Benelli Performance Shop M2 Waterfowl 20-gauge Realtree Max-5, 28in bbl

Description

For waterfowlers who spend long days in flooded timber or coastal marshes, having a shotgun that balances easily, swings smoothly, and sheds mud and water without hesitation is more than a preference—it’s a necessity. The Benelli Performance Shop M2 Waterfowl 20-gauge with a 28-inch barrel and Realtree Max-5 camo is built for those conditions across the U.S., from the Mississippi flyway to the Pacific Northwest. This model combines the proven reliability of the M2 platform with Performance Shop refinements that reduce felt recoil and improve handling, making it a practical choice for hunters who demand consistent performance in wet, cold environments.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli Performance Shop M2 Waterfowl is a semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 20-gauge, designed specifically for waterfowl hunting. It is not a home defense or concealed carry firearm—its 28-inch barrel and full camo finish are optimized for field use. This shotgun is intended for hunters who pursue ducks, geese, and other waterfowl in open water, marshes, or agricultural fields. It also appeals to collectors who appreciate the Performance Shop’s attention to detail, including hand-fitted components and enhanced stock geometry. Target shooters may find it useful for clay sports, but its primary role is in the blind or layout boat.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 20-gauge (2¾- and 3-inch shells)
• Action: Semi-automatic, inertia-driven
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 48.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 5.8 pounds (unloaded)
• Capacity: 3+1 (3 in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
• Stock: Comfortech with adjustable comb and length of pull
• Finish: Realtree Max-5 camo on receiver, barrel, and stock
• Sights: Red bar front sight with fiber optic insert
• Choke System: Crio choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F included)
• Receiver: Aluminum alloy with camo coating
• Safety: Cross-bolt trigger safety

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Performance Shop M2 Waterfowl stands out because of its inertia-driven operating system, which uses the recoil from each shot to cycle the action. This system is less prone to fouling from mud, water, or debris than gas-operated shotguns, making it a reliable partner in wet conditions. The lack of gas ports also means less cleaning is required after a day in the marsh, and the action stays cleaner when shooting steel or bismuth loads commonly used for waterfowl.

The Comfortech stock is a key feature for reducing felt recoil. It uses a series of internal chevron-shaped shock absorbers that compress under recoil, spreading the force over a longer duration. This design minimizes shoulder fatigue during high-volume shooting sessions, such as when multiple birds are working a spread. The stock also includes an adjustable comb and length of pull spacers, allowing the shooter to fine-tune fit for different clothing layers or shooting stances.

Benelli’s Performance Shop takes the base M2 platform and adds hand-reamed forcing cones, a polished chamber, and a custom trigger job. These refinements improve pattern consistency and reduce felt recoil by allowing the shot column to transition more smoothly from the shell to the bore. The trigger is crisp and clean, with minimal overtravel, which helps maintain accuracy on fast-moving targets.

The 28-inch barrel is a versatile length for waterfowl hunting. It provides good swing dynamics for crossing shots while remaining short enough to maneuver in a blind or boat. The Crio choke system uses a cryogenic treatment process that relieves stress in the metal, resulting in more consistent patterns. Five chokes are included, giving the hunter options for close-range decoying birds or longer-range pass shooting.

The Realtree Max-5 camo pattern is specifically designed for marsh and timber environments, with a mix of cattails, grass, and brown tones that blend well with dead vegetation and water. The coating is applied to the receiver, barrel, and stock, ensuring the entire shotgun remains low-glare in direct sunlight. The finish is also resistant to scratches and corrosion from saltwater or humid conditions, which is a practical advantage for coastal hunters.

Weight is another strong point. At roughly 5.8 pounds, this 20-gauge is light enough to carry all day without excessive fatigue, yet heavy enough to absorb recoil comfortably. The balance point is forward of the receiver, which helps the barrel swing naturally on passing birds. For hunters who prefer a lighter load without sacrificing reach, the 20-gauge with 3-inch magnum shells offers effective patterns out to 40 yards with proper choke selection.

Ideal Use Cases

Waterfowl Hunting: This is the primary application. The inertia system resists moisture and debris, the camo finish reduces glare, and the Comfortech stock softens recoil during long shooting sessions. It performs well in flooded timber, marsh blinds, and field layouts.

Upland Hunting: While designed for waterfowl, the 20-gauge and 28-inch barrel also work for pheasant, quail, or grouse in heavier cover. The light weight and fast handling make it suitable for walking fields or working behind a pointing dog.

Clay Target Practice: The adjustable stock and consistent trigger make this shotgun usable for sporting clays or trap. The 20-gauge recoil is mild enough for extended practice sessions, though the camo finish may not appeal to dedicated competition shooters.

Collecting: Performance Shop models are built in limited quantities with hand-finished components. Collectors who appreciate Benelli’s engineering and the Realtree Max-5 pattern may find this a worthwhile addition to a firearms collection.

Compatibility Notes

Ammunition: This shotgun cycles 2¾- and 3-inch 20-gauge shells reliably. It handles light target loads (7/8 oz. at 1200 fps) as well as heavy waterfowl loads (1¼ oz. steel or bismuth). Avoid using 2½-inch shells or subsonic loads, as the inertia system requires sufficient recoil to cycle. Steel, bismuth, and tungsten-based shot are all compatible.

Chokes: Uses Benelli Crio choke tubes with a standard 12-thread pattern. Aftermarket chokes from Carlson’s, Briley, or Patternmaster are available in the same thread pattern. Ensure any choke used is rated for steel shot if hunting waterfowl.

Accessories: Magazine tube extensions are not recommended for waterfowl hunting due to federal magazine capacity limits (3 shells total in the field). Sling swivel studs are pre-installed for attaching a sling. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, though a red dot or low-power scope may be used for turkey hunting.

Holsters: Not applicable. This is a long gun, not a handgun.

FAQ Section

1. Can this shotgun be shipped to my address in the U.S.?
Only to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. We ship to licensed dealers in all 50 states. If you do not have a preferred FFL, we can recommend one in your area. We do not ship directly to residential addresses.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After purchase, you provide the name and contact information of the FFL dealer where you want the shotgun sent. We verify their license and ship the firearm via a carrier that requires an adult signature. You then visit the dealer, complete a Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check (where required) to take possession. Transfer fees vary by dealer, typically $25–$50.

3. What ammunition is compatible with this 20-gauge?
It is designed for 2¾-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. Standard target loads, field loads, and magnum waterfowl loads all function reliably. Avoid 2½-inch shells or very low-velocity loads (under 1100 fps), as the inertia system may not cycle them. Steel shot is safe through the included Crio chokes when the appropriate choke is selected.

4. What warranty does Benelli offer, and how do I use it?
Benelli provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the receiver, barrel, and internal components. The stock and finish are covered for one year from the date of purchase. To file a claim, contact Benelli USA’s customer service with your serial number and proof of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or aftermarket modifications.

5. What is your return policy?
We accept returns of unused, unfired firearms within 14 days of delivery, subject to a 15% restocking fee. The firearm must be returned in its original packaging with all accessories and documentation. Once received and inspected, we process a refund minus the restocking fee and any shipping costs. Firearms that have been fired or modified cannot be returned. Contact our customer service team to initiate a return and obtain an RMA number.

Closing Call to Action

This Benelli Performance Shop M2 Waterfowl 20-gauge is available now for shipment to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. We maintain a current inventory and ship within one business day of order confirmation. If you have questions about fit, ammunition selection, or the transfer process, call or email our team—we are a licensed FFL retailer with experience supporting waterfowl hunters from the Atlantic to the Pacific.