High & Wide

If birds are low flying, I'm not as good at hitting them and so I'll shoot an Improved Cylinder with #9 shot. At all other times, I shoot a Modified choke with #8 shot. All my dove loads are 2 3/4", 3 1/4 dram, 1 1/8 ounce shot.

Any pump is going to have recoil - period. I don't care if it's a Benelli, Remington, Browning, Ithaca... If you have that much concern over buying a Benelli then buy something else because you'll be second guessing yourself from now on. I can tell you that I love my Benelli M2.

Now, that is sweet! Great lines, looks tight and well kept. Definitely grabs your attention and I bet could do some serious damage. The gun doesn't look bad either (or vice versa)!!

Thanks for the feedback. I would have replied earlier but have been busy trying to find my gun... I retire this next year and will have much more time to shoot. South America is a dream at this point but I thought the knowledge of what is most commonly shot there would help me decide which way to go. For hunting here at home, I believe I'll be shooting 9 shot with Improved Cylinder in the early season (birds flying closer). In the mid to late season, I'll shoot 8 shot in Modified and Improved Modified (birds higher in general). I think I'll be happy if I can get to where I can hit one out of three instead of one out of five!

I've recently purchased an M2 w/26" Advantage Timber finish and I love the gun. Does anyone have any experience w/M2 on high volume dove hunts in South America? What was the ammo of choice, size shot preferred and typical pass shooting ranges/chokes. Any similar responses regarding dove shoots anywhere would be welcome. Thanks in advance.

Sorry Mudhen, but it probably won't be my last. I think the forum is a great tool - whether the news is always good or not. I wasn't aware of the promotion before the purchase and only saw it when I went to the site to check on another choke. Second call to Benelli CS resolved a lot for me. The program giving a stock to new purchasers BEGAN June 1 and apparently the dealer didn't know it but upon a second call to them, they also were very helpful and agreed to provide the stock. The program ends July 15. As I said in the first post, I love the gun. I'll admit being too quick on the trigger with the criticism of Benelli CS but I can say they turned it around pretty quickly. Like I said, I really like the gun and I look forward to continuing reading and occasionally giving my 2 cents worth on this site.

I just purchased a new 26" Benelli M2 in Advantage Timber and so far, love the gun - recoil not as bad as I thought it would be. When I went on the Benelli homepage to read up on my new gun, i saw where they have posted an offer for a free stock incentive for new SBE II and M2 Field purchases. I contacted my dealer who in turn contacted Benelli and they would not honor the offer - they say it doesn't begin until July 15. It doesn't say that any where on the web site. My first (and hopefully, only) interaction with Benelli Customer Service leaves me with a sour taste...