Benelli

Benelli's Three Operating Systems: Inertia, ARGO Gas, and RPO Gas

Most of Benelli's lineup — the M2, SBE3, Ethos, Montefeltro — runs on the inertia system, which uses the gun's own recoil to cycle the action with only two primary moving parts. The M4 uses the ARGO gas system, developed for U.S. military testing, which self-regulates across every load without adjustment. The new M2-G1 introduces a second gas system, Rear Piston Operated (RPO), built for civilian defensive use. The R1 rifle also runs an ARGO-based gas system adapted for centerfire cartridges. The M3 is different again: a convertible action that switches between semi-auto and pump with a twist of the forend ring.

Choosing a Benelli Field or Waterfowl Gun

The SBE3 is the waterfowl flagship, chambered up to 3.5 inches for the heaviest magnum loads. The M2 is Benelli's most versatile all-rounder, available in 12 and 20 gauge for field, waterfowl, and tactical use. The Ethos is the premium option, with Progressive Comfort recoil reduction and gauges down to 28. The Montefeltro brings classic walnut styling to the same inertia platform at a lower price than the Ethos.

Choosing a Benelli Tactical or Defensive Gun

The M4 is Benelli's military-proven flagship, adopted by the USMC as the M1014. The M2-G1 is the newer, more accessible gas-operated alternative built for civilian and law enforcement use. The M3 Convertible switches between semi-auto and pump specifically to run low-energy specialty loads that won't reliably cycle a straight semi-auto — it's sold to qualified law enforcement buyers rather than as a standard civilian model.

Pump and Over/Under: Nova, SuperNova, and 828U

The Nova and SuperNova are Benelli's pump-action shotguns, sharing a mechanically simple, gas-free action; the SuperNova adds a steel-skeleton, polymer-overmolded receiver and a 3.5-inch chamber. The 828U is Benelli's only over/under, using an aluminum-alloy receiver and Progressive Comfort stock to cut weight without giving up recoil control.

LUPO and R1: Benelli's Rifle Lineup

The LUPO is Benelli's bolt-action big game rifle, built around a chassis-style stock with Progressive Comfort recoil reduction and a 3-shot sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. The R1 takes the opposite approach — a semi-automatic rifle built on the same ARGO gas system as the M4, for hunters who want a fast-cycling second shot rather than bolt-gun precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Benelli M2 and M4? The M2 uses Benelli's inertia system; the M4 uses the ARGO gas system and carries USMC service history. The M4 is the more expensive, military-specification option.

Is the Benelli M3 available to civilians? The M3 Convertible is generally sold to qualified law enforcement buyers rather than as a standard civilian retail model — check current availability before assuming it's an open purchase.

What's Benelli's most versatile shotgun? The M2 covers the widest range of use cases — field, waterfowl, and tactical configurations all on the same inertia platform, in 12 and 20 gauge.

Does Benelli make a bolt-action rifle? Yes, the LUPO. Benelli also makes a semi-automatic rifle, the R1, for hunters who want faster repeat shots than a bolt gun allows.

See Also: Benelli M2 • Benelli M4 • Benelli SBE3 • Benelli Ethos • Benelli LUPO • Semi-Auto Shotguns