BENELLI MONTEFELTRO SILVER 12/28″ AA-SATIN WALNUT W/ GOLD BIRD

Description

The Benelli Montefeltro Silver 12/28″ AA-Satin Walnut with Gold Bird is a semi-automatic shotgun built for the American shooter who values reliability in the field, whether pursuing upland game across the Midwest or breaking clays at a local range. This inertia-driven platform offers a proven cycle of fire that stands up to dust, mud, and cold, making it a practical choice for hunters who need a firearm that works without constant cleaning. For the shooter who appreciates traditional craftsmanship combined with modern engineering, this Montefeltro delivers consistent performance season after season.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli Montefeltro Silver is a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun with a 28-inch barrel, a satin walnut stock, and distinctive gold bird accents on the receiver. It is designed for the hunter who spends long days in the field pursuing pheasant, quail, dove, or waterfowl, as well as the clay shooter who wants a reliable gun for sporting clays, trap, or skeet. This is not a tactical or home-defense shotgun; it is a field-grade firearm suited for those who prioritize weight savings, smooth cycling, and a classic aesthetic. Collectors will also appreciate the gold bird inlay, which adds a touch of elegance without compromising the gun’s utility.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (2-3/4″ and 3″ shells)
• Capacity: 4+1 rounds (4 in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Overall Length: 49 inches
• Weight: Approximately 6.7 pounds (unloaded)
• Finish: Silver receiver with satin walnut stock and forend
• Sights: Red bar front sight with metal bead
• Choke System: Benelli Crio system with interchangeable chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F typically included)
• Stock: Satin walnut with raised cheekpiece and recoil pad
• Receiver: Aluminum alloy with gold bird engraving
• Action: Inertia-driven semi-automatic
• Safety: Cross-bolt button, located at the rear of the trigger guard

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Montefeltro Silver’s inertia-driven operating system is its defining mechanical advantage. Unlike gas-operated shotguns that divert propellant gases to cycle the action, the inertia system uses the shotgun’s own recoil to compress a spring and rotate the bolt. This design keeps the action cleaner because combustion gases stay in the barrel, reducing fouling inside the receiver. For the hunter who may go an entire season without breaking down the gun for deep cleaning, this translates to fewer malfunctions and less maintenance time. The system also allows the Montefeltro to handle a wide range of 12-gauge loads, from light 2-3/4″ target shells to heavier 3″ magnum hunting loads, without requiring adjustments to a gas regulator.

The 28-inch barrel with Benelli’s Crio system is cold-hammer-forged for consistent bore dimensions and smooth shot patterns. The Crio treatment involves cryogenically treating the barrel steel to relieve internal stresses, which improves longevity and pattern consistency over standard barrels. This barrel length offers a good balance for field hunting: long enough to provide a smooth swing on crossing birds, yet short enough for quick mounting in dense cover. The included set of interchangeable chokes allows the shooter to fine-tune pattern density for different game or clay targets, from open for close-range quail to full for long-range waterfowl.

The satin walnut stock is cut from select American walnut and finished with a low-gloss satin that reduces glare in bright sunlight. The stock features a raised cheekpiece that aligns the shooter’s eye naturally with the rib and front sight, promoting consistent cheek weld and point of impact. The forend is slim and contoured for a comfortable grip, even with gloved hands in cold weather. A soft rubber recoil pad at the butt reduces felt recoil, making extended shooting sessions more manageable, especially with heavy loads. The overall weight of 6.7 pounds is light enough to carry all day in the field but still provides enough mass to absorb recoil effectively.

The silver-finished receiver is made from lightweight aluminum alloy, which contributes to the shotgun’s low overall weight. The gold bird engraving on the receiver is applied as a subtle decorative element, not an ostentatious display. It depicts a game bird in flight, adding a touch of artistry that many shooters appreciate as a nod to the hunting tradition. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, though most field shooters will use the included red bar front sight and metal bead for quick target acquisition. The cross-bolt safety is located at the rear of the trigger guard, within easy reach of the trigger finger, and is reversible for left-handed shooters.

Benelli’s ComforTech recoil reduction system is not present on this specific model, but the standard Montefeltro stock design still offers a comfortable shooting experience due to the inertia system’s inherently lower felt recoil compared to gas-operated designs. The gun cycles quickly and reliably, with a lock time that is consistent shot after shot. The magazine tube holds four rounds, which is standard for a field shotgun and sufficient for most hunting scenarios where magazine capacity is regulated. The loading port is beveled for easier single-round loading, and the bolt release button is positioned conveniently on the right side of the receiver.

Ideal Use Cases

This shotgun is best suited for upland bird hunting, including pheasant, grouse, quail, and chukar, where its light weight and quick handling are advantages. It also performs well for waterfowl hunting over decoys or in pass-shooting situations when paired with the appropriate choke and non-toxic shot. Clay target shooters will find it reliable for sporting clays, trap, and skeet, though competitive shooters may prefer a dedicated target model with a higher rib and adjustable comb. The Montefeltro is not designed for home defense due to its longer barrel and limited magazine capacity, nor is it a concealed carry option. Collectors may value the gold bird engraving as a limited-edition aesthetic feature.

Compatibility Notes

The Benelli Montefeltro Silver is compatible with 2-3/4″ and 3″ 12-gauge shells, including lead, steel, bismuth, and tungsten-based shot. It will not cycle reliably with light 1-ounce target loads below 1,200 fps, so shooters should stick to standard or high-velocity loads for consistent function. The gun accepts Benelli Crio chokes, which are interchangeable with other Benelli Crio barrels, but not with standard Beretta/Benelli Mobilchokes. Aftermarket accessories such as extended choke tubes, magazine extensions (where legal), and recoil pads are available from brands like Briley, Carlson’s, and Kick-eez. Holsters are not applicable for this long gun; slings and cases are the primary carrying accessories. The Montefeltro uses a standard Benelli buttstock and forend, so aftermarket stocks from Mesa Tactical or other manufacturers may fit if the shooter desires a pistol grip or adjustable comb.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you ship this shotgun to my home address in the U.S.?
No. Federal law requires that all firearms be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. We will ship the Benelli Montefeltro to the FFL dealer you choose during checkout. You must confirm that your chosen dealer is willing to accept the transfer and process the background check before we ship. We only ship to addresses within the United States and its territories.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place your order, we will contact you to obtain the FFL license information from your chosen dealer. Once we verify the license, we ship the shotgun to that dealer via a carrier that requires an adult signature. You then visit the dealer, complete the ATF Form 4473, and pass the NICS background check. The dealer will charge a transfer fee, which varies by location. We do not ship until the FFL is verified.

3. What ammunition can I use in this shotgun?
This shotgun is designed for 12-gauge shells with lengths of 2-3/4″ and 3″. It will cycle most field loads with velocities above 1,200 fps. Light target loads (1 ounce or less) may not generate enough recoil to cycle the inertia system reliably. For hunting, use lead, steel, bismuth, or tungsten shot appropriate for your game and location. Do not use 3-1/2″ magnum shells, as the chamber is not rated for that length.

4. What is the warranty on this Benelli Montefeltro?
Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is non-transferable. If you purchase this shotgun from us as a new firearm, you are covered. For warranty service, you must contact Benelli USA directly or return the firearm to an authorized service center. We do not perform warranty repairs at our retail location.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they have been transferred to your FFL dealer. If the firearm arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage from shipping, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery to your FFL. We will work with Benelli or the carrier to resolve the issue. We do not accept returns for change of mind or incorrect fit. Please confirm the specifications with your FFL dealer before completing the transfer.

This Benelli Montefeltro Silver 12/28″ with satin walnut and gold bird accents is available now for shipment to your licensed FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. We stock this model in our inventory and can process your order promptly. Add it to your cart to begin the checkout process, and we will contact you to coordinate the FFL transfer. For questions about availability or shipping to your state, please reach out to our customer service team during business hours.