Benelli Montefeltro 12 Ga Shotgun Black 28

Description

For the American shooter who values a reliable, lightweight semi-automatic shotgun for upland bird hunting, waterfowl, or clay target sports, the Benelli Montefeltro 12 Ga Shotgun Black 28 offers a field-proven design that has earned respect across generations of hunters. Whether you are working a dove field in Texas, walking a pheasant preserve in the Midwest, or breaking clays at your local range, this shotgun delivers consistent cycling and a smooth swing. As a licensed firearms retailer serving U.S. customers, we appreciate the Montefeltro for its balance of Italian craftsmanship and practical performance that does not require a second mortgage.

What the Benelli Montefeltro 12 Ga Shotgun Black 28 Is and Who It Is For

The Benelli Montefeltro is a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, built on a proven platform that has been a staple for hunters and sport shooters since its introduction. This specific model features a 28-inch barrel, a black synthetic stock, and a matte black finish, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor conditions. It is designed for the shooter who wants a dependable shotgun for hunting upland birds, waterfowl, and small game, as well as for recreational clay shooting. While it can serve as a home defense firearm, its primary design focus is on field use where weight, balance, and reliability matter most. Collectors will also appreciate the Montefeltro’s place in Benelli’s history as a refined, no-frills semi-auto that bridges the gap between entry-level and premium models.

Key Specifications Breakdown

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Action: Semi-automatic, gas-operated (Benelli’s proven Inertia-Driven system is actually not used here; this model uses a gas system, but note: the Montefeltro traditionally uses Benelli’s Inertia-Driven system; however, the 10870 model is a standard Inertia model. For accuracy, we list the action as semi-automatic with Benelli’s Inertia System)
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 48.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 6.7 to 7.0 pounds (unloaded, depending on stock configuration)
• Stock: Black synthetic, with a raised cheek comb and a rubber recoil pad
• Finish: Matte black on receiver and barrel
• Chamber: 3-inch, capable of firing 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells
• Capacity: 4+1 (4 rounds in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber) – may vary by state compliance
• Sights: Red bar front sight, metal bead
• Chokes: Accepts Benelli Crio chokes (typically includes three chokes: IC, M, F)
• Receiver: Aluminum alloy with black anodized finish

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Montefeltro 12 Ga Shotgun Black 28 utilizes Benelli’s Inertia-Driven operating system, a design that relies on recoil energy to cycle the action rather than gas ports or moving pistons. This system is known for staying clean and functioning reliably with a wide range of ammunition, from light target loads to heavy magnum shells. Because there are no gas tubes or rings to clean, maintenance is straightforward, which appeals to hunters who spend long days in the field without easy access to cleaning gear. The inertia system also contributes to the shotgun’s light weight, as it eliminates the need for heavy gas pistons and springs.

The 28-inch barrel provides a good balance of swing speed and sight radius for most field shooting applications. This length is a common choice for upland hunters who need to swing on fast-flushing birds and for waterfowlers who want a bit more reach. The barrel is treated with Benelli’s Crio system, which is a cryogenic treatment that relieves stress in the metal for improved consistency and pattern density. The Crio chokes are also cryogenically treated and are designed to produce tighter, more uniform patterns than standard chokes, which can make a difference when shooting at longer ranges.

The synthetic stock is designed for durability and resistance to weather, making it a practical choice for use in rain, snow, or mud. The stock features a raised cheek comb that helps align your eye with the rib, promoting a natural point of aim. The rubber recoil pad reduces felt recoil, which is beneficial when shooting heavy waterfowl loads or spending a full day at the range. The stock also has a textured grip area to provide a secure hold even with wet or gloved hands.

The receiver is machined from aluminum alloy to keep weight down without sacrificing strength. The matte black finish reduces glare that could alert game, and it resists scratches and wear from field use. The bolt is made from steel and features a rotating bolt head that locks securely into the barrel extension. The gun also includes a simple cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard, which is easy to operate without shifting your grip.

Field stripping the Montefeltro is straightforward and does not require tools, which is a practical advantage for cleaning and maintenance. The barrel, forend, and bolt can be removed quickly for transport or storage. The magazine tube is threaded to accept a plug for capacity restrictions in certain hunting areas, and the gun comes with a magazine plug installed. The trigger pull is crisp and consistent, typically breaking around 5 to 6 pounds, which is suitable for field shooting without being too light for safe handling.

Ideal Use Cases

This shotgun is primarily designed for hunting, particularly upland birds such as pheasant, quail, grouse, and chukar, as well as waterfowl and turkeys when fitted with appropriate chokes. The 28-inch barrel and light weight make it well-suited for walking and shooting in varied terrain. It is also a strong choice for clay target games like trap, skeet, and sporting clays, especially for shooters who prefer a field gun over a dedicated competition model. While it can be used for home defense, its longer barrel and limited magazine capacity make it less optimized for that role compared to purpose-built defensive shotguns. It is not designed for concealed carry due to its size and weight.

Compatibility Notes

The Benelli Montefeltro 12 Ga Shotgun Black 28 is compatible with 12-gauge ammunition in 2.75-inch and 3-inch shell lengths. It will cycle reliably with most loads from 1-ounce target loads up to 3-inch magnum shells, though very light loads (under 1 ounce) may not generate enough recoil to cycle the inertia system consistently. The gun accepts Benelli Crio chokes, which are widely available, and also fits standard Benelli Mobil choke tubes. Aftermarket stocks, forends, and recoil pads are available from several manufacturers. Magazine extensions are available but may require modification and compliance with local capacity laws. The gun does not have a Picatinny rail but can accept aftermarket scope mounts for a red dot or scope if desired. Holsters are not applicable for this long gun.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this shotgun be shipped directly to my home in the U.S.?

No. Federal law requires that all firearms purchased from a licensed retailer be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. We will ship the Benelli Montefeltro to the FFL dealer you provide during checkout. You must have that dealer’s contact information and confirm they are willing to accept the transfer. We do not ship firearms to residential addresses.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work for this shotgun?

After you place your order, we will need your chosen FFL dealer to send us a copy of their valid license. We verify the license, then ship the firearm to them via a carrier that complies with all federal regulations. You will then visit the FFL dealer to complete the required background check (usually a Form 4473 and NICS check) and take possession of the shotgun. Transfer fees are set by the receiving FFL and are not included in our price.

3. What ammunition is compatible with the Benelli Montefeltro 12 Ga?

This shotgun is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. It will function with a wide range of loads, including light target loads (1-1/8 ounce), field loads, and heavy waterfowl or turkey loads. For best reliability with the Inertia system, we recommend using shells with at least 1-1/8 ounce of shot or equivalent recoil energy. Very light sub-sonic or reduced-recoil loads may not cycle the action reliably.

4. What is the warranty on this Benelli Montefeltro?

Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the firearm for as long as you own it, but does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, or unauthorized modifications. If you experience a defect, you can contact Benelli USA directly for service. We recommend keeping your sales receipt as proof of purchase.

5. What is your return policy for firearms like this shotgun?

Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they have been shipped from our inventory. All firearm sales are final. If the shotgun arrives with a manufacturer defect or is damaged in transit, we will work with you and the manufacturer to resolve the issue. Please inspect the firearm at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer. If you have questions about a specific condition, contact our customer service team before placing your order.

Closing Call to Action

The Benelli Montefeltro 12 Ga Shotgun Black 28 is available now for purchase and can be shipped to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States where legal. As a licensed firearms retailer, we handle all compliance paperwork and ship securely to ensure a smooth transaction. If you are ready to add a reliable, field-ready semi-automatic shotgun to your collection, place your order through our website. For questions about availability, shipping, or FFL transfer requirements, contact our team directly. We are here to help U.S. customers get the right firearm for their needs.