M2 or FN SLP

[hermnrob]

Need some help I've been researching Shotguns I have looked at CZ, Mossberg 930, FN SLP and M2 etc. I like them all but love the price for the CZ and Mossberg. But still not and expert like many here, so here my dellima. My buddy with deep pockets has been doing the same search.

He has been looking at the FN SLP and asked me If money was not a issue what would I buy. So I told him Benelli M2 12/21 synthetic comfortech stock, I let him know he would need a tube extension to match the FN which holds 9 shells.

He went down to buy one today, he didn't like that the only model Benelli has that you can put sights on is the tactical model. He does not like the 18 1/2 inch barrel on the tactical.

So am I right for telling him to buy a benelli M2? First he will need a tube extension and now if he can drill an tap for sights.
The FN SLP is ready right out the box. Although he can't find one. Plus piston for FN vs gas M2.
Does anyone here use and aftermarket sight on a Benelli M2 if so what have you done to install them and which sights do you use.

I really dont see why he would need aftermarket sights for bird shot and 00 buck. I can see using them for slugs. But then again I'm new to the sport.

So to all you experts let me know what you have done and any more info need to make it the perfect 3 gun shotgun.

Thanks Marshal

 

[Spiff]

He wants a 21" or 24" M2. He doesn't want an SLP. The SLP is still only about halfway ready to go. For 3 gun, you don't need anything other than a bead on the end of a vent rib unless the MD goes full retard.

I just got my 21" M1 back from AI:
open up loading port
weld and tweak lifter
10 round tube
kick-eez pad installed
tune shell latch
hi-viz front bead
lightened bolt carrier

That's it! I've been shooting a Benelli Super Black Eagle for the last 2 years with an extended tube, welded lifter, opened loading port, and stock bead. Don't need nothing fancy! If money is no object, get a 21" M2 and send it to AI or RNT.

 

[Redline]

He wants a 21" or 24" M2. He doesn't want an SLP. The SLP is still only about halfway ready to go. For 3 gun, you don't need anything other than a bead on the end of a vent rib unless the MD goes full retard.

I just got my 21" M1 back from AI:
open up loading port
weld and tweak lifter
10 round tube
kick-eez pad installed
tune shell latch
hi-viz front bead
lightened bolt carrier

That's it! I've been shooting a Benelli Super Black Eagle for the last 2 years with an extended tube, welded lifter, opened loading port, and stock bead. Don't need nothing fancy! If money is no object, get a 21" M2 and send it to AI or RNT.

This!!!

 

[twss]

The M2 is what a lot of guys are running in 3 gun. I don't have any real hands on experience so I can't speak on their behalf in the realm of reliability. I hear good things though. I do have a Mossberg 930 jm pro. It's been great in the 1,100 or so rounds I have put through it. I couldn't afford the M2 so I didn't get it. As for how most guys are setting up an M2. Ghost ring type sights are unnecessary for this type of shooting. A small notch filed into the back of the vent rib where it begins to rise up, just in front of the receiver will suffice. Also some use a flip up 10/22 rear sight dovetailed into the vent rib. Nordic components makes the best mag tube extension on the market right now and run about $75.00 for the whole package. You will want something with interchangeable chokes. Light modified and Modified are the two most widely used chokes. I don't know if the 18.5" barrel has that as an option or not. Most guys run a 21". That's all I got for you. I am new myself so maybe someone more experienced will chime in and give better advice. Good luck.

Brandon.

 

[Spiff]

The M2 is what a lot of guys are running in 3 gun. I don't have any real hands on experience so I can't speak on their behalf in the realm of reliability. I hear good things though.

Brandon.

An SLP is just not as reliable as a stock or properly done M2/M1/SBE.

 

[hermnrob]

What barrel length would you all suggest 21 or 24, I have read that target pickup is faster with the 21. T or F?

 

[Steve L]

I run an SX2 which is a kissing cousin of the FN SLP, the parts and barrels are even interchangeable. I found mine on a duck hunting forum for $500, added a longer tube, bolt handle, shortened the LOP, and opened the port. I absolutely love it, and 2 of my shooting buddies went and bought the same after shooting mine (one owned a Benelli). A third friend is now in the market for the same gun since he is on a budget and can't afford the RNT M2 yet.
I started with a 930 and quickly outgrew it. Now, the reason I didn't go with a Benelli is the recoil (compared to gas) was too much for me due to previous injuries. So I found the sx2 (FN) was the shotgun for me.

 

[Wormydog1724]

I sold my FN SLP MK1 and bought a Benelli M2 21".....

 

[Matt1911]

If money isn't an issue, get the M2
If you're on a budget, get a CZ 712 and contact Kirk about some kick ass springs so you can run the lighter loads.

Either way you choose to go, it would be wise to send it off to Accurate Iron or Red Neck Tactical so they can work over the loading port and chamber.

 

[hermnrob]

Steve L any problem with light load with the gun being piston an not gas? That was the one thing I read about the FN piston problem with light loads.

I see everyone talking about 21 inch barrel so is that the barrel to go with?

Thanks

 

[Matt1911]

Barrel length is a personal choice really. I personally like the 26" barrel with a +7 tube. It has better velocity for knocking down steel and the mag tube doesn't stick out way past the barrel.

This is an older pic, I have an extended choke in it now so it's almost flush with the tube.

Then of course you have to get the lifter welded and the loading port opened.

 

[hermnrob]

Very nice shotgun I like the barrel the same length as the tube. Plus 7 so is that a total of 10 plus 1?

 

[Steve L]

I have the 3" gun not the 3 1/2" so the light loads are no problem at all. I usually use winchesters but the store was sold out so all I could get were light federals. I ran it at the Tioga annual 3 gun this past weekend on the first shotgun stage it hiccuped with the light loads and after that stage I oiled it and went without a hitch. You can see it here . I have the 26" vent rib and I'll consider a shorter barrel when FN releases the 22" VR.

 

[jtischauser]

Benelli is still the king. If your pockets are deep it's the only option. If you are On budget the new Remington Versa Max tactical is very Benelli like with an inertia system and a gas system like a Benelli m4. Retail the Versa max is around $1200 and it comes with a tube and a sight and a big bolt release and charging handle. It needs the lifter welded and loading port opened and smoothed. Other than that it's ready to go.
The fn slp is a hit or miss deal. I've seen some run lie a top and some not at all.

If you're only going to shoot a little bit anything will work. If you're going to spend $1,000+ traveling to some big matches around the country get the Benelli.

 

[hermnrob]

That is so cool I could watch video all day I love them thanks, I watch a lot of one's Jesse puts up. Can't wait to get everything in need to start doing it myself.

I'm plan on going to Rockcastle to watch it live.


Another nice shotgun Thanks for the info.

 

[Steve L]

Here is mine, has a Briley extension/spring/follower, I get 10+1.

View attachment 2800

 

[hermnrob]

Thanks Jesse I've read about it too, made off of an out of date Benelli patent or so I've read.

Steve my buddy is retired and has the deep pockets, really nice guy, so I'll get to use his until the piggy bank gets enough in it so I can get one. Right now it's climbing it's way to the top for a CTR.

 

[Matt1911]

Very nice shotgun I like the barrel the same length as the tube. Plus 7 so is that a total of 10 plus 1?

Yes 10+1+1 if you ghostload.

 

[Steve L]

Thanks Jesse I've read about it too, made off of an out of date Benelli patent or so I've read.

Steve my buddy is retired and has the deep pockets, really nice guy, so I'll get to use his until the piggy bank gets enough in it so I can get one. Right now it's climbing it's way to the top for a CTR.

just an FYI I was in my local Dicks Sporting Goods last month and they are selling a new Benelli M2 for $899. send the lifter to crums add $50 and another $150-200 at Nordic and you are ready to play for less than a new Remington VM. If you are handy you can do the loading port yourself.

 

[hermnrob]

Thanks for the heads up about Dick's, all the information is truly appreciated. I'm pretty sure I'll have a picture of a new shotgun sent to my phone from Steve very soon!