Description
The Benelli 828U Sport 12 Ga, 30″ Barrel, 3″ Chamber, AA Satin Walnut Stock, Blued Receiver is a premium over-and-under shotgun designed for serious clay target sports. It’s an Italian-engineered competition gun that blends a lightweight carbon-fiber steel receiver with classic walnut aesthetics, offering a specific balance and swing for disciplines like Sporting Clays and Trap. With a price tag of $3759.06, it sits in the upper-mid range for dedicated target guns, demanding a value assessment against its performance and direct competitors like the Browning 725 or Beretta 686.
Key Features
- Carbon-Fiber Steel Receiver: The blued receiver isn’t just for looks—it’s made from a proprietary steel that’s significantly lighter than traditional actions, reducing overall weight and improving balance for faster swings.
- AA-Grade Satin Walnut Stock: Offers a high-grade, classic aesthetic with a satin finish that’s durable and provides a secure grip without being overly glossy in the sun.
- 30″ Over-and-Under Barrels: The longer barrel length is ideal for Sporting Clays and Trap, providing a smoother swing plane and consistent pointability. The 3″ chamber handles a wide range of target loads.
- Progressive Comfort Stock: Benelli’s design incorporates a slight drop at the comb and heel to help manage recoil over long shooting sessions, a practical trade-off for high-volume shooters.
- User-Interchangeable Trigger: A unique feature allowing you to swap the trigger blade for a different shape or size—no gunsmithing required for this personalization.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 30 Inches | Overall Length | Approx. 47.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.3 lbs |
| Stock | AA-Grade Satin Walnut |
| Receiver Finish | Blued |
| Chokes | Includes 5 Crio Chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) |
Who This Shotgun Is For
This isn’t a general-purpose field gun. The 828U Sport is built for the committed clay shooter who has moved past entry-level models and wants a dedicated competition tool without jumping to a $10,000+ custom fit gun. It’s for the shooter who values a modern, lightweight action but still appreciates the traditional look of a walnut stock. If you’re shooting hundreds of shells a week in league or registered events, the investment in fit and features starts to make sense. That said, for the casual weekend shooter, the bang-for-buck ratio might be harder to justify compared to a more versatile model.
Pros & Cons: The Value Breakdown
Pros: The lightweight receiver is a genuine advantage, reducing fatigue. The user-interchangeable trigger is a clever, cost-saving feature for customization. The included five Crio chokes offer immediate versatility for any course. The overall fit and finish are excellent, and it’s a gun that fits out of the box for many average-to-large-framed shooters. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Cons: At nearly $3,800, it competes directly with established favorites. The walnut, while nice, may not be as figured as some expect at this price. The ultra-lightweight feel can translate to slightly more perceived recoil with heavy target loads compared to a heavier gun—a practical trade-off you need to weigh. Some shooters prefer the inertia-driven reliability of Benelli’s semiautos for high-volume days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 828U Sport good for hunting or just clays?
A: While it could technically be used in a field, the 30″ barrels, specific balance, and lack of a ventilated rib make it purpose-built for the range. It’s a dedicated target gun. For a true dual-purpose over/under, you’d likely look at a model with 28″ barrels and a different stock configuration.
Q: How does it compare to a Browning Citori or Beretta 686?
A: The Benelli’s carbon-steel receiver makes it notably lighter than those steel-receiver workhorses. The Browning and Beretta have decades of proven track records and often come in at a lower price point, making them a strong value. The 828U offers a more modern, niche feel. It’s less about being objectively better and more about which swing and balance you prefer.
Q: What’s the real-world benefit of the interchangeable trigger?
A: It allows you to adjust the trigger’s shape and reach to fit your finger without paying a gunsmith. If you find the stock blade uncomfortable or want a different profile for a cleaner break, you can swap it yourself in minutes. It’s a small but meaningful detail for fine-tuning your gear.
If the balance of modern engineering and classic style in the Benelli 828U Sport aligns with your shooting discipline and budget, you can view its detailed availability.
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