Gable Sporting Goods

Lightweight 20-gauge Benelli M2 Field with 26″ barrel, 3″ chamber, and synthetic stock—reliable inertia-driven action for upland hunters and sport shooters.

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Description

The Benelli M2 Field in 20-gauge offers a balance of reduced weight and reliable inertia-driven cycling that suits a variety of shooting disciplines across the United States. Whether you are walking a Kansas wheat field for quail, working a South Dakota pheasant cover, or running a station at your local sporting clays range, this shotgun provides a platform that responds quickly and cycles consistently. For the shooter seeking a lightweight, low-recoil option that still delivers the proven Benelli action, the M2 Field 20-gauge is a straightforward choice.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Benelli M2 Field 20-gauge is a semi-automatic shotgun designed for upland hunting, waterfowl hunting, and sport shooting applications. It is chambered in 20-gauge with a 3-inch chamber, allowing you to use a wide range of 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells. The 26-inch barrel provides a good balance between swing speed and sight radius for moving targets. This model comes with a durable black synthetic stock and a matte black metal finish, making it suitable for field use in varied weather conditions.

This shotgun is intended for hunters who spend long days in the field and value a lighter carry weight. It is also a strong option for sport shooters who prefer the reduced recoil of a 20-gauge while still wanting the fast follow-up shots of a semi-automatic action. It is not marketed as a home defense or tactical firearm, though its light weight and reliability could serve in that role if needed. Collectors will appreciate the proven Benelli inertia-driven system, but this is a working gun built for regular use.

Key Specifications Breakdown

  • Gauge: 20-gauge
  • Chamber: 3 inches (accepts 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells)
  • Barrel Length: 26 inches
  • Overall Length: Approximately 47.5 inches
  • Weight: Approximately 5.8 pounds (varies slightly with stock configuration)
  • Stock: Black synthetic, with a standard field-style grip and recoil pad
  • Finish: Matte black metal finish on receiver and barrel
  • Action: Benelli Inertia-Driven system
  • Capacity: 4+1 (3-inch shells in the magazine tube; 5+1 with 2¾-inch shells depending on magazine limiter)
  • Sights: Red bar front sight; no rear sight
  • Chokes: Accepts Benelli Crio chokes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, full, and extra full available separately)
  • Receiver: Lightweight alloy receiver
  • Safety: Cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard
  • Recoil Pad: Soft rubber pad for recoil absorption

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli M2 Field 20-gauge is built around the company’s inertia-driven operating system, which uses the recoil energy from the fired shell to cycle the action. Unlike gas-operated shotguns, this system has no gas ports, pistons, or o-rings to clean or maintain. This makes the M2 Field a low-maintenance platform that runs reliably even after hundreds of rounds without cleaning, which is a practical advantage for hunters who may not have time for detailed gun maintenance in the field.

The 20-gauge chambering in this model provides a noticeable reduction in felt recoil compared to a 12-gauge, while still offering sufficient payload for most upland birds and even some waterfowl loads. The lightweight construction—under 6 pounds—makes this shotgun easy to carry on long walks through rough terrain. The synthetic stock is resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and minor impacts, which adds to its durability in wet or muddy conditions.

The 26-inch barrel length offers a good middle ground between quick pointing and smooth swing. It is short enough for maneuvering in dense brush but long enough to maintain a consistent lead on crossing targets. The Crio chokes are cryogenically treated for consistent patterning, and the gun comes with a set of standard chokes to cover most hunting and shooting situations. The red bar front sight is simple and easy to pick up in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon hunts.

The ergonomics of the M2 Field are straightforward. The stock has a field-style comb height that works well for most shooters with a standard cheek weld. The length of pull is approximately 14.375 inches, which is standard for a field gun. The recoil pad is effective at absorbing some of the impulse, reducing shoulder fatigue over a day of shooting. The cross-bolt safety is easy to reach with the trigger finger and can be operated without shifting your grip significantly.

The magazine tube holds four 3-inch shells, with the option to load a fifth in the chamber for a total capacity of five rounds. This is adequate for hunting limits and most sporting clays courses. The magazine can be loaded quickly, and the bolt release button is located conveniently on the left side of the receiver. The gun cycles reliably with a wide range of 20-gauge ammunition, from light target loads to heavy magnum waterfowl loads, as long as the shells produce enough recoil to cycle the inertia system. Very low-velocity subsonic or reduced-recoil loads may not cycle consistently, but standard hunting and target loads function well.

Ideal Use Cases

Upland Hunting: The light weight and 26-inch barrel make this shotgun an excellent choice for walking up pheasants, quail, grouse, and woodcock. The 20-gauge loads provide enough energy for clean kills on birds out to 35-40 yards with appropriate chokes.

Waterfowl Hunting: With a 3-inch chamber, you can use steel shot or bismuth loads for ducks and geese. The synthetic stock and matte finish hold up well to wet conditions. A modified or full choke is recommended for waterfowl.

Sporting Clays and Skeet: The fast cycling and low recoil make the M2 Field a comfortable gun for shooting multiple rounds at the range. The 26-inch barrel is responsive for pairs and crossing targets. An improved cylinder or skeet choke works well for close-range clays.

Turkey Hunting: While not a dedicated turkey gun, the M2 Field can be used with a full or extra full choke and heavy 20-gauge turkey loads for spring hunts. The lightweight build is a benefit when hiking to a setup.

Compatibility Notes

Ammunition: This shotgun cycles reliably with 20-gauge shells from 2¾-inch to 3-inch in length. For best function, use shells with a minimum velocity of around 1200 fps. Light target loads (e.g., 7/8 oz at 1200 fps) usually cycle well after a short break-in period. Avoid using very low-velocity subsonic or specialty reduced-recoil loads, as they may not generate enough energy to cycle the inertia system.

Chokes: The M2 Field uses Benelli Crio chokes. These are interchangeable with most Benelli Crio-compatible shotguns. Standard flush-mount chokes are included. Extended chokes are also available for easier hand-tightening.

Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or red dot sights. A variety of aftermarket stocks and forends are available from companies like Mesa Tactical and Magpul, though the synthetic stock is functional for most users. Magazine tube extensions are available from Benelli and third-party manufacturers, but be aware that adding capacity may change the balance and require a longer tube.

Holsters and Slings: This is a long gun, so holsters are not applicable. A standard 1-inch sling can be attached using the included sling swivel studs. Many hunters prefer a padded sling for long carries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you ship this shotgun to my address in the United States?
A: Yes, we ship to all 50 states, but only to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. We cannot ship directly to a residential address. Once you place your order, we will need your chosen FFL dealer’s contact information. We ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work for this Benelli M2 Field?
A: After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer. Your dealer must send us a copy of their valid FFL license via email or fax. We verify the license, then ship the firearm to them. You complete the ATF Form 4473 and a background check at the dealer’s location before taking possession. Transfer fees vary by dealer and are not included in our price.

Q: What ammunition is compatible with this 20-gauge shotgun?
A: The Benelli M2 Field 20-gauge is chambered for 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells. It functions best with standard hunting loads, target loads, and magnum waterfowl loads. Light target loads (7/8 oz at 1200 fps or higher) generally cycle well after a short break-in. We recommend avoiding very low-velocity or subsonic ammunition, as the inertia system requires sufficient recoil to cycle properly.

Q: Does this shotgun come with a warranty?
A: Yes, Benelli provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is non-transferable. If you have a warranty issue, you can contact Benelli USA directly or work with us to facilitate a repair. Normal wear and tear, as well as damage from improper use or aftermarket modifications, are not covered.

Q: What is your return policy for this firearm?
A: Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, all firearm sales are final. We do not accept returns on firearms after they have been transferred to you. If there is a defect or issue with the shotgun before transfer, we will address it with Benelli for a replacement or repair. Please inspect the firearm thoroughly at your FFL dealer before completing the transfer. If you have questions before purchase, contact us for clarification.

Closing Call to Action

This Benelli M2 Field 20-gauge shotgun is in stock and available for purchase. We ship to licensed FFL dealers across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. If you have a preferred dealer, we can coordinate the transfer. Contact us with any questions about the firearm or the ordering process. Add this lightweight, reliable shotgun to your cart and complete your purchase today.

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