Benelli M2 12ga Shotgun

The Benelli M2 is an inertially driven semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun. This one has a 26" barrel and a black synthetic ComforTech stock. It accepts 2¾" and 3" shells. Overall length: 47½", weight: 7.1 lbs, capacity: 3+1.

Most immediately, I will use this shotgun to hunt deer in Arkansas with buckshot while hunting with dogs. However, I suspect its primary use will be for waterfowl (ducks and geese). I can also use it to hunt coyote at Busch Wildlife and Howell Island.

It comes with five choke tubes: Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. In the future, I may buy a rifled slug barrel for this shotgun, to use in states which prohibit deer hunting with rifles.

I purchased this shotgun in 2009.

Buckshot

Though I primarily intend this shotgun to be used for waterfowl, the more immediate demand is for hunting deer with buckshot in Arkansas. It is legal there, and it is the preferred method when hunting with dogs (which is also legal in Arkansas).

Carlos insists that I want 15 pellet loads of 00 buckshot. Winchester Supreme X12XC3B5 seems to be the most appealing. They are copper plated lead, sold as "Double X Magnum". Carlos also recommends that I use a full choke tube, somewhat contrary to conventional wisdom. I patterned this combination, and indeed it produces good results out to about 50 yards.