Benelli M2 Performance Shop Turkey

Description

The Benelli M2 Performance Shop Turkey Edition, chambered in 20 gauge with a 3-inch chamber and 24-inch barrel, is a specialized tool for the American hunter who demands reliability in the field. Whether you are pursuing Eastern wild turkeys in hardwood forests or targeting waterfowl over decoys, this shotgun brings a focused set of capabilities to your blind or setup. It is built for those who value a lightweight, fast-handling platform that cycles quickly and consistently, without unnecessary bulk.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

This is a factory-tuned variant of the proven Benelli M2, specifically configured for turkey and upland hunting applications. It is not a general-purpose home defense or competition shotgun, though its light weight and quick handling make it viable for certain range uses. The intended audience includes turkey hunters who walk miles before dawn, waterfowlers who need a reliable 20-gauge option, and upland bird hunters who appreciate a shorter barrel in thick cover. Collectors and shooters who value the Performance Shop’s attention to fit and finish will also find this model stands apart from standard production M2s.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 20 Gauge
• Chamber: 3 inches (accepts 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Barrel Length: 24 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 44.5 inches
• Finish: Realtree APG (Advanced Photography Grass) camo
• Weight: Approximately 5.8 to 6.2 pounds (varies by stock configuration)
• Action: Semi-automatic, inertia-driven
• Capacity: 3+1 (with included plug; 4+1 without plug for waterfowl)
• Sights: Red bar front sight, adjustable fiber optic rear (HiViz style)
• Stock: Realtree APG camo synthetic, with Performance Shop enhanced comb and grip texture
• Receiver: Aluminum alloy with Realtree APG camo finish
• Chokes: Includes Crio® choke tubes (typically F, M, IC)
• Length of Pull: Approximately 14.375 inches

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli M2 Performance Shop Turkey Edition is distinguished by its inertia-driven operating system, which has been refined by Benelli’s Performance Shop team. This system uses the shotgun’s recoil to cycle the action, meaning there is no gas system to clean or foul. For a hunter in muddy, dusty, or wet conditions, this translates to reliable function with minimal maintenance. The 20-gauge chambering keeps the gun light, while the 3-inch chamber allows you to use heavier magnum loads for turkey or larger waterfowl.

The 24-inch barrel is a deliberate choice for turkey hunting, where maneuverability in tight cover matters more than extended range. The barrel features Benelli’s Crio® cryogenic treatment, which is said to reduce internal stress and provide a more consistent choke pattern. This is paired with a set of Crio chokes, allowing you to tailor pattern density for different distances and shot sizes. The red bar front sight and adjustable fiber optic rear are visible in low light, which is common during early morning turkey setups.

The Realtree APG camo finish is applied to the stock, fore-end, and receiver, providing effective concealment in a variety of woodland and agricultural settings. APG is designed to blend with grass, leaves, and tree bark, making it a versatile pattern for both spring turkey and fall waterfowl. The synthetic stock is durable and resists moisture, which is important when hunting in rain or near water. The Performance Shop has also added an enhanced comb and textured grip panels to improve cheek weld and control, especially when wearing gloves.

Weight is a critical factor for hunters who cover ground. At roughly 6 pounds, this shotgun is noticeably lighter than many 12-gauge turkey guns, reducing fatigue during long walks or all-day sits. The inertia system contributes to this low weight by eliminating heavy gas pistons and tubes. Recoil is manageable with 20-gauge loads, even with 3-inch magnums, thanks to the gun’s design and the optional Comfortech stock system (check current production). This makes it a viable choice for smaller-framed shooters or those who are recoil-sensitive.

The Performance Shop treatment includes hand-fitting of the bolt, trigger group, and action components. This results in a smoother cycling action and a crisper trigger pull compared to standard M2 models. The bolt release and safety are positioned for easy access, and the loading port has been slightly beveled for faster reloads. While this is not a competition gun, these refinements make it more pleasant to shoot and handle in the field.

Finally, the 3+1 capacity (with the factory plug) is compliant with migratory bird regulations, while allowing you to remove the plug for a 4+1 capacity for turkey or upland hunting. The magazine tube is standard M2 design, so aftermarket extensions are available if you need more capacity for specific applications. Overall, this is a purpose-built shotgun that prioritizes reliability, weight savings, and concealment over versatility.

Ideal Use Cases

• Turkey Hunting: The primary use case. Light weight, short barrel, and effective camo make it ideal for walking and setting up on roosted birds. The 24-inch barrel with Crio chokes provides tight patterns at typical turkey ranges (20-40 yards).
• Waterfowl Hunting: Suitable for duck and goose hunting over decoys or in flooded timber, especially when using 3-inch steel or bismuth loads. The Realtree APG camo works well in marsh and field settings.
• Upland Bird Hunting: The short barrel and light weight are excellent for walking up pheasants, grouse, or quail in thick cover. The 20-gauge chambering is a classic choice for upland birds.
• Range Use: Acceptable for casual target shooting or patterning loads. Not designed for high-volume clay shooting, but functional for practice.
• Not Recommended For: Home defense (limited capacity, long overall length, camo finish not ideal for indoor use), concealed carry (too large), or competitive 3-gun (slow reloads, limited capacity).

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: Functions reliably with 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. Light target loads (1 oz or less) may not cycle the inertia system reliably; use at least 1-1/8 oz loads for consistent function. Steel shot, bismuth, and lead are all acceptable.
• Chokes: Uses Benelli Crio® choke tubes (standard 20-gauge Crio pattern). Aftermarket chokes from Carlson’s, Patternmaster, or Trulock are compatible if they are Crio-style.
• Holsters/Slings: No holster required. Standard 1-inch sling swivel studs are included (check current production). Use a quality quick-adjust sling for turkey hunting.
• Magazines: Factory magazine holds 3+1 with plug. Aftermarket extensions from Nordic Components or Briley are available for increased capacity (not recommended for hunting).
• Accessories: Compatible with Benelli M2 aftermarket stocks, fore-ends, and recoil pads. Red dot sights can be mounted via a dovetail adapter for the receiver (requires drilling/tapping by a gunsmith).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this shotgun be shipped directly to me in the U.S.?
A: No. As a licensed FFL retailer, we can only ship this firearm to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. After your purchase, we will require your chosen FFL’s contact information. We will ship the firearm to them, and you will complete the background check and transfer at their location. This applies to all 50 states.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
A: After placing your order, you will receive an email requesting your chosen FFL’s information. You can provide their license number and address. We verify the FFL is current and ship the firearm via a common carrier (UPS or FedEx) to that address. You then visit the FFL, pay their transfer fee (typically $20-$50), and complete the ATF Form 4473. The firearm is yours after the background check clears.

Q: What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
A: This 20-gauge, 3-inch chamber accepts all standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. For reliable cycling with the inertia system, use loads with at least 1-1/8 ounces of shot. Steel, bismuth, and lead shot are all safe. Avoid using shells shorter than 2.75 inches or reloads that may be out of spec.

Q: What warranty does this shotgun have?
A: Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is transferable to subsequent owners only if the firearm was purchased new from an authorized dealer. The warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or modifications. We recommend registering your firearm with Benelli USA after purchase.

Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, we do not accept returns on firearms for change of mind. If the firearm arrives with a manufacturer defect or is damaged in transit, we will work with you and Benelli to resolve the issue. Please inspect the firearm at your FFL before accepting the transfer. If you refuse the transfer, the firearm will be returned to us and you will be subject to a restocking fee.

Closing Call to Action

The Benelli M2 Performance Shop Turkey Edition in 20 gauge is ready for the field. We offer this firearm for sale to U.S. residents through our licensed FFL network. Order now, and we will guide you through the transfer process to your local dealer. Shipping is available to all states where the firearm is legal for purchase. Contact our team with any questions about compatibility or the ordering process.