I was told about the horrible recoil of the Benelli's but bought one anyway, M2 Field with 21" VR, comfort tech stock, and the smallest recoil pad they make. I took it out and ran 150 rounds of Winchester AA Super Sport, 1350 FPS 1 oz. 7 1/2 shot, and my shoulder didn't fall off, I could tell I had shot some shells but it wasn't bad, I'v never shot a M1 but I would think the recoil would be more since it doesn't have the Comfort tech stock. I say get the M2 and never look back