I don't think there will ever be a consensus because "better" or "as good as" is still relatively subjective. There's no field model of the 1301, so for that the M2 would win by default. For tactical purposes, I'm inclined to say I'd prefer the 1301, especially if price is taken into account. I think the biggest area where the Benelli wins is if 922r is a concern - there's a lot of parts for the M2 and M4 to make them compliant.
In terms of the traditional view of "better" or "as good as" regarding performance, from what I've seen, overall? I personally would say it's as good as objectively, and possibly better subjectively. I don't think it gives up anything, and I've seen and heard of more than a few M2s that are sluggish, can have problems with push/ pull, can be more ammo sensitive, can have issues with weight being added to the gun (shell carriers, lights, optics, etc). Obviously not all of them, but enough that its not a secret that inertia guns might not perform as well.
I think the M4 is a LITTLE softer shooting, but it's probably because it weighs way more. Even still, I'd be shocked if my splits with the M4 were any better, especially if using reduced recoil loads in the 1301 (flight control 8 pellet, le133-00 is my preferred load). Some people complain the forend on the 1301 is too long because it makes mounting a light harder (which it does), but i definitely prefer it to the comparatively super short m4 forend.
Overall I'd say the 1301, M2, and M4 are in a different class than mostly anything else - to the point I'm pretty sure I'll never bother owning a 930, 1100, 1187, etc.
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