Description
The Benelli 50th Anniversary Raffaello Limited Edition 12g 28″ Engraved Nickel AAA Walnut is a commemorative, semi-automatic shotgun built for the discerning shooter who values aesthetics and heritage as much as performance. It blends Benelli’s reliable inertia-driven system with lavish, hand-engraved nickel finishes and premium AAA-grade walnut furniture, creating a showpiece that’s also a serious field gun. This model celebrates five decades of Benelli innovation with a design that’s both a collector’s item and a functional hunting companion. With a price point of $2631.06, it sits in a unique space between high-end production guns and full-custom pieces, offering significant visual appeal for the investment.
Key Features
- 50th Anniversary Commemorative Engraving: Extensive, intricate scrollwork on the nickel-plated receiver marks this limited production run.
- AAA-Grade Walnut Stock: Features a high-grade, hand-checkered walnut stock and forend for superior grip and classic beauty.
- Benelli Inertia-Driven System: Proven, reliable action known for minimal recoil and easy maintenance with no gunsmithing required for routine cleaning.
- 28″ Vent Rib Barrel: Provides a long, stable sight plane ideal for wingshooting and clay targets.
- Complete Choke Tube Set: Typically includes a set of Crio chokes (e.g., IC, M, F) for versatility across game and clays.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 48.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.1 lbs |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Inertia Driven |
| Finish | Engraved Nickel Receiver, Blued Barrel |
| Stock | AAA Grade Walnut |
This shotgun ships with a hard case, choke tubes, and relevant documentation. It is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. The 28-inch barrel length is a classic choice that balances swing dynamics for everything from pheasants to sporting clays.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This isn’t your first shotgun. It’s for the hunter or shooter who already owns a reliable workhorse—maybe a Benelli M2 or a Beretta A300—and is looking to step up into a commemorative piece. It’s for the collector who appreciates anniversary editions, the upland hunter who wants to carry a beautiful gun in the field, and the shooter who values the heft and tradition of fine walnut and metal engraving. If your priority is pure, stripped-down utility per dollar, standard black synthetic models offer more bang-for-buck. But if you derive value from craftsmanship and heritage, this limited edition presents a compelling argument.
Pros & Cons: The Practical Tradeoffs
Pros: The standout advantage is its appearance; the engraved nickel and AAA walnut offer visual value unmatched by standard finishes. The Benelli inertia system is famously reliable with light to heavy loads, and it’s drop-in ready for a variety of hunting scenarios. It’s a limited edition, which can aid long-term value retention compared to a standard model. The fit and finish are typically a notch above the standard production line.
Cons: The price is the most obvious hurdle. For the cost, you could buy a standard Raffaello and a very capable pump-action or another semi-auto. The stunning walnut and engraving might make you hesitant to take it into rough, brushy conditions—defeating the purpose of a field gun. The fancy finishes don’t make it shoot more accurately than a base model; you’re paying for aesthetics and exclusivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this just a safe queen, or can I actually hunt with it?
A: You can absolutely hunt with it. The action and barrel are identical in function to a standard Raffaello field model. The engraving and finish are durable, but using it will inevitably add character marks. That said, many buyers do treat it as a special-occasion gun.
Q: How does the inertia system compare to a gas-operated system?
A: Benelli’s inertia system tends to be simpler and easier to clean since it has fewer moving parts and doesn’t get as dirty from gas residue. It can be slightly more sensitive to very light target loads than some gas guns, but it cycles a wide range reliably. Recoil perception is often sharper than a gas gun, which soaks up more energy.
Q: What makes the AAA walnut grade special?
A: AAA-grade walnut denotes wood with very attractive, dense figuring (the grain pattern), minimal imperfections, and a rich color. It’s a step above the standard grade used on most production guns, offering more visual depth and a higher-quality feel. It’s a major contributor to the gun’s elevated price and luxurious look.
Look, if you’re budget-conscious but have your heart set on a heirloom-quality Benelli, this 50th Anniversary Raffaello represents a specific kind of value. You’re getting a functional masterpiece with a story. For the shooter who measures value in craftsmanship and legacy as much as dollars per shell, this limited edition is a serious contender. See the full details and availability on our site.
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