Benelli Montefeltro Featherweight 20 Gauge 2+1 Silver Satin Walnut 24

Description

For the upland hunter or clay shooter who values a lightweight, fast-handling shotgun, the Benelli Montefeltro Featherweight in 20 gauge offers a compelling balance of proven inertia-driven reliability and classic Italian styling. With a 24-inch barrel, a slim silver receiver, and a satin walnut stock, this semi-auto is built to carry all day in the field and swing naturally on rising birds or breaking clays. Whether you’re working a grouse cover in the Northeast or walking a sporting clays course in the Midwest, this shotgun is designed to perform without unnecessary bulk.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli Montefeltro Featherweight is a semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 20 gauge, featuring a 2+1 capacity (two in the magazine, one in the chamber). It is intended for shooters who prioritize low weight and maneuverability in a proven hunting platform. This model is well-suited for upland bird hunters, small-game hunters, and recreational clay shooters who prefer the reduced recoil and lighter carry weight of a 20 gauge. It is not marketed as a tactical or home-defense firearm, nor is it a competition-ready race gun; rather, it fills the role of a reliable field gun for the active outdoorsman. Collectors will also appreciate the Montefeltro’s long-standing reputation as a classic Benelli design, with its clean lines and satin walnut furniture.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 20 Gauge (2¾-inch and 3-inch shells compatible)
• Capacity: 2+1 (2 rounds in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
• Barrel Length: 24 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 44.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 5.4 pounds (varies slightly by production run)
• Receiver Finish: Silver anodized aluminum
• Stock and Forend: Satin walnut with checkering
• Choke System: Benelli Crio system (includes modified, improved cylinder, and full chokes; additional chokes available separately)
• Sights: Red bar front sight (adjustable for windage and elevation)
• Action: Inertia-operated semi-automatic
• Safety: Cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard
• Magazine Type: Tubular, fixed under barrel

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Montefeltro Featherweight’s defining characteristic is its low weight. At roughly 5.4 pounds, it is one of the lightest semi-automatic 20-gauge shotguns on the market. This is achieved through the use of a lightweight aluminum alloy receiver and a slim-profile barrel, which reduces fatigue during long days in the field. The weight savings do not compromise structural integrity; the receiver is CNC-machined from a solid block of aluminum and then anodized for corrosion resistance, ensuring the shotgun holds up to years of use in wet or dusty conditions.

The inertia-driven operating system is a hallmark of Benelli’s design philosophy. Unlike gas-operated semi-autos, the Montefeltro relies on the recoil energy of the fired shell to cycle the action. This system has fewer moving parts, which translates to easier cleaning and maintenance in the field. It also allows the shotgun to remain relatively clean because combustion gases do not cycle back into the action. For the 20-gauge shooter, this means reliable cycling with a wide range of shell loads, from light 2¾-inch target loads to heavier 3-inch magnums, provided the shooter uses shells with sufficient velocity (typically 1200 fps or higher for target loads).

The 24-inch barrel is a deliberate choice for the Montefeltro Featherweight. Shorter barrels are often preferred in dense cover where quick target acquisition matters more than sight radius. This length also contributes to the shotgun’s overall balance, keeping the weight centered between the hands for a natural point of aim. The barrel is manufactured using Benelli’s Crio system, which cryogenically treats the steel to relieve stress and improve consistency. The result is a barrel that patterns more evenly and resists fouling buildup, which is particularly noticeable when shooting a variety of loads at clays or game.

The satin walnut stock and forend are cut from select walnut and finished with a low-gloss satin coating that reduces glare in bright sunlight. The stock features a raised cheek piece and a classic Monte Carlo comb, which helps align the shooter’s eye with the receiver and barrel. The checkering is cut at 24 lines per inch, providing a secure grip without being overly aggressive. The stock also includes a soft rubber recoil pad, which helps manage the felt recoil from heavier 20-gauge loads, making the shotgun more comfortable to shoot over extended sessions.

The silver anodized receiver is not purely cosmetic. The anodizing process creates a hard, wear-resistant surface that protects against scratches and corrosion. The receiver is also drilled and tapped for scope mounting, should the shooter choose to add a red dot or low-power optic for turkey hunting or slug use. The trigger guard is oversized to accommodate gloved fingers, and the cross-bolt safety is positioned for easy access without shifting the shooting hand. The bolt handle and bolt release are located on the right side of the receiver, consistent with traditional semi-auto shotgun controls.

Benelli includes a shim kit with the Montefeltro Featherweight, allowing the shooter to adjust the drop and cast of the stock. This is a practical feature for shooters who want a custom fit without visiting a gunsmith. The stock can be adjusted to accommodate different facial structures, shooting stances, or clothing layers. The shim kit is straightforward to install and can make a noticeable difference in how the shotgun mounts and points, particularly for shooters who use the shotgun for both hunting and clays.

Ideal Use Cases

• Upland Bird Hunting: The lightweight build and 24-inch barrel make this shotgun a natural for walking up pheasants, quail, grouse, and woodcock in fields or brush.
• Small Game Hunting: Effective for rabbits, squirrels, and other small game where a 20-gauge load is appropriate.
• Clay Sports: Suitable for recreational skeet, trap, and sporting clays, particularly for shooters who prefer a lighter gun for longer sessions. The 20-gauge recoil is milder than 12-gauge, making it a good choice for newer shooters or those with shoulder sensitivity.
• Turkey Hunting (with optic): The drilled and tapped receiver allows for mounting a red dot or scope, and the 24-inch barrel is maneuverable in tight setups. The 20-gauge with 3-inch magnum loads is adequate for turkey at reasonable ranges.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This shotgun cycles 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells. For reliable function with light target loads, use shells with a minimum velocity of 1200 fps. High-brass hunting loads and magnum shells cycle without issue.
• Chokes: Uses Benelli Crio choke tubes (standard 12-gauge Crio chokes will not fit). The shotgun comes with modified, improved cylinder, and full chokes. Additional Crio chokes (e.g., skeet, improved modified, extra full turkey) are available from Benelli or aftermarket suppliers.
• Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases (standard Benelli Montefeltro pattern). Magazine tube extensions are not standard and may require modification. Sling swivel studs are pre-installed on the stock and forend.
• Holsters and Storage: Not applicable for holsters. Soft cases or hard cases for 24-inch barrel shotguns fit this model. The overall length is under 45 inches, so it fits standard storage cabinets.
• Magazines: The magazine tube is fixed and non-detachable. Capacity is 2+1 as shipped. Aftermarket magazine tube extensions are available but may require a gunsmith for installation and function testing.

FAQ

1. Do you ship this shotgun to my address in the United States?
We ship to all 50 states, but only to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. You must select a licensed dealer in your state to receive the firearm. We do not ship directly to residential addresses. Please ensure your chosen FFL is willing to accept the transfer before placing your order.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place your order, we will need your chosen FFL dealer’s contact information and a copy of their current license. You can provide this during checkout or email it to us after ordering. We verify the license, ship the shotgun to the dealer via a carrier that requires an adult signature, and the dealer handles the background check and transfer to you. Transfer fees vary by dealer and are not included in our price.

3. What ammunition is recommended for reliable cycling?
The inertia system in this Montefeltro Featherweight cycles most 20-gauge shells with a velocity of 1200 fps or higher. For target loads, we recommend using 1-ounce or 7/8-ounce loads with a minimum of 1200 fps. Heavier hunting loads (2¾-inch or 3-inch magnums) cycle reliably. Very light target loads (under 1150 fps) may fail to cycle the action fully. We suggest testing a box of your intended load before relying on the shotgun for hunting or competition.

4. What warranty covers this shotgun?
Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the receiver, barrel, and internal components under normal use. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or the use of non-standard ammunition. If you need warranty service, you can contact Benelli USA directly or work through us as the retailer to facilitate the process.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they have been transferred to your FFL dealer. If there is a defect or issue with the shotgun prior to transfer, please inspect it at the dealer before completing the paperwork. If you find a problem, we will work with you and Benelli to resolve it. For accessories or non-firearm items, we accept returns within 30 days of purchase, provided they are unused and in original packaging. Shipping costs for returns are the buyer’s responsibility unless the item arrived damaged or incorrect.

Closing CTA

This Benelli Montefeltro Featherweight 20 Gauge is available now for shipment to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. If you have questions about compatibility, FFL requirements, or current stock, please contact us directly. We are a licensed firearms retailer and can assist with any details to ensure a smooth purchase and transfer.