Designed as a purpose-built tactical shotgun for defensive professionals, law enforcement officers and serious tactical shooters, the M2-G1 combines Benelli engineering with an all-new Rear Piston Operated (R.P.O.) gas system designed for cleaner operation, reduced maintenance and dependable performance under demanding conditions.

The new Benelli M2-G1 Tactical has earned a 4.54 overall score in the National Tactical Officers Association's (NTOA) Member Tested and Recommended Program, following hands-on evaluation by five NTOA members from across the country.

The NTOA evaluation put the M2-G1 through a broad range of shooting and operational conditions. Testers evaluated the shotgun across categories including design, performance, ease of use, durability, versatility, application, accuracy and cleaning and maintenance. Individual tester scores ranged from 4.32 to 4.74, contributing to the overall 4.54 score.

"The M2-G1 is an amazing semi-auto shotgun platform," noted one tester, highlighting its extensive tactical features, performance with 00 buckshot and slugs, tight patterns and ability to cycle lighter birdshot. The tester also praised its combat loading characteristics, durability and ease of disassembly, cleaning and reassembly.

Another tester fired several hundred rounds of various ammunition, including 00 buckshot, rifled slugs, birdshot and steel shot. After extensive evaluation, the tester described the M2-G1 as a shotgun they would "absolutely" choose and concluded, "I highly recommend it."

Testing also demonstrated the M2-G1's ability to maintain reliable function through extended shooting. One tester ran approximately 500 rounds with no malfunctions, including a range session in the rain where 125 rounds of No. 8 birdshot were fired as quickly as the shooter could reload. The tester reported that the shotgun continued to run clean and concluded that the M2-G1 was a "formidable tactical tool, right out of the box."

"The M2-G1 was engineered around a simple principle: when the pressure is on, the shotgun has to perform," said Bret Maffett, Benelli Product Manager. "Having members of the tactical community put the M2-G1 through real-world-oriented testing and come away with a 4.54 overall score is meaningful. It reinforces what we set out to accomplish with this platform—deliver the handling, control and reliability professionals expect from a Benelli."

The M2-G1 brings a new operating system to Benelli's M2 platform. Its Rear Piston Operated (R.P.O.) gas system uses dual short-stroke pistons positioned near the chamber, while an isolated recoil spring assembly is protected from carbon and debris buildup. The result is a platform engineered to run cleaner and require less maintenance while remaining ready when it matters most.

The tactical configuration incorporates features designed around speed, control and adaptability, including:

• Rear Piston Operated (R.P.O.) gas system
• Dual short-stroke pistons positioned near the chamber
• Isolated recoil spring assembly
• 18.5-inch barrel
• Ghost-ring sight system
• M-LOK-compatible forend
• Beveled loading port
• Enlarged operating controls
• QD sling mounting positions
• Extended 5+1 or 7+1 capacity, depending on configuration
• 5-position collapsible stock or shortened fixed-stock configuration
• Upgraded pistol grip on 5-position stock models
• Parkerized operating components for durability and corrosion resistance

The NTOA testers specifically called attention to the M2-G1's extended charging handle and oversized bolt release, noting that the controls provided increased ease of manipulation in high-stress situations. Testers also praised the shotgun's multiple QD attachment points, M-LOK forend, collapsible stock, ghost-ring sights and Picatinny rail.

One tester summed up the evaluation after significant trigger time with the M2-G1: "All in all, I'd run it with no hesitation."

The M2-G1 Tactical is available in five configurations, including fixed- and 5-position-stock models in Gray, FDE and MultiCam Black. MSRP ranges from $1,829 to $2,149, depending on configuration.

The M2-G1's recognition through the NTOA Member Tested and Recommended Program adds another layer of real-world validation to Benelli's growing tactical shotgun lineup bringing together purpose-built functionality, modern operating technology and the proven engineering expected from Benelli.

For more information on Benelli USA's full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.