Best Deer Slug Guns · #6
M2 Rifled Slug
Benelli
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Inertia action keeps recoil manageable through a day of sighting in. Fast follow-up on driven deer.
Pros
- Exceptional slug accuracy out to 100+ yards
- Reliable inertia-driven semi-automatic action
- Manageable recoil for a 12-gauge slug gun
- Excellent durability and weather resistance
- Fast follow-up shots on moving game
Cons
- Specialized purpose, not versatile for other shotgun sports
- Higher price point compared to smoothbore alternatives
- Can be picky with very light slug loads, though uncommon
Best uses
- Deer hunting with slugs
- Dense brush hunting
- Southern deer hunting
- Shotgun-only zones
Specifications
- Maker
- Benelli
- Action
- Semi-automatic, Inertia-Driven
- Barrel Type
- Fully Rifled
- Caliber
- 12 Gauge
- Recoil System
- Inertia-Driven
- MSRP
- Approximately $1,300 - $1,500
Pricing
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Best for
Deer hunting with slugs, Dense brush hunting, Southern deer hunting, Shotgun-only zones
Where to buy the M2 Rifled Slug
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The Benelli M2 Rifled Slug gun is a specialized tool, a purpose-built shotgun designed to excel in scenarios where slugs are the primary projectile. It's not a generalist, but rather a finely tuned instrument for specific hunting conditions, particularly those requiring accurate slug placement at moderate ranges. Its heart is the reliable Benelli inertia-driven system, renowned for its simplicity, consistent cycling, and minimal maintenance requirements. This mechanism is key to its performance, translating into a shotgun that handles recoil with surprising grace for a slug gun, making extended range sessions less punishing. While many shotguns can fire slugs, the M2 Rifled Slug distinguishes itself with features optimized for precision. The rifled barrel is the most obvious, imparting spin to slugs for improved stability and accuracy downrange, a significant advantage over smoothbore alternatives when reaching out past 50 yards. It's a shotgun for the dedicated deer hunter, especially those operating in dense cover where rifle shots are impractical or prohibited. Its robust construction and straightforward operation also make it a dependable choice for various weather conditions, a critical consideration when hunting takes you into less-than-ideal environments.
Who It's For
This shotgun is for the serious deer hunter who primarily uses slugs, especially in areas where regulations restrict rifle use or terrain favors shorter-range, high-impact shots. It’s not for the casual hunter looking for an all-around shotgun; its specialized rifled barrel means it’s not ideal for birdshot or buckshot for other game. Hunters who appreciate reliable semi-automatic action and value accuracy with slugs will find a lot to like. It's also a strong contender for those who find traditional pump-action slug guns too slow for follow-up shots on moving game. Essentially, if deer with slugs is your game, this is a top-tier contender.
Materials and Construction
The M2's construction centers on durability and function. It typically features a lightweight aluminum alloy receiver, reducing overall weight for easier carry in the field. The barrel is a heavy-duty steel, precisely rifled for optimal slug performance. Stock and forend are often synthetic, either a robust polymer or a more advanced technopolymer, chosen for its weather resistance, impact absorption, and low maintenance. Finishes are typically matte black or camo patterns, designed to minimize glare and stand up to the rigors of hunting. Internally, the inertia system is elegantly simple, with fewer parts to break or malfunction compared to gas-operated systems.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the M2 Rifled Slug performs exactly as advertised. The inertia system handles recoil exceptionally well for a 12-gauge slug gun, making it surprisingly comfortable to shoot, even with magnum loads. This translates to less flinching and better accuracy, especially on follow-up shots. Accuracy with quality rifled slugs is excellent, consistently grouping within a few inches at 100 yards, which is outstanding for a shotgun. Its balance is good, making it quick to shoulder and point. The cycling is consistently smooth and reliable, even in cold, wet conditions that can sometimes gum up other semi-autos. Cleaning is also straightforward due to the clean-burning inertia system.
Weight and Packability
Weighing in around 7 to 7.5 pounds, the M2 Rifled Slug gun is not ultralight, but it's certainly manageable for all-day carry in the woods. Its balance helps distribute the weight, making it feel less cumbersome than its numbers might suggest. The overall length is typical for a hunting shotgun, and while it doesn't break down into ultra-compact components, its profile is slim enough to navigate dense brush without excessive snagging. For a dedicated slug gun offering this level of performance and reliability, its weight and handling are well within acceptable, even desirable, parameters for a robust field tool.
Durability and Longevity
Benelli's reputation for durability is well-earned, and the M2 Rifled Slug gun is no exception. The inertia system is inherently less prone to fouling than gas systems, meaning fewer small parts to break or seize up due to carbon buildup. The synthetic stock and forend are impervious to weather and bumps. The metal components are finished to resist corrosion and wear. With basic field cleaning and maintenance, this shotgun is built to last decades of hard use in diverse environments. It's the kind of firearm you can hand down to the next generation, confident it will still perform reliably.
Comparable Alternatives
At this price point, alternatives like the Savage 212/220 bolt-action slug guns offer similar or even superior accuracy, but sacrifice the semi-automatic action and quick follow-up shots. Other semi-auto slug options, such as certain Browning A5 or Remington V3 variants with rifled barrels, exist but often employ gas systems, which can be more temperamental in extreme conditions or with varied ammunition. The M2 uniquely combines reliable semi-auto function with a dedicated rifled barrel in a package that's hard to beat for overall performance and durability in its niche. It sits squarely in the premium, dedicated slug gun category.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best deer slug guns that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
M2 Rifled Slug — frequently asked questions
- Is the M2 Rifled Slug worth it?
- We rank it #6 in Best Deer Slug Guns. Inertia action keeps recoil manageable through a day of sighting in. Fast follow-up on driven deer.
- What is the M2 Rifled Slug best for?
- Best for deer hunting with slugs, dense brush hunting, southern deer hunting and shotgun-only zones. Standouts: exceptional slug accuracy out to 100+ yards and reliable inertia-driven semi-automatic action.
- What are the downsides of the M2 Rifled Slug?
- Specialized purpose, not versatile for other shotgun sports, Higher price point compared to smoothbore alternatives and Can be picky with very light slug loads, though uncommon.
- What are the key specs of the M2 Rifled Slug?
- Maker: Benelli · Action: Semi-automatic, Inertia-Driven · Barrel Type: Fully Rifled · Caliber: 12 Gauge · Recoil System: Inertia-Driven
- Who It's For?
- This shotgun is for the serious deer hunter who primarily uses slugs, especially in areas where regulations restrict rifle use or terrain favors shorter-range, high-impact shots. It’s not for the casual hunter looking for an all-around shotgun; its specialized rifled barrel means it’s not ideal for birdshot or…
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the M2 Rifled Slug?
- The M2's construction centers on durability and function. It typically features a lightweight aluminum alloy receiver, reducing overall weight for easier carry in the field.
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