The 828 is a design that had serious potential, but is extremely lacking in configuration and execution. The new Benelli also features its Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system, a removable trigger group, Crio free-floating barrels, a carbon-fiber rib and red fiber-optic sight. According to Vignaroli, The modularity of the design means that the function of the various subassemblies is almost independent. He added that, Wherever it is needed is strong material; wherever it is not needed is light material. For instance, the aluminum receiver is unstressed, and departs even from other aluminum-receiver shotguns in the sense that its hinge and locking components do not directly bear the brunt of firing stresses. Every time I see him, I ask when I can shoot the space gun. And just for the record my go to gun is a SBE. A tweak here and a tweak there have been billed as making the new Model 725 Field a top pick for clays and birds. Time will tell. Hardly ever. After all, its corporate parent since 2000, Beretta, had been in the gun business 441 years longer and, during that time, had managed to turn out more than a few fine side-by-sides and over-unders. I would have it. More importantly, everything it makes has the performance to match. A lip at the guards front engages a groove in front of the receiver well, and a spring-loaded plunger at the housings rear locks the unit in place. Where it stands now. But if you look at the under side of the safety lever with the trigger group out and work it back and forth you can see studs on both sides that ride under spring arms. I bought a Guerini instead with a kinetic balancer and love it. 828U 04-2020.pdf (16.67 MB) For: 828 U Shotguns, 828 U Limited Edition. We found the Browning hit targets hard when the shooter puts the pattern in the right place at the right time. JavaScript is disabled. Beretta A400 Xcel "Black" Cole Special - Beretta A400 Xcel 20 Gauge - Beretta A400 28 Gauge -. In addition, such guns were usually made with steel receivers that bore the stresses of firing, meaning that their bolting and hinge mechanisms had to be made to account for wear that occurs after repeated use. Rather, pressures are contained by way of a 1 1/4" wide by 2316" high by 15/16" steel breech block. I have good things to say about all of them. Here's the inside story of what they found and how they're rebuilding an industry giant. Our Team Said: We were disappointed in the looks, feel, and handling ability of Benellis first venture into the over-and-under market. The plate features four contact points with the barrel and moves forward and backward on springs as the shotgun is opened and closed. The Benelli 828u is a pen that I received as a gift. My buddy bought one for a retirement present for himself. He has used it in S.D. Our Team Said: This shotgun, whose predecessors date back more than 40 years, is a true tribute to the solid, reliable, high-quality Browning over-and-unders on the market today. As if I could actually write with my pen. Firearm Discussion and Resources from AR-15, AK-47, Handguns and more! However, a guy at our club has a new 30" 828U Sport and it felt really nice (I didn't get to shoot it). It may not display this or other websites correctly. I know it is a challenge to try, but I think it is a very good pen for writing. of No. Over Under shotguns are considered to be out of style nowadays. In a classic example of premature innovation, we found the new Benelli 828U simply did not function, feel, or perform as well as a veteran Browning Citori 725 when fired head to head. Benelli's 828U shotguns deliver mandatory . To whatever extent we guessed where they were headed merely validated the instincts of a company that manages to stay one step ahead of the market. Overall, no major complaints were registered regarding the 828Ua testimony to the guns overall design. I have used it for hours at a time, and it is very comfortable to write with. It is held just forward of the receivers face by two small springs when the action is open, and, as the gun closes, a lug in the monobloc under the lower barrel engages a recess at the blocks bottom, and a groove on the monoblocs upper end engages a lip at the blocks top, locking the two together and pressing the block reward against the receivers face. To minimize this, the 828U cheekpiece has a replaceable Air Foam pad that cushions your face. I even tried to tell her I wanted to buy her a new shotgun didnt fly when she saw the price tag. Consider that we started from white paper. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. With the lighter aluminum receiver and other features, including the 26-inch barrels, the Model 828U weighed 6.5 pounds and had an overall length of 43.5 inches. Because of reasons like their better handling ability, two-choke option, and the fact that most clay target shooting is limited to taking only two shots at a time, stackbarrels reign over clays. The only reason to buy one is because it says Benelli. Through a thick Italian accent, the Benelli technical director and 20-year company veteran enthusiastically explained the ins and outs of the 828Us development, but it wasnt long into that conversation that I realized the 828U would require little translation to resonate with certain American shooters. Title. The ammunition we selected for our testing on the target range and at the patterning board was Winchester AA Extra-Light Target 2.75-inch loads packing 1 ounce of No. While we had no problems working the system, our experience leads us to believe that over time, and after extensive use in the field and on the range, we worry that there may be issues that develop with the mechanism. I apologize if I mistook your replies for rudeness. Nice guns. Do they make these in longer barrel lengths yet? You are using an out of date browser. This article, "Breaking With Tradition," appeared originally in the November 2015 issue of American Rifleman. Crio -treated chokes in C, IC, M, IM, and F are also included. I actually witnessed the trigger group falling out of the gun during a round of sporting. But I can't get him to bring it out. Here are the features to watch out for. Also, for the $$, there's a lot of quality gun options competing with it. We made allowances in our testing for the slightly better handling characteristics that are generally attributed to longer barrels and a heavier gun, ensuring these factors did not influence our evaluation. They do support the Franchi line, which isn't exactly an endorsement. The 828U Compact, which weighs 6.5 pounds, features an engraved nickel plated receiver and has an MSRP of $2,999. I know steel inserts in the breech face are part of the 828U design, but the lack of weight mid point I suspect hurts it as a target gun. A point of potential mechanical wear, the hinge pins, while relatively small in diameter, are made of steel and serve only to pivot the monobloc on the receiver. The benelli 828u pen is a small, high quality, battery operated pen. Thanks for the replies. Fit and comfort in the hands and to the body of the user are of critical importance to ensuring success on small, fast-moving targets. I shot 50 rounds and was impressively sore. It is no stretch to suggest that the new gun offers appealing aesthetics, innovative engineering, precise manufacturing, intuitive handling and satisfying shootability. Feb 5th, 2020. 4 nickel-plated lead shot at 1485 f.p.s.not a particularly mild load for a 12 gauge weighing only 6 lbs., 9 ozs. I have been wanting to buy some benelli pens for a while now, so Im glad I bought it at a discounted price. At first glance, there are only minor differences in the appearance between this field model and its sporting-clays cousin introduced about five years ago. Not a single hiccup. For younger shooters or shooters with shorter arms, the new Benelli 828U Compact comes with a 26-inch barrel and 14-inch length of pull, shortened from the 828U's original 14 3/8 inches. I am also hoping that the colors they are using are a more accurate match to my pen. I have only seen one in the wild as well, a guy had one last year at a local shoot, 30 inch tubes, and black reciever, totally different looking gun in person then in videos and internet pictures etc. You are using an out of date browser. We value freedom of speech as much as we do the right to keep and bear arms. Results with the Improved Cylinder choke were substantially worse. And that brings up another major point in describing how the 828U is different from traditional over-unders. The "U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, Model of 1903," better-known as the M1903 Springfield, has become one of the most popular U.S. military small arms to collect. A colleague of mine had one of the sporting versions. Pressing it fully through its arc first withdraws two barrel locking pins from their recesses in the monobloc then rotates a lever fitted with a roller within the receiver that presses back a cocking plate in the trigger module to load the striker springs. Buddy went with the Fabarm. Recently, in a move unexpected by nearly everyone. " We were particularly impressed with the pattern spread, finding a very solid and uniform distribution of hits. A plain top lever lies just ahead of the safety along the left side. Plus, there are some markets not open to semi-automatics, such as Australia, that we wanted to enterto expand and add an additional horse to the team. He said the gun was initially conceived as being less for competitive clays shooters and more for general sporting and hunting customers. The Benelli also failed to eject any of the light loads from the bottom barrel, which caused us to consider whether there was a problem with the impulse-driven ejectors that might require gunsmith work. I've own 'B' guns, SKB's, and Rizzini O/U's. Also, we fired 2.75-inch Nobel Low Recoil Target loads with 78 ounce of No. The company made its humble start in 1963in Gussago, Italywhen Giuseppe Pietta made a commitment to produce guns as authentic and true-to-original as possible. Has anyone tried the Performance Shop version? Defiantly not my favorite sporting gun but it wasn't designed for that. Unfortunately, this is a gross misconception that needs to be rectified. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. - Benelli. Most of the problems were associated with the extractor/ejector arrangement. The breech block also contains the spring-loaded firing pins, making them easily replaceable should the need arise. I have shot a few of them on Demo days next too several other O/U. I am not/have not advertised it; but, I'd likely sell it, it is just sitting there unused and unappreciated. Think I'll just order from soortsmans and they say i can always decline it when it shows up if it's not my cup of tea. As far as technology is concerned, the Benelli 828U Shotgun stands out from the crowd with the help of next generation of recoil reduction and progressive comfort; custom fit with the QuadraFit Buttstock and Custom Fit Stock that is adjustable drop and cast; and Crio system for more uniform pattern. I'm seriously into shooting, I'm not a troll, and I have a lot of respect for the knowledge and experience of the people who post here frequently. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. They include (l.): a shim kit that offers 40 different combinations of cast and drop adjustment; the Progressive Comfort recoil-mitigation module that resides within the buttstock; and interchangeable cheekpieces that can be swapped out to provide proper stock-to-face fit. Customer experience was, and still is, the primary focus, a key to the firms longevity and success. Re: street price. I bought a Guerini instead with a kinetic balancer and love it. I have only seen one of the sporting versions in use in the area I shoot. The internal recoil system did nothing for me, although I have had 4 shoulder surgeries. With that being said, every gun I have bought I have shot beforehand, so it would be uncharacteristic for me to buy one without trying it, though it is clear there aren't many of these around. It then recocks the strikers and resets the automatic safety unless a spring steel clip (below, l.) is removed. For more than two centuries, Westley Richards has produced some of the worlds finest firearms, each wearing a timeless and classic look with bespoke flourishes. The Benelli didn't fill me with the same inspiration. Two small springs (arrow) hold the block away from the receivers face when the action is open so that it is positioned to interlock with the monobloc as the action hinges shut. Download the appropriate manual for your Benelli shotgun or rifle. Poor patterns, weak target hits, and uninspiring features all contributed to our low grade for this shooting tool. I can keep both pens in one pocket and write with the one that is bigger and easier to reach. At this point, its worth noting that the 828U was designed for easy access to its breech. I'm not sure why I need to get short and rude responses. Problem w/ most Field O/U is the aluminum actions don't hold up to heavy shells and shooting a lot and its hard to build a field gun w/ a steel receiver under 7.5lbs. Maybe it's just me but I'm not a fan of field O/U's with aluminum receivers. Although Benelli has a reputation for producing high-quality semiautomatic shotguns, we found the companys new over/under was lacking in both appearance and performance. An Over-UnderFrom Benelli?There had been no hint that Benelli might venture into more traditional forms such as break-actions. My understanding is that there is a major difference in handling and recoil between the 828U and the 828U sport. Manuals. They have sold so few new ones there simply aren't many on the street.Look on Gun Broker. I have shot one and it's definitely no slouch but after years of growing up on Bronwing SO's and now Beretta 68x guns I just can't get with it, it's just too "different" for me to get comfortable with. Error Code pii_email_a42277285fa7a777ff7e Solved, Personally identifiable information PII doesnt belong in your email University Information Technology The University of Utah, How to Get Rid of the pii_email_e7ab94772079efbbcb25 Error. The 828U represents a true breakthrough in over-under shotgun design, and Benelli hopes it will also help the company break through with a whole new group of upland and recreational sport shooters. It is a pen that is also very expensive. Back at the office, during the course of several weeks shooting in different settings and throughout several hundred shells worth of varied ammunitionwhether plastic- or paper-hulled, having high or low brass heads and in various payload weights and velocitiesan informal test group encountered no failures with our nickel-finish, 28"-barreled test sample. Barrels are soldered to a monobloc that is machined to accept sears that are set to either extract shells or, if activated by the impulse of the shells expanding hull, forcefully eject them from the gun. We did find that the balance point of the shotgun was slightly behind the lightweight, aluminum receiver, rather than the preferred point right between the hands as with the Browning. A U-shaped spring steel wire clip attached to the cocking plate automatically activates the safety when the gun is broken open, but can be removed by the user to deactivate that feature. True to Vignarolis characterizations, the 828U proved to be a very dependable gun and ejection of spent hulls was in fact very energetic. Everyone who shot the gun had positive things to say about its neutral balance, ease of pointing and light weight. The pen is very comfortable to write with, and is the perfect size for comfortable writing. It is also very comfortable to write with. I really like the silver with the engraving. The 828U is what you would expect from Benelli - a hardworking, lightweight and low-recoil shotgun. Shooters of all ages seem to be fascinated with new toys from names they know particularly if the latest and greatest will help break a few more clays or help fill up the game bag a little quicker. An included tool allows easy removal of the module from the gun. This new field model patterned well, broke targets well, and looked good while doing its job. It is designed to provide a stronger, tighter seal, but to our eyes, it looks like something that could be found in a semiautomatic shotgun. But Is It Really That Good?Prior to going afield with the 828U in South Dakota, our party of writers had the opportunity to try it on machine-thrown clays launched off a bluff at the ranch, which overlooks the scenic Missouri River Valley. 828U. To subscribe to the magazine,visit theNRA membership page here and selectAmerican Rifleman as your member magazine. The matte-blued barrels and receiver helped reduce glare and seemed to be of high quality. Benelli used everything they know about making shotguns simple, easy to carry all day, and reliable, to create their first over-under. I have heard that there are several people out there selling them for $100.00 each. I think that I had the barrel seared firmly in the receiver, like I said done this many times over quite a few years with other over under without issue. Vignaroli used the term global comfort to describe the 828Us combination of weight, balance and ergonomics. Benelli 828U Black Anodized & Blued 12 Gauge 3in Over Under Shotgun - 28in - A shotgun that feels and shoots like a Benelli from the moment you pick it up to the moment you break it open. I have never owned a Benelli but have read about the SBE issues. He said company engineers were reserved, not letting on that the gun they were working on was an over-under. Citing the guns operation as part of the global comfort theme, Vignaroli said the 828Us unique breeching system eliminates the need for a close-tolerance fit at the locking catch, making the gun easy to open. It is a great pen, and I really like it. This, despite its low build cost, means that the 828U is a product condemned to please no one. (20-gauge) Connecting with birds under such conditions can be a challenge, and it requires a gun that points naturally, swings fast and predictably and is capable of shooting tight patterns. The pen is a very small, lightweight pen in a nice color. Shot one once at a game fair a couple years ago. So we had to pay particular attention to the right angle and the right ergonomics of this lever through its geometry, Vignaroli said. And they only weigh about 6.5 lbs. Back at the office, during the course of several weeks shooting in different settings and throughout several hundred shells worth of varied ammunitionwhether plastic- or paper-hulled, having high or low brass heads and in various payload weights and velocitiesan informal test group encountered no failures with our nickel-finish, 28"-barreled test sample. But 30" in the 828u Sport (target gun). People are not being rude, but they are probably of the opinion that casting rose petals on a pile of dooty will not improve the stench. I don't particularly care for the looks but I'm old school. Most noticeable is the shotguns patented locking mechanism that incorporates a free-floating locking plate in the front of the aluminum receiver. Bought one in 26"its 1" shorter than my SP1 was in 28", due to the longer action on the 828. Make one with a steel receiver, adjustable rib 30" and 32" barrels, improve the trigger a little bit, and get rid the funky comb and people would be breaking down their door to buy one. I've seen/read a LOT more dissatisfied comments and very few positive ones. Your IP: Reliability issues, and it was just too light for a serious competition gun. Ive been using this pen for several months now (since November or so). I shot 50 rounds and was impressively sore. The solid carbon-fiber rib is another potentially customizable component, requiring only the loosening of a single screw for removal. B Britlover Member Feb 19, 2020 #5 I bought one about 3 years ago. It has a nice weight and balance, and has a battery that lasts up to 3 hours. It also exhibited generally neutral handling. Here are our findings: This is another in a long line of solid, fine-handling over and unders. It was the worst over under I've ever shot. Has anyone on this site purchased a Benelli 828 U? I tried the 828U a couple months ago. They are generally not well regarded, in spite of several glowing articles by gun writers. When I picked up the 828u it felt very similar to me, probably the first o/u that I really liked the feel of. This Benelli test target is "within parameters" according to Benelli. However, 76 percent of the total hits in the 30-inch circle were in the lower left quadrant and there were four, 3-inch holes in the pattern, mainly in the outer 10-inch ring. I spend a lot of time at gun clubs and I have seen only one and it had 28 inch bbls. About 5 months in, it started doubling. They usually have a couple under glass for sale. It was the only one I could ever have made that I could put my finger on. A replaceable, solid carbon-fiber vented sighting rib measuring 0.280" wide is topped with an 0.078" red fiber-optic pipe set about 1" back from the muzzle. A ragged pattern that might only cause a chip to fly off a clay target is acceptable on the range, but a crippling shot on a bird in the field because of ineffective pellet trauma is not. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! I am not asking for opinions on this gun, though of course I respect any opinions that are posted here. Even with the light loads used in the testing, recoil was significantly more noticeable than with shots fired in the Browning. The cryogenically treated barrels, which are highly polished and blued, do not have side ribs, leaving a gap of approximately 5/16" between them starting 378" in front of their join at the monobloc to a point 2" from the muzzle. Citori. I have a Beretta 686 for example. Benelli 828U Black Anodized & Blued 12 Gauge 3in Over Under Shotgun - 28in - A shotgun that feels and shoots like a Benelli from the moment you pick it up to the moment you break it open. YMMV. We have patterned several Browning shotguns featuring the Invector DS (Double Seal) chokes and found the tubes seem to pattern very well. Though I wouldnt recommend it, I would love to see how it works with the other benelli pens. The floating breech block us intriguing, as are the re-designed ejectors. Firing the Winchester Extra-Lite No. Reinforcing the theme of mechanical modularity is a self-contained trigger module that can be removed from the receiver with an included tool. I had the opportunity to shoot a guys Benelli 828 12 ga. at some clays yesterday. Doubles are supposed to find their appeal in durability and simplicity. 712 shot with an average muzzle velocity of 1,180 fps. Rather, the guns strikers are cocked by operating the top-mounted opening lever. Wasn't that. The new model features a rounded forearm designed with a slight palm rest, high-relief engraving on the receiver, and ivory front and mid-bead sights. The 828U Steel comes chambered for 2 3/4- and 3-inch shotshells in both 12- and 20-gauge. While some will pan the 828U because it doesnt fit their notion of what an over-under should be, othersparticularly fans of Benellis unique style of engineeringalong with those apt to being open-minded about unexpected new offerings, may find the 828U difficult to resist. Our trip to the patterning board before field testing on the clay target range with the Browning was an eye-opener. I have never seen one being shot in person.
March 14, 2023