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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.
Browning B725 Pro Master Review: Best Over-and-Under Shotgun for Trap and Sporting Shooters.
The Browning B725 Pro Master is a top-tier over-and-under shotgun designed for competitive clay shooting and serious hunting. Known for its precision engineering, customizable features, and robust build, it’s a favorite among trap shooters, sporting clay enthusiasts, and hunters who demand versatility and performance. This review covers everything you need to know — from specifications and modifications to user feedback and interesting facts.
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Design and Build Quality
The B725 Pro Master features a forged steel action frame with a low-profile design that enhances pointability and instinctive shooting. Its stock is crafted from high-grade walnut and includes an adjustable comb and pistol grip for personalized fit. The barrels are topped with ventilated side ribs and an anti-glare top rib, while the Pro Balance System allows shooters to fine-tune weight distribution using tungsten barrel weights and stock inserts.
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Technical Specifications Browning B725 Pro Master
This shotgun is chambered in 12-gauge with a 70 mm (2¾”) chamber length. It comes with either 30-inch or 32-inch barrels, depending on the shooter’s preference. The overall length is approximately 48 inches with chokes installed, and the weight is around 3.86 kg (8 lb 8 oz), making it slightly heavier than standard field guns but ideal for stability in competition. The pull length is 375 mm (14¾”), and the rib is made from adjustable aluminum alloy. The trigger system is mechanical and single selective, and the barrels use Browning’s Back-Bored technology with a Vector Pro forcing cone for improved shot patterns and reduced recoil.
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Modifications and Variants
The B725 Pro Master offers several customization options. Shooters can choose between 30-inch and 32-inch barrels. The stock features an adjustable comb for height and cast, and interchangeable butt pads (15 mm and 25 mm) allow for further fit adjustments. The shotgun includes three interchangeable trigger blades to suit different hand sizes and shooting styles. The sight system uses HiViz fiber optic inserts for enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions.
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Performance and Shooting Disciplines
This shotgun is engineered for high-level performance in multiple disciplines. In trap shooting, the high rib and 90/10 shot pattern are ideal for rising targets. For sporting clays, the adjustable rib allows shooters to set a 60/40 pattern, making it suitable for varied angles and distances. With the right choke selection, the B725 Pro Master is effective at ranges up to 60–70 meters, making it a strong choice for long-range sporting events.
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Chokes and Accessories
The B725 Pro Master comes with a comprehensive set of eight chokes: Extra Full, Full, Light Full, ¾, ½, ¼, Cylinder, and Skeet. These use Browning’s Invector DS system, which ensures tight sealing and consistent performance. Accessories include a Negrini polymer case with locks, barrel and stock balance weights, hex keys for adjustments, a trigger lock, and tools for comb adjustment. These extras make the shotgun competition-ready straight out of the box.
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Price and Value Browning B725 Pro Master
The retail price of the Browning B725 Pro Master is approximately £4,109, though this may vary depending on region and configuration. While it sits at the premium end of the market, the value is justified by its high-end features, build quality, and versatility. It effectively combines the functionality of multiple specialized guns into one adaptable platform.
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Pros and Cons Browning B725 Pro Master
Pros:
• Excellent balance and recoil control
• Fully adjustable rib and comb
• Versatile across multiple shooting disciplines
• Durable forged steel construction
• Rich accessory package included
Cons:
• Heavier than typical field shotguns
• May be too complex for beginners
• Premium price point
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User Reviews
Shooters consistently praise the B725 Pro Master for its reliability, smooth handling, and minimal recoil. Competitive users highlight its balance and adjustability as key advantages, while hunters appreciate its precision and build quality. Many users note that it performs on par with — or better than — other high-end models like the Beretta DT11 and Perazzi MX2005.
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Why Shooters Choose It
Trap shooters value the steadiness and high rib for rising targets. Sporting shooters appreciate the responsive feel and adjustable shot pattern. The B725 Pro Master is used by winners of major events such as the British Open, and its forged steel action and chromed barrels ensure long-term durability. Shooters choose it for its adaptability, craftsmanship, and competitive edge.
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Interesting Facts Browning B725 Pro Master
• The B725 Pro Master is the seventh-generation evolution of the legendary B25, originally designed by John Moses Browning in 1925.
• Its Vector Pro forcing cone is four times longer than standard, improving shot pattern density and reducing pellet deformation.
• The adjustable rib is machined from high-strength aluminum and tapers from 11.5 mm to 8.5 mm for optimal sighting and target acquisition.
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Final Thoughts
The Browning B725 Pro Master is more than just a shotgun — it’s a precision tool built for serious shooters. Whether you’re breaking clays at 70 meters or dialing in your trap setup, this gun delivers unmatched adaptability, craftsmanship, and performance. For those who demand excellence in both sport and engineering, the Pro Master stands as a benchmark in modern shotgun design.
Blaser F16 Shotgun Review for Hunters and Clay Shooters: Models, Specs, Calibers, Accessories & User Insights
🔍 Overview Blaser F16 Shotgun
The Blaser F16 is a premium over-under shotgun engineered in Germany, designed to meet the demands of both field hunters and competitive clay shooters. Since its release in 2016, the F16 has gained a reputation for its sleek low-profile receiver, intuitive handling, and modular customization options. Whether you’re pursuing upland game or breaking clays on the range, the F16 offers precision, reliability, and style.
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🧩 Models and Modifications Blaser F16
Blaser offers several F16 variants, each tailored to specific shooting disciplines:
• F16 Game: This model is optimized for hunting. It’s lightweight, quick to shoulder, and ideal for fast-moving targets in the field.
• F16 Sporting: Designed for clay shooting sports like trap, skeet, and sporting clays. It includes adjustable features and a balancer system for fine-tuned performance.
• F16 Intuition: Built specifically for female shooters, featuring a modified stock geometry for improved comfort and control.
• F16 Pro Series: A collaboration with world champion Cory Kruse, this version includes RHINO ported barrels, a Kick-EEZ recoil pad, and enhanced ergonomics.
• F16 Baronesse: A luxury edition with high-grade walnut and ornate engraving, aimed at collectors and shooters who appreciate aesthetics as much as performance.
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⚙️ Technical Specifications
The Blaser F16 is built around a monocoque steel receiver with the lowest profile in its class—just 60mm in height. This contributes to a natural pointability and reduced muzzle flip. The receiver is CNC-machined and finished in matte black for durability and minimal glare.
The trigger system is a single selective trigger with a crisp break at approximately 1650 grams (3 pounds, 10 ounces). A barrel selector is located in front of the trigger, allowing shooters to choose which barrel fires first. The F16 also features Blaser’s proprietary IBS® (Inertial Block System), which prevents double firing and ensures safe operation.
The ejector system uses EBS® (Ejection Ball System), which activates only after a shot is fired. This reduces spring fatigue and makes closing the shotgun smoother and more consistent.
Barrel lengths are available in 710mm, 760mm, and 810mm, depending on the model and intended use. All barrels feature Blaser’s Triplex® bore design, which optimizes velocity and reduces recoil. Chambers are chrome-lined and proofed for steel shot, with a 12/76 gauge (3” magnum).
Stocks are crafted from Grade 4 or Grade 6 walnut, depending on the model. The Sporting variant includes an adjustable comb for personalized fit. The standard length of pull is 375mm, and the Sporting model also includes a balancer system in both the stock and barrel for optimal weight distribution.
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⛓️💥 Calibers and Chokes
The Blaser F16 is chambered in 12 gauge with 3” magnum capability. It supports a wide range of choke options, including flush-fit and extended Spectrum chokes. Available constrictions include Cylinder, Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. The shotgun is steel-shot proofed up to half choke, making it suitable for waterfowl hunting.
Additionally, the F16 is compatible with aftermarket chokes from brands like Briley and Teague, giving shooters even more flexibility in pattern control.
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🎯 Shooting Range and Hunting Use
The effective range of the Blaser F16 is approximately 40 to 50 meters, depending on the load and choke configuration. This makes it ideal for both upland game hunting and clay target sports.
Common game species hunted with the F16 include ducks, pheasants, pigeons, and rabbits. Its versatility also makes it a favorite among shooters participating in driven shoots and sporting clays competitions.
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💰 Price and Value
The price of the Blaser F16 varies based on the model and configuration:
• The F16 Sporting Standard model typically retails around $5,800 USD and includes Grade 4 walnut but no adjustable comb.
• The F16 Sporting Adjustable version is priced closer to $6,450 USD and includes an adjustable comb for better fit.
• The F16 Pro Series, with custom enhancements, often exceeds $7,000 USD depending on dealer and options.
Prices may vary by region, retailer, and optional upgrades such as engraving or custom wood.
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🧠 Pros and Cons
Advantages of the Blaser F16 include:
• Exceptional balance and handling due to its low-profile receiver and modular weight system.
• Reduced recoil and fast target acquisition thanks to the Triplex® bore and ergonomic design.
• Crisp trigger pull and intuitive controls that promote confidence and consistency.
• Elegant aesthetics with premium wood and metal fit.
Disadvantages to consider:
• The safety is manual rather than automatic, which may be a concern for some hunters.
• The Sporting variant is slightly heavier than some competitors, which could affect fatigue during long shooting sessions.
• Premium pricing may deter entry-level shooters or those on a budget.
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🧰 Accessories and Customization Blaser F16 Shotgun
Blaser offers a range of accessories to enhance the F16 experience:
• Recoil Pads: Available in 15mm and 20mm thicknesses to adjust length of pull.
• Stock Balancers: Adjustable weights that allow shooters to fine-tune the shotgun’s balance.
• Choke Wrenches: Designed for quick and easy choke changes in the field or on the range.
• Choke Boxes: Protective cases for storing up to five chokes.
• Custom Engraving: Available on luxury models like the Baronesse and Heritage editions.
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🗣️ User Reviews and Community Feedback
Shooters consistently praise the Blaser F16 for its “decisive swing,” “gap-free wood-to-metal fit,” and “confidence-inspiring balance.” It’s often compared favorably to other high-end brands like Beretta and Perazzi, especially in terms of handling and build quality.
