Benelli M2 Montefeltro
- Last updated: 26/01/2017
Christened the Duca di Montefeltro, the diminutive 20-bore seen here arrived in Benelli’s distinctive if rather inconveniently shaped travelling case. Part and parcel of the deal is a full set of chromed multi-chokes, the effectiveness of which has to be experienced to be appreciated. Also supplied are a full set of shims and spacers, which allow adjustment of the well figured, walnut butt so that the angle of comb and heel drop can be tailored to the owner.
The gloss black receiver’s lines are only broken by the gold Benelli Armi script on the left and Montefeltro to the right. The gold trigger blade, matte black guard and cross-bolt safety catch all complimenting the action’s tasteful appearance. Only the silver flash of the highly polished bolt, shell lifter and lock fashionably clash with the action’s discreet demeanour, the loading gate and ejection port are suitably oversized to ensure ease of use.
Subtle and Smooth
Moving forward, whilst the 26” barrel flutes down and away from the 3” chamber, a neat, raised, 7mm, cross-cut vented rib continues the sight line from the top of the receiver. Crowned off with a red high visibility bead, a neat pip sits midway along the heat-dissipating strip, nice to see for the benefit of a novice but virtually superfluous given the Montefeltro’s inane ability to ensure correctness of mount.
From the box it appeared ideally set up as it showed a drop at comb and heel of 1 5/16” and 2 3/16” accordingly. The length of pull was 14¼”, with the butt was rounded off with a soft, absorbent rubber recoil pad. Equally, in all other respects the Montefeltro felt right from the moment it was assembled, the slight shortness of the stock emphasising the fact that to the Italians this lightweight, semi-auto is a near perfect hunting tool.
Girly Rounds
Given the fact that 20-bores, modern or otherwise are often the equal of the majority of 12s, there’s still the perception that the calibre is in some way sub standard or lacking in power. Although numerous shooters will disagree the comments were still there when I walked onto Coniston SG’s Skeet layout especially given the near gale force conditions.
However, Benelli in hand and choked Cyl and loaded up with Express 24-gram Super 20’s, comments and conditions were going to prove the ultimate test of man and machine. The one overwhelming sensation the little Montefeltro gives you even before you’ve actually fired it is a definite feeling of malleability and an attitude to enthuse.
With its 6lb 4oz weight centred directly below the loading gate combined with Benelli’s distinctive forend and semi-pistol grip, this gun virtually finds it own way to the shoulder. Speed and efficiency of cycling is as impressive as any I’ve used. Even though this model - like all other Benelli semis - is recoil operated, I found it far more efficient than any gas/piston propelled system.
Highest Score
With the Benelli dancing in the hands the 6lb 5oz trigger pull was a delight, the highest Skeet score of the day was posted with what seemed to be consummate ease. Whilst a change to ½ choke gave the Montefeltro that added reach, Coniston’s Compak birds quickly fell under its lethal spell. To sum up; be it as a general all-round shotgun, a serious small gauge competition tool or as the ideal smoothbore for a woman, junior or someone who’s decided a 12’s now too much for them, this elegant Benelli has got to be a serious contender. Even the most ardent wildfowler would be impressed with this little Italian beauty.
What you will have to watch is ammunition. At no time did the Benelli have the slightest problem cycling any of the Express 24 gram cartridges I put through it. However, when a couple of friends tried it with other makes of ammo the Montefeltro did start to stovepipe.
Before you now dismiss this 20-bore out of hand, I’ve encountered this problem many times before with semi-autos. My experience has shown that Benellis much prefer premium ammunition, as cheaper alternatives often display a lack of load consistency, which does nothing for its inertia/recoil operating system.
Buy, Buy Benelli
If ever a shotgun had been designed to eradicate the myth of the 20-bore being somewhat inferior, Benelli’s Montefeltro is it. OK it doesn’t employ their latest recoil reducing Comfortech system, none of their ‘Tradizione’ range do. But take it from me; you don’t need it, these little guns are as sweet as a nut and very user friendly. Put it this way, if it hurts you then the chances are it’s you and not the gun…
To conclude, the Montefeltro you see here has joined my collection. After having shot it for two days and won two competitions with it I couldn’t bare to send it back. Just like my shotguns, one day it’ll go but only to make way for another of these self – loading Italian gems.
We Reckon!
• Benellis are the benchmark
• Harry Potter’s magic wand
• Once you’ve tried one you’ll have to buy one
PRICE: £890