Which Benelli, M2 Tactical or M4 Tactical

[Winkman822]

Okay gang, I'm looking into getting a Benelli tactical and am torn between the M2 and M4. It's going to be my first foray into the world of semiautomatic tactical shotguns. This will primarily be a home defense shotgun, and occasional plinker, but may see the very occasional 3 gun match (I'm still new to that world). So, what are the thoughts? I've handled (but not fired) both and they feel similar to my inexperienced hands. Which operating system is more flexible across different ammunition types, the M2's inertia system or the gas system in the M4? I fully understand that if I get further into the world of 3 gun either gun will require some modifications with some fairly substantial parts replacement to remain 922(r) compliant versus other alternatives (i.e. Mossberg 930 and Remington Versa Max). So, what say you fellas.

 

[rbernie]

I chose the M2 Tactical for my HD/SD shotgun - the M4 is way too heavy and clunky for its own good.

 

[Virginian]

The M4 is more flexible and the way to go IF you plan to add a lot of weight to the gun. The M4 is heavier also to start with. Most people with Benellis appear to favor the M2.

 

[Winkman822]

The M4 is more flexible and the way to go IF you plan to add a lot of weight to the gun. The M4 is heavier also to start with. Most people with Benellis appear to favor the M2.

Any particular reason that people go for the heavier platform when adding stuff (I assume lights and shell caddies) rather than going with the lighter option and having the add on weight nearly or just exceed the base heavier gun?

 

[Virginian]

The inertia system requires the receiver to move quickly to the rear under recoil. Added weight can - repeat can - hinder this. The gas system doesn't care.

 

[Winkman822]

The inertia system requires the receiver to move quickly to the rear under recoil. Added weight can - repeat can - hinder this. The gas system doesn't care.

Ah, gotcha. I told y'all I'm new to these semi-auto shotguns.

 

[Youngster]

I prefer the M4 for purely tactical type shooting, especially with heavy recoiling buck and slugs.

It also has a certain cool factor that most modern shotguns lack IMO.

However the M2 is a much lighter and better balanced shotgun that lends itself to be much more of a multipurpose platform.

 

[LocoGringo]

Speaking strictly from the 3-gun perspective, the M2 is the standard that most everything else is judged against. Also, although I haven't looked it up, I assume the "tactical" versions of each include a pistol grip. If that's the case with the M2, this is a mistake for 3-gun because the pistol grip gets in the way of reloading. I don't know of any of the pros in 3-gun who use a shotgun with a pistol grip. A reason for starting with the M2 for 3-gun is because it starts so light. After you add a magazine extension that can extend as far as the barrel on a 24" or 26" barrel, you add a lot of weight when that magazine is loaded. Imagine holding an extra 4-6 shotgun shells out to the muzzle of the barrel.

What you are trying to do with covering HD/SD and 3-gun competition just doesn't really fit well. The gun will not perform both functions VERY well. It will be good for one, but only marginal for the other. I own a 26" barreled M2 tricked out for 3-gun and it would not be a good choice for home defense although it's fantastic for 3-gun.

 

[Youngster]

It should be mentioned that ghost rings, as found on the M4 and some versions of the M2 aren't for everybody, especially when it comes to any kind of wingshooting or 3-gun type shooting that doesn't involve long shots.

 

[Winkman822]

Hmm. Good feed back for me to consider thus far. Keep it coming.

 

[Youngster]

I find the M4's A.R.G.O. gas system doesn't dampen recoil quite as much as a more conventional one where you've got a piston that rides the mag tube connected to action bars.

However, but I still prefer it because its a crisper feeling "hit" with less shuffle and vibration.

The inertia actions OTOH don't seem to dampen recoil much, if at all.

 

[cdb1]

If I were buying it would be an M4 due to less recoil. I don't get along with Inertia and buckshot or slugs.