Benelli has finally entered the over/under shotgun market with the 828U. They did so in typical Benelli style– a totally new design. It looks like a classic and classy shotgun on the outside. The engraved nickel receiver and high grade walnut stock make it look like a typical Italian double gun. On the inside, though, the 828U is totally different.
Benelli 828U
So what is so different about the new Benelli 828U? Here are the highlights
- The forearm is removed with a push button
- the whole trigger group comes out for easy cleaning
- it recocks from the loading lever, not the barrels’ opening
- it has impulse activated ejectors
- it weighs 6.5 pounds
- its steel locking system and plate keep all of the pressure in the barrels for long action life
- the rib is carbon fiber
- it has the Progressive Comfort recoil system
The steel locking system is the real highlight. The receiver is aluminum, which would be a major concern for longevity–except Benelli has found a way to keep all of the wear and tear on the steel parts. So the gun should enjoy a long service life, and it is lighter and has a better balance than most all of the competition.
This is not your grandpa’s pheasant gun. But it is a hunting gun. The U stands for upland. This is a light shotgun–6.5 pounds would be great to carry across fields all day long. I know the Progressive Comfort system does a great job softening the recoil, but I have only shot one on a semi auto (which is soaking up some of the energy as well). However, with Benelli’s track record of making great shotguns, I bet the 828U is a dream to shoot.
There are two models. The engraved nickel (MSRP $2,999) and black anodized ($2,499). Both are available with either 26″ or 28″ barrels.
[one_half]
Black anodized receiver.
[/one_half][one_half_last]
Engraved Nickel.
[/one_half_last][one_half]
Opening lever, safety and barrel selector.
[/one_half][one_half_last]
Open action. Notice the steel plate where the barrels lock up.
[/one_half_last][one_half]
Carbon fiber rib.
[/one_half][one_half_last]
Impulse Ejectors.
[/one_half_last]
[full_width]
Display at SHOT Show.
[/full_width]
The 828U can shoot 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells. Easily removable trigger; steel lockup plate, and other features make this a very interesting O/U. And it is gorgeous to boot!
I believe the Beretta O/U have the shim system, as do my SBE, and Super Sport Benelli’s. I don’t care for the gas guns much and recoil has never been a problem on the super sports. They are chrome lined and I think I read crio treated with Briley chokes. The fact the triggers are removable with a single pin is fantastic! Might have to move up to a $10,000.00 shotgun for that feature.
I shoot 1oz loads of 7.5’s in all of my semi auto Benelli’s without a hick up. Not mentioned was the but pad, which appears to be a quick removable gel pad allowing different LOP.
I don’t care what color the receiver is, or how the engraving was done. I try to keep my eye on the target rather than the receiver or the barrels. My Beretta target fun is well over 8lbs, so a 6.5 lb gun would be nice to carry all day, quick to point. The price point is pretty reasonable as well.
I like the design of the opening as it was built to compensate for opening pressure and wear, and to prevent shells hanging up on the receiver when not open far enough.
I like the gun. It will be a great field gun you should be able to pass on some day.
I love this gun…from the receiver forward….and the receiver back!
What a sweet gun! Damn I hate being unable to afford this awesome gun!!!
Who ever said that shotgunners are a very traditional lot, was right. This is a pretty ugly gun. I think they out thought themselves.
I own a couple Benelli Legacy autos. They are nice looking guns, and very reliable if you don’t put light loads in them. I don’t care for the looks of this gun. And I’m always disappointed when someone announces a new O/U without the option of dual triggers.
Very, very interesting!
Just wish I was younger, and birds were still plentiful.
As to the “butt ugly”, comments, SOUR GRAPES! (I can’t afford one either!)
I think both models are very handsome.
I wouldn’t kick either model out of bed!
I have two superblack Eagles and I like them a lot so I think u should send me one to try out thanks
best thing to do is wait till this gun is dumped out cause he didn’t sale and maybe buy one if it cheap enough for an oddity collectors item
Why??
Interesting gun. Anybody know if it is a straight stock or available in a cast favorable to a lefty?
I agree with Jeffrey and Chuck – a 12 gauge 3″ shell in this gun, just like every other “lightweight” double that has ever been built, will give you whiplash notwithstanding Benelli’s bogus Progressive Comfort system. And yeah Chuck this gun is god awful ugly -the shiny receiver looks like Benelli ‘s attempt to put lipstick on a pig.
God forbid I offend the folks who pay GA to promote their products.
Oh yea Benelli pays us a ton. Why are people who comment online such tards?
I have to agree – Benelli shotguns (including their semi-automatic models) have terrible recoil mitigation.
The Beretta 391 systems are adequate, and the Remington 1100 models superb in that regard…..
Chrome lined barrels?
That has to be the most Butt Ugly Shotgun I have ever seen.
What’s up with that FAT receiver and offset loading lever on a flat oval surface covered with ugly etching?
I like Benelli’s but this one is a Dog…
The big story to me here is the shim system. I can’t believe the review did not mention it. No other O/U that I know of has utilized one before. Gun fit is a huge issue with shotguns, and user-customizable drop and cast from the factory is a fantastic option.
Beretta offers a shim system on their SV10 Perennia and Prevail over/under shotguns. It won’t change the cast, but it will change the comb height in 1mm increments from 1 to 5 millimeters. My son shoots a Prevail competitively and has well over 2K rounds through the gun. He loves the gun and it looks and shoots great. Also, no problems with the ejector issues some owners have complained of with this model. As for the Benelli, it’s a little to modern for my taste, but to each their own.
A lot of innovations here, and that can be a very good thing as long as a shooter doesn’t think it’s overload all at once. Wonder why carbon fiber hasn’t been used more in shotguns the way it is in other shootings and (especially) fishing products. My one concern here is how a carbon fiber rib will stand up to be knocked around, slapped against a fence post, tree, duck-blind, ducking boat, tailgate, truck bed and such. The fire control system and the reinforcing steel plate are really super cool. Scrap the nickel finished one, though. The finish help distorts the receiver’s all-ready bulbous look. And though the article doesn’t state if the O/U is chambered for 3-inch shells or just 2 3/4-inch shotshells I’m going to go with the latter. That being said, even a high-powered 2 3/4 “express” load will almost certainly be felt, the author’s opinion, notwithstanding. Try and shoot a 3-inch magnum out of this 6 1/2-pound baby and I would suspect your eyes will water. In the end the question will be just how much shotgun shooters will go for an obviously modern/high-tech O/U. As a general rule, shotgun shooters in general- and double-gun shotgun shooters in particular – are among the most traditional-bound of all firearms buyers and users. They like wood and steel and often, not much else.
Looks like they took a note from the old school Merkel on the locking design
On Tuesday of this week I picked up my second Benelli. Its a 20ga. Sport II. I also own a Franchi UO SL 12 GA. Instinct.
Thi new OU will be my on my wish. One other thing that is great is the Benelli Customer Service. They are taking care of the customer.
What a beautiful gun,what more is there to say.
I agree! Can’t imagine what the distractors below could be looking at.
I like the looks,like the features,I own several benelli’s !!!