Description
For the upland hunter who spends long days chasing pheasants across the Midwest or working grouse cover in the Northeast, the Gable Sporting Goods Benelli M2 Field in 20-gauge offers a lightweight, reliable platform that keeps you in the field from dawn to dusk. This semi-automatic shotgun is designed to reduce fatigue during extended walks while delivering the fast cycling and consistent performance that Benelli is known for. Whether you’re a seasoned bird hunter or looking to upgrade your field gun, the M2 Field with its 26-inch barrel and Max-5 camo finish is a practical choice for American hunting conditions.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Benelli M2 Field 20-gauge is a semi-automatic shotgun built primarily for upland hunting and waterfowl pursuits where weight and maneuverability matter. This is not a tactical or home defense shotgun; it is a field gun engineered for hunters who walk miles over varied terrain. The 20-gauge chambering offers a notable reduction in felt recoil and overall gun weight compared to a 12-gauge, making it a strong option for smaller-framed shooters, younger hunters, or anyone who values a lighter carry. It also suits target shooters who prefer a softer-shooting shotgun for clay sports like skeet or sporting clays, though it is optimized for field use. Collectors may appreciate the proven Inertia Driven system and the durable Max-5 camo finish, but this is first and foremost a working shotgun for regular use.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 20-gauge (3-inch chamber)
- Barrel Length: 26 inches
- Action: Semi-automatic, Inertia Driven system
- Capacity: 3+1 (3 rounds in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
- Stock: Comfortech stock with recoil-reducing chevron inserts
- Finish: Max-5 camo dip over a synthetic stock and metal receiver
- Weight: Approximately 5.8 to 6.2 pounds (unloaded, depending on variations)
- Sights: Red bar front sight with a metal bead
- Choke System: Crio choke tubes (typically includes C, IC, M, IM, F)
- Length of Pull: 14.375 inches (standard field stock)
- Overall Length: 47 inches
Feature Deep-Dive
The Benelli M2 Field 20-gauge relies on the company’s Inertia Driven operating system, a design that has proven itself in harsh conditions from the marshes of the Gulf Coast to the frozen fields of the Dakotas. Unlike gas-operated semi-autos, the Inertia system uses the gun’s own recoil energy to cycle the action. This means fewer moving parts, less fouling from powder residue, and more reliable function across a wide range of ammunition loads. For the hunter who may not clean their shotgun after every outing, this is a tangible advantage. The system also contributes to the gun’s lightweight profile, as there is no heavy gas piston assembly under the forend.
The Comfortech stock is a defining feature of this model, designed to reduce felt recoil without adding bulk or weight. Inside the buttstock, Benelli uses a series of chevron-shaped shock-absorbing inserts that compress under recoil and then rebound. This technology allows the stock to flex slightly, spreading the recoil impulse over a longer duration. For a 20-gauge that already produces less recoil than a 12-gauge, the Comfortech system makes this shotgun comfortable for shooters who are sensitive to recoil or who plan to shoot several boxes of shells in a single day. The synthetic stock is also dimensionally stable in wet or humid conditions, which is common during early morning hunts or late-season waterfowl trips.
The Max-5 camo finish is a versatile pattern that blends well in a variety of upland and waterfowl environments. It is applied as a durable dip coating that resists scratches and abrasion from brush, fence lines, and gun cases. The receiver and barrel are both treated, meaning the shotgun will not glare or reflect in bright sunlight, which can alert wary game birds. This finish also provides a level of corrosion resistance, though regular maintenance is still recommended. The 26-inch barrel is a compromise between swing speed for close-cover birds and reach for longer shots on pheasants or ducks, making it one of the more popular lengths for all-around field use.
The Crio choke system is another Benelli hallmark, featuring a cryogenically treated barrel and choke tubes that are manufactured to tight tolerances. This treatment is said to improve pattern consistency by relieving stress in the metal, and in practice, the system allows the shooter to fine-tune their pattern for different game or conditions. The M2 typically ships with a set of five flush-mounted choke tubes, giving the hunter options from improved cylinder for close woodcock to full for long-range pass shooting. Changing chokes is straightforward with the included wrench, and the tubes are marked for easy identification in the field.
Ergonomics on the M2 Field are straightforward and functional. The bolt handle and bolt release button are oversized for easy manipulation with gloved hands, a detail that matters in cold weather. The cross-bolt safety is located at the rear of the trigger guard and is ambidextrous in its basic design, though left-handed shooters may prefer a different configuration. The trigger pull is clean and breaks consistently, which aids in making accurate shots on moving targets. The magazine tube is easily accessible for loading, and the gun feeds reliably from the magazine without the need for manual shell manipulation after the first round is chambered.
Maintenance of the M2 is simpler than many gas-operated shotguns. Field stripping for cleaning requires no tools and takes only a few minutes: remove the forend cap, slide off the forend, and pull the bolt assembly from the receiver. The Inertia Driven system has few parts that require lubrication, and the barrel can be cleaned with standard solvent and patches. This ease of maintenance is a practical benefit for hunters who may be cleaning their shotgun in a motel room or truck bed after a long day. The synthetic stock and camo finish also mean the gun is less susceptible to dings and scratches than a traditional blued and walnut field gun.
Ideal Use Cases
- Upland Hunting: The M2 Field 20-gauge is at home in the uplands, whether you’re walking for pheasants, quail, chukar, or grouse. The light weight and 26-inch barrel make it quick to mount and swing in thick cover.
- Waterfowl Hunting: With the appropriate choke and non-toxic shot, this shotgun is suitable for ducks and geese over decoys or in pass-shooting scenarios. The Max-5 camo helps concealment in marsh and field settings.
- Target Shooting: While not a dedicated competition gun, the M2 can be used for recreational clay shooting, including skeet and sporting clays. Its low recoil and reliable cycling make it a pleasant gun for a day at the range.
- Small Game Hunting: For rabbits, squirrels, and other small game, the 20-gauge with appropriate loads is a classic choice, and the M2 handles these duties with ease.
Compatibility Notes
This shotgun is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. It will cycle most target and field loads reliably, though very light target loads (under 1 ounce) may occasionally require a break-in period or a slightly stouter load for consistent cycling. The gun uses standard Benelli Crio choke tubes, and aftermarket chokes from companies like Carlson’s or Patternmaster are widely available. Magazine tube extensions are not standard on this model, but aftermarket options exist for those who want increased capacity for waterfowl or competition use. The gun accepts standard Benelli M2 buttstocks and forends, though the Comfortech stock is specific to this variant. For optics, the receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope mount or a red dot sight, though most field users will rely on the factory bead sight. Holsters are not applicable for this shotgun; it is designed for carry in the field via a sling or a two-point carry system. The standard sling swivel studs are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you ship this shotgun to my address in the U.S.?
We can ship this shotgun to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. We do not ship firearms directly to residential addresses. Please ensure your chosen FFL dealer is willing to accept the transfer and that the shotgun is legal in your state and local jurisdiction. We ship to all 50 states where the firearm is legal, using a licensed carrier. - How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place your order, we will request the contact information and license details for your receiving FFL dealer. You can provide this during checkout or by emailing us afterward. Once we verify the FFL, we ship the shotgun to that dealer. You then visit the dealer, complete the required ATF Form 4473 and background check, and take possession of the firearm. Transfer fees are set by the receiving dealer and are not included in our price. - What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
This shotgun is designed for 20-gauge shells with a chamber length of 3 inches. It will safely fire both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells. For steel shot, we recommend using a choke rated for steel (such as the included Improved Cylinder or Modified tubes) to avoid barrel damage. Lead shot, bismuth, and other non-toxic options are also compatible as long as they are within SAAMI pressure specifications. - What is the warranty on this Benelli M2 Field?
Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm. It does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from improper use, or modifications. If you have a warranty issue, you can contact Benelli directly or work with us to facilitate a return. We recommend registering your firearm with Benelli after purchase. - Can I return this shotgun if I change my mind?
We accept returns on new, unfired firearms within 30 days of delivery, subject to a restocking fee and inspection. The firearm must be returned in its original packaging with all accessories. Once a firearm has been fired, it cannot be returned due to manufacturer regulations and safety considerations. If you have questions about fit or function before purchase, please contact our customer service team for guidance.
Closing Call to Action
The Benelli M2 Field 20-gauge with Max-5 camo and Comfortech stock is a practical investment for the hunter who needs a reliable, lightweight shotgun that will perform season after season. We ship this model to your chosen FFL dealer anywhere in the United States where it




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