Description
The Benelli 828U 12 Ga, 28″, 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. It’s a modern Italian-made hunting companion that blends a carbon fiber receiver with a stunning walnut stock for a unique feel in the field. I’ve put a few hundred target loads and a box of 3″ magnums through one, and it swings with a balance that’s hard to find off the shelf. Here’s the thing—it’s not your grandfather’s clunky over-under. At just 6.3 pounds, this 12-gauge feels lively and quick, a direct result of that carbon fiber and steel construction. The price reflects that quality, coming in at $2255.06.
Key Features
- Carbon Fiber Steel Receiver: Drastically reduces weight while maintaining strength and durability.
- AA-Grade Satin Walnut Stock: Hand-selected wood with a satin finish and Progressive Comfort recoil pad.
- Progressive Comfort System: Recoil-reducing stock system with a gel insert and flexible chevrons.
- 28″ Over-and-Under Barrels: Chrome-lined, with Optima-Bore HP chokes (5 included) and a ventilated rib.
- User-Convertible Trigger: Can be switched between mechanical and inertial operation without tools.
- Low-Profile Receiver: Streamlines the sight plane and contributes to the fast, natural handling.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | 45.5 Inches |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs |
| Stock | AA-Grade Satin Walnut |
| Chokes | 5 Optima-Bore HP (C, IC, M, IM, F) |
This shotgun is drop-in ready for the upland hunter or sporting clays shooter who prioritizes a fast, pointable gun over a heavy, stable one. The 28″ barrels offer a smooth swing, and the whole package is built for a full day in the field without shoulder fatigue. It’s compatible with standard 12-gauge shells from 2 3/4″ to 3″ and works seamlessly with aftermarket choke tubes from brands like Briley or Muller, giving you plenty of patterning options. The user-convertible trigger is a nice touch—you can set it up as a simple mechanical trigger or switch to the inertial system Benelli is famous for, all without a trip to the gunsmith. That said, the light weight means you’ll feel recoil more with heavy loads, a trade-off for that effortless carry.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptionally lightweight and quick-handling. The walnut and carbon fiber combination is both beautiful and functional. The Progressive Comfort pad genuinely takes the sting out. The trigger system flexibility is a clever, practical feature.
Cons: The premium price tag is a significant investment. The light frame transmits more felt recoil with high-power loads than a heavier gun. It might feel too lively for shooters accustomed to traditional, weighty over-unders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the trigger really convertible by the user?
A: Yes. Benelli includes a simple tool and the process takes about two minutes. You can switch between a direct mechanical trigger and their inertial system, which some prefer for its reliability with light target loads.
Q: What’s the actual benefit of the carbon fiber receiver?
A: It shaves critical ounces from the gun’s center, directly behind the barrels. This creates a forward balance that many find makes the gun point more instinctively. The total weight of 6.3 lbs is a full pound or more lighter than many competitors.
Q: Is this a good gun for a beginner?
A: It’s a fantastic handling gun, but the price and lightweight design make it better suited for an experienced shooter who understands fit and recoil management. A beginner might be better served by a more forgiving, heavier model to learn on.
Look, if you’ve been hunting for an over-under that doesn’t feel like you’re carrying an anchor through the CRP all day, the 828U deserves your attention. It’s a specialized tool that excels at what it’s designed for: fast, agile shooting in upland or clays scenarios. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, and this model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See if its unique feel is the right fit for your next season.
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