Description
The Benelli Montefeltro 12-gauge shotgun with a 26-inch barrel and walnut stock is a solid choice for upland hunters and clay shooters who want a reliable semi-automatic action without unnecessary weight. Whether you’re walking Nebraska cornfields for pheasants or taking a turn at a sporting clays course in Georgia, this shotgun delivers consistent cycling and a comfortable carry. For the shooter who values proven Italian engineering in a field gun, the Montefeltro offers a balance of performance and traditional aesthetics that fits a variety of American shooting disciplines.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Benelli Montefeltro is a semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, designed primarily for upland hunting, waterfowl, and clay target sports. It is not a tactical or home defense firearm, though it could serve in a pinch for those roles. This shotgun is intended for the hunter who spends long days in the field, the recreational shooter who wants a dependable gun for the range, and the collector who appreciates a classic walnut stock paired with modern internals. It is also suitable for the shooter who needs a versatile platform that can handle everything from dove hunting to occasional trap rounds. The Montefeltro is not a competition-specific gun, but it holds its own in casual and intermediate clay shooting scenarios.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Caliber: 12 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
- Action: Semi-automatic, inertia-driven (Benelli Inertia Driven system)
- Barrel Length: 26 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 47.5 inches
- Weight: Roughly 6.4 pounds (unloaded) – lighter than many comparable semi-autos
- Stock: European walnut with a satin finish, checkered grip and fore-end
- Finish: Blued steel barrel and receiver
- Sights: Red bar front sight (adjustable for windage and elevation on some models)
- Choke System: Benelli Crio system with interchangeable chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F typically included)
- Capacity: 4+1 (3-inch chamber) or 5+1 (2.75-inch shells) depending on plug configuration
- Length of Pull: 14.375 inches
- Drop at Comb: 1.5 inches
- Drop at Heel: 2.25 inches
- Receiver Material: Lightweight aluminum alloy
Feature Deep-Dive
The Benelli Montefeltro’s defining feature is its Inertia Driven operating system. Unlike gas-operated shotguns, this system uses the recoil energy from the fired shell to cycle the action. This means fewer moving parts, less fouling buildup, and a cleaner gun over a long day in the field. The inertia system also allows the Montefeltro to handle a wide range of loads, from light target shells to heavy magnum waterfowl loads, without needing adjustment. For the hunter who does not want to spend hours cleaning a gas system after a wet hunt, this is a practical advantage.
The walnut stock is hand-checkered and oil-finished, providing a secure grip even in wet conditions. The stock is crafted from select European walnut, and while each piece varies in grain pattern, the overall fit and finish are consistent with Benelli’s reputation. The stock also features a raised cheek piece that helps align the shooter’s eye with the rib for faster target acquisition. The fore-end is slim and contoured, allowing the support hand to slide naturally into position. This design is particularly useful for upland hunters who need to mount the gun quickly on flushing birds.
The 26-inch barrel is paired with Benelli’s Crio system, which cryogenically treats the barrel and chokes to relieve internal stress. This process is intended to improve pattern consistency and reduce shot deformation. The barrel also features a ventilated rib that reduces heat mirage and provides a flat sighting plane. The red bar front sight is visible in low light conditions, such as early morning or late evening hunts. The barrel is also compatible with the full range of Benelli Crio chokes, allowing the shooter to tailor the pattern to the specific game or target distance.
The receiver is machined from a lightweight aluminum alloy, which contributes to the Montefeltro’s low overall weight. Despite being lighter than many competitors, the receiver is durable enough to withstand years of regular use. The bolt is chrome-plated for corrosion resistance, and the rotating bolt head ensures positive locking. The trigger is crisp and breaks cleanly, with a pull weight typically around 7 to 7.5 pounds. The safety is located in the traditional cross-bolt position behind the trigger guard, and it is reversible for left-handed shooters.
One notable design choice is the Montefeltro’s lack of a magazine cutoff or bolt release button, which keeps the lines clean and reduces complexity. The loading port is beveled for easier reloading, and the carrier is designed to handle shells smoothly. The shotgun also comes with a shim kit that allows the shooter to adjust the drop and cast of the stock for a more personalized fit. This adjustability is a welcome feature for shooters who want to optimize their mount angle without buying a custom stock.
Finally, the Montefeltro is assembled in Italy and undergoes hand-fitting of critical components. While this does not make it a custom gun, it does mean that parts are mated with attention to detail. The barrel is cold-hammer-forged, a process that produces a consistent bore diameter and improves longevity. For the shooter who expects a firearm to last through multiple seasons of hard use, these manufacturing details matter. The Montefeltro is not the flashiest semi-auto on the market, but it is one of the more reliable in its class.
Ideal Use Cases
- Upland Hunting: The lightweight design and 26-inch barrel make this shotgun a natural for walking fields and chasing pheasants, quail, grouse, and woodcock. The inertia system cycles quickly on fast-flushing birds.
- Waterfowl Hunting: With 3-inch chamber capacity and the ability to handle steel shot, the Montefeltro works for ducks and geese in blind or field setups. The Crio chokes help maintain pattern density.
- Clay Shooting: Suitable for sporting clays, trap, and skeet at a recreational level. The 26-inch barrel offers good swing speed for crossing targets, though dedicated competitors may prefer a 28-inch or 30-inch barrel.
- Turkey Hunting: While not a dedicated turkey gun, the Montefeltro can be used with a full choke and appropriate loads for spring turkeys. The light weight is an advantage when hiking into remote spots.
- General Range Use: A reliable option for shooters who want a semi-auto for casual practice or introducing new shooters to shotguns. The recoil impulse is manageable with target loads.
Compatibility Notes
Ammunition: The Montefeltro cycles 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells reliably. It handles light target loads (1-ounce, 1200 fps) as well as heavy magnum loads (1.5-ounce, 1400+ fps). Steel shot is safe through the Crio chokes. Avoid using shells shorter than 2.75 inches, as they may not cycle reliably. The inertia system does not require high-pressure loads to function, but very low-recoil shells (sub-1100 fps) may cause occasional failure to eject.
Chokes: The shotgun uses Benelli Crio chokes, which are interchangeable with other Benelli models that use the same system. Aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Briley are also compatible. The included set covers most hunting and target needs.
Accessories: The Montefeltro accepts standard Benelli accessories, including magazine extensions (with proper plug removal), sling swivels, and recoil pads. The stock does not have a standard buttpad spacer system, but aftermarket recoil reducers are available. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, though this is uncommon for a field shotgun.
Holsters and Carrying: Not designed for holster carry. Use a sling or a soft case for transport. Hard cases are recommended for airline travel or storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you ship this shotgun to my address in the U.S.?
A: We ship to licensed firearms dealers (FFL holders) only. We cannot ship directly to a residential address. Once you place an order, we require your chosen FFL dealer’s contact information. We ship via UPS or FedEx to the dealer, and you complete the transfer there. We ship to all 50 states, but some states and localities have additional restrictions—please confirm with your FFL that they accept shipments for this model.
Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
A: After you place the order, you will need to provide the name, address, and license number of the FFL dealer who will receive the shotgun. You can send this information via email or through our checkout form. We verify the FFL’s license with the ATF before shipping. Once the shotgun arrives at the dealer, you complete a background check (Form 4473) and pay any applicable transfer fees. The dealer then hands you the firearm. This process is standard for all firearms purchases in the U.S.
Q: What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
A: The Benelli Montefeltro is chambered for 12-gauge shells in 2.75-inch and 3-inch lengths. It handles lead, steel, bismuth, and tungsten loads. For best reliability, use shells with a velocity of at least 1200 fps for target loads. Magnum loads up to 3 inches cycle without issue. Do not use 3.5-inch shells, as the chamber is not rated for them. Avoid using shells with excessively low recoil (under 1100 fps) if you want consistent cycling.
Q: What warranty does this shotgun come with?
A: Benelli offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. If you have a warranty issue, you can contact Benelli USA directly or return the shotgun to an authorized service center. We also offer a 30-day return policy on new, unfired firearms—see below for details.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: We accept returns on new, unfired firearms within 30 days of delivery. The shotgun must be in its original packaging with all accessories and paperwork. To initiate a return, contact our customer service team for a return authorization number. Once we receive the item and inspect it
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