Editors' Picks—New for 2015: Benelli 828U

by
posted on March 26, 2015
benelliou_2.jpg

Benelli used to be exclusively associated with the term “semi-automatic” when used in conversation about hunting shotguns. Now, though, it could just as well mean “over-under.” That’s right, the Italian maker best known for its inertia-driven self-loaders is producing an over-under design—and it is anything but orthodox. The new 828U is, externally, a pleasing blend of modern lines and features. Machined areas on the receiver were designed to emulate the appearance of waterfowl in flight, and the gun’s rib is made of carbon fiber while its recoil system consists of the company’s proven Progressive Comfort butt pad and internal polymer buffers. Inside, though, the real differences are immediately apparent. First, there is the unstressed aluminum alloy receiver and the separate steel locking plate that mates with the barrels to effect lockup. Then there is the way that each major section of the gun is self-contained. For instance, there are no cocking rods in the traditional sense. Instead, the top lever re-sets strikers each time it is activated. In addition, ejection and/or extraction are undefineddetermined by pins moved transversely in passages off the chambers as the hulls momentarily expand on firing. The trigger group is entirely modular and easily removable for cleaning, too, and the automatic safety can be quickly changed over to manual operation by the end user. Available in satin black or nickel finishes, the gun is initially available in 12 gauge only and in barrel lengths of 26" and 28" with 6-lb., 8-oz. and 6-lb., 10-oz. weights, respectively. benelliusa.com

Latest

Gotw Eaa Witness2311 Brat Web
Gotw Eaa Witness2311 Brat Web

Gun Of The Week: EAA Witness2311 Brat

Built on M1911 principles and imported by European American Armory Corp., the EAA Girsan Witnesss2311 Brat is a unique take on the double-stack, 2011-style pistol.

The Armed Citizen® March 28, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

John C. Garand: His Compensation & Other Accomplishments

Much gratitude has been, and is given, to the man who created the M1 Garand. But folklore suggests John C. Garand did all the work for free. Let us dispel that notion.

John Rigby & Co. Celebrates 250th Anniversary

John Rigby—born in 1758—founded his famed gunmaking firm, John Rigby & Co., in 1775, and year 2025 marks the company's semiquincentennial celebration.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1903A3 Springfield

While the U.S. Army's Model 1903 Springfield rifle is one of the most well-recognized small arms of the 20th century, a lesser-known variant, the Model 1903A3, served as an important stopgap rifle in the early years of World War II.

New For 2025: Stoeger M3000 & M3020 Turkey Edition Shotguns

New for 2025, Stoeger Industries is offering a dedicated turkey hunting version of its 12-ga. M3000 and 20-ga. M3020.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.