Benelli M2-G1 Tactical Named “Shotgun of the Year 2026” by Guns & Ammo

30 October 2026

Benelli M2-G1 Tactical Named "Shotgun of the Year 2026" by Guns & Ammo

An international award recognising technological innovation, engineering excellence and teamwork.

The Benelli M2-G1 Tactical has been named "Shotgun of the Year 2026" by the prestigious American magazine Guns & Ammo. One of the firearm industry's most respected honours, this recognition highlights Benelli's ability to translate engineering expertise, research and innovation into advanced technological solutions.

Each year, the Guns & Ammo Awards recognise outstanding products for their innovation, quality and performance through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the magazine's editors and industry experts. The selection involves extensive testing, field trials, reliability and durability assessments, as well as user feedback. The selection process concludes with a vote following the annual Outdoor Sportsman Group Roundtable in Grand Junction, Colorado, and is limited to new releases introduced to the market in 2026.

What sets the M2-G1 Tactical apart is its innovative Rear Piston Operated (R.P.O.) gas-operated system, engineered to deliver cleaner operation and consistent performance, even under the most demanding operational conditions. This technology is complemented by advanced ergonomic solutions, oversized controls and adaptable stock configurations, creating a tactical platform specifically developed to meet the requirements of professional users.

The award holds even greater significance as it reflects the success of a shared project, built on the collaboration, expertise and engineering capabilities of Benelli teams in Italy and the United States.

This award adds to another significant achievement for the M2-G1 Tactical: a 4.54 out of 5 "Gold Standard" rating under the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Member Tested and Recommended programme, following hands-on evaluations conducted by association members.

This latest milestone further strengthens the legacy of Benelli Tactical, built on decades of innovation, proven reliability and engineering expertise. A heritage shaped in part by the legendary M4 platform, a benchmark for armed forces, law enforcement agencies and professional users worldwide, and one that continues to evolve through a dedicated range of products, including the Nova 3, SuperNova 3, M2-G1.

For Benelli, the "Shotgun of the Year 2026" title represents far more than a product award: it recognises an approach built on expertise, passion and innovation, and the ability of Benelli's people to turn every technological challenge into a new achievement.