Description
It’s that first hour of a Missouri spring turkey season. The woods are waking up, you’re tucked against a big oak, and you hear that first distant gobble. Your heart rate jumps. In that moment, you don’t want to be wrestling with a heavy, awkward shotgun. You want a tool that’s an extension of you—light, fast, and utterly reliable. That’s the exact scenario the Benelli Performance Shop M2 Turkey Edition 20 Ga, 3″ Chamber, 24″ Barrel, Realtree APG Camo was built for. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through various M2s over the years, and this Performance Shop version is where Benelli’s legendary inertia-driven system meets serious turkey-specific tuning.
So, what is it? It’s a purpose-built, semi-automatic turkey shotgun from Benelli’s custom shop. The 20-gauge platform offers reduced weight and recoil without sacrificing effective range on turkeys, especially with modern TSS loads. The 24″ barrel provides a quick-swinging balance perfect for tight woods and pop-up shots, all wrapped in a durable Realtree APG camo finish to break up your outline. At $545.10, it represents a serious value for a Performance Shop gun.
Let’s talk about the action. The inertia-driven system is famously simple and reliable—it runs clean because it doesn’t vent gas and carbon back into the receiver. I’ve found it cycles everything from light target loads to stout 3″ turkey magnums with minimal fuss, and a good cleaning every few hundred rounds is all it asks for. The real magic here is the Performance Shop treatment. This isn’t just a standard M2 with different furniture. The trigger is tuned, the action is smoothed, and the whole package feels drop-in ready for the season. You get a crisp, clean break that makes precise shot placement a reality, not just a hope.
The 24″ barrel is a masterstroke for the turkey woods. It keeps the overall length manageable when you’re navigating brush or sitting in a blind, but it’s still long enough to provide a smooth, consistent swing. The Realtree APG camo isn’t just a dip; it’s a full coverage finish that includes the barrel, receiver, and stock, eliminating all glare. Paired with the fiber-optic rifle sights, you get a bright, clear aiming reference that’s fast to acquire in low light. The gun weighs in at a hair over 6 pounds, which is a blessing after carrying it over your shoulder for miles of scouting.
Here’s the thing—this is a dedicated tool. The pistol-grip stock and shorter length of pull are optimized for shooting while wearing bulky spring camouflage, not for shooting clays all day. That’s the trade-off. The specialized stock geometry might not suit every shooter for every application, but for its intended role, it’s spot-on. The 20-gauge chamber also means you’re not shooting 3.5″ shells, but with today’s advanced ammunition, that’s hardly a limitation for turkey within ethical ranges.
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
|---|---|
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 24″ |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6.2 lbs |
| Finish | Realtree APG Camo |
| Sights | Fixed Rifle Sights |
| Action | Inertia-Driven Semi-Auto |
Pros: Incredibly lightweight and fast-handling. Performance Shop trigger and action tuning out of the box. Ultra-reliable inertia system. Full-coverage, effective camouflage. Reduced recoil makes practice and long sits more comfortable.
Cons: Specialized stock fit may not be ideal for all-around use. 20-gauge limits shell selection compared to 12-gauge (though TSS mitigates this). The pistol grip isn’t everyone’s preference for a field gun.
Who is this for? This is for the dedicated turkey hunter—especially in Missouri’s mixed terrain of woods and fields—who values speed and maneuverability. It’s for the hunter who wants a custom-shop level of refinement without the custom-shop wait or price. It’s also an excellent choice for younger shooters or those sensitive to recoil who still demand a serious, reliable hunting tool. It’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket chokes, like those from Carlson’s or Jeb’s, letting you fine-tune your pattern for your preferred load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 20-gauge powerful enough for Missouri turkeys?
A: Absolutely. With modern tungsten super shot (TSS) loads, the 20-gauge delivers exceptional density and penetration at common turkey hunting ranges, often outperforming older 12-gauge lead loads. The key is using the right ammunition for the job.
Q: What’s the difference between this and a standard Benelli M2?
A: The Performance Shop designation means the gun receives additional hand-fitting, trigger tuning, and action smoothing at Benelli’s custom shop. You also get the turkey-specific features like the dedicated stock and rifle sights straight from the factory.
Q: How does the inertia system handle in cold or dirty conditions?
A: The inertia system is famously robust. Because it uses the gun’s recoil to cycle and isn’t dependent on gas ports, it’s less susceptible to fouling and temperature variations. I’ve run them in freezing rain and dusty conditions with zero issues. A basic field strip and clean is straightforward.
If you’re looking for a nimble, reliable, and thoughtfully customized shotgun for the spring woods, this Benelli Performance Shop M2 Turkey Edition deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
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