Description
For the American wingshooter who values tradition as much as performance, the Benelli 828U Over Under in 20-gauge offers a distinct blend of Italian engineering and limited-edition craftsmanship. Whether you’re walking a Missouri cornfield for pheasants or stepping onto a Southern sporting clays course, this shotgun’s lightweight build and responsive handling are designed for long days in the field. As a limited-release model commemorated by Petersen’s Hunting, it represents a specific opportunity for shooters who appreciate a firearm that functions as well as it displays.
What This Product Is and Who It Is For
The Benelli 828U is a modern over-under shotgun that breaks from traditional designs by incorporating a monobloc barrel system and an inertia-driven action, rather than the standard hinge-pin setup. This limited edition is chambered in 20-gauge with a 26-inch barrel, making it a natural fit for upland bird hunters, sporting clays enthusiasts, and collectors seeking a distinct, serialized firearm. It is not a home defense or concealed carry tool; its primary purpose is field and range use where a lightweight, fast-swinging shotgun is an advantage. The AA-grade satin walnut stock and engraved receiver also make it a candidate for display or safe-queen status among those who appreciate fine wood and metal work.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 20-gauge (2¾-inch and 3-inch shells)
- Action: Over-under, break-open with Benelli’s inertia-driven system
- Barrel Length: 26 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 45 inches
- Weight: Approximately 6.2 pounds (unloaded)
- Capacity: 2 rounds (one in each chamber, no magazine)
- Stock: AA-grade satin walnut, with a field-style checkered pistol grip and forend
- Receiver Finish: Engraved steel with a silver or nickel-like finish (limited-edition specific)
- Chokes: Benelli Crio system (interchangeable chokes, typically includes IC, M, F)
- Sights: Red fiber-optic front bead, white mid-bead
- Length of Pull: 14¾ inches
Feature Deep-Dive
The Benelli 828U’s most distinctive feature is its monobloc barrel construction. Unlike traditional over-unders that join barrels at the breech face, this design uses a single steel block that houses both barrels and the hinge pin. This reduces overall weight without sacrificing structural integrity, allowing the shotgun to point and swing more naturally. For a shooter who carries a gun all day, the sub-6.5-pound weight makes a measurable difference in fatigue, especially when mounting and dismounting for fast-flushing birds.
The inertia-driven action is another point of departure from conventional over-unders. While many O/Us rely on mechanical triggers or recoil-operated systems, Benelli’s inertia system uses the gun’s own recoil to reset the trigger and rotate the firing pin selector. This means fewer moving parts, less maintenance, and a cleaner lock-up. The system also allows the shooter to fire the lower barrel first by default, or manually select the upper barrel via a tang-mounted safety/selector. This gives the shooter control over choke sequencing without needing to modify the gun.
The AA-grade satin walnut stock is selected for straight grain and minimal figure, finished in a low-gloss satin that reduces glare and resists moisture better than high-gloss finishes. The checkering is cut at 20 lines per inch, providing a secure grip without being overly aggressive against gloved hands. The stock is also fitted with a ventilated rubber recoil pad, which helps manage the modest recoil of 20-gauge loads, making it comfortable for both light target loads and heavier 3-inch magnum shells.
Engraving on the receiver is a hallmark of this limited edition. The pattern is a classic scroll and game scene motif, executed in a silver-toned finish against the blued barrels. This is not a mass-produced laser engraving; it is applied by skilled artisans at the Benelli factory, adding a level of detail that distinguishes it from standard production models. Each gun is also serialized as part of the limited run, which may hold interest for collectors or shooters who want a firearm that stands out in a rack of black synthetic guns.
Benelli’s Crio barrel treatment is applied to the bores and chokes, which is a cryogenic process that relieves stress in the steel and improves pattern consistency. The result is a more uniform distribution of shot, which translates to more reliable breaks on clays or cleaner kills on game. The 26-inch barrel length is a versatile choice, offering a balance between fast handling and sufficient sight radius for crossing targets. It is short enough for thick cover but long enough to maintain a smooth swing on longer-range shots.
The tang-mounted safety is manual and ambidextrous, with a barrel selector button integrated into the safety slide. This design is intuitive for right-handed and left-handed shooters alike, and it prevents accidental selector changes during handling. The trigger itself is a single, non-selective design that resets automatically after each shot. Pull weight is factory-set at approximately 5.5 to 6.5 pounds, with minimal creep, providing a consistent break that aids accuracy in both barrels.
Ideal Use Cases
This shotgun is built for upland bird hunting, where its light weight and quick handling make it effective for pheasants, quail, grouse, and woodcock. It is also well-suited for sporting clays and skeet, particularly for shooters who prefer a 20-gauge for its reduced recoil and faster target acquisition. The limited-edition engraving and select wood make it appropriate for display or as a collectible item, though it is fully functional for regular field use. It is not designed for home defense, concealed carry, or tactical applications, as its capacity and barrel length are optimized for hunting and target sports.
Compatibility Notes
The Benelli 828U accepts 2¾-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells, including target loads, field loads, and magnum hunting loads. It is not compatible with 2½-inch shells or non-standard European lengths. The gun uses Benelli Crio chokes, which are specific to the 828U model and not interchangeable with other Benelli choke systems. Aftermarket choke tubes from Briley, Carlson’s, and other manufacturers are available for the Crio pattern. No holsters or magazine accessories are applicable. The gun does not accept optics or rail mounts, but the fiber-optic front sight is replaceable if needed. Spare parts, such as firing pins and springs, are available through Benelli authorized dealers and service centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this shotgun be shipped to my address in the United States?
Yes. As a licensed FFL retailer, we can ship this firearm to any Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in the continental United States. We do not ship directly to residential addresses. Once you place an order, we will coordinate with your chosen FFL dealer for transfer.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After your order is placed, you will need to provide the name and address of a licensed FFL dealer who is willing to accept the transfer. We will ship the shotgun to that dealer, and you will complete the ATF Form 4473 and any required state background check at the dealer’s location. We cannot ship to a dealer without prior confirmation from that dealer.
3. What ammunition does this shotgun require?
This shotgun is chambered for 20-gauge shells with a maximum length of 3 inches. It will cycle both 2¾-inch and 3-inch loads reliably, including standard target loads, steel shot, and lead field loads. We recommend using factory-new ammunition from reputable manufacturers. Reloaded or subsonic ammunition may not function reliably with the inertia system.
4. What is the warranty on this limited-edition Benelli 828U?
Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials or workmanship. This covers the receiver, barrels, and stock for the life of the firearm, with the exception of normal wear items such as springs, firing pins, and chokes. The warranty is transferable only through authorized Benelli service centers. We recommend registering the firearm with Benelli USA after purchase.
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
Due to federal regulations and safety considerations, all firearm sales are final. If there is a defect or issue with the shotgun, we will work directly with Benelli USA to facilitate a warranty repair or replacement. We do not accept returns for change of mind or fitment issues. Please inspect the firearm at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer.
Closing Call to Action
This limited-edition Benelli 828U Over Under is available for purchase and can be shipped to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. If you have questions about stock availability or the transfer process, contact our team during business hours. Order now to secure a serialized example of this Petersen’s commemorative shotgun.
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