Benelli M2/M3 vs M4 vs FN SLP

[hattles]

Can any of them be run with 7/8oz loads? I roll those for my skeet pump gun and would love to not change setup on my reloader.

Have you considered a 20ga.for home defense? The 24" Benelli M2 Compact can most certainly handle 7/8oz loads as can othe Benelli 20ga models.

[L84CABO]

I'm looking for a semi auto that both myself and my female family members can use. I'm looking at 18" non-pistol grip versions because they transfer less recoil to the hands.

1) Can the inertial recoil system of the M2/M3 be jammed by not leaning into the recoil?
2) Can any of them be run with 7/8oz loads? I roll those for my skeet pump gun and would love to not change setup on my reloader.
3) Any reason to even look at an M3 considering I'm not going to be shooting bean bags out of it?
4) When equipped with extended mag tubes (so factory SLP is about the same as the benelli) which shotgun is the lightest?

This is just my opinion...

The M2 is inertia driven so, in theory, it can have problems if it's not mounted correctly and/or if you hang too much weight off of it...lights, lasers, optics, shell carriers, etc. They do tend to be unique, however, so what is problematic for one may not be problematic for the other. Overall, however, they have an excellent reputation for reliability. They wouldn't dominate 3 Gun if they didn't. But keep in mind 3 Gunners aren't tacti-cooling out their guns with all the accessories. There's no set standard that I'm aware of for how much additional weight a M2 can take before it starts having problems.

To that end, the M2 is generally preferred in 3 Gun over the M4. This is likely due to the fact that 3 Gunners prefer longer than 18.5 in barrels and none are available for the M4. The M4 is softer shooting gun though, very reliable, and generally unaffected by additional weight. I've seen plenty that will shoot light loads just fine. In fact I would say the odds are better that it will shoot light loads than it won't. But there are no guarantees. There is also a field stock for the M4 if you don't like the pistol grip.

And if you really want the M4 gas system for 3 Gun but options for longer barrels, then look at the Remington Versamax which is reportedly a copy, for the most part, of the M4 gas system. It's a cheaper gun too than the M4, and seems to be getting very good reviews.

It's probably also worth mentioning that you'd be looking at a few hundred dollars to add an extended mag tube to a M4 as well as the other parts needed to keep it 922R compliant. Same for a M2 or any other imported shotgun as they're limited by law to 5 rounds.

As for weight, I'm sorry but I don't know how these guns compare across the board weight wise. But if weight and particularly recoil are an issue, you may want to look at 20 gauges. Pretty sure the M2 comes in a 20 gauge version as well as a youth model.

[penguin0123]

Have you considered a 20ga.for home defense?

I'm not going the 20ga route because I intend to use tried and true 12gauge 00 or #1 buckshot in 2 and 3/4 shells "fer realz" which are about 1+oz. I asked about 7/8 loads because I have lots of those already loaded up and would love to keep the same settings on the press. Not a big deal to adjust the press.

But keep in mind 3 Gunners aren't tacti-cooling out their guns with all the accessories.

And if you really want the M4 gas system for 3 Gun but options for longer barrels, then look at the Remington Versamax which is reportedly a copy, for the most part, of the M4 gas system. It's a cheaper gun too than the M4, and seems to be getting very good reviews.

It's probably also worth mentioning that you'd be looking at a few hundred dollars to add an extended mag tube to a M4 as well as the other parts needed to keep it 922R compliant. Same for a M2 or any other imported shotgun as they're limited by law to 5 rounds.

I won't add side saddle and such since I need to keep the gun as light as possible. I'll at most have a small light on it.

Remington hasn't exactly ingratiated themselves to me with the 870 express I have. All I have to say is I'll trust FN and Benelli over Remington any day.

Yeah, I realize the M2 will take some coin to get it to the same setup as the SLP out of the box. The way I look at it is this:
- M2 is lighter but costs more to hold 6+1
- SLP is heavier but costs less and is softer shooting

Let me know if I missed anything.




Thanks guys.

[Thefeeder]

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Maybe a hotter recipie may do the trick. The M2 will spit out 7/8 reloads if loaded a bit on the hot side for a 7/8 load.

[SuperSet]

You should also look at the Beretta 1301 Competition.

[L84CABO]

I'm not going the 20ga route because I intend to use tried and true 12gauge 00 or #1 buckshot in 2 and 3/4 shells "fer realz" which are about 1+oz. I asked about 7/8 loads because I have lots of those already loaded up and would love to keep the same settings on the press. Not a big deal to adjust the press.







I won't add side saddle and such since I need to keep the gun as light as possible. I'll at most have a small light on it.

Remington hasn't exactly ingratiated themselves to me with the 870 express I have. All I have to say is I'll trust FN and Benelli over Remington any day.

Yeah, I realize the M2 will take some coin to get it to the same setup as the SLP out of the box. The way I look at it is this:
- M2 is lighter but costs more to hold 6+1
- SLP is heavier but costs less and is softer shooting

Let me know if I missed anything.


Thanks guys.

Well yea, you missed the Versamax cause you won't even look at it.

And I get it. I'm a huge Benelli fan (own a M4) and would likely go with a M2...cause I've wanted one forever. But when I'm trying to make decisions like this...and spending this kind of money...I try look at everything I can. If nothing else, I'll know for certain that the M2 is/was a better option than the Versamax.

But I guess if you're soured on the brand, no amount of looking will probably change your mind.

As a side note, I never have understood why Benelli doesn't make a longer barrel or two for the M4. Seems like a no brainer to me and they'd sell a ton.

[penguin0123]

Well yea, you missed the Versamax cause you won't even look at it.

Ok ok. You guilt tripped me into looking at it. The Versamax "tactical" is more like a 3gun shotty, and I would be tempted if I were looking for something for 3gun. But 22" barrel is just too long: basically like trying to maneuver a Garand.

You should also look at the Beretta 1301 Competition.

I'm glad you pointed me that way. I looked at the "tactical" for the barrel length, and found it checked nearly every box. At a weight of 6.4lb and MSRP of 1k, it is much better than SLP or M4 in those departments. It even comes with oversized bolt release and bolt handle for more operating points. This review says it cycles 7/8 loads, though mine are #8 shots instead of the reviewer's #7.5. (https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/ber...rbine-shotgun/)

The downside is that it is fixed cylinder bore, but not the end of the world given this is a house gun. Another review says it has more than expected recoil. Maybe that is why it cycles 7/8 loads.

If anyone has first hand experience in the recoil between the Beretta 1301 and M2, I would be greatful.

[Chilidaugz]

M3 and M4 are not necessary for you.

[ERdept]

M2, i always post these pics when the M2 comes up, so it's a repeat.

[Need More Ammo]

I have the M4, very reliable. Zero failures so far, even with light loads.

Very light gun, I installed the carrier comp TI 7 rd mag tube for it, lost a few oz.

So many options for accessories as well, went with a RMR for my optic!

[L84CABO]

M2, i always post these pics when the M2 comes up, so it's a repeat.

And I never get tired of looking at them.

I really need to get an M2

[Helixfury]

M2 is the one and only. Super reliable!!! Anyway I sold my M2's and settled with a M4 H2O

[jeffrice6]

The SLP sure is a soft shooter ~

[k1dude]

I wouldn't choose an M2 as a self defense weapon. I wouldn't choose any inertia driven shotgun as a self defense weapon. They are excellent for competition and hunting, but not defending yourself.

Both the M4 and SLP are excellent defensive weapons. Both are very soft shooters. But both weigh a lot.

Since weight and recoil are critical criteria, I would suggest a 20 ga semi auto. They will weigh and kick much less than a 12 ga equivalent.

Consider the Weatherby SA-459 TR in 20 ga:



Or the Mossberg SA-20 Railed:



Both weigh just under 6 pounds.

[penguin0123]

I wouldn't choose an M2 as a self defense weapon. I wouldn't choose any inertia driven shotgun as a self defense weapon. They are excellent for competition and hunting, but not defending yourself.

Since weight and recoil are critical criteria, I would suggest a 20 ga semi auto. They will weigh and kick much less than a 12 ga equivalent.

Why would you not recommend an M2? Is it because of the inertial system? Aren't those used by the 5-0 everywhere?

I would really like to steer away from 20ga. I asked about 7/8 load only because I have lots of it reloaded already. If my family can shoot 7/8 from a pump, they should be able to shoot 1oz from a semi. With a 12ga, there are lots more HD loads to choose from, and if they find themselves ok with heavier loads, there is more growth potential in a 12ga than 20ga. Also, won't a heavier 12ga recoil less than a lighter 20ga if they shoot the same load (7/8oz)?

With the M2 I can put in a 25% reduced recoil spring and cycle light stuff if needed; I've read forum posts that some folks cycle 7/8 out of the box. The Beretta 1301 already cycles light stuff out of the box.