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Benelli M2 vs M4 (2022 UPDATED) A Complete Guide

benelli m2 vs m4
The Benelli M2 vs M4 semi-auto combat shotguns have always been the preferred choice for tactical shooters among the M series because of their impressive and revolutionary designs. But what makes the M2 and M4 both powerful yet so different?

Key Difference Between Benelli M2 & M4

The M2 is an inertia-driven shotgun, while the M4 is Benelli’s first gas gun that was purpose-built for the Marine Corps and operates using the A.R.G.O. system. The M2 series is likely the most popular of the Benelli series of shotguns, while the Benelli M4 is the heaviest shotgun in Benelli’s lineup. The Benelli M2 comes in the widest variety of configurations while the M4’s configurations vary between fixed stocks with pistol grips and standard stocks.

Specification Chart

Benelli M2

  • Brand: Benelli
  • Model: Benelli M2 (Field)
  • Feed System: 5 + 1
  • Weight: 6.7 lbs
  • Length: 39.75 inches
  • Operating System: Inertia-Driven System
  • Case Capacity: 5 + 1
  • Barrel Length: 18.5″
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Benelli M4

  • Brand: Benelli
  • Model: Benelli M4 (Tactical)
  • Feed System: 5 + 1
  • Weight: 7.8 lbs.
  • Length: 40 inches
  • Operating System: Auto-Regulating, Gas-Operated (A.R.G.O.)
  • Case Capacity: 5 + 1
  • Barrel Length: 18.5″
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Comprehensive Comparison

Benelli M2 & M4 Pricing

When it comes to pricing, the Benelli M2 wins against the M4 Benelli because it is more affordable than the M4 series. Their price ranges are poles apart because the M2 is the cheapest among all the Benelli’s M series, while the M4 is the most expensive one. With this, the Benelli M2 automatically gets its first win against the M4.

Design & Ergonomics

The Benelli M2, since it is inertia driven, operates cleaner than gas-operated semi-automatic shotguns. When our team did a test shoot, we found that the ComforTech feature of the Benelli M2 makes it easier and smoother to shoot than the M4 Benelli, which chugs ammo, shoots softly, and is heavy.

We, therefore, concluded that inertia guns run well, kick a bit more, and are lighter. With this, the Benelli M2 gets the point.

If you’re looking for more ergonomic rifles, check this Daniel Defense & LWRC comparison here.

benelli m2 design

Size & Weight

Although both of their stocks weigh the same, and their barrels are the same length, the Benelli M2, being an inertia gun, is more than a pound lighter than the M4 when you compare similar models. Since the M2 Benelli is more lightweight, which could be a significant factor for shotguns, we decided to give this point to M2.

Operating System - Benelli M4 or M2?

In comparing the Benelli M2 vs M4, their operating system is one of their main differences. The M2 shotgun operates with Benelli’s Inertia-Driven® System, while the M4 operates by a unique, Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated (A.R.G.O.) system, which is better in a lot of essence than the M2’s. The A.R.G.O. system eliminates the more complicated linkages and heavier parts of other semi-auto shotgun designs. It has an auto-regulating gas system that handles field loads to hard-hitting 3 inches buckshot without adjustments.

Benelli M2 & Benelli M4 Optics

benelli m2 optics

The Benelli M4 is definitely on top of its game against the M2, which doesn’t offer the same optic rail.

The Benelli M4 comes with a fully adjustable LPA ghost ring rear sight and a white dot front blade inside protective ears for quick target acquisition, and 5.25” Picatinny rail that allows the user to mount additional scopes and optical sights. With this, the M4 Benelli takes another win.

Know more about scopes in this Vortex vs Nikon article.

Reliability

The M4 Benelli is paramount in semi-auto reliability because it runs on a dual short-stroke gas piston system that is virtually bomb-proof. The Benelli M2 runs off the tried and tested Benelli Inertia system, which is quite reliable, too. Since both run 100% accurate with slugs, the result is a draw.

Benelli M2 Pros & Cons

PROS

  • Strong and simple inertia operation
  • Cycles both 2-3/4” and 3” shells without adjustments
  • ComforTech recoil reduction system
  • Crio System barrel and choke tubes
  • Lightweight and fast handling

CONS

  • No optic rail
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Benelli M4 Pros & Cons

PROS

  • Operates by unique A.R.G.O. system
  • Handle everything from field loads to hard-hitting 3”
  • Pistol-grip synthetic buttstock
  • 5.25” Picatinny rail
  • Includes one choke tube

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Some availability issues
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Benelli M4 or Benelli M2? We Pick...

In the combat between the Benelli M2 vs M4 Benelli, we pick the M4 Benelli because it features the impressive A.R.G.O. system, it’s fast handling, and is very reliable. If price is a concern, and you can find them available, the Benelli M2 is still an impressive tactical shotgun and also a good choice.

If you want to read about powerful AR-15 ammo, here’s our Grendel 6.5 & 223 Remington comparison.

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Our #1 Recommendation

Benelli M4

  • Operates by unique A.R.G.O. system
  • Handles everything from field loads to hard-hitting 3”
  • Pistol-grip synthetic buttstock
  • 5.25” Picatinny rail
  • Includes one choke tube
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