Description
It’s opening day, the air is crisp, and you’re watching a flight of mallards work your spread. You mount, swing, and the first shot is a clean hit. The second bird flinches, but you’re already back on it—boom—and it folds. That’s the rhythm the Benelli M2 Field, Semi-Auto 12ga, 28″, 3″, 3rd, Shadow Grass Blades is built for. It’s not just a shotgun; it’s the reliable partner that turns a good day in the field into a great one.
What is it? The Benelli M2 Field is a gas-operated semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun built for hunters. This specific model features a 28-inch barrel, a 3-inch chamber, a 3-round magazine capacity, and is finished in the superb Shadow Grass Blades camo pattern. It’s designed for fast, reliable cycling with minimal recoil, making it a top choice for waterfowl, upland birds, and clays.
I’ve put a few hundred rounds of everything from light target loads to heavy 3-inch steel through an M2, and its performance is consistently slick. The inertia-driven system is famously simple and reliable, shrugging off dirt, moisture, and temperature swings that can choke other actions. At 7.3 pounds, it carries light in the field but swings with a smooth, deliberate authority that inspires confidence on crossing shots. The real beauty is that this reliability is drop-in ready—you don’t need to be a mechanic to own a race car.
The Shadow Grass Blades finish isn’t just for show. It’s a durable, integrated camo that wears the marsh and field, and the 28-inch barrel strikes a perfect balance for most hunters. It’s long enough for a clean swing on passing ducks or long shots at pheasants in CRP, but not so long it’s cumbersome in a blind or a thicket. The stock geometry is classic Benelli—it just fits a wide range of shooters well right out of the box. For those who want to tweak it, the shim kit included lets you dial in the drop and cast.
Let’s talk about that action. The M2’s inertia system has fewer moving parts than a gas gun. There’s no complex gas piston to carbon up, which means less cleaning and more shooting. It cycles everything from 2¾-inch target loads up to 3-inch magnums with a simple twist of the magazine cap to switch the friction ring setting. This versatility is huge. You can practice cheaply with light loads and know your gun will run the same with your expensive waterfowl ammo come Saturday morning. The price for this proven performance is $1221.06, positioning it as a serious, long-term investment in your time afield.
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Overall Capacity | 3+1 Rounds |
| Action | Semi-Auto, Inertia-Driven |
| Finish | Shadow Grass Blades Camo |
The Good & The Not-So-Good
Pros: Unmatched reliability in harsh conditions. Lighter and easier to maintain than many gas guns. The camo finish is tough and effective. Points and swings naturally. Handles a wide range of loads with simple adjustment.
Cons: The inertia system can transmit slightly more perceived recoil than a soft-shooting gas gun like a Beretta A400. The stock comb is a bit low for some shooters using a red dot, though shims help.
Who This Is For
Look, if you’re a hunter who values a gun that goes bang every single time, whether you’re waist-deep in a Missouri reservoir or chasing roosters in a Kansas milo field, this is your tool. It’s for the waterfowler who doesn’t want to baby their gear and the uplander who covers miles and needs a light, fast-handling gun. It’s also a fantastic, durable option for the recreational clays shooter who wants one shotgun to do it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the camo just a dip, or is it durable?
A: It’s a high-quality, integrated finish that’s much tougher than a simple hydro-dip. It stands up to briars, blind frames, and general field use very well, though any finish can scratch with enough abuse.
Q: Can I use it for trap or sporting clays?
A: Absolutely. The 28-inch barrel is a great all-around length. With light 2¾-inch target loads, it’s a smooth shooter. Just remember to adjust the friction ring per the manual when switching from heavy hunting loads to light target loads for optimal function.
Q: What chokes does it come with?
A: It comes equipped with Benelli’s Crio chokes—typically Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full. The Crio system is excellent and compatible with a wide range of aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson’s and Patternmaster.
This Benelli M2 Field is a benchmark for a reason. It’s the workhorse semi-auto that has earned its stripes in blinds and fields across the world. If you’re ready for a shotgun that simply works, this one is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. An FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, so check out the product page to start the process.
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