benelli

I don’t think anyone has yet improved over the reliability of Benelli shotguns, including Benelli. So unfortunately, we didn’t see some crazy new operating system this year that would make even the impressive and capable Inertia Driven system look stone age by comparison. There is always next year, though. We did see some serious improvements on the comfort side of the house though, with the new Super Black Eagle 3.

Benelli has done with the Ethos what many companies have attempted but just couldn’t quite achieve—they ‘ve figured out how to bring truly high-end features to a firearm the average man or woman can afford. And that my friend, is no small feat.

Benelli is generally my first choice in shotguns. I have used the M2 for 3-Gun for almost five years now. Benelli has been synonymous with reliability among hunters and shooters since they opened the doors in 1967. I am sure it helps that they are now under the same umbrella as Beretta, who has been making firearms since 1526. The SuperNova lived up to the reputation I was expecting in every regard.

Benelli has a new shotgun that will appeal to fans of the 28 gauge. This Ethos is chambered for 3″ shells. More punch from a lighter gun. And Franchi has an update of their Instinct line. The Catalyst is designed for women, but it may be the ideal 12 gauge for many smaller framed shooters. Check out our SHOT Show coverage.

Over and under shotguns have been around for quite some time and have changed relatively little over the decades. Cosmetically, the Benelli 828U looks like a slightly more space age take on the classic double, but the under the hood features are what stand out as the unique elements of this shotgun.

Everyone I know who owns a shotgun started out with a pump. Where do you go when you want something just a bit faster, or more responsive? Automatics have a reputation for being finicky–at best. But not the Benelli M4. This may be the most complete tactical shotgun in production today.

Benelli has finally entered the over/under shotgun market with the 828U. They did so in typical Benelli style–debuting a totally new O/U design. This is not your grandpa’s scattergun. This is a light weight double barrel for the 21st century.

If you’re serious about auto-loading shotguns, you need to know about Freedom Fighter Tactical. The company makes serious upgrades for guns like the Benelli M4. We’ve had a chance to run some on our M4 and the we like results.

When we stopped at the Benelli SHOT Show booth, three guns caught our eye – the Benelli ETHOS shotgun, the Franchi 3 1/2” Intensity shotgun and the Uberti 1873 Lever-Action Competition rifle, a trio of exceptional guns from the Benelli family of companies.The heart of the ETHOS shotgun is Benelli’s Inertia Driven System. Proven in nearly half a century of use in the most demanding competition and field applications, this simple but extremely effective system provides the operator with a number of benefits. There are only three primary parts – the bolt body, inertia spring, and rotating bolt head. Simplicity translates to reliability. It never needs adjusting and can handle a variety of loads from 3 ½” magnums to light field loads. The low mass of the moving parts makes for a fast cycle time, giving you quicker follow-up shots. And the locked bolt keeps powder residue in the barrel for a cleaner action. The AA-Grade walnut stock was not only gorgeous, it also housed a recoil reduction system. The ETHOS wore a light weight carbon fiber vent rib incorporating an interchangeable front sight so you can use the best color for the day’s hunt. Red, green and yellow fiber-optics are included. Take a look at this fast-loading, fast-shooting and beautiful-to-behold example of the gun maker’s art.