M2-G1: A New Shotgun from Benelli

A shooter with an M2-G1

And he looked meaningfully at his feet, near which lay a shotgun with 12-gauge barrels.
Tsar-fish. V. Astafyev

stories about weapons. The pages of "VO" have already featured shotguns from Kel-Tec. These are generally conventional pump-action shotguns, but are unusual in their double-stack magazine, providing a higher capacity than all other pump-action shotguns while being significantly smaller. However, not all global manufacturers of such weapons are following this path. Many prefer the tried-and-true system with a single tubular magazine under the barrel. But... they are pursuing the path of improving the mechanism of such guns. The traditional manual reloading mechanism no longer suffices. 12-gauge semiautomatics of a wide variety of designs have appeared. And one of the leading manufacturers of such weapons today is the Italian company Benelli.

And this is an American soldier with one of the previously released shotguns from the Benelli company - the Benelli M4 Super 90 (M1014 - this is the index of the shotgun in service in the United States) - firing from it.

What can we say about it before discussing its latest and most original product? Benelli Armi SpA is an Italian company founded in 1967 and based in Urbino. It is known as a manufacturer of high-quality rifles and shotguns used by armed forces, police, and civilians worldwide. Since 2000, it has been owned by the Italian company Beretta.

The very popular Benelli M2 Tactical semi-automatic shotgun

A simple double-barreled shotgun, even a 12-gauge one, has become the preserve of hunters these days. Police and military forces also use 12-gauge shotguns, but naturally prefer repeating semiautomatic systems. And Benelli has developed just such shotguns—not just one, but a whole line of models: the M1, M2, M3, and M4.

Initially, the company's calling card was the M1 and M2 shotguns with the Inertia Driven system, with the first shotguns featuring this system appearing in the late 1960s. The action in these shotguns relied on the inertia of the bolt and bolt carrier. This system proved itself to be extremely successful. Its only drawback was the need to precisely measure the pellet load when loading the cartridges manually. If the pellet load was too light, the shotgun's action might not operate. Later, other manufacturers adopted this system, such as the Turkish company Stoeger (model M3000). However, this was not due to the expiration of the patents for the design—they are still valid—but because Stoeger, like Benelli, became part of the Beretta concern. To be fair, it should be noted that guns with inertial automatic operation have been produced since the beginning of the 20th century: the first were the Sjögren systems (since 1908, patents 1900, 1903 and 1905), followed by others.

A New Zealand Army soldier armed with a Benelli M3

Advertising brochures and articles about Benelli shotguns with this system constantly emphasized its advantages over gas-operated systems. They claimed that the gas chamber didn't require cleaning, and their design was quite simple. In short, it seemed like nothing better than the Inertia Driven system could be devised. For decades, its presence was one of the defining characteristics of M2-type shotguns. Indeed, the system was simple, relatively lightweight, and renowned for its reliability. The M2 inertia system can be described as using recoil energy to reload, eliminating the gas system used by a number of gunmakers in their competing models.

M2-G1 with a semi-pistol grip and a non-adjustable stock, finished in tactical gray.

And that's where Benelli surprised everyone by releasing the new 12-gauge M2-G1 tactical shotgun in 2026. The model is positioned as a weapon for home defense, military and police use, and target shooting.

Here it is – a two-piston mechanism

The traditional Benelli M2 is known for its inertia-operated system. But the M2-G1 reverses this formula with a previously unused one. So, the new shotgun will be the first M2 to feature a gas-operated system, dubbed Benelli Rear Piston Operated (RPO)—a short-stroke gas piston (in this case, two pistons) located at the rear of the barrel. This represents a much more significant advancement than the M-LOK rail installed on the older design.

Trigger mechanism and cartridge feed tray

The M2-G1's gas system is quite unusual. Instead of positioning the pistons closer to the front of the gun, as in many conventional gas-operated shotguns, Benelli placed two short-stroke pistons closer to the chamber. According to the company, this allows the system to capture gas at its source, while the recoil spring itself is located in the stock, thus being well protected from carbon deposits and debris.

The pistol grip design is quite simple, but very modern and functional.

The result is expected to be a cleaner system, require less maintenance, and maintain consistent performance over long periods of use.

Aluminum alloy receiver

The M2-G1 features an aluminum alloy receiver, a 47 cm (18 in) barrel, a tubular magazine with a capacity of up to 7 rounds, a Picatinny rail, and an adjustable, closed-type, large-bore "Ghost Ring" sight. It features an M-LOK-compatible forend and two stock options—a standard stock and an adjustable vertical grip. Depending on the configuration, the shotgun measures 38-39 inches (98-100,3 cm) in length and weighs approximately 7-8 pounds (3,3-3,6 kg). It chambers 12-gauge rounds in 2.75 and 3 inches (76 mm) lengths.

The company also claims this design reduces production costs while simultaneously increasing the rifle's durability. Therefore, it offers a 10-year warranty. It is emphasized that the new M2-G1 is not an M4 model and features numerous improvements. Key features include faster reloading thanks to the beveled loading port, enlarged controls—making them easier to operate—and aggressive tactical ergonomics. The weapon is equipped with ghost-ring sights, a pistol grip, and a five-position folding stock, which is adjusted using a large button on the left side of the stock. A version without the pistol grip will be available for states with existing regulations.

The Benelli M2-G1's large design elements make it intuitive and easy to operate. The large spent cartridge window is also convenient.

Benelli M2-G1 performance characteristics
Caliber: 12 (18,4 mm)
Barrel Length: 18 inches (469 mm)
Chamber: 3 inches (76,2 mm)
Magazine capacity: 7 rounds 70 mm (2 in) or 6 rounds 76 mm (3 in) + 1 in the chamber
Overall Length: 39 inches (1 m)
Weight: 8 pounds (3,2 kg)
Stock length (adjustable) from 9,25 to 14 inches (234 to 355)

Forend and sling swivel

The company currently produces five M2-G1 models. Retail prices range from $1829 to $2149, depending on the chosen color scheme and stock configuration (fixed or folding). Available colors include tactical gray, dark earth, and licensed MultiCam Black.

A sight and a Picatinny rail. What would we do without it?

Here's what the company's advertising brochure says about this new gun:

The all-new Benelli M2-G1 delivers a cleaner, more controlled approach to tactical performance thanks to Benelli's new Rear Piston Operated (RPO) system. Designed around two short-stroke gas pistons positioned closer to the chamber, it reduces fouling, improves operating stability, and delivers the reliable performance expected of Benelli. Combined with aggressive tactical ergonomics, a five-position folding stock, a redesigned pistol grip, and an increased 7+1 capacity, the M2-G1 is built for performance when everything is on the line.

Well, that's just how it is! Well, it's well written. It remains to be seen who will buy this new product and in what quantities. And, of course, how it will perform in a wide variety of situations, in the hands of a wide variety of shooters.

Mushka

Despite the high price, given the reputation Benelli shotguns have with law enforcement and military groups worldwide, there's a good chance this model will be worth the investment. The company encourages potential buyers to review additional reviews of the new model or conduct their own research before purchasing.

This is what the receiver looks like from below...

Comments

[Bear]

This is a case where reputation trumps everything else. Although the engineers are great.

[Maximum.1]

Benelli è stato sempre un marchio validissimo sotto tutti gli aspetti.Questo modello sicuramente è un passo avanti rispetto al modello passato ed anche ai modelli di altri marchi.

[Same lech]

The buttstock has five positions and is controlled by a rotating dial with five holes.

I think you'll have a hard time doing it with winter gloves.

[kalibr]

There's probably a special screwdriver in the kit for this case. It's a big case, and it contains more than just the gun itself!

[Murmur 55]

kalibr Carrying a case or a set of tools around with you, especially when you're away from the PPD, isn't always convenient; as luck would have it, you'll ALWAYS lose something)))

[vladcub]

"Carrying a Kes" is just the thing for showing off. But God forbid, in the field... It's a nightmare.

[kalibr]

Quote: Murmur 55

IS ALWAYS

Don't you have the brains to set the buttstock to the required length at home beforehand?

[Ironal]

Actually, the buttstock's position is adjusted using a button on its left side. What Vyacheslav Olegovich called a rotating disk with five holes is a special nut that secures the buttstock to the receiver. The holes are there so the nut can be removed and the buttstock replaced.

[Victor Leningradets]

Thank you, Vyacheslav!
A very good review of a very interesting device.
I just didn't quite understand about the cartridges: if it's 70mm, then 7+1, and if it's 76, then 6+1? And yes, 2,75 inches is exactly 70mm, not 63,5mm (2.5").

[balabol]

The pistol grip design is quite simple, but very modern and functional. - Yes, the simplicity here is the fruit of the professional work of the designers and industrial designers. The laconic form and precise ergonomics. I personally have no need for a gun, but it would be a pleasure to work with a tool with handles of such a high level of detail. The quality of the whole is evident in the detail. Frankly, the promotional photos are top-notch.

[KCA]

A gun like this is only for shooting at a shooting range, after a hunt it takes at least 5 hours to clean, and there's no guarantee that there won't be some dirt left somewhere, intuitively it's an ordinary double-barreled gun, I shot my first duck at the age of 5 with my father's Sauer, although it took a long time to come to my senses, I didn't press the butt to my shoulder properly

[Lynx2000]

Quote: kalibr

There's probably a special screwdriver in the kit for this case. It's a big case, and it contains more than just the gun itself!

Italians include a lot of accessories in a shotgun case, but they don't include a gun sling as an option. They believe the owner should choose it for themselves.
I remember meeting a "fashionable" friend of mine in Ust-Kamchatsk in 2012, riding a Benelli Vinci. He was there for the autumn geese hunt. This model had just hit the market at the time.

[Vadim S]

It seems John Wick also took down hundreds of bots with a Binelli shotgun without even pulling the forend. It's a really cool thing! 👍

[Russian Soldat]

Hello, although I am more accustomed to the statutory "I wish you good health."
Son of an officer, 27 months in the Special Military District.
I had a Turkish shotgun "Kırkılı*, what can I say: it's comfortable, beautiful, but the spring sticks
Sold at a loss. Got an SKS, from 1949. Runs like a clock.
If I have the opportunity, I will buy a Benelli, but the first models. They are more affordable and have already been tested.
Some have more trust in already proven models

[vladcub]

"Sold at a loss," but still made a profit: SKS are unpretentious and accurate.
This "Sveta" is capricious, my grandfather was in the Black Sea Fleet Marine Corps, a career sailor (conscripted in 1940), in 1942, he found a "sucker" and, "Sveta" gave up on a three-line carbine back in 1912 and was happy

[vladcub]

Comrade, "soldier", I, as "field marshal, allow you to address me informally"🤣
Your opinion regarding the armament of the parties: what weapons does the Ukrainian Armed Forces have!?

[Russian Soldat]

They have excellent UAV operators, and the UAVs themselves... They are hardly better than the new "Geraniums*."
Their territorials are armed with weapons from long-term storage warehouses. Some samples are even terrifying to approach.
Our new AKs are of higher quality, many of them are Western models.
But PM disappointed me: it is already 40 years out of date.
I have a Beretta FS chest pistol.
Excellent m modern pistol.
PS
You know, I have this idea: I would make all short-barreled weapons smaller than 9x18 a backup weapon, as well as a home weapon.

[vladcub]

So, PM, I'm not very good at it.




It turns out that PM is not very good



So, PM is a little disappointing





So, PM was a bit of a disappointment? Did I get it right?

[SlavaSSL]

Why does the M2 illustration say "Benelli M2 Tactical Pump Shotgun"? Is it an inertia-action semiauto? Or is it a pump-action shotgun, if not a double-barreled shotgun? I had one of those. It's impossible to fire low-impulse cartridges (there are some); the cartridges don't eject, or the recoil spring needs to be replaced with a softer one. And you need the correct recoil spring, otherwise it's also a "stovepipe." The only good thing is that it's easy to clean.

[vladcub]

"They don't even need to clean the gas chamber, comrades, that made me laugh. Weapons, all sorts, need care.
"Truth be told," I only held the pump in my hands; I didn't have to shoot or load it.