When it comes to tactical or home defense shotguns there is one name that is always seen at the top: Benelli. Whether it is the ergonomics, the reliability, or the near-legendary status that surrounds them, if you want a scattergun that can win a local competition and still effectively moonlight as your primary home defense option, Benelli is it. Now, we have this new announcement of the M2-G1. Must be better than ever, right? It doesn’t quite follow the same naming convention as prior models, but Benelli is touting on paper that it is their best yet… we’ll see about that. Let’s dive in and check out the all-new Benelli M2-G1 to see how it performs.
Benelli @ TFB:
Specifications - Benelli M2-G1 12 Gauge
The version of the Benelli M2-G1 that we are reviewing here today retails for $2,049 in its Gray receiver colorway and upgraded 5-position, collapsible stock (straight grip stock considered standard). For those who are familiarized with Benelli, there is a lot that will be similar to prior models yet enough new enhancements to motivate you to hopefully add this one to your collection, even if you already have a closet full of Benellis.
Technical Specs
- Isolated recoil spring assembly protected from carbon and debris buildup
- 5-position collapsible stock for adaptable fit and enhanced weapon control
- Upgraded pistol grip designed for confident handling under pressure
- Ghost-ring sight system for rapid sight alignment and target acquisition
- M-LOK compatible forend for modern accessory integration
- QD mounting positions for versatile sling attachment options
10-Year Warranty
As always, in the rare event that you should ever need service for your firearm, Benelli has a 10-Year Warranty that stands behind all of their firearms. While I have never experienced any issues with the various Benelli firearms that I have reviewed over the years, it is nice to know that you have that safety net and support from Benelli.
Models
All of the available models at the outset of this announcement are chambered in 12 Gauge while sporting an 18 ½” barrel. The model that we are specifically reviewing here today is the SKU 11612 with a Gray 5-Position, Collapsible Stock.
- 11610 | M2-G1 | Gray Standard Stock | 5+1 Capacity | MSRP $1,829
- 11611 | M2-G1 922r | Gray Standard Stock | 7+1 Capacity | MSRP $1,949
- 11612 | M2-G1 922r | Gray 5-Position Stock | 7+1 Capacity | MSRP $2,049
- 11617 | M2-G1 922r | FDE 5-Position Stock | 7+1 Capacity | MSRP $2,149
- 11622 | M2-G1 922r | Multi-Cam Black 5-Position Stock | 7+1 Capacity | MSRP $2,149
Standout Features
Some of the more standout features on these models are the multiple colorways (have your pick of the tactical rainbow), parkerized high-wear components for better durability, a high capacity of 8 total shells for all of your pursuits, and other elements as well.
- Grey, FDE, and Multicam Black finishes
- Parkerized operating components for long-term durability and corrosion resistance
- Engineered to run cleaner, require less maintenance, and stay ready when it matters most
- Extended 7+1 capacity for increased on-board firepower
A Word from Benelli on the New M2-G1 12 Gauge
“The all-new Benelli M2-G1 delivers a cleaner, more controlled approach to tactical performance through Benelli’s new Rear Piston Operated (R.P.O.) system. Designed around dual short-stroke pistons positioned closer to the chamber, the M2-G1 reduces fouling, improves long-term consistency, and delivers the rugged reliability expected from Benelli. Combined with aggressive tactical ergonomics, a 5-position collapsible stock, upgraded pistol grip, and extended 7+1 capacity, the M2-G1 is built to perform when everything is on the line.”
What’s the Upsell? What’s the 30-Second Elevator Pitch?
So, what’s the upsell? What’s the metaphorical and literal 30-second elevator pitch? For the Benelli M2-G1, you’re looking at several prominent traits that might tip the scales in favor of Benelli as opposed to a competing manufacturer at a similar price point.
- Beveled Loading Port - Faster, more efficient reloads
- Rear Piston Operated (R.P.O.) Gas System - Cleaner, more controlled operation
- Dual Short-Stroke Pistons - Positioned near the chamber to reduce fouling exposure
- Enlarged Controls - Faster, smoother manipulation
What’s in the Box?
One of the most common and recurring questions I receive when reviewing firearms and their related products is, “what’s in the box?” Meaning, what do you all get with your purchase? This is important because what you do and do not get will dictate what type of accessories you need to additionally buy, depending on what you want your end-product or home defense setup to look like. All this being said, this is everything that you will receive:
- (1) Benelli M2-G1 shotgun
- (1) Cable Lock
- (1) Cardboard Box
- (1) Owner’s Manual
*** Vortex Optics Crossfire II Solar Red Dot sold separately***
Range Experience - Benelli M2-G1 12 Gauge
So, how was the Benelli M2-G1 while shooting it at the range?... Benelli recommends a break-in period of using 50 rounds of high-brass field loads for optimal performance. Since I am not one to read owner’s manuals unless stuff really has hit the fan, I began grabbing fistfuls of defense loads and sendin’ it down range. Unsurprisingly, the shotgun ran like the Energizer bunny (non-stop).
Before we get too far along about my experience exciting steel and perforating my berm, let’s take a step back and see how this operating system differs from those in the past.
What’s Different?
The elephant in the room is the operating system. Going from the legendary A.R.G.O. (Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated) system to something entirely new in the R.P.O. (Rear Piston Operated) system marks a monumental shift for Benelli.
“The Benelli M4’s A.R.G.O. system remains Benelli’s combat-proven benchmark and represents the pinnacle of our tactical lineup. The new R.P.O. system in the M2-G1 was developed to give Benelli a different position in the market while maintaining the elevated performance standards expected from the brand. The M2-G1 was engineered with its own identity and market position in mind — delivering cleaner operation, reduced fouling exposure, and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional forward-mounted gas systems.”
Optics/Accessory Mounting
Jumping around to other attributes of the M2-G1, if you like your accessorizing, there is a lot to work with here. You have a full-length Picatinny rail over the receiver, which I went and added one of the Vortex Crossfire II Solar Red Dots to for my testing. You also have M-LOK slots on the forearm as well as the barrel/magazine tube clamp to add grips, flashlights, laser beams, a Pez dispenser, or whatever trips your trigger.
There is also a QD socket in the stock for slings and other accessories, and a slot for a sling to be woven into the stock sans any additional metal hardware, too.
Accuracy
For the accuracy testing portion of this review, I was painting in broad strokes. I shot at steel that was anywhere from 5 to 40 yards with home defense buckshot loads ( Federal Action Shotgun). Whether I was using the iron sights or a hastily-established zero with my red dot, the shotgun was spot-on. This thing was clapping steel like a ringing endorsement or applause.
Fit & Feel
My initial reaction to the aesthetic of the stock was, “what da heck is this?” I had straight hater vibes. But in practice, it is actually super comfy and I had to eat crow fast. It is a single, square push-button on the left-hand side of the stock to extend or collapse the futuristic-looking stock.
The forearm had nice texturing or stippling. Something tactile enough to hang onto, but nothing too aggressive that might chew your hand up.
Durability
The Benelli M2-G1 chugged through probably ~300 rounds in a spicy fast range session while getting acquainted with this shotgun and it never had a failure, hiccup, or the slightest sign of an issue. With all of the tactical ninja shooting I did running around a flat range, it was utterly unbothered by.
Intangibles
The R.P.O. system definitely gives you less felt-recoil than competing semi-auto shotguns. I found the Benelli M2-G1 to be very pleasant to shoot. It had good balance, it was easy to swiftly point and shoot, and it quickly felt like an extension of my body. The learning curve was fast and easy.
The perceived weight and handling was lighter than I thought it would be, too. By visual appearances, it looks like a larger silhouetted shotgun, but it is not that heavy in-use. I could transition between targets as quickly as my middle-aged body would allow and I was pleased.
Final Thoughts
So, what are my final thoughts on the Benelli M2-G1 12 Gauge shotgun?... Overall, I wasn’t surprised by the quality - it’s what you expect from Benelli - but I was surprised by how comfortable, manageable, and easy to shoot this shotgun was. My first impressions of the aesthetic of the M2-G1 were a bit negative. I have fudd tendencies and the look of this shotgun is a touch futuristic… new… and outside the wheelhouse of my plain-minded tendencies. But as I mentioned, as soon as I began shooting, all of my internal dialogue and preconceived notions evaporated away. This thing performs, and performs well. The asking price of $2,049 is appropriate for what you’re getting, but it also might be a touch expensive for some shooters. So, you’ll need to view the new M2-G1 shotgun as an investment, and not a whim on a Saturday morning at your local gun shop.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Benelli for allowing TheFirearmBlog and myself the opportunity to try out their new Benelli M2-G1 12 Gauge shotgun. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think?
Do you believe that the Benelli M2-G1 12 Gauge shotgun is something worth spending your money on? Would you potentially deploy it to shoot a league or competition? Use it for home defense? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Benelli and their M2-G1 12 Gauge series of shotguns in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.
