Description
You’re glassing a ridgeline at 400 yards. The bull elk is there, broadside, but the wind is howling and the shot is steep. This is the moment you need a rifle that doesn’t just fire, but performs—a system built for power, control, and follow-up. That’s the Benelli R1 Rifle .338 Win Mag, 24″, Black Synthetic Comfortech Stock, 3 rd. It’s a semi-automatic big-game rifle chambered in the formidable .338 Winchester Magnum, designed to deliver manageable, rapid shots with devastating long-range energy. The 24-inch barrel stabilizes heavy bullets, while the proprietary Comfortech stock and gas-operated action tame recoil, making this magnum cartridge surprisingly shootable. This is a hard-use tool for the most demanding North American and Alaskan game.
Here’s the thing—a .338 Win Mag in a traditional bolt-action can be a punishing experience, often limiting practical shot strings and quick target reacquisition. The Benelli R1 changes that equation. Its rotating bolt head locks directly into the barrel extension, a design borrowed from Benelli’s legendary shotguns, ensuring robust strength for high-pressure cartridges. The self-regulating gas system automatically adjusts to varying loads, from lighter 200-grain to heavy 250-grain bullets, ensuring reliable cycling without manual tweaking. It’s a system that fits out of the box and runs, letting you focus on the shot, not the mechanics. With an MSRP of $1253.29, it presents a distinct value in the magnum semi-auto niche.
Built for the Real World
The heart of the R1 is its inertia-driven, self-cleaning action. Unlike many gas guns, it doesn’t funnel carbon and heat directly into the action. This means less fouling and more reliability in dusty, cold, or wet conditions—exactly what you face in a Missouri river bottom or a Montana sage flat. The 24-inch cold hammer-forged barrel provides the necessary velocity to realize the .338 WM’s potential, pushing a 225-grain bullet at over 2800 fps. That’s energy you can count on for deep penetration on moose or bear.
The Black Synthetic Comfortech Stock isn’t just for looks. It’s engineered with shock-absorbing inserts and a gel-coated comb pad that dissipates felt recoil significantly. You get the power of a magnum without the punishing shoulder bruise, which translates to better accuracy and faster second shots. The stock is also weatherproof and durable, shrugging off scrapes and moisture that would mar fine walnut. The rifle comes optics-ready, drilled and tapped for standard scope bases, and is perfectly matched with a robust scope like a Leupold VX-3HD or Vortex Viper PST Gen II to handle the long-range capability.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .338 Winchester Magnum |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Overall Length | 46.5 Inches (approx.) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (approx.) |
| Action Type | Semi-Automatic, Gas-Operated |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 Rounds (Detachable Box) |
| Stock Material | Black Synthetic with Comfortech System |
Pros & Cons
The Upside: The reduced felt recoil is a genuine advantage, making magnum power accessible. The reliability of the simple action in adverse conditions is a major plus for backcountry hunters. The 24-inch barrel optimizes ballistics for the cartridge. It’s a fast-handling package for its power class.
The Trade-offs: Semi-autos are typically more complex to fully strip than a bolt-action. The 3-round capacity is standard for big-game rifles but less than some bolt-actions. Ammunition cost for .338 WM is high, so practice ammo selection is key. It’s a specialized tool—overkill for whitetail at 100 yards.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is for the hunter who pursues elk, moose, or bear in open or wooded terrain where a single, well-placed shot is the goal, but where a fast, controlled follow-up might be necessary. It’s for the shooter who respects the power of a .338 WM but wants to mitigate its kick to stay on target. It’s not a plinker; it’s a purpose-driven instrument for the most consequential game. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, ready for your next demanding hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Benelli R1 reliable with different .338 Win Mag ammunition loads?
A: Yes. The self-regulating gas system is designed to cycle a wide range of factory ammunition weights and pressures reliably without adjustment, from 200-grain to 250-grain bullets.
Q: Can a scope be mounted easily?
A: Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard Remington 700-style scope bases, making it compatible with a vast array of mounting systems from brands like Warne, Leupold, and Talley. No gunsmithing is required for a proper optic setup.
Q: How does the Comfortech stock compare to a traditional recoil pad?
A: It’s a significant upgrade. The system uses internally mounted shock absorbers and a gel-coated comb pad that work together to dissipate and slow recoil energy over a longer duration, reducing peak felt recoil by a noticeable margin compared to a standard pad alone.
If you’re ready to step up to a magnum platform that offers control alongside its substantial power, the Benelli R1 in .338 Winchester Magnum is a serious contender. See the full details on our site.
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