Gable Sporting Goods

Description

For the American wingshooter who values both performance and tradition, the Gable Sporting Goods Benelli 828U 20-gauge with a 28-inch barrel offers a refined balance of modern engineering and classic craftsmanship. Whether you’re working a dove field in Georgia, chasing pheasants across the Dakotas, or stepping onto a sporting clays course in the Northeast, this over-under shotgun is designed to deliver consistent patterns and manageable recoil over a long day afield. As a licensed FFL retailer, we appreciate what this model brings to the table: a lightweight, fast-handling platform that doesn’t sacrifice the smooth swing you expect from a premium Italian-made shotgun.

Product Overview: Who This Shotgun Serves

The Benelli 828U in 20-gauge is built for the serious upland hunter, the competitive clay shooter, and the collector who values a well-executed mechanical design. It is not a tactical or home-defense firearm; rather, it is a dedicated field gun optimized for wingshooting and target sports. The 28-inch barrel length provides an ideal balance between swing speed and sight radius, making it suitable for both close-cover flushing birds and longer crossing shots on the range. The AA Grade satin walnut stock and nickel engraved receiver place this model in the category of a working gun with show-quality aesthetics—appropriate for the shooter who wants a reliable tool that also looks good in the gun safe.

Key Specifications

• Gauge: 20-gauge (accepts 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Barrel Length: 28 inches, with ventilated rib and fiber optic front sight
• Chamber: 3-inch chamber for magnum loads
• Capacity: 2+1 (two in the magazine, one in the chamber)
• Stock: AA Grade satin walnut with Monte Carlo comb and fine-line checkering
• Receiver: Nickel engraved with game scene motifs
• Weight: Approximately 6.2 pounds (varies slightly with wood density)
• Length of Pull: 14.375 inches with a standard pad
• Drop at Comb: 1.375 inches
• Drop at Heel: 2.125 inches
• Chokes: Includes Crio chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) in a fitted case
• Trigger: Single selective trigger with barrel selector on the safety tang
• Safety: Manual tang-mounted safety with barrel selector
• Finish: Blued barrels, nickel receiver with engraved detailing

Feature Deep-Dive: What Makes This Model Worth Buying

The Benelli 828U is distinguished by its Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system, a feature that sets it apart from many traditional over-under shotguns. This system uses a flexible recoil plate and a progressive spring system that compresses under heavier loads, effectively reducing felt recoil without adding significant weight. For a 20-gauge gun that weighs just over six pounds, this is a practical advantage—especially when shooting 3-inch magnum loads for waterfowl or extended sessions on the clays course. The system works quietly and does not interfere with the gun’s balance or handling characteristics.

The nickel engraved receiver is more than cosmetic. The engraving is applied to a corrosion-resistant nickel finish, which holds up well against moisture and sweat during long hunts. The game scene motifs—typically featuring upland birds or waterfowl—are cleanly cut and add a level of detail that collectors and traditionalists will appreciate. This is not a laser-etched budget gun; the engraving shows hand-finishing characteristics that reflect the Italian heritage of the manufacturer. The receiver itself is machined from a solid block of steel, contributing to the gun’s rigidity and long-term durability.

The AA Grade satin walnut stock is selected for straight grain and minimal figure, finished in a satin sheen that reduces glare in the field. The Monte Carlo comb provides a consistent cheek weld, which is critical for repeatable shooting. The fine-line checkering at the grip and forend is cut sharp enough to provide a secure hold even with wet gloves, but not so aggressive that it becomes uncomfortable. The stock is fitted with a slim recoil pad that complements the Progressive Comfort system, and the grip cap is subtly engraved to match the receiver.

Barrel construction on the 828U uses Benelli’s Crio system, which freezes the barrels at cryogenic temperatures before final finishing. This process relieves internal stresses in the steel and produces a smoother bore surface. In practical terms, this means more consistent shot patterns and easier cleaning. The 28-inch barrels are back-bored to reduce felt recoil and improve pattern density, and they come with five Crio chokes that are engineered to the same cryogenic treatment. The ventilated rib is 8mm wide, providing a clear sight plane, and the red fiber optic front sight is easy to acquire in low-light conditions.

Mechanically, the 828U uses a monobloc barrel construction with a locking system that engages the barrels directly into the receiver. This design reduces the number of moving parts compared to some competitor models, which can translate to fewer potential failure points over decades of use. The single selective trigger is crisp and breaks cleanly at around 3.5 pounds, with a barrel selector integrated into the safety tang. The gun breaks open smoothly on full-length hinge pins, and the ejectors are timed to kick spent shells clear without excessive force. The automatic safety resets when the gun is opened, which is a standard safety feature for field use.

Ideal Use Cases

Upland Hunting: The 28-inch barrel and 6.2-pound weight make this an excellent choice for walking up pheasants, quail, woodcock, and grouse. The Progressive Comfort system keeps you fresh on long days, and the 20-gauge chambering offers enough reach for open-country birds without punishing your shoulder.

Sporting Clays and Skeet: On the range, the 828U’s balance and swing dynamics shine. The fiber optic sight and ventilated rib provide a clear sight picture, and the Crio chokes allow you to fine-tune patterns for different presentations. The gun handles well for shooters who prefer a lighter, faster-swinging over-under.

Waterfowl Hunting (with limitations): While 20-gauge is not the primary choice for pass-shooting geese, the 3-inch chamber allows you to use steel or bismuth loads for ducks over decoys. The nickel receiver resists corrosion from marsh conditions better than blued steel, and the recoil system helps manage heavier payloads.

Collector Interest: The AA Grade walnut and nickel engraved receiver place this model above standard field-grade guns. For shooters who appreciate fine wood and metalwork, the 828U represents a production gun with custom-level attention to detail.

Compatibility Notes

This shotgun is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. It functions reliably with target loads, field loads, and steel shot ammunition. Lead shot, bismuth, and tungsten-based non-toxic shot are all acceptable. The Crio choke system uses Benelli-specific threads; aftermarket chokes from Briley, Carlson’s, and Trulock are available in Crio-compatible patterns. The gun is not designed for use with suppressors or extended magazine tubes. Hard cases, soft cases, and stock pouches from most major manufacturers will fit, though the nickel finish requires careful handling to avoid scratches. The 828U accepts standard 20-gauge snap caps for dry-fire practice. No aftermarket holsters or tactical accessories are applicable to this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you ship this shotgun directly to my home in the United States?
A: No. As required by federal law, this shotgun must be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. We will ship to the FFL you provide after your order is placed. We do not ship firearms to residential addresses.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work when I order from CS Firearms?
A: After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm the FFL dealer you wish to use. You must arrange with the receiving dealer to accept the transfer. We ship via a licensed carrier, and the dealer will contact you when the firearm arrives. You will then complete the ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background check at the dealer before taking possession. Typical turnaround is 3–7 business days depending on dealer responsiveness.

Q: What ammunition is compatible with this Benelli 828U?
A: The 828U accepts 20-gauge shells from 2.75 inches to 3 inches in length. It cycles reliably with target loads, field loads, and steel shot. We recommend using factory ammunition from reputable manufacturers for best performance. Reloaded or hand-loaded ammunition may void the warranty and should be tested with caution.

Q: What warranty does this shotgun carry?
A: Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty covers the receiver, barrels, and mechanical components. Wood stocks and finishes are covered for one year against manufacturing defects. Normal wear, misuse, and aftermarket modifications are not covered. You can register your warranty directly with Benelli USA after purchase.

Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations and safety considerations, all firearm sales are final. We do not accept returns on firearms once they have been shipped. If there is a manufacturing defect, the issue is handled through the manufacturer’s warranty process. We will assist you with warranty claims and coordinate with Benelli USA if needed. Please inspect the firearm at your receiving FFL before accepting the transfer; any cosmetic or mechanical issues should be noted before the 4473 is completed.

Closing Call to Action

The Gable Sporting Goods Benelli 828U 20-gauge with a 28-inch barrel is available now for shipment to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. This is a production model with limited allocation, and we recommend placing your order promptly to secure a serial number. CS Firearms is a licensed FFL retailer, and we ship all firearms via insured, trackable carriers with adult signature required. If you have questions about compatibility or the ordering process, our staff is available by phone or email during business hours. Order with confidence, knowing your new shotgun will arrive at your chosen dealer ready for the field or the range.