Unleash Your Creativity: 7 Tips for Customizing the Benelli M2 20 Ga

The Benelli M2 is a legendary shotgun known for its versatility and reliability. If you're an enthusiast looking to take your M2 to the next level, this guide will walk you through some creative ways to customize and enhance your shotgun. Whether you're a hunter, a competitive shooter, or just a gun enthusiast, these modifications will help you design the ultimate Benelli M2 20 Ga that suits your needs perfectly.

1. Choose the Right Barrel Length

The barrel length of your Benelli M2 plays a crucial role in its performance and handling. While the standard barrel length is 24 inches, you can opt for a longer or shorter barrel depending on your shooting preferences. A longer barrel provides better accuracy and velocity, making it ideal for long-range shooting. On the other hand, a shorter barrel is more maneuverable and perfect for close-quarters situations.

Consider your primary use case and choose a barrel length that complements it. For example, if you're a waterfowl hunter, a longer barrel might be more suitable, while a shorter barrel could be better for upland bird hunting.

2. Select the Perfect Choke

The choke of your Benelli M2 determines the spread of the shot pattern and its effectiveness at different ranges. There are various choke options available, including Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, and Extra-Full. Each choke type has its own unique pattern density and range, so choose the one that aligns with your shooting needs.

If you're a hunter, consider using a Full or Extra-Full choke for tight patterning at longer ranges. For clay shooting or home defense, an Improved Cylinder or Modified choke might be more appropriate, offering a wider spread for closer ranges.

3. Customize the Stock

The stock of your Benelli M2 is a critical component that affects comfort, accuracy, and recoil management. You can customize the stock to fit your body perfectly, ensuring a comfortable and natural shooting experience. Consider the following options:

• Adjustable length of pull: This feature allows you to customize the distance between the trigger and the stock end, ensuring a perfect fit for your arm length.
• Cheekpiece adjustments: Raise or lower the comb of the stock to align your eye with the sight or optic, improving accuracy.
• Recoil pad: Choose a recoil pad with the right amount of padding to reduce felt recoil and enhance shooting comfort.

4. Upgrade the Sights

The standard Benelli M2 comes with a fiber-optic front sight and a metal bead rear sight. While these sights are functional, you can enhance your shotgun's performance by upgrading to more advanced options. Here are some ideas:

• Red dot sights: These electronic sights provide a fast and accurate aiming solution, perfect for close-range shooting or moving targets.
• Reflex sights: Similar to red dots, reflex sights offer a clear and precise aiming point, making them ideal for quick target acquisition.
• Tritium night sights: If you often shoot in low-light conditions, tritium night sights provide a bright, illuminated aiming point, ensuring accurate shooting even in dark environments.

5. Add a Tactical Rail System

A tactical rail system allows you to mount various accessories to your Benelli M2, expanding its capabilities. You can attach tactical lights, laser sights, vertical foregrips, or even a red dot sight to your shotgun. This customization option adds versatility and functionality to your weapon, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios.

6. Enhance the Finish

The finish of your Benelli M2 can significantly impact its appearance and durability. Consider the following options to enhance the finish of your shotgun:

• Cerakote: This high-performance ceramic-based coating provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. It's available in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to customize the look of your shotgun.
• Engraving: Add a touch of elegance and personalization to your Benelli M2 with custom engraving. You can choose from various designs and even include your name or initials.

7. Optimize the Action

The action of your Benelli M2 is responsible for cycling the shotgun and loading the next round. You can optimize the action to improve its performance and reliability. Here are some suggestions:

• Upgrade the recoil spring: A stiffer recoil spring can improve cycling and reduce the chance of malfunctions.
• Install an extended magazine tube: This modification allows you to carry more rounds, increasing your shotgun's capacity.
• Add a follower for faster reloading: A follower can help guide the shells into the chamber more efficiently, reducing the time between shots.

Conclusion

Customizing your Benelli M2 20 Ga is an exciting way to create a shotgun that perfectly suits your shooting needs and personal style. By selecting the right barrel length, choke, and stock adjustments, and adding tactical accessories and an enhanced finish, you can design a shotgun that performs exceptionally well in any situation. Remember, the key to a successful customization project is understanding your shooting preferences and choosing modifications that align with them. With these tips, you're well on your way to designing the ultimate Benelli M2 20 Ga.

What is the Benelli M2 known for?

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The Benelli M2 is renowned for its versatility, reliability, and robust design. It’s a popular choice among hunters and shooters due to its ability to handle various ammunition types and its semi-automatic action, which provides a smooth and fast shooting experience.

Can I use different ammunition types in the Benelli M2?

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Yes, the Benelli M2 is designed to be versatile and can handle a wide range of ammunition, including 2-³⁄₄”, 3”, and 3-¹⁄₂” shells. This makes it suitable for various shooting disciplines and hunting scenarios.

Is the Benelli M2 suitable for left-handed shooters?

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Absolutely! The Benelli M2 is ambidextrous, featuring a reversible bolt release button and safety selector, making it ideal for both right- and left-handed shooters.

Can I customize the Benelli M2 for home defense purposes?

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Yes, the Benelli M2 is an excellent choice for home defense. You can customize it with a shorter barrel, a red dot sight, and a tactical light to create a highly effective home defense shotgun.

Are there any legal considerations when customizing my Benelli M2?

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It’s crucial to be aware of local and federal laws regarding firearm modifications. Always ensure that your customized Benelli M2 remains compliant with all relevant regulations. Consult with a legal expert if you have any doubts or concerns.