Benelli USA

Benelli makes shotguns that work differently than everything else on the rack -- and once you understand why, you'll either become a convert or stick with what you know.

This Italian company, now owned by Beretta, built its reputation on inertia-driven semi-autos. Instead of using gas like most semi-automatic shotguns, Benelli uses the gun's own recoil to cycle the action. It's simpler, cleaner, and lighter -- but pickier about ammunition.

Benelli started as a motorcycle company in 1967, switched to firearms, and introduced their inertia system in 1969. The U.S. Marines adopted their M4 as the M1014 combat shotgun in 1999, which tells you everything about reliability when it counts.

Most semi-auto shotguns tap gas from the barrel to cycle the action. Benelli's inertia system uses physics instead -- when you fire, the bolt stays put while the receiver recoils backward, compressing a spring that then cycles the action.

• •How Benelli's inertia system works - using physics instead of gas

• •What this means for you: No gas ports to clean, no gas pistons to maintain, and the gun runs cleaner longer. The trade-off is ammunition sensitivity -- light target loads might not generate enough recoil to cycle the action, especially when the gun is new.

You'll hear about "the Benelli click" from guys who tried running 7/8 oz loads through a brand-new gun. Run 100 rounds of full-power ammo first, and this usually sorts itself out.

The SBE3 is what most waterfowlers consider the gold standard. It handles 3.5" magnums all day, comes with ComforTech recoil reduction, and weighs less than comparable gas guns.

If you hunt ducks and geese seriously, this is probably what you want. For everything else, the M2 Field covers most hunting situations. The 3" chamber handles everything from dove loads to turkey magnums, and it's light enough for all-day carries.

• •Key milestones in Benelli's evolution from motorcycles to military shotguns

The M4 Tactical is Benelli's only gas-operated shotgun -- they built it specifically for the Marines, who needed something that would cycle everything from full-power buckshot to weak breaching rounds. It uses Benelli's ARGO gas system with dual self-cleaning pistons.

The M2 Tactical gives you the same inertia system as the hunting guns but with tactical furniture. Popular in 3-gun competition because it's fast and light.

The Nova and SuperNova are Benelli's pump-action options. One-piece polymer receivers, reliable as gravity, and priced around $400-600.

If you want Benelli quality but don't need semi-auto speed, these work.

If you shoot a lot in dusty conditions or go long stretches between cleanings, inertia guns run when gas guns start choking up.

If you shoot a lot in dusty conditions or go long stretches between cleanings, inertia guns run when gas guns start choking up.

But if you primarily shoot light target loads or are recoil-sensitive, a gas gun might suit you better.

ComforTech stocks on premium models help with the recoil issue -- Benelli claims up to 48% reduction. The stock has interlocking chevrons that flex when you fire. It works, though some shooters find the feel unusual at first.

• •New Benelli inertia guns often won't cycle light loads reliably until broken in
• •Run 100+ rounds of full-power ammunition through new guns
• •Springs need to settle in for proper operation
• •Light loads may cause "Benelli click" during break-in period

• •Prefer loads 1 oz and heavier
• •Standard velocity or better recommended
• •7/8 oz target loads may cause reliability issues
• •Full-power loads cycle most reliably

Entry-level semi-autos start around $1,200. Premium hunting models run $1,600-2,200.

The M4 Tactical hits $1,800-2,100. You're paying for Italian manufacturing and proven reliability.

Benelli makes phenomenal shotguns if you understand what you're getting. The inertia system is genuinely better for hunting applications -- lighter, cleaner, more reliable in harsh conditions.

The SBE3 dominates waterfowl hunting for good reasons. But they're not magic. The ammunition sensitivity is real, especially during break-in.

And you'll feel more recoil than comparable gas guns, even with ComforTech. If you hunt waterfowl seriously, shoot heavier loads regularly, or prioritize light weight and clean operation, Benelli makes sense.

If you're primarily a clay shooter who burns through cases of light target loads, stick with gas-operated guns.

If you hunt waterfowl seriously, shoot heavier loads regularly, or prioritize light weight and clean operation, Benelli makes sense. If you're primarily a clay shooter who burns through cases of light target loads, stick with gas-operated guns.

The M4 Tactical is in a class by itself -- it's what Marines carry because it absolutely will not quit. If your life might depend on your shotgun, this is the one.

Benelli figured out how to make semi-auto shotguns work without gas systems, and they've perfected it over 50+ years. Just make sure the trade-offs align with how you actually shoot.

Bottom line: Benelli figured out how to make semi-auto shotguns work without gas systems, and they've perfected it over 50+ years. Just make sure the trade-offs align with how you actually shoot.

• •See Also: [Beretta Shotguns], [Remington 870], Mossberg 500 Series