Benelli M2-G1 Shotguns
The M2-G1: Benelli's First Gas-Operated M2
For over two decades the M2 was the backbone of Benelli's semi-auto line, and it always meant one thing: Inertia Driven. In 2026 Benelli broke its own rule. The M2-G1 is the first M2 built on a gas system, the new Rear Piston Operated (RPO) action, and it was engineered specifically for the tactical market. The lineage runs straight through Benelli's fighting shotguns: the M1 Super 90 that started it, the M2 that refined it, the M4 that armed the military, and now the M2-G1, built in Urbino, Italy and backed by a 10-year warranty. Five factory models, one platform, all stocked here.
How the Rear Piston Operated System Works
Every gas shotgun fights the same enemy: its own carbon. RPO attacks the problem with placement. Two short-stroke pistons sit directly at the chamber, where gas is collected before it fouls the rest of the action. The recoil assembly, the part that suffers most in conventional designs, is moved out of the gas path entirely and mounted inside the stock, sealed away from carbon and debris. The result is an action that stays cleaner between range sessions, strips down simply, and cycles consistently from 2-3/4 inch loads to 3 inch magnums. Benelli keeps the M4 and its combat-proven ARGO system as the military benchmark. The M2-G1 and RPO exist for a different mission: maximum uptime with minimum maintenance.
Choosing Your M2-G1
Three decisions pick your model. First, the stock: a 5-position telescoping stock with an upgraded pistol grip, adjustable from 9-1/4 to 14 inches of pull, or a fixed stock with a standard grip at 13 inches, the simpler configuration and the one fewer states restrict. Second, capacity: 7+1 from the extended magazine tube on four of the five models, or 5+1 on the one model built for capacity-limited jurisdictions. Third, the finish: matte blued with an anodized gray receiver, Flat Dark Earth Cerakote, or licensed MultiCam Black. Every other spec is shared across the line.
The Five M2-G1 Models
Benelli 11610, Fixed Stock, 5+1
The compliance model and the lightest gun in the line at 7.4 pounds. Standard magazine tube, fixed stock, standard grip. Built for jurisdictions that cap shotgun capacity. UPC 0650350116106.
Benelli 11611, Fixed Stock, 7+1
Full capacity in the traditional stock. Same $1,949 MSRP as the 11610 with two more rounds in the tube, which makes it the value pick of the entire line. UPC 0650350116113.
Benelli 11612, Telescoping Pistol Grip Stock, 7+1, Black
The standard tactical configuration exactly as Benelli designed it: telescoping stock, pistol grip, extended tube, matte blued barrel over an anodized gray receiver. UPC 0650350116120.
Benelli 11617, Telescoping Pistol Grip Stock, 7+1, FDE Cerakote
The full tactical configuration wearing Flat Dark Earth Cerakote on the receiver and barrel, a ceramic finish chosen for corrosion and abrasion resistance. UPC 0650350116175.
Benelli 11622, Telescoping Pistol Grip Stock, 7+1, MultiCam Black
The flagship. Licensed MultiCam Black pattern over the full tactical configuration. UPC 0650350116229.
M2-G1 Specifications
Shared across all five models: 12 gauge chambered for 2-3/4 inch and 3 inch shells, semi-auto RPO gas action, 18.5 inch barrel with a Modified choke installed, ghost ring sights with a Picatinny rail, receiver drilled and tapped for optics, M-Lok forend, enlarged controls, beveled loading port with ramped trigger guard, QD sling mounting positions, parkerized bolt, right-hand configuration, 10-year limited warranty. The models differ only here:
| Item # | Stock | Capacity | Finish | Length of pull | Overall length | Weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11610 | Fixed | 5+1 | Black, gray receiver | 13 in | 38.5 in | 7.4 lbs | $1,949 |
| 11611 | Fixed | 7+1 | Black, gray receiver | 13 in | 38.5 in | 7.6 lbs | $1,949 |
| 11612 | Telescoping, pistol grip | 7+1 | Black, gray receiver | 9-1/4 to 14 in | 39.5 in | 8 lbs | $2,049 |
| 11617 | Telescoping, pistol grip | 7+1 | FDE Cerakote | 9-1/4 to 14 in | 39.5 in | 8 lbs | $2,149 |
| 11622 | Telescoping, pistol grip | 7+1 | MultiCam Black | 9-1/4 to 14 in | 39.5 in | 8 lbs | $2,149 |
Where the M2-G1 Sits in Benelli's Tactical Line
Benelli's tactical family now spans four price tiers. The pump-action SuperNova Tactical and Nova 3 Tactical hold the entry, starting around $519 and $649. The M2-G1 takes the middle at $1,949 to $2,149 MSRP, the semi-auto tier with the newest operating system in the catalog. Above it, the M4 line starts at $2,299 with the ARGO system that armed the U.S. military, and the M1014 carries that heritage in its issue configuration. Notably, Benelli's current M2 series lists only the Field and Speed models. The tactical slot in the M2 family now belongs to the M2-G1.
Benelli M2-G1 Questions, Answered
Where does the M2-G1 fit in Benelli's tactical lineup?
Between the pump guns and the M4. It is the mid-tier semi-auto, $1,949 to $2,149 MSRP against the M4's $2,299 start, and it carries the newest gas system Benelli makes.
Does the M2-G1 replace the Benelli M2 Tactical?
Effectively, yes. Benelli's current M2 series contains only the Field and Speed models. The M2-G1 is the tactical M2 going forward, with a gas action, higher capacity, and modern furniture the old inertia M2 Tactical never had.
How is RPO different from the M4's ARGO system?
Both are gas systems. RPO's defining move is relocating the recoil assembly into the stock, completely out of the gas and carbon path, while collecting gas at the chamber through dual short-stroke pistons. Benelli positions ARGO as the combat-proven military benchmark and RPO as the cleaner-running, simpler-maintenance system.
Which M2-G1 models have the telescoping stock?
Three: the 11612, 11617, and 11622. All pair the 5-position telescoping stock with an upgraded pistol grip. The 11610 and 11611 wear fixed stocks with standard grips.
Is the Benelli M2-G1 made in Italy?
Yes. Like Benelli's other shotguns, the M2-G1 is manufactured by Benelli Armi in Urbino, Italy.
Is the M2-G1 available left-handed?
No. All five factory models are right-hand configurations. Benelli has not announced a left-hand M2-G1.
Can I mount a red dot or optic on the M2-G1?
Yes, two ways from the factory: a Picatinny rail sits on the receiver, and the receiver is drilled and tapped. The ghost ring sights remain usable alongside a mounted optic.
What shells does the M2-G1 run?
12 gauge, 2-3/4 inch and 3 inch. The RPO gas system is built to cycle the full range consistently, from light target loads to 3 inch magnums.
What warranty covers the M2-G1?
A 10-year limited warranty from Benelli, covering defects in metal parts due to materials or workmanship from the original purchase date. That is double the 5-year coverage on many competing tactical shotguns.