Benelli now has a new hill to conquer with its Lupo bolt-action hunting rifle. Fans of the Italian maker’s prestige shotguns will recognize the stylish lines, but if you dig deeper, Benelli’s engineering DNA is apparent in the ingenious double-deck receiver.
The hardened steel upper mates with an aluminum chassis to form a rigid launch platform impervious to changing weather conditions. Teamed with barrels improved by Benelli’s proprietary Crio treatment, plus a trigger that is precise, adjustable and uniquely positioned relative to the shooter’s hand, the deck is stacked for superb field accuracy.
With three locking lugs, the bolt stroke on the Lupo is short, quick and smooth-running. Its handle doglegs away from the stock and ends in an easy-to-grip oblong orb. The ambidextrous safety is a rounded toggle housed just behind the upper’s rearmost curve. It is conveniently placed for thumb operation and in the off position reveals a bright red indicator dot.
Another carryover is the inboard Progressive Comfort recoil reducer, consisting of lightweight interlocking buffers that increase resistance in direct proportion to setback forces. The 7-lb. rifle also comes with an array of shims, spacers and cheekrests that allow for 40 different stock configurations, making it simple for owners to adjust length of pull, drop, cast, trigger reach, line of sight and buttpad interface.
For 2020, the Lupo can be had in .270 Win., .30-’06 Sprg. and .300 Win. Mag. For more information, visit benelliusa.com.
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