care:

1. Cleaning the barrel after shooting.
2. The trigger mechanism and bolt must be lubricated without any foreign solid particles.
3. It is advisable to lubricate all parts exposed to aggressive environments with special branded lubricants from Benelli.

Ammunition

Since the Benelli M2 is reloaded by kinetic recoil energy, it is necessary to use cartridges that provide sufficient momentum for the inertia system to operate.

For 12 gauge cartridges, the minimum amount of energy generated by the cartridge is 230 kgm, for 20 gauge cartridges this value is 190 kgm. For shooting from a 12-gauge shotgun, cartridges with a case length of 70 and 76 mm, filled with lead or steel shot, are used. For shooting from a 20-gauge shotgun, cartridges with case lengths of 70 and 76 mm are also used.

Cartridges whose cartridge case length exceeds the length of the gun chamber are prohibited from being used. When using cartridges of different power, the gun is not adjusted. To avoid problems in the operation of the gun when shooting cartridges with light loads, the manufacturer recommends shooting 3 or 4 boxes of cartridges with a standard charge.

About company

The Benelli arms company began operations back in 1911. At that time, Senora Teresa Benelli, with her six sons, registered a trademark under the name "Fratelli Benelli SPA". However, the family was exclusively engaged in repairing motorcycles and mopeds, as well as designing new internal combustion engines. The company even managed to produce several of its own racing vans, 20 years after its opening.

The turning point in the history of the company was the mid-1960s, when the famous engineer and part-time inventor of the inertial engine Bruno Civolani came to the Italian city of Urbino. The Benelli brothers were able to get close to the Italian engineer, so already in 1967 they managed to develop their first 12-gauge smoothbore shotgun, the Benelli-121, which used an inertial reloading system.

The success of the released model was so great that the former auto repair shop was renamed “Benelli Armi SPA”, and its employees began to develop self-loading smoothbore shotguns. At the same time, Bruno Civolani's engine was constantly improved, and the rifles themselves were supported by the release of various modifications and designs, which attracted even more buyers to the company.

In 1983, the expanded one was sold to the Beretta holding, after which it became part of it as one of the arms factories. Such changes only benefited the company, because Italian guns, although they were unique, had their own shortcomings. It was after becoming part of the Beretta holding that the company gained worldwide fame and began to produce guns not only with inertial, but also gas exhaust systems.

Currently, Benelli continues to increase production rates and has already entered the top 10 best arms companies in the whole world. A distinctive feature of the products from the Italian company is their high quality, reliability, outstanding technical characteristics, unique design, unsurpassed ergonomics, and also a fairly high price. The gun is in demand mainly among professional hunters and athletes.

Specifications

The performance characteristics of the Benelli M2 shotgun are as follows.

It is worth noting the Benelli M2 as relatively inexpensive for its class, price starting from 85,000 rubles.

Benelli M2 modifications

The basic model, but far from the only one in the M2 series, there are only 10 subtypes. The Benelli catalog includes M2 shotguns, both with a wooden stock and a polymer coated with camouflage film/paint.

• M2 Comfortech Compact;
• M2 Comfortech;
• M2 Practical Comfortech;
• M2 Slug;
• M2 Comfortech 20;
• Comfortech 20 Compact;
• Tactical;
• Comfortech Camo;
• M2 Wood.

To meet all market needs, Benelli also produces a left-handed version of the gun, with interchangeable Varichoke barrels and a ventilated rib, with barrel lengths of 61, 65 and 70 cm. The main feature of the left-handed gun is the ejection of the cartridge case to the left, giving an absolute advantage to left-handed hunters in terms of concentration, speed and smoothness of work.

With the Benelli M2, left-handed hunters don't have to pause for ejected cartridges flying in front of them, distracting them from the target, which is a clear advantage when preparing for the follow-up shot.

The M2 ComforTech semi-automatic for left-handed hunters has inertia-type automatic action and a distinctive aggressive design, combined with the highest reliability in any situation.

In addition to the modern and aggressive black technopolymer version, the M2 is also available in a Camo variant, which is extremely useful for hunting that requires good camouflage, such as taking ducks or wood pigeons.

For fans of classic materials and lines, Benelli produces a variant with a walnut stock and forend. The M2 is also available in a compact version (short LOP version).

The Compact is the ideal semi-automatic for hunters who want a weapon that can be aimed quickly and easily. Small hunters, youth and women can really feel its benefits.

The Slug version, with barrel lengths of 47, 50 and 61 cm, equipped with a side-adjustable sight and a fixed front sight, is ideal for wild boar hunting due to its power and maneuverability, even in dense bushes.

The M2 family includes eight 12-gauge and two 20-gauge models. There are three models available for left-handed hunters, two in 12 gauge and one in 20 gauge.

In summary, the M2 is a good shotgun in all respects, reliable and powerful: the Benelli inertia drive simplifies the design, and the materials used make it easy to handle, fast and accurate in all conditions. Semi-automatic shotguns offer versatility, are easy to clean, powerful and effective in any situation.

Application

The Benelli M2 self-loading shotgun is primarily recommended for purchase for hunting birds, such as ducks. Due to the fact that the plastic-lined model is designed to work in extremely difficult conditions, reliability, quality and durability are the benefactors of the M2 model with a polymer stock.

The gun has integrated inertial system technology, which will allow you to conduct aimed fire with maximum comfort. Minimum recoil, no unwanted tossing of the weapon when firing, impeccable balance. AirTouch provides a comfortable grip of the hunter's hand with the gun, moreover, it is pleasant to the touch. Taken together, all this guarantees unprecedented comfort while hunting.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Benneli M2 shotgun has a lot of advantages, including:

• high rate of fire;
• a light weight;
• comfortable grip of the gun and quick release;
• adaptability;
• a wide range of modifications for hunting, clay pigeon and combat shooting;
• uniformity of shot scattering;
• versatility of use;
• flawless operation of inertial automation;
• easy to maintain, disassembly without tools;
• possibility of operation in any conditions;
• use for running and migratory hunting;
• withstands hundreds of shots without cleaning;
• ability to fire standard and reinforced cartridges.

Of the minuses, it should be noted the likelihood of scratches on the stock and barrel during prolonged use. When shooting bullets, the lid of the box with the aiming bar interferes with aiming. When carrying a weapon on a belt with a full load of ammunition with the barrel facing upward, the forend swivel plate may bend.

A peculiarity of the operation of inertial automatics is that if there is not enough inertia to compress the spring, the gun may not reload. This drawback is common to all inertial guns and most often manifests itself when using low-quality cartridges.

Benelli M2 shotguns are made for shooters of average build, and the manufacturer’s ability to modify the stock does not always allow you to customize the shotgun for yourself. The problem of grip can become noticeable and affect the shooting result. Adjusting the bend and outlet does not always eliminate the problem, so you may need to redo the structure yourself.

The price of Italian guns is higher than their domestic and American counterparts, which can also be a disadvantage when choosing a weapon.

The Benelli M2 is a cutting-edge weapon that continues to be constantly improved. The manufacturer takes into account all the nuances and develops new models. A wide range of modifications allows you to choose a gun for various purposes: hunting, official use, sport shooting. Regardless of its purpose, the gun demonstrates trouble-free operation, high efficiency, reliability of mechanisms and design. The Benelli M2 is easy to disassemble and clean, takes little time to maintain, and can be used in the harshest conditions.

The Benelli M2 is an excellent option for hunting birds, large and small game. The difference in combat sharpness is noticeable when comparing this gun with other models. The use of reinforced cartridges allows you to use different hunting methods, enjoy the process and get good results. For those who plan to spend money on the most modern weapons, choosing the Benelli M2 is an excellent option for a quality gun that will last a long time, ensure safety and will not disappoint the owner at all stages of operation.