Description
Picture this: you’re in a Missouri dove field at last light, the birds are moving, and you need a shotgun that swings like an extension of your will. For the left-handed shooter who demands elegance without sacrificing performance, the answer is the Benelli 828U 12 Ga, 26″, AAA-Grade Satin Walnut Nickel Engraved Left Handed. It’s a premium, over-and-under shotgun built from the ground up for southpaws, featuring a lightweight carbon fiber receiver, a AAA-grade satin walnut stock, and intricate nickel engraving. This isn’t an adaptation; it’s a purpose-built left-handed hunting and sporting instrument.
Here’s the thing—most over-and-unders are right-hand-centric, forcing lefties to compromise. Benelli engineered the 828U to end that. The entire platform, from its low-profile receiver to its optimized ejection and safety, is designed for natural left-handed operation. It fits out of the box for the left-handed shooter, with no awkward reaching or adjusting your grip to work the controls. The 26-inch barrel length provides a quick, balanced swing in tight covers or on sporting clays, making it versatile across upland and wing shooting scenarios. With an unloaded weight starting around 6.3 pounds, it’s light enough for all-day carries without feeling whippy or unstable.
The heart of this shotgun is its advanced carbon fiber steel receiver. This isn’t just for looks; it shaves critical weight from the center of the gun, improving balance and handling dramatically. That lightweight core is wrapped in classic beauty with a AAA-grade satin walnut stock and forend. The wood isn’t just a veneer—it’s selected for figure and density, then finished in a satin oil that protects while feeling warm in the hand. The nickel receiver engraving adds a layer of refined detail, a step above standard blued models, providing corrosion resistance and a distinctive, bright appearance.
Performance is driven by Benelli’s Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system built into the stock. It uses elastomer inserts to dampen felt recoil, a serious benefit when you’re running through a case of shells on the clays range. The trigger is a single, selective unit with a crisp, consistent pull. The gun uses Benelli’s interchangeable Optima-Choke HP choke tube system, compatible with a wide range of aftermarket tubes from brands like Briley and Carlson’s, letting you fine-tune your pattern for everything from skeet to turkey. The price reflects this level of craftsmanship and specialized engineering, coming in at $2631.06.
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chambers) |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 43.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.3 lbs (Unloaded) |
| Stock | AAA-Grade Satin Walnut, Left-Hand |
| Choke System | Benelli Optima-Choke HP (Includes 3 Tubes) |
Pros: True left-handed design from ejection to safety. Exceptional weight-to-strength ratio from the carbon fiber receiver. The AAA walnut and nickel engraving offer standout aesthetics. The Progressive Comfort system genuinely mitigates recoil. The 26″ barrel is a versatile ‘do-it-all’ length for field and clays.
Cons: Premium price point. The satin finish on the walnut, while beautiful, may show handling marks faster than a matte finish. It’s a specialized tool—right-handed shooters have many more options at lower price points.
This shotgun is for the discerning left-handed hunter or sport shooter who is tired of adapting to right-handed tools. It’s for the Missouri wingshooter who values a fast-handling gun for grouse in the Ozark timber or doves over cut fields, and who appreciates the marriage of modern materials and traditional craftsmanship. It’s also a serious option for the left-handed clay shooter who wants a reliable, soft-shooting over-and-under for weekend competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the safety truly left-handed?
A: Yes. The tang-mounted safety is configured for easy, intuitive operation with the thumb of your left hand while the gun is mounted. It’s a true left-handed design, not a reversed part.
Q: What chokes are included?
A: The Benelli 828U typically includes three Optima-Choke HP tubes: Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full. This set provides a solid foundation for most hunting and sporting applications. The system is widely supported for aftermarket tubes.
Q: Can a right-handed person shoot this left-handed model?
A: Technically, yes, but it’s not ideal. The ejection port is cut for left-handed ejection, and the safety will feel backwards. The stock may also have cast-off designed for a left-handed cheek weld. This gun is a specialized investment for left-handed shooters.
Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, the Benelli 828U Left Handed represents a dedicated solution. If you’re a southpaw shooter ready to invest in a tool built specifically for you, this over-and-under demands a closer look. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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