Benelli M2
{{Infobox weapon
|name= Benelli M2
|image= ARMS & Hunting 2008 exhibition (112-18).jpg
|caption= A Benelli M2 (top)
|origin= Italy
|type= Semi-automatic shotgun
|is_ranged= yes
|service=
|used_by=
|wars=
|manufacturer= Benelli Armi
|production_date=
|number=
|variants=
|spec_label=
|weight= 6.7 lbs (Tactical);[http://www.benelliusa.com/defense/index.php Tactical products] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105115912/http://www.benelliusa.com/defense/index.php |date=January 5, 2010 }} 5.7–7.2 lbs (Field)[http://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/benelli_m2.php Product Page] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722104457/http://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/benelli_m2.php |date=July 22, 2010 }}
|length= 39.75" (Tactical); 42.5–49.5" (Field)
|part_length=
|width=
|height=
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|cartridge= 12 or 20-gauge shells or slugs
|caliber= 12 or 20 gauge
|barrels= 18.5", 21", 24", 26", 28"
|action= Inertia-operated
|rate=
|velocity=
|range=
|max_range=
|feed= 3 to 12 round tubular magazine
|sights=
}}
The Benelli M2 is a semi-automatic shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi, and the second model of the Benelli Super 90 line of semi-automatic shotguns. It is an updated version of the Benelli M1. Like its predecessor, it is available in several versions for civilian, law enforcement and military use. It features the proprietary Benelli inertia system of operation.{{cite book|last=Cutshaw|first=Charles Q.|title=Tactical Small Arms of the 21st Century: A Complete Guide to Small Arms From Around the World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=npHP9aV5rBgC&pg=PA329|year=2011|publisher=Gun Digest Books|location=Iola, Wisconsin|isbn=978-1-4402-2482-9|page=329}}
Operation
The inertia recoil system was developed for the Benelli M1, M2, and M3 shotguns in the early 1980s. This short-stroke recoil system is dependent upon the force of the shotgun's rearward movement under recoil. As a result of inertia, heavier loads cycle in a shorter amount of time.{{cite book|last=Wagner|first=Scott W.|title=Gun Digest Book of The Tactical Shotgun|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2yJ5gjGi118C&pg=PA110|year=2011|publisher=Gun Digest Books|location=Iola, Wisconsin|isbn=978-1-4402-1895-8|pages=109–112|chapter=The Benelli M2}}
The recoil spring is housed within the butt stock in the same manner as a Browning Auto-5 or Remington 1100; as a result, the shotgun can only cycle with a butt stock in place.
New Features
The models that aren't tactical, have a special "Comfort Tech" stock. The stock supposedly diverts and absorbs recoil, making shooting more comfortable and accurate.{{Cite web |title=M2 Speed 3-Gun Semi-Auto Shotgun {{!}} Benelli Shotguns and Rifles |url=https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/m2-speed-3-gun-semi-auto-shotgun |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=www.benelliusa.com |language=en}}
The other main improvement upon the M1 is a "Crio System", which involves barrel and choke tube that are frozen at -300 F. The manufacturer claims this makes patterns more "dense" and "uniform".
Users
The M2 Super 90 is marketed as a tactical or defensive shotgun to military and police forces as well as to civilian hunters and target shooters for skeet, sporting clays and trap shooting.{{cite news|title=Self Defense is Big Business | date=May 1, 2000 | last=Ayoob|first= Massad|authorlink=Massad Ayoob| newspaper=Shooting industry|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-62800109.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309125315/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-62800109.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016}}
Exhibition sharpshooter Tom Knapp used a Benelli M2 in many of his shooting demonstrations, breaking 10 clays in 2.2 seconds with the M2 and an extended magazine.{{cite news|title=Hunting extravaganza signals again that fall is coming| date=August 1, 2010 | last=Anderson|first= Dennis| newspaper=Star Tribune |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-233444402.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053225/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-233444402.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website}}
{{Benelli Armi}}