Benelli M2-G1 semi-automatic tactical shotgun
Benelli introduces the M2-G1 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, conceived for practical shooting, defensive, duty and tactical applications, and based on a new piston driven gas system
Benelli M2-G1 semi-automatic tactical shotgun
Officially announced on the US market on August 17, and already available in gun shops in its motherland Italy and elsewhere, the M2-G1 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun is Benelli's latest creation dedicated to practical shooting disciplines, home and property protection, private security, as well as military, law enforcement, and tactical applications.
Far from being just a cosmetic restyling of an already tried and true system, the new M2-G1 shotgun departs radically from the rest of Benelli's M2 family models by ditching the latter's inertia-driven working system in favor of a new gas-operated, piston-driven system.
Dubbed the R.P.O. ("Rear Piston Operated"), the working system the new Benelli M2-G1 shotgun is built around is based on the already proven and appreciated Auto-Regulating, Gas-Operated ARGO system used on other Benelli firearms such as the Argo and R1 big-game hunting rifles, the MR1 semi-automatic carbine and the M4 "Super 90" shotgun – a.k.a. the M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun used by the US Armed Forces and as the L128A1 in British service, used by military and police forces in no less than fifteen Countries – but has been tinkered with enough to represent a distinct, if not radical, departure from its predecessor.
Benelli M2-G1 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun – adjustable stock version
Benelli M2-G1 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun – conventional stock version
Benelli M2-G1 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun – FDE Cerakote version
Benelli M2-G1 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun – Multicam Black Cerakote version
The R.P.O. system consists of a single assembly that includes two twin short-stroke pistons, similar to the ARGO system but neither self-regulating nor self-cleaning, thus making it simpler for manufacturing, disassembly, cleaning and maintenance, and reducing the number of moving parts.
The assembly and the gas valve are located just underneath the chamber, where pressure is greater and combustion gases are cleaner; such rearward gas collection allows the system to run cleaner, as key components are kept well away from the dirt and debris that accumulates farther down the barrel.
The R.P.O. system's lineage is clear at a glance, but it calling it a "simplified" or "budget" version of the ARGO would just not do it justice. The Rear Piston Operated system is a creature on its own, guaranteed by Benelli to be "Duty-ready" to run cleanly and reliably right out of the box without adjustments with any load, even in the critical situations and intensive uses. Like the ARGO system, it is covered by a 10-years guarantee.
Adding up to it, the recoil spring of the R.P.O. system isn't located underneath the barrel, at the front of the magazine tube, but is housed within the stock as a completely separate component, kept well away from fouling, carbon buildup, moisture, and debris. This results in constant long-term reliability, reduced wear, and smoother operation with any load.
The Benelli M2-G1 semi-automatic shotgun is built around an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame, with a 47 cm / 18.½" barrel and 7-shells magazine tube. Three finishes are available so far: anodized dark grey, Cerakote Flat Dark Earth, and Cerakote MultiCam Black.
All models feature a set of matte black components, such as a polymer handguard with M-LOK accessory slots and QD sling swivel cups on both sides; a double M-LOK clamp at the front of the barrel; and a polymer stock available in a conventional version and a vertical ergonomic grip variant with five-position collapsiblke buttstock.
In all cases, the Benelli M2-G1 shotgun comes issued with a set of shim plates for cast and drop adjustment. QD sling swivel cups are located on both sides of the buttstock, a rubber recoil pad, and a recoil-absorbing rubberized finish on the comb and vertical grip.
Other specific improvements on the Benelli M2-G1 were implemented to improve handling: the crossbolt manual safety is the same found on the Benelli "Super 90" shotguns, but both the ejection window and loading gate have been enlarged and beveled to facilitate reloading and improve ejection reliability in all conditions.
The charging handle has also been enlarged, and the bolt stop button was made larger and retextured for easier operation. Sights-wise, the Benelli M2-G1 comes from factory with a set of adjustable Ghost Ring sights and a Picatinny rail for optics installed on a drilled-and-tapped receiver.
Standing at 98 to 100,3 centimeters (38.5" to 39.5") depending on the type and extension of stock, and tipping the scales at 3,3 to 3,6 kilograms (7.4 lbs to 7.6 lbs or 8 lbs) once again depending on the configuration, Benelli's new M2-G1 semi-automatic shotgun is also available with a five-shots tube, and will chamber and fire both 70 mm / 2.¾" and 76 mm / 3" shotshells.
Visit the official Benelli website for further information; all inquiries concerning local availability and pricing are to be addressed to your closest Benelli retailer or to the authorized Benelli distributor for your Country.
