Question about Benelli M2 Tactical

[bigbearbear]

I've been looking for a semi-auto shotgun for use as my primary home defense firearm. The Benelli M2 Tactical with Ghost Ring sights seems to fit my needs but I was wondering if anyone here know the following?

1. Picatinny rail. I've noticed that some of the M2 Tactical shown in Benelli's video has a picatinny rail on top (just like the M4) but the picture showed in their web site listing doesn't have it. What gives? Is this an optional item or does it come with pre-drilled holes for you to install the rail yourself?

2. I like the pistol grip stock and I have no interest at the moment for skeet/trap shooting or hunting. However, there are some pretty nice looking trap/skeet shooting ranges in the Bay Area and I might get curious enough to try it. Will they let me use the M2 with its short barrel and pistol grip?

[Packy14]

M4 is better for HD, the M2 in a longer barrel is good for skeet (but not optimal). Most places want 24" or longer for Skeet/trap

[Vertigofirearms]

1.) The Tactical version (with ghost rings sights) has four drilled and tap holes for the rail. You can not use the R1/MR1 scope base or M1014 rail.

The only instance I have seen factory rails are on the M1 and M2 practical models. Mesa tactical and others make a rail.



2.) Depending on the range, you need a minimum barrel length per range rules.

[kdruff2]

1.The field (non-pistol grip) version has pre-drilled holes for rails but it does not come with it. Once you become proficient at a shotgun, you don't aim, you point (you look for/at the target and the barrel will follow) - which than minimizes the need for sights (iron, beads or red dot), and thus the accompanying rails.

2. As stated before, most places are 24", but if you blend in, follow the rules and are shooting in a coordinated/well behaved group, folks typically don't notice. Having said that, the shorter the barrel (18") and the more tactical your shotgun looks, the more it stands the chance of getting called out. Otherwise, mind your Ps and Qs on the skeet/trap range and you're usually GTG.

Hope that helps and good luck!

[bigbearbear]

M4 is better for HD, the M2 in a longer barrel is good for skeet (but not optimal). Most places want 24" or longer for Skeet/trap

How big of a difference is there between the M2 and the M4 (besides the price)? From the looks of it, the main difference seems to be the system used, Inertia vs Gas Piston (ARGO)? That and the rail, on the M2 it looks like I have to install one myself but the M4 comes pre-installed with it.

The M4 is a little heavier, but it won't be a problem (yes, both wife and I do lift at the gym regularly. ).

Is there anything the M4 does better than the M2 for home defense?

[bigbearbear]

1.) The Tactical version (with ghost rings sights) has four drilled and tap holes for the rail. You can not use the R1/MR1 scope base or M1014 rail.

The only instance I have seen factory rails are on the M1 and M2 practical models. Mesa tactical and others make a rail.

2.) Depending on the range, you need a minimum barrel length per range rules.

Many thanks, that was the info I was looking for on the M2.

[kdruff2]

The M4 is a "Go to War" gun.
The M2 (non-pistol grip) is Mr. Versatility.

[Vertigofirearms]

Is there anything the M4 does better than the M2 for home defense?

M2 Barrel options: Various camos and black
Rifle sight 18.5"
Ghost ring 18.5"
Ghost ring 26"
Can interchange previous generation M1 Barrels (but not vice versa)
Vent rib 21"
Vent rib 24"
Vent rib 26"
Vent rib 28"
Rifled Slug 24"

M2 stock options:
Walnut
Steadygrip pistol grip (various camos and black)
Mesa tactical Urbino
Benelli field (various camos and black)
Comfortech field (various camos and black)

M4 stock options:
-ATI Raven
Benelli m1014 $tock ( we cant attach in CA)
Mesa tactical Urbino (various colors)
Benelli field $tock
Benelli pistol grip


M4 Barrel options: Only in military parkerized
-Low recoil L.E. 4-port barrel (do not use)
Ghost ring 18.5" (desert camo available)
Ghost ring 18.5 M1014 no choke

I would say get the M2, they are cheaper than the M4s and lighter. You have many more barrel options and stocks to choose from. like what kdruff2 said.

[Thefeeder]

><

Go to the local ranges and try some clay shooting....then decide.

[hermosabeach]

Some M2's are finicky with light 1 OZ loads

Some M2's get finicky when you add weight to them:
But cuff
Side saddle
Forend light
It is a recoil operated system. Changing the weight changes how it was set up from the factory for recoil impulse.

You can polish out the bolt/ recoil section and the stock recoil spring guide as well.

The M4 was designed to do what the M2 hiccups occasionally.

Both are great platforms.

With the M2 you can pick up a used 28" barrel for trap & skeet.
That is if you buy an m2 with a bead, not ghost ring.

Shooting a 28" bead barrel with a read ghost ring can be confusing to the eye as you are watching the bird, not the sights for clays.

Some of the M2 owners do shoot some skeet and trap with 18-22" barrels to verify that we can. The clay shooters feel embarrassed to be around someone with an 18" 6 shot mossberg or 20" M2 with ghost rings.

[bigbearbear]

Thanks for all the info guys. Looks like I'll probably need 2 shotguns instead of 1 if I want the best of both worlds. Leaning more towards the M2, heck, maybe get 2 of them; one in pistol grip shot barrel tactical configuration and another one in their Field configuration later for sport shooting (trap and skeet).