Benelli Sport II A-Grade Satin Walnut Stock – Benelli Guns

Description

The Benelli Sport II A-Grade Satin Walnut Stock shotgun is a purpose-built tool for American shooters who demand consistent performance at the range, in the field, or on the competition circuit. Whether you are a dedicated sporting clays enthusiast breaking targets at a club in Texas, a waterfowl hunter working flooded timber in Arkansas, or a shooter looking for a reliable home-defense platform with reduced recoil, this 12-gauge, 30-inch barreled shotgun delivers where it counts. As a licensed FFL retailer, we understand that a firearm purchase is an investment in performance and reliability, and the Benelli Sport II is engineered to meet those expectations without unnecessary frills.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Benelli Sport II A-Grade is a semi-automatic, inertia-driven shotgun chambered in 12-gauge, featuring a 30-inch ported barrel and a satin walnut stock. This model is specifically designed for shooters who prioritize smooth cycling, reduced muzzle rise, and a classic aesthetic. It is an excellent choice for target shooters who spend long days on the skeet or trap fields, as the ported barrel and inertia system minimize fatigue. Hunters will appreciate the reliable cycling with a wide range of 2¾-inch and 3-inch loads, making it suitable for upland game, waterfowl, and turkey. Collectors and enthusiasts who value the traditional look of satin walnut paired with modern engineering will find this shotgun a practical addition to their cabinet. While it is not a compact home-defense gun, its reliability and smooth handling make it a solid option for those who want a single shotgun that can serve multiple roles.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (2¾-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Action: Semi-automatic, inertia-driven (Benelli Inertia Driven system)
• Barrel Length: 30 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 50 inches
• Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
• Stock: Satin walnut with a gloss finish and raised cheekpiece
• Receiver: Anodized aluminum, matte black finish
• Barrel Finish: Blued steel with ported muzzle
• Choke System: Benelli Crio system (includes IC, M, F chokes; also accepts Crio chokes)
• Capacity: 4+1 (3-inch chamber, 2¾-inch shells typically allow 4+1)
• Sights: Red bar front sight with a white mid-bead
• Length of Pull: 14¾ inches
• Drop at Comb: Approximately 1½ inches
• Drop at Heel: Approximately 2¼ inches

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Sport II A-Grade is built around the company’s proven Inertia Driven system, a design that uses the shotgun’s recoil energy to cycle the action rather than relying on gas ports or complex springs. This system is self-cleaning to a large degree, meaning it functions reliably across a wide range of ammunition types and environmental conditions, from dusty range days to wet marsh hunts. The inertia system also contributes to the shotgun’s overall light weight, as it eliminates the need for heavy gas pistons and tubes. For the shooter, this translates to faster target acquisition and less fatigue during extended sessions.

The 30-inch ported barrel is a standout feature for those who value muzzle control. The ports are strategically placed near the muzzle to redirect expanding gases upward, which reduces muzzle rise and perceived recoil. This allows the shooter to stay on target for faster follow-up shots, a clear advantage in sporting clays or when engaging multiple moving targets. The barrel is also treated with Benelli’s Crio process, a cryogenic treatment that relieves stress in the steel for improved consistency and tighter shot patterns. The Crio choke system includes three flush-mounted chokes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), giving the shooter flexibility for different distances and target presentations.

The satin walnut stock is a point of pride for this A-Grade model. It features a hand-rubbed satin finish that highlights the natural grain of the wood, offering a classic appearance without the high-gloss glare that can spook game birds. The stock is designed with a raised cheekpiece that helps align the shooter’s eye with the rib for a natural point of aim. The forend is similarly contoured for a secure grip, even with gloved hands. The stock also includes a rubber recoil pad that reduces felt recoil without adding significant weight, making the shotgun comfortable to shoot with heavier field loads.

The receiver is machined from lightweight aluminum and finished with a durable matte black anodization that resists scratches and corrosion. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or a Picatinny rail, should the shooter choose to add optics for turkey hunting or slug use. The trigger is a crisp, single-stage design with a smooth pull that supports consistent shot breaking. The safety is a cross-bolt type, located at the rear of the trigger guard, and is ambidextrous in function, though the button is positioned for right-handed shooters by default.

Another practical feature is the magazine cutoff, a button located on the side of the receiver that allows the shooter to quickly unload the chamber without cycling shells through the magazine. This is useful for clearing the gun safely at the end of a round or when crossing fences while hunting. The bolt release and bolt handle are generously sized for easy manipulation, even with cold or wet hands. The entire firearm is designed for straightforward disassembly for cleaning, with the barrel and bolt group coming apart without tools.

The overall build quality of the Benelli Sport II A-Grade reflects the company’s Italian manufacturing standards, with tight tolerances and attention to fit and finish. The barrel is firmly attached to the receiver via a threaded magazine cap, and the forend remains stable under recoil. The shotgun cycles reliably with target loads as light as 1-ounce, 2¾-inch shells, as well as with 3-inch magnum waterfowl loads. This versatility is a direct result of the inertia system’s ability to adjust to recoil energy without manual gas adjustment.

Ideal Use Cases

• Sporting Clays and Trap: The 30-inch barrel and ported design provide a smooth swing and reduced muzzle jump, making this shotgun a strong choice for breaking clays at various distances.
• Waterfowl and Upland Hunting: The reliable cycling with 3-inch loads and the satin walnut stock’s weather-resistant finish make it field-ready for duck blinds or pheasant walks.
• Home Defense: While not a short-barreled tactical model, the 12-gauge power and 4+1 capacity offer reliable stopping power. The ported barrel helps control recoil for faster follow-up shots in a defensive scenario.
• Range Practice: The ability to cycle light target loads without adjustment makes it an excellent gun for regular practice and skill development.
• Competition (3-Gun, Hunting): The shotgun’s balance and quick handling suit it for entry-level to intermediate competition, particularly in events that require a mix of birdshot and slug loads.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This shotgun cycles reliably with 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. It works best with target loads (1-ounce to 1⅛-ounce) and field loads up to 3-inch magnums. Avoid using light target loads below 1-ounce for consistent cycling, as the inertia system requires a minimum recoil impulse. Steel shot is safe through the Crio chokes, but check choke markings for steel compatibility (IC and M are generally safe; Full is not recommended for steel).
• Chokes: The barrel accepts Benelli Crio and Crio Plus chokes. Aftermarket options from Briley, Carlson’s, and others are available for specialized patterns. The included chokes (IC, M, F) cover most needs.
• Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases (Weaver or Picatinny). Magazine extensions are available from Nordic Components or Benelli OEM, though they may require a barrel clamp for stability. Sling swivel studs are pre-installed on the stock and forend, compatible with most quick-detach slings.
• Holsters and Cases: This shotgun is not designed for holster carry. A soft or hard case for transport and storage is recommended. For home defense, a wall-mounted gun lock or safe is appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this shotgun be shipped to my address in the United States?
A: Yes, we ship to all 50 states, but only to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. We do not ship directly to a residential address for firearms. After your order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer’s information. Once we receive a valid copy of their FFL, we ship the firearm via a carrier that complies with all state and federal laws.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work for this Benelli shotgun?
A: After you place your order, you will need to select a local FFL dealer who is willing to accept the transfer. You can find a dealer through our FFL locator or by contacting your local gun shop. Provide us with the dealer’s name, address, and license number. We verify the license, ship the shotgun, and your dealer will handle the background check (NICS) and any state-specific requirements before releasing the firearm to you. There may be a transfer fee from the dealer, typically between $20 and $50.

Q: What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
A: The Benelli Sport II A-Grade is chambered for 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. It functions best with standard target loads (1-ounce to 1⅛-ounce) and field loads. It will cycle with 3-inch magnum loads but may produce more recoil. Avoid using subsonic or very light target loads (under 1-ounce) as they may not generate enough recoil to cycle the inertia system reliably. Steel shot is safe through the Improved Cylinder and Modified chokes.

Q: What is the warranty on this Benelli shotgun?
A: Benelli USA offers a limited lifetime warranty for the original purchaser. This covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, alteration, or use of improper ammunition. We recommend registering your firearm with Benelli USA after purchase. For any warranty claims, contact Benelli USA directly or reach out to us, and we can assist with the process.

Q: Can I return this shotgun if I change my mind?
A