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Description

Whether you’re breaking clays at a weekend shoot or working a field for upland birds, the Benelli 828U Sport 12 GA 30IN 2RD O/U delivers a smooth, reliable swing that American shooters have come to trust. Built with a lightweight alloy receiver and a satin walnut stock, this over/under is designed to handle long days at the range or in the field without tiring you out. For hunters and sport shooters who value fast handling and consistent patterns, the 828U Sport is a solid choice that balances performance with practical durability.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli 828U Sport is a 12-gauge over/under shotgun with 30-inch barrels and a 2-round capacity, intended for target shooting, clay sports, and upland bird hunting. It’s built for shooters who need a lightweight, fast-pointing shotgun that can transition quickly between targets. This model is not designed for home defense or concealed carry—it’s a purpose-built field and range gun. Collectors will appreciate the satin walnut finish and the Benelli heritage, but the primary audience is the active shooter who wants a reliable O/U for competition or hunting trips. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a weekend hunter, this shotgun offers a balanced platform that rewards consistent technique.

Key Specification Breakdown

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Capacity: 2 rounds (standard over/under configuration)
• Barrel Length: 30 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 47.5 inches
• Finish: Satin walnut stock and forend, blued steel barrels with a matte finish
• Weight: Approximately 6.8 pounds (depending on choke tube selection)
• Sights: Red front bead sight (mid-bead optional on some variants)
• Choke System: Benelli Crio system with interchangeable choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F typically included)
• Stock: Satin walnut with a field-style checkering and a recoil pad
• Receiver: Lightweight aluminum alloy with an anodized finish

These specifications place the 828U Sport in the lightweight category for an over/under, making it easier to carry all day. The 30-inch barrels provide a good balance of swing speed and sight radius for clay targets, while the 2-round capacity is standard for field and sport O/U designs. The Crio choke system allows you to tailor patterns for different distances or game birds.

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli 828U Sport stands out for its lightweight construction without sacrificing strength. The receiver is machined from aluminum alloy, which reduces overall weight to around 6.8 pounds. This makes a noticeable difference when you’re walking a field course or carrying the gun for hours during a hunt. The weight savings do not compromise the action’s integrity—Benelli’s engineering ensures the lockup remains tight and reliable shot after shot. The satin walnut stock is hand-checkered for a secure grip, even in wet conditions, and the recoil pad helps manage the felt recoil from heavy 3-inch loads.

The 30-inch barrels are cold hammer-forged from steel, then treated with a matte blued finish to reduce glare in bright sunlight. The Crio choke system uses a cryogenic treatment process to relieve stress in the steel, which Benelli claims improves pattern consistency. Each choke tube is clearly marked, and the system uses a simple wrench for quick changes. The barrels also feature a ventilated rib with a red front bead, which provides a clear sight picture for fast target acquisition. The mid-bead option (available on some models) helps with alignment for longer shots.

Trigger performance is a key aspect of any over/under, and the 828U Sport uses a single selective trigger with a barrel selector located on the safety tang. The trigger pull is crisp, with minimal creep, and the reset is short enough for quick follow-up shots. The barrel selector is intuitive—push the safety to the left for the bottom barrel first, right for the top barrel. The safety is manual and automatically resets to “safe” when the action is opened, which is a standard safety feature for this class of shotgun.

The stock geometry is designed for a natural point of aim. The comb is slightly raised to align your eye with the rib, and the length of pull is adjustable through optional spacers (sold separately). The pistol grip area is slim, promoting a consistent hand position. The forend is slim too, allowing your forward hand to slide naturally along the barrel for swing control. This ergonomic design helps reduce fatigue and improves accuracy over long sessions.

Durability is addressed through corrosion-resistant finishes on the receiver and barrels. The aluminum receiver is anodized, while the barrels are blued. The stock is sealed with a satin lacquer that resists moisture and minor scratches. All internal parts are steel or stainless steel, and the action uses Benelli’s proven locking mechanism found in their higher-end models. This shotgun is built to handle thousands of rounds with proper maintenance, making it a reliable choice for competitive shooters who put in regular practice.

Finally, the 828U Sport is backed by Benelli’s warranty and support network. Parts and service are available through authorized dealers, and the shotgun is compatible with standard Benelli accessories like sling swivels and choke tube wrenches. The overall fit and finish are consistent with what you’d expect from a mid-to-high-end Italian-made O/U, but with a price point that’s more accessible than some competitors. For shooters who want a lightweight, field-ready shotgun without the premium of a custom stock, this model offers a practical balance.

Ideal Use Cases

This shotgun is best suited for clay target sports such as trap, skeet, and sporting clays, where the lightweight design helps with fast target transitions. It also works well for upland bird hunting, particularly for pheasant, quail, and chukar, where you’re walking varied terrain and need a gun that moves quickly. The 30-inch barrels are long enough for sustained leads on crossing targets but not so long that they feel cumbersome in tight cover. It is not recommended for home defense due to the long barrel and low capacity, nor for waterfowl hunting where a 3.5-inch chamber is often preferred. For range practice and competition, the 828U Sport is a capable platform that rewards consistent shooting form.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: Accepts 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. Steel shot is safe through the Crio chokes, but avoid using steel in full or extra-full chokes unless marked as steel-rated. Lead shot is fine for all chokes.
• Choke Tubes: Uses Benelli Crio system tubes. Aftermarket tubes from Briley, Carlson’s, or Trulock are compatible if specified for Crio threads.
• Holsters and Cases: Not applicable for holsters. For storage and transport, use a standard 47-inch or longer soft or hard case designed for over/under shotguns.
• Accessories: Compatible with Benelli sling swivel studs (pre-drilled on the stock and forend). Replacement recoil pads and stock spacers are available from Benelli or aftermarket suppliers.
• Magazines: Not applicable—over/under shotguns do not use detachable magazines.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does shipping to the U.S. work for this shotgun?
We ship to all 50 states, but only to licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders. After your order is placed, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer’s information. We ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout, and we do not ship to PO boxes for firearms.

2. What is the FFL transfer process for this firearm?
Once you place an order, you will need to provide the name and address of a local FFL dealer who will receive the firearm. Your FFL must send us a copy of their license via email or fax. After we verify the license, we ship the shotgun to them. You then complete a background check (Form 4473) at the dealer’s location before taking possession. Transfer fees vary by dealer and are not included in our price.

3. What ammunition is compatible with the Benelli 828U Sport?
This shotgun is designed for 12-gauge shells with a maximum length of 3 inches. It cycles reliably with standard target loads (2.75-inch, 1-1/8 oz) as well as heavier field loads. Steel shot is safe when used with appropriate choke tubes (improved cylinder or modified recommended). Avoid using 3.5-inch magnum shells, as they will not chamber. For best performance, use shells with a velocity between 1,200 and 1,400 fps.

4. What warranty is provided with this shotgun?
Benelli offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the receiver, barrels, and internal parts for the life of the product, with the exception of normal wear items like springs, chokes, and recoil pads. The warranty is non-transferable. If you experience an issue, contact Benelli USA customer service with proof of purchase for repair or replacement options.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final due to federal regulations. If your shotgun arrives damaged or with a manufacturing defect, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with Benelli to arrange a replacement or repair under warranty. We do not accept returns for change of mind, incorrect fit, or cosmetic preferences. Inspect the firearm at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer.

Closing Call to Action

The Benelli 828U Sport 12 GA 30IN 2RD O/U is available now for U.S. customers. We ship to your local FFL dealer with fast processing and tracking. If you’re looking for a lightweight over/under that handles well on the range or in the field, this model is worth a close look. Order through csfirearms.com to secure your example—we ship across the United States.