Gable Sporting Goods

Description

The Benelli M2 Field 20ga with a 26-inch barrel is a purpose-built semi-automatic shotgun designed for the left-handed upland hunter or clay shooter who demands reliable cycling without the hassle of manual shell manipulation. Whether you are working a covey of quail in Georgia, walking a pheasant field in the Dakotas, or breaking clays at your local range, this shotgun delivers consistent performance with a dedicated left-hand ejection port and bolt. For U.S. shooters who prefer a lighter gauge for longer days in the field, the M2 Field provides the inertia-driven reliability Benelli is known for, tailored specifically to left-handed operation.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli M2 Field 20 Gauge is a semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 20-gauge, featuring a 26-inch barrel and a left-hand configuration. This model is specifically designed for left-handed shooters who need a firearm that ejects spent shells to the left, away from their face and line of sight. It is not a tactical or home-defense shotgun; rather, it is built for the field and range. This product is ideal for upland bird hunters, waterfowl hunters who prefer a lighter 20-gauge load, and clay target shooters who participate in sporting clays, skeet, or trap. Collectors will appreciate the fit and finish of Benelli’s M2 line, but this is first and foremost a working gun for active use. It is not intended for concealed carry or home defense, as its barrel length and stock design are optimized for wingshooting and field carry.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 20 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Capacity: 4+1 (3-inch chamber, standard magazine tube)
• Barrel Length: 26 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 47.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 5.4 pounds (unloaded)
• Finish: Realtree Max-7 camouflage (receiver and barrel) with a matte black synthetic stock
• Sights: Red bar front sight with a metal bead; drilled and tapped for optional fiber optic or ghost ring sights
• Stock: Synthetic, with a right-hand cast-off for left-handed shooters; includes a shim kit for drop and cast adjustment
• Choke System: Benelli Crio System (interchangeable chokes: C, IC, M, IM, F included)
• Action: Inertia-driven semi-automatic, left-hand ejection
• Receiver: Aluminum alloy with anodized finish
• Safety: Cross-bolt safety, reversible for left-hand operation
• Bolt: Left-hand bolt with a left-hand carrier

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli M2 Field’s left-hand configuration is its defining feature. Unlike many shotguns that offer only a reversible safety or a left-handed stock, the M2 Field left-hand model includes a dedicated left-hand ejection port, a left-hand bolt, and a left-hand shell carrier. This means the spent shell is ejected away from the shooter’s face, reducing the risk of hot brass or gas contacting the cheek or eye. For left-handed shooters who have struggled with standard right-hand shotguns, this design offers a more natural and comfortable shooting experience without compromising reliability.

The inertia-driven operating system is the heart of the M2. Instead of using gas pressure to cycle the action, Benelli’s system uses the recoil energy from the shell to compress a spring inside the bolt. This design is inherently cleaner than gas-operated systems, as no propellant gases are diverted into the action. As a result, the M2 cycles reliably with a wide range of 20-gauge loads, from light 2.75-inch target loads to heavier 3-inch magnum shells. The system requires minimal lubrication and is less susceptible to fouling from dirt, mud, or carbon buildup, making it a strong choice for hunters who spend long days in the field.

The 26-inch barrel length strikes a balance between swing speed and sight radius. For upland hunting, where shots are often taken at flushing birds in tight cover, the shorter barrel allows for quick mounting and smooth follow-through. On the clay range, the 26-inch barrel provides enough length for consistent pointing without feeling sluggish. The Crio system, which uses cryogenically treated barrels and chokes, ensures consistent patterns and tighter shot strings. The included set of five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full) allows the shooter to fine-tune the pattern for different distances and game types.

The synthetic stock is built for rugged use. It features a textured grip area and a slightly raised comb that helps align the shooter’s eye with the rib. The stock is fitted with Benelli’s shim system, allowing the shooter to adjust drop at comb and cast. For a left-handed shooter, the stock is cast-off, meaning the stock is angled away from the shooter’s face to promote a natural cheek weld. The shim kit includes multiple inserts to raise or lower the comb and adjust the cast, ensuring a custom fit without needing a gunsmith. The forend is similarly textured and contoured for a secure grip, even with gloved hands.

Weight is a critical factor for a field shotgun, and the M2 Field 20 gauge comes in at just over 5.4 pounds. This makes it one of the lightest semi-automatic 20-gauge shotguns on the market. The lightweight construction reduces fatigue during long walks through fields or across marshes. However, the recoil impulse is slightly more noticeable than a heavier gas-operated gun due to the inertia system. Benelli addresses this with a soft rubber buttpad that helps absorb some of the recoil. The overall balance of the shotgun is slightly forward, which aids in swing and follow-through on moving targets.

Maintenance is straightforward. The inertia system can be disassembled without tools for cleaning, though it generally requires less frequent cleaning than gas-operated shotguns. The barrel and receiver can be wiped down with a light oil, and the bolt assembly should be inspected periodically for carbon buildup. The Crio chokes should be cleaned and oiled to prevent seizing. For U.S. shooters who hunt in wet or cold conditions, the M2’s reliability in adverse weather is a significant advantage—the action will cycle even when wet or lightly frozen, as there are no small gas ports to clog.

Ideal Use Cases

Upland Hunting: This is the primary use case for the M2 Field 20 gauge. The lightweight build and 26-inch barrel make it well-suited for walking up pheasants, quail, grouse, and woodcock. The left-hand ejection allows left-handed shooters to keep their head down and follow the target without distraction.

Waterfowl Hunting: With the ability to chamber 3-inch shells, the M2 20 gauge can handle steel shot loads for ducks and geese. The Realtree Max-7 camo finish provides adequate concealment in marsh and field environments. The inertia system cycles reliably even with heavy loads.

Clay Target Shooting: The M2 is a capable choice for sporting clays, skeet, and trap. The 26-inch barrel and interchangeable chokes allow the shooter to adapt to different presentations. The light weight may cause more felt recoil over a long session, but the gun’s handling characteristics are excellent for quick shots.

Small Game Hunting: This shotgun is also suitable for rabbits, squirrels, and other small game where a 20-gauge load is appropriate. The cylinder and improved cylinder chokes work well for close-range shots.

Compatibility Notes

Ammunition: The M2 Field 20 gauge cycles reliably with 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells. For best reliability, use shells with a minimum velocity of 1200 fps for light target loads. Heavier loads (1 oz or more) will cycle without issue. Steel shot is safe through the Crio chokes, but avoid using steel shot through the Full choke.

Holsters: This is not a holster-ready firearm. It is a long gun and should be transported in a soft or hard case.

Magazines: The M2 Field uses a fixed tubular magazine under the barrel. Aftermarket extended magazines are available from Benelli and third-party manufacturers, but they may require a magazine tube extension or a replacement barrel. Check local regulations for magazine capacity limits.

Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or ghost ring sights. Benelli offers a range of accessories including sling swivels, barrel clamps, and additional choke tubes. The stock shim kit is included. The forend and stock are compatible with aftermarket components from brands like Mesa Tactical or Magpul, though the left-hand bolt and carrier are specific to this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you ship this shotgun to my home address in the U.S.?
A: No. Per federal law, this shotgun must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. We cannot ship directly to a residence. You will need to provide the FFL’s contact information at checkout. We ship to all 50 states, but you must comply with state and local laws regarding firearm ownership.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
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 current FFL license. Once received, we ship the firearm to them. You then go to the dealer, complete a Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from our purchase price.

Q: What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
A: This shotgun is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. It cycles most factory loads with 7/8 oz to 1-1/4 oz shot charges. For target loads, we recommend shells with at least 1200 fps velocity to ensure reliable cycling. Avoid using shells shorter than 2.75 inches (such as 2.5-inch shells) as they may not feed or eject properly. Steel shot is safe through chokes marked for steel, but do not use steel through the Full choke.

Q: What warranty does Benelli offer on this shotgun?
A: Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty covers parts and labor for the life of the firearm. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. To file a warranty claim, contact Benelli USA’s customer service. We recommend retaining your sales receipt for warranty purposes.

Q: What is your return policy for firearms?