For left-handed shooters seeking a reliable, field-proven shotgun for upland bird hunting, waterfowl, or sporting clays, the Benelli Montefeltro Left-Hand 12GA with a 28-inch barrel offers a dedicated platform that doesn’t compromise on ergonomics or performance. Built around Benelli’s renowned Inertia-Driven system, this shotgun delivers consistent cycling with a wide range of 12-gauge loads, from light target shells to heavy field loads. Whether you are working a pointing dog over a Kansas prairie or walking a Florida dove field, this Montefeltro is designed to put shot on target without the fuss of gas-operated maintenance.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Benelli Montefeltro Left-Hand 12GA (Model 10864) is a semi-automatic shotgun specifically configured for left-handed shooters. It features a 28-inch barrel, a satin walnut stock, and a 4-round magazine capacity (3+1). This model is intended for hunters who spend long days in the field, sport shooters who appreciate a lightweight, fast-handling shotgun, and collectors who value Benelli’s Italian craftsmanship. It is not a tactical or home-defense configuration; rather, it is optimized for wingshooting and general field use where a left-handed ejection port and cast-on stock make a tangible difference in comfort and control.
Key Specifications
- Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
- Action: Benelli Inertia-Driven semi-automatic
- Barrel Length: 28 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 48.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 6.5 to 6.8 pounds (varies slightly by production run)
- Magazine Capacity: 4 rounds (3 in the tube, 1 in the chamber)
- Stock: Satin walnut with left-handed cast-on and Montefeltro-style cheekpiece
- Receiver: Aluminum alloy with anodized finish
- Barrel Finish: Blued steel
- Sights: Red bar front sight with a metal bead
- Choke System: Benelli Crio System (interchangeable chokes, typically includes IC, M, and F)
- Recoil Pad: Soft rubber with a ventilated design
- Left-Hand Features: Left-handed ejection port, left-handed bolt release, and cast-on stock for a natural cheek weld
Feature Deep-Dive
The Benelli Inertia-Driven system is the heart of this Montefeltro. Unlike gas-operated shotguns that require regular cleaning of pistons and cylinders, the inertia system uses the shotgun’s own recoil to cycle the action. This means the shotgun runs cleaner, requires less lubrication, and remains reliable even after hundreds of rounds in dusty or wet conditions. For a left-handed shooter, this reliability is particularly valuable because the ejection port is on the left side, and a clean action reduces the chance of malfunctions that could be harder to clear with the non-dominant hand.
The 28-inch barrel strikes a balance between swing speed and sight radius. It is long enough to provide a smooth, consistent swing for crossing targets in the field, yet short enough to handle well in tight cover like alder runs or cattail sloughs. The Crio choke system uses cryogenically treated tubes that pattern consistently and resist fouling. With the included full, modified, and improved cylinder chokes, you can tailor the pattern for anything from close-range woodcock to high-flying geese. The red bar front sight is low-profile and intuitive, allowing for quick target acquisition without obscuring the bird or clay.
The satin walnut stock is a standout feature for left-handed shooters. It is cut with a cast-on design, meaning the stock is offset slightly to the right (from the shooter’s perspective) to align the shooter’s eye naturally with the barrel. This reduces the need to cant the head or strain the neck, which is a common complaint among lefties using right-handed stocks. The Montefeltro-style cheekpiece provides a consistent reference point for the cheek, and the soft rubber recoil pad helps manage felt recoil without adding unnecessary weight. The finish is a low-gloss satin that resists scratches and moisture better than a high-gloss stock, making it practical for field use.
Weight is a critical factor for a field shotgun, and the Montefeltro comes in at around 6.5 pounds. This makes it one of the lighter 12-gauge semi-automatics on the market, which is a real advantage when you are walking miles of public land or carrying the gun in a sling for hours. The aluminum alloy receiver keeps weight down without sacrificing strength, and the blued barrel finish offers good corrosion resistance when properly maintained. The overall fit and finish are consistent with Benelli’s reputation for tight tolerances and clean lines, though this is a workhorse gun rather than a safe queen.
For left-handed shooters, the ergonomics extend beyond the stock. The bolt release and safety are positioned for left-hand operation, and the shell drop lever is easily accessible. The loading port is slightly beveled to speed up reloads, though the 4-round capacity means you will not be doing high-volume tactical reloads. The inertia system also allows the Montefeltro to cycle a broader range of ammunition than many gas guns, from light 1-ounce target loads to heavy 3-inch magnums, without any adjustment. This versatility makes it a single-gun solution for both practice and the hunt.
Ideal Use Cases
Upland Bird Hunting: The lightweight build and 28-inch barrel make this shotgun an excellent choice for chasing pheasants, quail, grouse, and chukar. The inertia system keeps the action running clean even in dusty, dry conditions common in western fields.
Waterfowl Hunting: With 3-inch chamber capability and the Crio choke system, the Montefeltro can handle steel shot loads for ducks and geese over decoys or in pass-shooting scenarios. The satin finish reduces glare on the water.
Sporting Clays and Trap: While not a dedicated competition gun, the Montefeltro is more than capable for recreational clay shooting. The left-hand stock and light weight help reduce fatigue during long rounds, and the inertia system provides soft recoil with target loads.
General Field Use: This shotgun is built for the hunter who wants one reliable gun for everything from doves to turkeys (with the appropriate choke and load). It is not intended for concealed carry or home defense, as its barrel length and capacity are optimized for outdoor use.
Compatibility Notes
Ammunition: This shotgun cycles reliably with 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells. Light target loads (1 ounce or less) may require a break-in period of 50-100 rounds of heavier field loads to ensure smooth cycling. Steel shot, lead shot, and bismuth are all compatible with the Crio chokes. Avoid using shells shorter than 2.75 inches.
Chokes: The Benelli Crio system uses a flush-mount thread pattern. Aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Briley are available, but we recommend using Benelli factory chokes for optimal patterning. The barrel accepts all standard Crio chokes, including extended models.
Holsters and Slings: This is not a handgun, so holsters do not apply. For slings, use a standard 1-inch or 1.25-inch swivel sling. The Montefeltro does not come with sling swivel studs installed, but they can be added by a qualified gunsmith. Many users prefer a simple carry strap or a padded field sling.
Accessories: Magazine extensions are not recommended for this model, as they can affect the balance and may require modifications to the barrel clamp. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts if you wish to add a red dot or low-power scope for turkey hunting. Benelli offers a factory scope mount kit (sold separately).
Cleaning: Use standard shotgun cleaning supplies. The inertia system requires minimal lubrication—a light coat of oil on the bolt rails and rotating head is sufficient. Avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract debris.
FAQ
1. Can you ship this Benelli Montefeltro to my home address in the U.S.?
No. As a licensed FFL retailer, we ship all firearms to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. We cannot ship directly to a residential address. You will need to provide the FFL’s contact information at checkout, and we will coordinate shipment. Once the shotgun arrives at your chosen dealer, you complete the ATF Form 4473 and any state-required background check before taking possession.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work for this left-hand shotgun?
After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer. You must ensure that dealer is willing to accept the transfer and has a current FFL on file with the ATF. We will ship the Montefeltro to that dealer via a common carrier (typically UPS or FedEx) with adult signature required. The dealer will then contact you to arrange pickup. Transfer fees vary by dealer; those fees are not included in our price. We recommend calling your local FFL before ordering to confirm their policies and fees.
3. What ammunition is compatible with the Benelli Montefeltro Left-Hand 12GA?
This shotgun is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. It will cycle most field loads (1.125 ounces and heavier) reliably. Light target loads (1 ounce or less) may require a break-in period or may not cycle consistently until the action wears in. We do not recommend using steel shot in chokes tighter than modified unless the choke is specifically rated for steel. Always check the choke tube markings before use. Avoid using shells shorter than 2.75 inches (such as 2.5-inch shells), as they may cause feeding issues.
4. What warranty covers this Benelli Montefeltro?
Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the shotgun for its service life, but does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, or modifications. You can register your warranty online through Benelli USA’s website. For warranty claims, you will need to contact Benelli USA directly or work through an authorized service center. We do not perform warranty repairs at our store, but we can assist with the registration process.
5. What is your return policy for firearms like this Montefeltro?
All firearm sales are final due to ATF regulations and safety concerns. We do not accept returns on firearms once they have left our inventory. If there is a defect or
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