Benelli M2
The Benelli M2 is a semi-automatic shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi SpA, 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.[3]
| Benelli M2 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic shotgun |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Benelli Armi SpA |
| Manufacturer | Benelli Armi SpA |
| Unit cost | $1219–1549 (MSRP)[1] |
| Variants | Field, Tactical |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 6.7 lbs (Tactical);[2] 5.7–7.2 lbs (Field)[1] |
| Length | 39.75" (Tactical);[2] 42.5–49.5" (Field)[1] |
| Cartridge | 12 or 20-gauge shells or slugs |
| Caliber | 12 or 20 gauge |
| Barrels | 18.5",[2] 21", 24", 26", 28" [1] |
| Action | Inertia-operated |
| Feed system | 3+1 (Field) or 5+1 (Tactical) tubular magazine |
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.[4]
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.[4]
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.[5]
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.[6]
See also
References
- Product Page Archived July 22, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- Tactical products Archived January 5, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- Cutshaw, Charles Q. (2011). Tactical Small Arms of the 21st Century: A Complete Guide to Small Arms From Around the World. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 329. ISBN 978-1-4402-2482-9.
- Wagner, Scott W. (2011). "The Benelli M2". Gun Digest Book of The Tactical Shotgun. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. pp. 109–112. ISBN 978-1-4402-1895-8.
- Ayoob, Massad (May 1, 2000). "Self Defense is Big Business". Shooting industry. Archived from the original on March 9, 2016.
- Anderson, Dennis (August 1, 2010). "Hunting extravaganza signals again that fall is coming". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.