Benelli M2 for 3 Gun

Went looking at a bunch of Benellis today. I'm looking for something semi-automatic for 3 gun competitions.

I was thinking the M2 Tactical or M4 would work, but I'm not a big fan of the pistol grip, and the M4 seems a tad heavy. Watched the new Magpul shogun DVD and noticed the 3 gun guys were running what looked to be modified M2 fields. While looking at shotguns today, I held a 26" M2 field with a black comfortech stock. I really liked the pointability of it and the weight and balance, but 26" seemed a bit long.

What is the preferred barrel length? Other than getting an extended mag tube like a Nordic, what else would I need to do to it? I'm also wondering what sort of sights most people run on this gun. The stock sight is just a little red bead.

Is the M4 used much in 3 gun?

I guess I should add that I've got an Ultralight and a Montefeltro for hunting, so I'm familiar with the Benelli system.

Much thanks!

please use search function. this has been covered 100 times over....ideal barrel length is approx 24"

Many run 22"s many run 26"s
You won't be handicapped at all with a 26....sporter stocks seem to be faster than tactical ones......but then again Taran Butler runs a tactical stock....

buy whatever fits you best, but M4 is not preferred....specifically do to its handicap in the magazine department and its ghost ring sights

Gorilla said it all. I started with a 28" 1100 and don't feel that it handicapped me at all. Now I shoot a Benelli M1 in Open and my Nordic mag extension is longer than the 26" barrel! Just find an M2 that you like and don't look back. Same thing goes for rifles. There have been a ton of 16 vs 20" barrel threads and I just don't think it matters.

A 26" barrel is a good choice. Even in the Tactical divisions, a 10+1 capacity can be helpful (under IMA rules, at least). A vent rib/bead is great for shot, but clamp on rifle sights are cheap and functional. Check how your barrel shoots slugs - Benelli barrels have a reputation for not shooting straight. Other mods to consider include having the carrier welded up to prevent it biting you loading thumb, modifying the bolt to enable ghost-loading, lightening the bolt to improve reliability with lighter loads, and opening up the loading port. Be careful not to hang too much crap off the M2 - excess weight will affect reliability.

Benelli M2 Field with a 21" barrel is one of the most common used in Tactical division in 3 gun. The 21" barrel is the same length as an 8 round extension which is the max you can load under most Tactical division rules in 3 gun. As for sights some people put a fold down rear sight on it but I find the bead to be accurate enough for any of the slug shots I have encountered. Just make sure you are looking straight down the rib and know your zeros.

21" M2
NORDIC mag extension
Arrendondo carrier button

Try and find one of the HK imported M1 Super 90's, that way you dont have to machine the bolt in order to ghost load it.

Then as everyone else said, weld the lifter (jeff @ crums does a great job at this)
8 round tube (nordic or briley)
bigger bolt handle (nordic or progressive machine if you can find one)

that should get you started if you want to do more then mill the bolt, bigger safety, bigger bolt release, trigger job etc.

here is a pic of mine

Just remember 8+1 is OK if you are running under USPSA rules, but if you are running under the more common IMA rules then there is an advantage to having a 9+1 or 10+1 capacity (and correspondingly longer barrel).

I used a M4 for a while. Though, I took off the goofy PG stock and replaced it with a field stock.
It wasnt that bad. Though, the Ghost sight setup is a little slow.

I recently sold one of my M4s and picked up a 21in M2 field.
Dont believe the hype, A M2 is THE 3-gun shotgun.

I also would make sure you check out the FN SLP. From what I've read the M2 and the SLP are about even for the number 1 shotgun chosen. Some people prefer gas, others impulse. I'd try to shot one of each before you drop a lot of money. If you get luckly like me, you might find a barely used Winchester SX2 Practical and save a lot of money over the FN (same gun).

Is there a benefit to being able to ghost load in Tac class if you have 8+1 capacity?

Some stage rules specify that staged guns can't have a round in the chamber. My SLP is 8 + 1 and I frequently find myself starting stages with one shell less capacity than guys who have the +1 extension to allow 9 in the tube.

I would welcome everyone to ghost load in a USPSA match on an unloaded chamber start. Welcome to open. It is 9 rounds loaded except in the case of 8.1.1.2 in which it is 8 rounds.

Less competition for us hahaha!

21" M2. Got mine from Tony at Velocity Shooters. Check out the Salient Arms Benelli M2. It's is 3 gun ready! Or buy the stock M2 and send it to Nenny Hill at Triangle shooting sports. Mine, Jeff at C-rums did everything, cheaper, faster and as nicely done.

All major matches (except Iron Man) will allow you to start with either 8+1 or 8+0, so being able to ghost load will not give you any benefit.

Small local matches might be different, so YMMV if you only shoot locally.

I also just ordered a Salient Benelli from Velocity Shooters. Waiting for it to be finished. Hope to get it before Xmas
Have been running a 1100CM for 7 years. Of course it has had issues.
Shot a friends new Salient and fell in love with it.
Hated to drink the tomato sauce, but had no choice after trying one out.
Last heard Velocity was sold out of the M2 21", will have another run in April.
Great review over at Enos forums my Kurtm.

Just got an M2 field for christmas!

It came with a bunch of chokes, which one can I use for slug?

The one that shoots the slugs most accurately.

Rich

ETA: Sorry...that probably sounded a little snarky. You'll likely find that IC or Modified will work best, but seriously put it on the bench and find with which choke does it shoot the best.

I've been looking everywhere for a 21" m2 Benelli and haven't been able to find one. I've also seen the salient from velocity. That thing looks SICK! I would love to get my hands on one of these but I don't think my current level of experience warrants something quite this, uh, plush.

I got one of the last ones in 2010, and that was way back in Aug or so.
IIRC, someone sucked up nearly EVERY 21 and 24in model. Something like 40 of each.

Dont waste time looking around at retail places. Find a Benelli Dealer, and have them order you one. May take a while though.

Yeah, I've been in contact with my local dealers and I contacted Velocity. Turns out Velocity is who bought all of the 21" Benellis up last year. They are going to be getting another shipment in but it won't be until April, apparently. Now I play the waiting game.

My M2 from Triangle Shooting Sports might be up for sale soon. Med school calls.

Rich

The FN SLP Mk1 is a great shotgun and I've used it for two years. They run around $900, are available and you can pick one up used for less.

A new M2 Field 21" is a 60 day wait from a high volume dealer who carries Benelli.

American Shooters in Las Vegas had exactly 1 Salient Benelli left as of a couple days ago. You can call and ask for Jerry Bonura at (702) 362-1223 and see if it is still left. I purchased the next to last one. It ain't cheap!

Check out Brian Enos forum if you want to be overwhelmed with information about shotguns for 3 gun.

I shoot for Tony's Velocity Shooters team and I can tell you that the Salient M2 is the s@%*! It weight 3.15lbs and handles very quick. I have been practicing weak hand reloads so I will be ready for Texas Mulit gun (Larue) in April. The M2 from Salient is ready to take to a match right out of the box. No other mods are needed or necessary other than ammo so get one if you can.

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