Prestigious industry award recognizes the M2-G1 following extensive product evaluation and editorial review.
Benelli is proud to announce that the M2-G1 Tactical has been named Guns & Ammo's 2026 Shotgun of the Year, earning one of the firearm industry's most respected annual honors.
The Guns & Ammo Awards recognize standout products through a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by the publication's editors, contributors and staff. Consideration includes extensive testing and evaluation, field use, industry events and consumer input, with nominations and voting finalized following the annual Outdoor Sportsman Group Roundtable in Grand Junction, Colorado.
To qualify, products must be new and commercially available in 2026, demonstrate quality and reliability that meet or exceed their design objectives, and offer meaningful availability and appeal to a broad audience. Samples are acquired to support a representative evaluation, and products that raise concerns about reliability or durability are removed from consideration. Final selections are determined by popular vote, with particular merit given to innovative engineering and products offering meaningful benefits to consumers.
The M2-G1 earned this distinction with its innovative Rear Piston Operated (R.P.O.) gas system and thoughtful design enhancements, bringing a new level of refinement to Benelli's tactical shotgun lineup. The platform was engineered to promote cleaner operation and reduce maintenance, while features such as enhanced ergonomics, enlarged operating controls and adaptable stock configurations support its purpose-built design.
"Being named Guns & Ammo's 2026 Shotgun of the Year is an exceptional honor for Benelli," said Tom DeBolt, CEO of Benelli USA. "The credibility of this award means a great deal because it reflects a thorough evaluation of the products competing for recognition. This is powerful validation of the work that went into bringing the M2-G1 to life. Our engineers, the gunsmithing team in Pocomoke, and our colleagues in Italy poured their expertise and dedication into this project. I'm incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished and grateful to see their work recognized."
The recognition adds to the M2-G1's credentials, which also include a 4.54-out-of-5 "Gold Standard" rating through the National Tactical Officers Association's Member Tested and Recommended Program following hands-on evaluation by five NTOA members.
For Benelli, the award reinforces the company's commitment to purposeful innovation, uncompromising quality and engineering that delivers meaningful performance for the end user.
About Benelli Tactical: Benelli Tactical, headquartered in Accokeek, Maryland, is built on decades of innovation, field-proven reliability, and uncompromising engineering. The legendary M4 platform anchors its tactical heritage, trusted by military, law enforcement, and serious defensive users around the world. Today, Benelli Tactical continues to define premium shotgun performance through advanced operating systems, refined ergonomics, rugged durability, and a full range of purpose-built platforms including the Nova 3, SuperNova 3, M2-G1, M4, and M4 EXT. Built for those who demand absolute confidence when it matters most, Benelli Tactical stands as The Global Standard of the Elite.