Garand Thumb · Video summary
Benelli's New Shotgun Might Not Be It; The Benelli M2 G1
Garand Thumb reviews the Benelli M2 G1, a new shotgun that blends features from the Benelli M2 and M4, and compares it to other popular combat shotguns.
Watch on YouTube ↗Key takeaways
- 🔫The Benelli M2 G1 is a new shotgun from Benelli, featuring a piston system unlike the M2's inertial system, and is positioned as a new combat shotgun.00:40
- ⚙️The M2 G1 uses a rear piston-operated (RPO) system, similar to the M4's Argo system, with two rear pistons for cycling.02:53
- ❌Unlike the M4, the M2 G1 lacks an auto-regulating valve and self-cleaning piston, which are key features for managing pressure and cleanliness in the M4.03:12
- 💰The M2 G1 is priced similarly to the M4 at around $2,000, despite being intended as a mid-price option between the M2 and M4.03:48
- 💨The M2 G1 cycles faster than the M4 but has a sharper recoil, while the M4 offers a softer shooting experience.06:55
- 🔄The M2 G1 allows for easy ammunition type changes, similar to the M4 and 1301 Mod 2, by racking the handle and manually loading a new round.09:44
Chapters
- 0:39Introduction to the Benelli M2 G1
- 1:54Sponsors
- 3:51Benelli M2 G1 Overview
- 6:37Comparison Setup
- 7:23Bill Drill Performance
- 10:04Recoil Comparison
- 13:45One Round One Drill
- 15:37Ammunition Type Change
- 17:22Final Thoughts and Review
The digest
Benelli has introduced a new shotgun, the M2 G1, which aims to bridge the gap between their popular M2 and M4 models. This new offering features a piston-driven operating system, a departure from the M2's inertial system, and incorporates elements designed for combat effectiveness. But does it live up to the legacy of its predecessors, or does it carve out its own niche in a crowded market?
Design and Operating System: A Hybrid Approach
The Benelli M2 G1 utilizes a rear piston-operated (RPO) system, similar to the M4's Argo system, which is an auto-regulating piston operation. This is a significant change from the M2's lightweight, inertial-operated system. The RPO system in the M2 G1 features two rear pistons that provide enough gas to cycle the carrier. This design places the gas system further down the barrel, theoretically leading to cleaner operation and less fouling, a characteristic often praised in the Benelli M4.
However, unlike the Benelli M4, the M2 G1 lacks an auto-regulating valve. In the M4, this valve bleeds off excess energy when pressure is too high, contributing to a lighter recoil impulse and a self-cleaning piston. The absence of these features in the M2 G1 raises questions about its performance under varying ammunition pressures and its long-term cleanliness. Benelli's stated intention for the M2 G1 is to offer a price point between the M4 and the M2. However, at launch, the M2 G1 is priced similarly to the M4, around $2,000, which complicates its positioning in the market.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 4-minute article, 4 more sections, and every new episode from Garand Thumb and the creators you follow.
- Performance and Recoil Comparison
- Ammunition Management and Features
- Ergonomics and Design Choices
- Conclusion: A Good Shotgun in a Tough Market
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