Description
The Benelli M2 Field 12 Ga, 24″ Barrel, 3″, Black ComforTech, 3rd is a purpose-built inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun designed for reliability in demanding field conditions. It’s the workhorse of the Benelli lineup, engineered to cycle a wide range of 12-gauge loads from light target to heavy 3″ magnums with minimal felt recoil, making it a top choice for waterfowl, turkey, and upland hunters who need a gun that performs when the weather turns and the miles add up.
Key Features
- Inertia-Driven System: The heart of the M2. It’s a simple, clean-operating mechanism with fewer parts than gas systems, which means less maintenance and more reliable cycling in mud, snow, and extreme temperatures.
- ComforTech Stock System: This isn’t just a pad. The stock integrates chevron-shaped recoil pads in the buttstock and comb that flex and compress to dissipate energy, significantly reducing perceived recoil during long days afield.
- Progressive Comfort Hydraulic Recoil Pad: Works in tandem with the ComforTech system, using hydraulic dampening to further soften the punch of magnum loads.
- Crio® Choke System: Benelli’s cryogenically treated choke tubes provide consistent, dense patterns. The 24″ barrel typically ships with Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full tubes.
- Third-Generation Refinements: This “3rd” designation includes updates like an enlarged trigger guard for gloved hands and subtle ergonomic improvements for smoother handling.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.3 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 4+1 Rounds (with plug) |
| Stock | Black Synthetic ComforTech |
| Choke System | Benelli Crio® (Tubes Included) |
Weighing in at a manageable 7.3 pounds, this 24″ barreled M2 strikes an ideal balance between quick swing and stability. The inertia system is famously tolerant—you can run light 2¾” target loads for clays and, without adjustment, switch directly to 3″ magnum waterfowl loads. That’s versatility you can count on. At a price point of $1221.06, it represents a significant investment in proven performance that’s drop-in ready for the season. No gunsmithing required to get it into the field; just add your preferred ammunition. It’s compatible with a wide array of aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s and Patternmaster, allowing you to fine-tune your pattern for specific game.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the shotgun for the hunter who doesn’t get to pick the weather. When it comes to a late-season duck blind where freezing rain turns your gear to ice, you need the simple, robust reliability of the inertia system. It’s for the turkey hunter covering steep, muddy ridges who needs a dependable, pointable gun at dawn. It’s also an excellent choice for the high-volume shooter on the sporting clays course or predator control detail who values a soft-shooting, low-maintenance platform. The 24″ barrel offers a fast swing in thick cover while still providing a smooth follow-through on crossing shots.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Legendary reliability in dirty/wet conditions. Low-maintenance inertia system. Excellent recoil reduction from the ComforTech tech. Lightweight and fast-handling. High versatility across load types. Durable, weatherproof synthetic stock.
Cons: The inertia system can transmit more felt recoil than a well-tuned gas system with similar loads. The synthetic stock, while tough, lacks the traditional aesthetics of wood. The 24″ barrel may feel short for some pass-shooting waterfowl applications where a 26″ or 28″ barrel is preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the inertia system differ from a gas-operated semi-auto?
A: A gas system uses propellant gases tapped from the barrel to cycle the action, which can be softer-shooting but requires more frequent cleaning. The Benelli inertia system uses the recoil energy of the entire gun moving backward to unlock the bolt—it has fewer parts, runs cleaner, and is less sensitive to environmental grit. Here’s the thing—it’s a trade-off between ultimate softness and ultimate reliability.
Q: Is the ComforTech stock worth it?
A: For anyone shooting magnum loads or spending long days at the range, absolutely. The system doesn’t just sit at the heel; it’s integrated throughout the stock to dampen recoil before it reaches your shoulder and cheek. The difference over 50 rounds in a day is noticeable in reduced fatigue.
Q: Can this gun be used for home defense?
A: While its primary design is for the field, the 24″ barrel and reliable semi-auto function make it a capable defensive tool. However, its length can be a hindrance in tight spaces. Many users opt for a dedicated 18.5″ barrel model or a pistol-grip stock for that role, though the core reliability of the M2 action remains.
This Benelli M2 Field model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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