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Benelli 828 S A.I. Silver 20 Gauge Shotgun Review: Precision, Power & Elegance for Hunters and Sport Shooters
🔹 Table of Contents Benelli 828 S A.I.
1. Introduction to the Benelli 828 S A.I. Silver 20 Gauge
2. Design & Build Quality
3. Key Specifications and Technical Features
4. Benelli Advanced Impact System Explained
5. Available Modifications and Barrel Options
6. Performance: Range, Accuracy & Recoil
7. Hunting Applications: Game Types & Environments
8. Sporting Use: Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clays
9. Chokes, Accessories & Customization
10. Price & Market Position
11. User Reviews: Pros and Cons
12. Why Hunters and Shooters Choose the 828 S A.I.
13. Interesting Facts About the 828 Series
14. Final Verdict
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1. Introduction to the Benelli 828 S A.I. Silver 20 Gauge
The Benelli 828 S A.I. Silver in 20 Gauge is a premium over-and-under shotgun designed for discerning hunters and competitive sport shooters. Combining Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge ballistic technology, this firearm stands out for its lightweight build, advanced recoil management, and exceptional shooting performance.
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2. Design & Build Quality
• Receiver: Lightweight aluminum alloy with elegant silver finish and refined engraving.
• Stock: Grade 3 walnut with oil finish, ergonomically shaped for optimal cheek weld and balance.
• Weight: Approx. 3.2 kg (full assembly), making it ideal for walk-up hunting and long shooting sessions.
• Aesthetics: Tartan-lined polymer case and modular internal compartments reflect Benelli’s attention to detail.
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3. Key Specifications and Technical Features
Feature Specification
Gauge 20
Barrel Lengths 65 cm / 70 cm / 76 cm
Chokes 5 interchangeable (///****/cylinder)
Recoil System Progressive Comfort
Trigger Removable, single selective
Ejection System Automatic
Safety Automatic
Stock Lengths 345 mm to 385 mm (multiple pad options)
Weight (Barrels) 1.6 kg each
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4. Benelli Advanced Impact System Explained
The Advanced Impact (A.I.) system is the heart of the 828 S A.I. Silver. It enhances:
• Shot velocity: Higher initial speed for better penetration.
• Pattern consistency: Improved spread for reliable hits.
• Effective range: Extended reach compared to traditional 20-gauge shotguns.
This system makes the shotgun particularly effective for fast-moving targets and longer-range engagements.
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5. Available Modifications and Barrel Options
Benelli offers multiple barrel lengths (65, 70, and 76 cm) to suit different shooting styles:
• Short barrels (65 cm): Ideal for dense cover and quick target acquisition.
• Long barrels (76 cm): Preferred for open-field hunting and sporting clays.
Stock configurations include compact and standard lengths, with adjustable recoil pads for personalized fit.
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6. Performance: Range, Accuracy & Recoil
• Effective Range: Up to 50–60 meters for game birds, thanks to the A.I. system.
• Recoil: Minimized by the Progressive Comfort system, which uses interlocking buffers to absorb shock.
• Balance: Centralized weight distribution ensures smooth swing and follow-through.
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7. Hunting Applications: Game Types & Environments
The 828 S A.I. Silver 20 Gauge excels in:
• Upland bird hunting: Pheasant, partridge, grouse.
• Waterfowl (light loads): Teal, wood duck.
• Small game: Rabbit, squirrel.
Its lightweight and fast handling make it ideal for walk-up hunts and dynamic field conditions.
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8. Sporting Use: Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clays
While primarily a hunting shotgun, the 828 S A.I. is also suitable for:
• Sporting clays: Thanks to its fast target acquisition and low recoil.
• Skeet shooting: With shorter barrels and quick cycling.
• Trap shooting: Less common, but possible with longer barrels and tighter chokes.
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9. Chokes, Accessories & Customization
Included are five interchangeable chokes:
• Full (*)
• Improved Modified (**)
• Modified (***)
• Improved Cylinder (****)
• Cylinder (cyl)
Accessories:
• Polymer case with tartan lining
• Adjustable recoil pads
• Modular barrel and receiver compartments
• Optional sling swivels and stock spacers
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10. Price & Market Position
• Retail Price: Approx. €3,750 in Europe C
• Positioning: Premium segment, competing with Beretta SL2 and Browning 725 ProSport
• Value: High-end features justify the price for serious hunters and shooters
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11. User Reviews: Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Exceptional build quality
• Advanced ballistic performance
• Low recoil and ergonomic fit
• Elegant design and finish
Cons:
• Premium price point
• Limited availability in some regions
• May require fitting for optimal comfort
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12. Why Hunters and Shooters Choose the 828 S A.I.
• Reliability: Benelli’s reputation for durability and performance.
• Innovation: Advanced Impact system sets it apart.
• Versatility: Suitable for both hunting and sport shooting.
• Comfort: Progressive Comfort system reduces fatigue.
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13. Interesting Facts About the 828 Series
• The 828 series was named after Benelli’s founding year: 1967 (8+2+8 = 18, reversed = 81).
• The A.I. barrels are among the first to use predictive impact modeling for shot pattern optimization.
• The removable trigger group allows for easy maintenance and customization.
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14. Final Verdict
The Benelli 828 S A.I. Silver 20 Gauge is a masterclass in modern shotgun engineering. With its blend of performance, elegance, and innovation, it’s a top-tier choice for hunters who demand precision and sport shooters who value comfort and control. Whether you’re chasing birds in the field or breaking clays on the range, this shotgun delivers.
Benelli 828 U Beccaccia 12 Gauge Review: A Hunter's Deep Dive
The Benelli 828 U Beccaccia. The name itself evokes images of challenging hunts in dense cover, pursuing elusive woodcock. This over-under shotgun is specifically designed for upland bird hunting, prioritizing lightweight handling, fast pointing, and the ability to deliver consistent patterns in close-quarters situations. Let's take a detailed look at what makes the 828 U Beccaccia a standout choice for discerning hunters.
What Sets the Beccaccia Apart? Design and Purpose
The Beccaccia isn't just a standard 828 U with a fancy name. Benelli has made specific design choices to optimize it for woodcock (Beccaccia in Italian) and similar upland game. These differences manifest in handling, weight distribution, and overall responsiveness.
Lightweight Agility: The most immediate impression is its weight – or lack thereof. Weighing in at around 6.5 pounds (actual weight varies slightly based on wood density and barrel length), the Beccaccia is noticeably lighter than many other 12-gauge over-unders. This makes a significant difference when you're navigating thick brush for hours, reducing fatigue and allowing for quicker target acquisition.
Optimized Balance: Benelli has carefully balanced the gun to promote instinctive pointing. The weight is centered between the hands, creating a lively feel that translates to fast, fluid swings.
Short Barrels: Beccaccia models typically feature shorter barrel lengths, usually 26 inches. These shorter barrels enhance maneuverability in tight cover, making it easier to snap-shoot at flushing birds.
Key Features and Technologies
Benelli incorporates several of its signature technologies into the 828 U Beccaccia:
Steel Receiver: While some Benelli shotguns utilize aluminum receivers, the 828 U features a steel receiver. It offers strength and durability, ensuring longevity even with heavy use.
Lock Plate System: The heart of the 828 U is Benelli's unique lock plate system. Unlike traditional hinge pins, the 828 U uses a free-floating steel locking plate to mate the barrels to the receiver. This design allows for precise lockup, reduces wear, and can be adjusted to compensate for wear over time. The included shim kit allows you to adjust drop and cast for a customized fit.
Impulse Activated Ejectors: The 828 U Beccaccia employs impulse-activated ejectors. This means that spent shells are forcefully ejected, ensuring reliable cycling even with a variety of loads.
Progressive Comfort System: Benelli's Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system is integrated into the stock. This system uses interlocking flexible buffers to absorb recoil, reducing felt recoil and making the gun more comfortable to shoot, especially during high-volume hunts.
Carbon Fiber Rib: A lightweight carbon fiber rib further contributes to the gun's overall weight reduction and enhances its balance.
Calibers and Specifications
Gauge: 12 Gauge.
Barrel Lengths: Typically 26 inches.
Chamber: 3-inch chamber allows for use of both 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shells.
Overall Length: Approximately 43 inches (with 26-inch barrels).
Weight: Around 6.5 pounds (unloaded).
Stock and Forend: AA-Grade Walnut with checkering.
Sights: Red fiber optic front sight for quick target acquisition.
Chokes: Benelli Crio chokes (typically includes Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full).
Performance and Applications
Ideal Game: The Benelli 828 U Beccaccia truly excels at hunting woodcock, grouse, quail, and other upland birds in dense cover. Its light weight and quick handling make it perfect for navigating tight spaces and reacting quickly to flushing birds.
Effective Range: This is a close-range shotgun. Most shots on woodcock and similar birds are taken within 15-30 yards. The Beccaccia, with its appropriate choke selection, is ideally suited for this range.
Ammunition: The 12-gauge chambering provides versatility. You can use a wide range of upland loads, from light target loads for practice to heavier game loads for hunting tougher birds or hunting in windy conditions.
Real-World Feedback and Reviews
Owners of the Benelli 828 U Beccaccia consistently praise its:
Light weight and handling: This is the most frequently cited advantage. Hunters appreciate the gun's ability to be carried comfortably for extended periods and its responsiveness in tight cover.
Quick pointing: The balance and feel of the gun make it easy to point instinctively at flushing birds.
Recoil reduction: The Progressive Comfort system is effective in reducing felt recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot, especially with heavier loads.
Reliability: The Benelli name is synonymous with reliability, and the 828 U Beccaccia lives up to this reputation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Extremely lightweight and well-balanced
Fast and instinctive pointing
Effective recoil reduction
Reliable cycling
Adjustable stock for a custom fit
High-quality construction
Cons:
Price: The 828 U Beccaccia is a premium shotgun and comes with a premium price tag.
Some users find the aesthetics to be polarizing. The modern design isn't for everyone.
Steel receiver and steel lock-plate can be harder to service
Why Choose the Benelli 828 U Beccaccia?
The Benelli 828 U Beccaccia is an excellent choice for the upland bird hunter who prioritizes lightweight handling, quick pointing, and reliability. If you are someone who values the ability to carry a shotgun comfortably for long distances, react quickly to flushing birds in tight cover, and appreciates high-quality construction and innovative features, the 828 U Beccaccia is definitely worth considering.
The Bottom Line
The Benelli 828 U Beccaccia is a specialized shotgun designed for a specific purpose: upland bird hunting. It excels in this role, offering a combination of lightweight handling, quick pointing, and reliable performance. While it's a premium shotgun with a premium price, #benelli828
Review of Benelli 828U 12 Gauge Shotgun
As an avid hunter and firearms enthusiast, I recently had the chance to put the Benelli 828U 12 gauge shotgun through its paces. After spending several weeks in the field and at the range, I have gathered my thoughts to provide an honest and detailed review of this unique shotgun.
Pros:
Innovative Design: One of the first things that struck me about the Benelli 828U is its sleek and modern design. The shotgun features a distinctive over-and-under configuration but with a twist. Its unique steel locking system and the progressive length of pull create a balance that is comfortable while maintaining rigidity.
Weight Distribution: The weight distribution of the 828U is superb. It feels well-balanced in the hands, which contributes to a more controlled shooting experience. This is something I value immensely, especially after a long day in the field.
Recoil Management: The 828U comes with a patented Progressive Comfort system, which significantly reduces felt recoil. This feature is especially beneficial during extended shooting sessions and helps improve accuracy by allowing for quicker follow-up shots.
Customization Options: The adjustable drop and cast options allow for a custom fit that can accommodate various shooters. The shim system makes it easy to adjust the shotgun to suit your personal preferences, ensuring that you feel comfortable shouldering the weapon.
Quality Construction: The materials used in the Benelli 828U exude quality. The wood is beautifully finished, and the metal components feel sturdy and durable, earning the confidence of any serious hunter.
Cons:
Price Point: One drawback of the Benelli 828U is its price. While it offers high-quality performance, it comes with a premium price tag that might be out of reach for some hunters. This could limit its accessibility to a broader audience.
Weight: While the weight distribution is good, the overall weight of the shotgun can feel a bit heavy after long hours of hunting. Although this is common with over-and-under shotguns, lighter options might be preferable for those who prioritize mobility.
Magazines: The 828U does not have a magazine, which may not be suitable for all hunters. Those used to semi-automatics might find it less convenient for certain types of hunting where multiple follow-up shots are necessary.
Learning Curve: The unique features and adjustments may require some time for novice shooters to become accustomed to. Beginners may find it challenging at first, although this improves with practice.
In summary, the Benelli 828U 12 gauge shotgun stands out for its innovative design, recoil management, and quality construction. It is a reliable choice for those who can afford it and are looking for a premium over-and-under option. While it does have a few drawbacks, they are minor in the grand scheme of its performance and functionality. Overall, I would recommend the Benelli 828U #Benelli #828U #12Gauge #ShotgunReview
