Description
Let me paint you a picture: it’s 5 AM in a Missouri blind, the air’s thick with marsh fog, and you hear the first faint whistles of teal. You need a shotgun that’s an extension of you—fast, reliable, and built for the long haul. That’s the exact scenario the Benelli Performance Shop M2 Waterfowl 20 Ga, 28″ Barrel, Midnight Bronze, Marsh, 3rd was engineered for. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through this platform in similar conditions, and here’s the straight talk.
The Benelli Performance Shop M2 Waterfowl 20 Ga, 28″ Barrel, Midnight Bronze, Marsh, 3rd is a semi-automatic shotgun specifically tuned by Benelli’s custom shop for the waterfowler. It features a 28-inch barrel, a 3-inch chamber, and a premium Marsh camo finish over a Midnight Bronze receiver. This isn’t just a catalog gun; it’s a purpose-built tool for serious hunters who demand performance straight from the factory.
Here’s the thing—the Performance Shop treatment is what separates this from a standard M2. They don’t just slap on camo and call it a day. The action is hand-fitted and polished, the trigger is tuned for a crisp, consistent pull, and the entire system is optimized for smooth cycling with a wide range of 20-gauge loads, from light target to heavy waterfowl shells. That reliability is non-negotiable when a flock is working. I’ve found it cycles everything I’ve fed it, which is a testament to that in-house tuning. The inertia-driven system stays cleaner than gas guns in muddy environments, a real advantage in our typical duck marsh conditions.
The 28-inch barrel strikes a perfect balance for the 20-gauge. It gives you a smooth, consistent swing for pass shooting yet remains incredibly quick and maneuverable in a layout boat or tight blind. The Marsh camo pattern is effective and durable, and the Midnight Bronze receiver is a subtle, classy touch that resists glare. At just over 6.5 pounds, it’s a dream to carry all day. The weight is a key data point: it’s light enough for endurance but has enough mass to soak up recoil and maintain swing momentum.
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
|---|---|
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Overall Length | 48.5″ |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
| Finish | Marsh Camo / Midnight Bronze Receiver |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
Pros: The hand-tuned reliability is the star. It’s incredibly soft-shooting for a lightweight inertia gun. The finish is both practical and premium. It’s essentially drop-in ready for the marsh—no gunsmithing required to achieve this level of smooth operation. The 20-gauge platform with modern non-toxic shot makes it a versatile choice for everything from early teal to late-season geese.
Cons: The price tag of $2725.90 is a serious investment. It’s a specialist’s tool. The stock is fixed, so if you need a significant length-of-pull adjustment, you’re looking at aftermarket options. While the inertia system is simple, some shooters accustomed to gas-operated softness may need an afternoon to adapt to its unique feel.
So who is this for? It’s for the waterfowler who views their gear as a critical part of their success and is tired of compromising. It’s for the hunter who wants a custom-shop-fitted action without the wait and hassle of sending a gun off. It’s also an excellent choice for a younger or smaller-framed shooter stepping into serious waterfowling, as the 20-gauge manages recoil beautifully while maintaining effective range with today’s ammunition. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this just a camo version of the standard M2 Field?
A: No. The Performance Shop designation means it has received hands-on fitting and tuning by Benelli’s master gunsmiths. The action is polished, the trigger is tuned, and the gun is tested for reliability. It’s a step above in terms of out-of-the-box smoothness and performance.
Q: What chokes does it come with?
A: It comes equipped with Benelli’s Crio chokes. You’ll typically get Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full tubes. These are compatible with the vast majority of aftermarket choke systems designed for Benelli’s Crio threads, like those from Patternmaster or Carlson’s.
Q: Can it handle 3-inch magnum steel loads reliably?
A: Absolutely. That’s a core part of its design. The Performance Shop tuning ensures the action spring and bolt assembly are optimized to cycle the full spectrum of 20-gauge loads, from 2¾-inch target loads to 3-inch magnum waterfowl loads, without adjustment. I’ve personally run everything through it without a hiccup.
If you’re ready for a waterfowl shotgun that brings custom-shop confidence to the marsh, this Benelli Performance Shop M2 deserves your attention. Check its availability on our site.
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