The Benelli M2 Field Shotgun: A Definitive Guide for Performance and Reliability

For discerning shooters seeking a semi-automatic shotgun that effortlessly combines rugged durability, featherlight handling, and unwavering performance, the Benelli M2 Field stands as an industry benchmark. Often considered the backbone of Benelli's renowned semi-auto lineup, this shotgun is engineered to cycle everything from the softest target loads to the most potent 3-inch magnums with remarkable consistency. Whether you're navigating dense cover in pursuit of upland game, facing the biting winds of a duck blind, engaging targets on the sporting clays course, or competing in the fast-paced world of 3-gun, the M2 Field is designed to excel in diverse demanding environments.

Why Choose the Benelli M2 Field Shotgun?

Many enthusiasts and professionals frequently ask, "What is the most reliable semi-auto shotgun for hunting?" or "Which shotgun offers the best recoil management without sacrificing performance?" The Benelli M2 Field answers these questions with its innovative design and proven track record. It’s a firearm built for those who demand ultimate dependability and a comfortable shooting experience, even during extended sessions or under challenging conditions. Its lightweight nature ensures quick swings and easy carry, making it a favorite for long days in the field.

Unparalleled Reliability: The Inertia Driven® System

At the heart of the Benelli M2 Field's legendary status is its revolutionary Inertia Driven® operating system. Unlike gas-operated shotguns that use a portion of the combustion gases to cycle the action, Benelli's Inertia Driven® system harnesses the gun's recoil energy. This elegantly simple design consists of only three primary components: the bolt body, the inertia spring, and the rotating bolt head.

How does this system benefit the shooter?

• Cleaner Operation: Since no burnt gases are routed back into the receiver, the Inertia Driven® system remains exceptionally clean, reducing fouling and dramatically decreasing the need for frequent cleaning. This means more time shooting and less time maintaining your firearm.
• Extreme Reliability: With fewer moving parts and no complex gas pistons or seals to wear out or clog, the system is less susceptible to environmental factors like dirt, mud, or extreme temperatures. This translates into unwavering reliability, shot after shot, season after season. It’s an ideal choice for hunters who encounter harsh weather or for competitive shooters where every second and every shot counts.
• Versatility with Loads: The M2 Field is renowned for its ability to cycle a vast array of 12-gauge ammunition, from light 3-dram, 1-1/8 oz. target loads—which are often a challenge for other semi-autos—all the way up to heavy 3-inch magnum loads. This makes it an incredibly versatile platform for anything from dove hunting to large waterfowl. The minimum recommended load of 3-dram, 1-1/8 oz. ensures reliable cycling, a critical detail for consistent performance.

Superior Comfort and Control: The ComforTech® Recoil Reduction System

Long days in the field or high-volume shooting sessions can take their toll, especially on the shoulder. This is where the Benelli M2 Field’s exclusive ComforTech® recoil reduction system truly shines. Designed to absorb recoil before it reaches your shoulder, this innovative stock system significantly reduces felt recoil by up to 48% and muzzle climb by 15%, allowing for faster target reacquisition and more comfortable shooting.

What makes ComforTech® so effective?

• Chevron Design: The stock features unique, shock-absorbing chevrons (synthetic "springs") that flex and compress under recoil, dissipating energy rather than transferring it directly to the shooter.
• Recoil Pad: Coupled with a soft, anatomically designed gel recoil pad, the system works in harmony to cushion the blow, making even magnum loads feel significantly softer.
• Comb Pad: An interchangeable ComforTech® gel comb pad further enhances comfort by reducing facial slap, which can be particularly bothersome during extended shooting.
• Faster Follow-Up Shots: By mitigating recoil and muzzle rise, the ComforTech® system allows shooters to maintain their sight picture and get back on target more quickly for subsequent shots, a crucial advantage in multi-target scenarios like sporting clays or waterfowl hunting.

For anyone asking, "How can I reduce shotgun recoil?" or "Which semi-auto shotgun is comfortable to shoot for extended periods?", the Benelli M2 Field with its ComforTech® system provides a definitive, high-performance answer.

Enhanced Performance and Patterning: Crio® Barrel and Choke Tubes

The barrel and choke tubes of the Benelli M2 Field undergo a proprietary cryogenic treatment process known as Crio®. This deep-freezing process at extremely low temperatures alters the molecular structure of the steel, resulting in a more uniform, slick, and less stressed surface.

Benefits of the Crio® System:

• Superior Pattern Consistency: The smoother, more uniform bore created by the Crio® treatment leads to less pellet deformation as the shot travels down the barrel. This results in tighter, more uniform, and denser patterns at longer ranges, increasing your effective shooting distance and consistency.
• Increased Muzzle Velocity: The reduced friction within the Crio® barrel allows pellets to maintain more of their velocity, leading to greater energy on target.
• Extended Barrel Life: The stress-relieved steel is less prone to wear and tear, contributing to the longevity and durability of the barrel.
• Included Choke Tubes: The Benelli M2 Field comes standard with a comprehensive set of Crio® choke tubes, including Crio® Cylinder (C), Crio® Improved Cylinder (IC), Crio® Modified (M), Crio® Improved Modified (IM), and Crio® Full (F). This array allows shooters to optimize their pattern for various types of game, target presentations, and distances, whether you need a wide spread for close-quarters upland birds or a tight pattern for long-range geese.

Versatile Configurations for Every Shooter

Understanding that shooters have diverse needs, the Benelli M2 Field is available in configurations that cater to a wide audience.

• 12-Gauge Dominance: The M2 Field is chambered in the highly versatile 12-gauge, capable of handling 2-3/4 inch and 3-inch shells, making it suitable for nearly any shotgunning pursuit.
• Left-Hand Configurations: Recognizing the importance of proper fit and ergonomics for all shooters, Benelli offers dedicated left-hand versions of the M2 Field. This ensures that left-handed individuals can experience the same comfortable handling and intuitive operation without compromise.
• Compact Configurations: For smaller-statured shooters, youth, or those who require a more maneuverable firearm in tight spaces, compact configurations are available. These models typically feature shorter barrels and a reduced length of pull, providing a more comfortable and controllable shooting experience.
• Lightweight and Well-Balanced Design: Regardless of configuration, a hallmark of the M2 Field is its lightweight nature and exceptional balance. This contributes significantly to its fast handling, making it easy to shoulder, swing on moving targets, and carry throughout a long day in the field without fatigue. The shotgun feels lively in the hands, allowing for rapid target acquisition and fluid movement.

Ergonomics and User Experience

Beyond its core technologies, the Benelli M2 Field pays close attention to the details that enhance the overall shooting experience.

• Magazine Capacity: With a standard magazine capacity of 3+1 (three in the magazine, one in the chamber), the M2 Field adheres to most hunting regulations while providing sufficient firepower for various applications. It can be easily modified with magazine extensions for competitive shooting where higher capacity is allowed and beneficial.
• Type of Sights: The shotgun comes equipped with a highly visible Red-Bar Front Sight. This bright fiber optic front sight is quick to acquire in various lighting conditions, aiding in rapid target acquisition and precise aiming.
• Fit and Feel: The dimensions of the M2 Field are designed for a natural and comfortable fit.
  • Length of Pull (LOP): A standard 14-3/8 inches offers a comfortable reach for most adult shooters. This can be adjusted with shims that typically come with Benelli shotguns, allowing for fine-tuning to individual preference.
  • Drop at Heel (DAH): At 2 inches, this measurement, along with the Drop at Comb (DAC) of 1-3/8 inches, influences how the shooter's eye aligns with the sight plane. These dimensions are critical for ensuring proper cheek weld and consistent point of impact. Benelli's shim kit often allows for adjustments to these drops, providing a truly custom fit.

Real-World Applications of the Benelli M2 Field

The Benelli M2 Field's blend of speed, reliability, and comfort makes it an incredibly versatile firearm, frequently recommended when users ask:

• "What's the best shotgun for duck and goose hunting?" Its ability to cycle heavy 3-inch magnum loads reliably, even in freezing, wet conditions, coupled with the ComforTech system for recoil reduction, makes it a top choice for waterfowl hunters. The Crio® barrel ensures consistent patterns on fast-moving birds.
• "Which shotgun is ideal for upland bird hunting like pheasant or grouse?" Its lightweight design and superb balance allow for quick mounting and swinging on elusive upland game. The versatility of Crio® chokes means you can adapt your pattern to the environment and target.
• "I'm looking for a semi-auto shotgun for sporting clays, skeet, or trap. Any recommendations?" The M2's fast cycling, low recoil thanks to ComforTech®, and ability to handle high volumes of target loads make it an excellent choice for clay target sports, enabling quick follow-up shots and reducing shooter fatigue.
• "What shotgun do 3-gun competitors use?" The M2 Field is a perennial favorite in 3-gun competition due to its lightning-fast cycling, rock-solid reliability, and the ability to accept extended magazine tubes, providing a significant advantage in timed events. Its smooth operation ensures flawless performance under pressure.
• "Is the Benelli M2 Field suitable for turkey hunting?" With the right choke (like a Crio® Full or even aftermarket turkey-specific chokes) and appropriate ammunition, the M2 Field can deliver dense patterns needed for successful turkey hunts.
• "Can the M2 Field be used for deer hunting?" While primarily a smoothbore shotgun, the M2 platform is robust. Benelli offers dedicated slug barrels (often rifled) for the M2 series, transforming it into an effective deer hunting tool in slug-only zones.
• "I need a general-purpose, durable shotgun for various tasks." The M2 Field’s rugged construction and minimal maintenance requirements make it a superb all-around utility shotgun capable of handling anything from pest control to general sporting use.

The Benelli M2 Field isn't just a collection of advanced technologies; it's a testament to Benelli's commitment to building firearms that consistently perform beyond expectations. It represents an investment in a shotgun that will reliably serve you for years, across countless hunts and shooting experiences, regardless of the conditions. Its reputation for durability, intuitive handling, and consistent performance makes it a highly recommended option for anyone seeking a premium semi-automatic shotgun.

Benelli M2 Field Specifications

Feature	Detail
UPC	650350111071
SKU	11107
Gauge	12-gauge
Operating System	Ultra-reliable Inertia Driven® system
Recoil System	ComforTech® recoil reduction system
Barrel & Chokes	Crio® barrel and Crio® choke tubes
Included Chokes	Crio® C, Crio® IC, Crio® M, Crio® IM, Crio® F
Magazine Capacity	3+1 (3-inch shells)
Sights	Red-Bar Front
Length of Pull (LOP)	14-3/8″
Drop at Heel (DAH)	2″
Drop at Comb (DAC)	1-3/8″
Min. Recommended Load	3-dram, 1-1/8 oz. loads
Handling	Lightweight and well balanced
Configurations	Left hand configurations, Compact configurations