{{Infobox weapon | name = Benelli M2 | image = Benelli M2 Pro Black 7+1.jpg | image_size = 300 | caption = A Benelli M2 | origin = Italy | type = Semi-automatic shotgun <!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged = yes Production history --> | manufacturer = Benelli Armi | production_date = 2004–present | number = | variants = <!-- General specifications --> | spec_label = | weight = 6.7 lbs (Tactical);<ref name="TP">[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 }}</ref> 5.7–7.2 lbs (Field)<ref name="PP">[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 }}</ref> | length = 39.75" (Tactical);<ref name="TP"/> 42.5–49.5" (Field)<ref name="PP"/> | part_length = | width = | height = | diameter = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications --> | cartridge = 12 or 20-gauge shells or slugs | caliber = 12 or 20 gauge | barrels = 18.5",<ref name="TP"/> 21", 24", 26", 28" <ref name="PP"/> | action = Inertia-operated, rotating bolt | 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.<ref name="Cutshaw2011">{{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}}</ref>
== History == The M2 was introduced in 2004 as a successor to the Benelli M1.<ref>{{cite web |title=Benelli M2 Shotgun Review: The Ultimate Mid-Priced Semiauto |url=https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/benelli-m2-shotgun-review/ |website=Outdoor Life |access-date=21 September 2025}}</ref>
==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.<ref name="Wagner2011">{{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}}</ref>
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.<ref name="Wagner2011"/>
==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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
==See also== * Benelli M3
==References== {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}} * {{Official website}}
{{Benelli Armi}}
M2 Category:Semi-automatic shotguns of Italy