Description
The Benelli 828U 12 Ga, 26″, AA-Grade Satin Walnut Blue Progressive Comfort is a premium over-and-under shotgun built for the discerning shooter who demands lightweight handling and classic aesthetics without sacrificing modern engineering. It’s a field gun that feels like an extension of your intentions, not a burden on your shoulder.
I’ve put a few hundred rounds of target loads and some heavier field loads through this 828U, and its defining characteristic is its shockingly light feel. Weighing in at just 6.4 pounds, it swings fast and points intuitively. The Progressive Comfort stock system isn’t just marketing—it genuinely tames the recoil of a 12-gauge in a package this light. Here’s the thing—you’re paying for that blend of performance and beauty, with a price tag of $2255.06.
Key Features
- AA-Grade Satin Walnut Stock: This isn’t just pretty wood; it’s a hand-finished, select-grade walnut that provides a solid, warm grip and serious visual appeal in the field.
- Progressive Comfort System: An internal mechanical recoil reduction system built into the stock. It activates based on load intensity, making light target loads feel soft and taking the bite out of 3″ magnums.
- Ultra-Lightweight Design: The extensive use of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber in the action and barrels results in that 6.4 lb weight. It’s a game-day advantage when you’re walking miles.
- Low-Profile Receiver: The sleek, color-case-hardened blue finish isn’t just for looks. The low profile minimizes visual distraction for a clean sight picture.
- User-Convertible Hinge: A unique feature allowing you to switch the opening direction of the barrels from right to left. It’s drop-in ready and requires no gunsmithing—a brilliant bit of user-centric design.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chambers) |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | 44.5 Inches |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs |
| Stock | AA-Grade Satin Walnut |
| Chokes | Includes 5 Benelli Crio Chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) |
The 828U uses Benelli’s Crio chokes, which are the same system found on their popular Ethos and Montefeltro models, giving you a wide range of constriction options for any scenario. The 26″ barrel length is a sweet spot, offering a quick swing for upland birds or fast clays without feeling whippy. The single selective trigger is crisp, and the automatic safety is where your thumb expects it to be.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the upland hunter who covers serious ground and values every ounce, or the clays shooter who wants a responsive, elegant gun for sporting clays or skeet. It’s for someone who appreciates traditional craftsmanship but wants the recoil management of modern tech. If you’re tired of lugging a heavy over-under all day and want a tool that feels alive in your hands, this is your candidate. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The weight is its biggest advantage—it’s effortlessly carryable. The wood-to-metal fit is exemplary, showing Benelli’s high manufacturing standards. The Progressive Comfort system works as advertised, making long shooting sessions less punishing. The convertible hinge is a thoughtful touch for lefties or those who just want to try something different.
Cons: The premium materials and construction command a premium price. The ultra-light feel can require a slightly more disciplined swing on long crossing targets—it’s easy to over-lead. Some purists might prefer a hand-engraved receiver, but the clean, color-cased finish has its own understated elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Progressive Comfort system adjustable or tunable?
A: No, it’s not user-adjustable. It’s a sealed, mechanical system inside the stock that reacts dynamically to the recoil impulse of the shell you fire. It’s designed to be maintenance-free and always active.
Q: Can I use steel shot with this shotgun and its included chokes?
A: Absolutely. The barrels are back-bored and chrome-lined, and the Benelli Crio chokes are rated for all standard steel shot loads. Always follow the manufacturer’s choke tube recommendations for shot size and material.
Q: How does the convertible hinge work?
A: Using the provided tool, you can remove a small pin in the top lever and rotate it 180 degrees. This reverses the direction the barrels open—from opening to the right to opening to the left. The process takes minutes and requires no permanent modification, making it truly versatile.
If the idea of a classically-styled, modern-feeling over-under that won’t weigh you down speaks to you, the Benelli 828U deserves a close look. See its full details on our site.
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