Benelli 828U 12 Ga 30″ AA-Grade Satin Walnut Blued Progressive Comfort

Description

The Benelli 828U 12 Ga 30″ AA-Grade Satin Walnut Blued Progressive Comfort shotgun is a purpose-built over-under designed for the American upland hunter and sporting clays enthusiast who values a lightweight, fast-handling platform without sacrificing recoil management. Whether you are walking the prairies for pheasants or working a course of clay targets, this shotgun provides a balanced, responsive feel that reduces fatigue over a long day afield. As a U.S.-based FFL dealer, we appreciate how this model combines Benelli’s engineering with practical features for the American shooter.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli 828U is a break-action over-under shotgun chambered in 12 gauge with 30-inch barrels, featuring an AA-Grade satin walnut stock and a blued metal finish. This firearm is designed primarily for target shooters and upland hunters who require a lightweight, quick-pointing gun that can handle repeated shots in the field or on the range. It is not intended for home defense or concealed carry, as its barrel length and break-action design are optimized for open-field use. Collectors may also appreciate the AA-Grade walnut and Benelli’s reputation for craftsmanship, though this model is built for active use rather than display.

Key Specifications Breakdown

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Action: Over-under break-action
• Barrel Length: 30 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 47.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 6.6 pounds (lightweight for an over-under)
• Stock: AA-Grade satin walnut with raised cheekpiece and Progressive Comfort recoil pad
• Finish: Blued barrels and receiver
• Sights: Red front bead sight
• Choke System: Crio interchangeable choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F included)
• Capacity: 2 shells (standard over-under configuration)
• Trigger: Single selective trigger with barrel selector
• Safety: Manual tang safety

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli 828U stands out for its lightweight construction, achieved through a monobloc receiver design that uses a steel breechface bonded to an aluminum alloy frame. This approach reduces overall weight to around 6.6 pounds, making it one of the lighter 12-gauge over-unders on the market. For the upland hunter covering rough terrain or the clay shooter moving between stations, this weight reduction translates directly to less arm fatigue and faster target acquisition. The aluminum frame is reinforced at key stress points to maintain durability without the bulk of all-steel receivers.

Progressive Comfort recoil reduction is a key feature of this model, utilizing a system of elastomeric dampers and a specially designed recoil pad that compresses progressively under recoil. This technology absorbs energy from heavier 3-inch magnum loads while still allowing lighter target loads to cycle without excessive muzzle rise. The result is a shotgun that remains comfortable to shoot across a range of ammunition types, from 1-ounce target loads to 1.25-ounce field loads. This is particularly beneficial for shooters who spend extended sessions at the range or hunters who may fire multiple rounds in quick succession.

The AA-Grade satin walnut stock is selected for its straight grain and consistent color, finished with a satin oil coating that resists moisture and handling wear. The stock features a raised cheekpiece that promotes a consistent cheek weld, aiding in repeatable shot placement. The forend is contoured for a secure grip, with checkering at contact points to prevent slipping in wet or gloved conditions. The satin finish reduces glare in bright sunlight, a practical consideration for field use.

The Crio choke tube system uses cryogenically treated steel for consistent patterns and corrosion resistance. The included set of five chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) covers the full range of clay target disciplines and upland hunting distances. Changing chokes is straightforward with the included wrench, and the system is compatible with other Benelli Crio tubes. The 30-inch barrels are back-bored to reduce felt recoil and improve pattern density, a design choice that benefits both clay shooters and bird hunters.

The single selective trigger allows the shooter to choose which barrel fires first via a tang-mounted selector, with the option to reset the selector for the second shot. This is useful for hunters who want a more open choke for the first shot and a tighter choke for the follow-up. The manual tang safety is located within easy reach of the thumb and provides a positive click when engaged. The extractors are designed to lift spent shells clear of the chambers for easy removal, though this model does not feature automatic ejectors, which reduces mechanical complexity and weight.

The blued finish on the barrels and receiver provides a traditional appearance that resists light corrosion when properly maintained. The metal surfaces are matte-finished to reduce glare, which is helpful in bright field conditions. The aluminum receiver is hard-anodized for additional wear resistance. Overall, the 828U is built with a focus on practical performance rather than ornate decoration, making it a working shotgun for the serious shooter.

Ideal Use Cases

This shotgun is best suited for upland bird hunting, including pheasant, quail, grouse, and woodcock, where its light weight and quick handling are advantages in thick cover. It also performs well for sporting clays, trap, and skeet, particularly for shooters who prefer a 30-inch barrel for sustained leads on crossing targets. The Progressive Comfort system makes it suitable for shooters who are sensitive to recoil or who plan to shoot high-volume rounds at the range. It is not recommended for waterfowl hunting due to the blued finish and lack of a weather-resistant coating, nor for home defense or concealed carry given its size and break-action design.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: Accepts 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. For best performance with the Crio choke system, use lead shot up to #4 steel or non-toxic shot as specified by Benelli. Avoid using steel shot through full chokes.
• Chokes: Compatible with Benelli Crio choke tubes. Aftermarket Crio-compatible tubes from brands like Briley or Muller are available for specialized patterns.
• Accessories: Standard over-under accessories apply, including hard cases, snap caps for dry fire, and barrel sleeves. The tang safety and trigger are proprietary but serviceable by Benelli-authorized gunsmiths.
• Parts: Replacement firing pins, springs, and extractors are available through Benelli parts distributors. The stock is specific to the 828U model and may require fitting by a gunsmith if replacement is needed.
• Holsters/Slings: Not applicable for holsters. A sling can be attached using a quick-detach swivel stud set, which may require installation by a gunsmith if not pre-drilled.

FAQ Section

Q: Can you ship this Benelli 828U to my address in the United States?
A: Yes, we ship to all U.S. states where this shotgun is legal to own. However, we must ship to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state for transfer. We do not ship directly to residential addresses for firearms. Please provide your chosen FFL’s information at checkout, and we will coordinate delivery.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work for this shotgun?
A: After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer. You must arrange with that dealer to accept the transfer. We ship the shotgun to the FFL, who will then conduct the required background check (NICS) before releasing it to you. Transfer fees are set by the receiving FFL and are not included in our price. You can also have your FFL email us a copy of their license to expedite the process.

Q: What ammunition is compatible with the Benelli 828U, and can I use steel shot?
A: The 828U is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. It is safe to use lead shot, bismuth, and other non-toxic shot types. Steel shot is acceptable but should be limited to chokes marked for steel use (typically Improved Cylinder or Modified). Avoid using steel shot through Full or Extra Full chokes to prevent barrel damage. Always consult the owner’s manual for specific ammunition guidelines.

Q: What warranty does this shotgun have, and how do I claim it?
A: Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or unauthorized modifications. To claim warranty service, contact Benelli USA customer service at 301-283-6981 or visit their website to locate an authorized service center. We recommend retaining your sales receipt as proof of purchase.

Q: What is your return policy for this firearm?
A: Due to federal regulations and safety considerations, we do not accept returns on firearms for change of mind or cosmetic preferences. If the shotgun arrives with a manufacturer defect or is damaged in transit, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with Benelli to arrange repair or replacement under warranty. All sales are final, and we encourage you to inspect the shotgun at your FFL before accepting transfer.

Closing CTA

This Benelli 828U 12 Ga 30″ AA-Grade Satin Walnut Blued Progressive Comfort shotgun is available for purchase and can be shipped to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. Order through our website, and our team will handle the transfer coordination to ensure a smooth process from our inventory to your hands. For questions about stock availability or FFL requirements, contact us directly.