Benelli Montefeltro, Semi-Automatic, 12 Gauge, 26” Barrel, Satin Walnut

Description

The Benelli Montefeltro, Semi-Automatic, 12 Gauge, 26” Barrel, Satin Walnut is a shotgun designed for the American upland hunter and clay shooter who values reliable performance in the field. Whether you’re chasing roosters across a South Dakota cornfield or breaking clays at your local range in Ohio, this gas-operated semi-auto offers a balance of handling and durability that suits a wide range of shooting disciplines. For the shooter who wants a lightweight, fast-handling shotgun without unnecessary bulk, the Montefeltro delivers consistent cycling and a classic aesthetic.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli Montefeltro is a semi-automatic shotgun built on Benelli’s proven inertia-driven operating system, chambered in 12 gauge with a 26-inch barrel. This model is intended for hunters who pursue upland birds, waterfowl, and small game, as well as recreational shooters who frequent sporting clays or trap fields. It is also a viable option for home defense due to its reliability and manageable length, though its primary design focus is on field use. Collectors will appreciate the satin walnut stock and the brand’s Italian craftsmanship, but this is first and foremost a working gun for the American shooter who demands consistent performance.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (2-3/4” and 3” shells)
• Capacity: 4+1 (with included plug; 5+1 without plug for non-migratory game)
• Barrel Length: 26 inches
• Overall Length: 46.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 6.8 pounds (unloaded)
• Stock: Satin walnut with a field-grade checkering pattern and a recoil pad
• Receiver: Aluminum alloy with a satin nickel or matte black finish (depending on variant)
• Finish: Satin walnut stock with a gloss or matte metal receiver
• Sights: Red bar front sight, with a ventilated rib for quick target acquisition
• Choke System: Benelli Crio system with three interchangeable chokes (IC, M, F)
• Operating System: Inertia-driven (no gas piston to clean)

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Montefeltro’s inertia-driven operating system is a standout feature that sets it apart from gas-operated semi-autos. Instead of relying on gas pressure to cycle the action, the Montefeltro uses the recoil energy from the shell to drive the bolt. This design reduces the need for frequent cleaning, as there are no gas ports or pistons to foul with residue. For the hunter who spends long days in dusty or muddy conditions, this means the shotgun continues to cycle reliably without the maintenance demands of a gas gun. The system also contributes to the Montefeltro’s lightweight profile, coming in at under 7 pounds, which reduces fatigue during long walks in the field.

The 26-inch barrel is a deliberate choice for shooters who prioritize maneuverability over extended sight radius. This length is well-suited for upland hunting, where quick swings and tight cover are common, but it also works at the range for clays. The ventilated rib and red bar front sight provide a clear sight picture, allowing for fast target acquisition on flushing birds or crossing clays. The Crio choke system, which uses a cryogenically treated barrel and choke tubes, delivers consistent patterns and is easy to swap between improved cylinder, modified, and full constrictions, giving the shooter flexibility for different game and distances.

The satin walnut stock is crafted with a field-grade checkering pattern that provides a secure grip without being overly aggressive. The stock’s dimensions include a 14-3/8-inch length of pull and a drop at comb of 1-1/2 inches, which accommodates a wide range of shooters. The recoil pad is soft enough to mitigate felt recoil from 3-inch magnum loads, yet firm enough to allow for consistent shoulder placement. The stock is also fitted with a sling swivel stud, making it easy to attach a sling for hands-free carry in the field.

Build quality on the Montefeltro is consistent with Benelli’s reputation for durable materials. The receiver is machined from aluminum alloy, which keeps weight down while maintaining structural integrity. The barrel is made from steel and is chrome-lined for corrosion resistance, a practical feature for hunters who encounter wet weather or saltwater environments. The bolt head is hardened steel, and the rotating bolt design ensures positive locking and extraction. These components are assembled with tight tolerances, resulting in a shotgun that cycles a wide range of 12-gauge ammunition, from light target loads to heavy field loads.

The Montefeltro also includes a removable trigger group, which simplifies cleaning and maintenance. The trigger itself has a crisp break with minimal creep, contributing to accurate shot placement. The safety is a cross-bolt type located at the rear of the trigger guard, and it is reversible for left-handed shooters. The magazine tube is capped at 4+1 rounds for compliance with migratory bird hunting regulations, but the plug can be removed for a 5+1 capacity when used for non-migratory game or home defense. This flexibility makes the Montefeltro a versatile choice for shooters who want one gun for multiple roles.

Ideal Use Cases

Upland Hunting: The Montefeltro’s light weight and 26-inch barrel make it an excellent choice for walking up pheasants, quail, and grouse. The inertia system cycles quickly on fast-flushing birds, and the Crio chokes allow you to adjust patterns for tight cover or open fields.

Clay Shooting: On the sporting clays or trap range, the Montefeltro handles well for recreational shooters. The ventilated rib and red bar front sight aid in tracking targets, and the gun’s balance reduces fatigue during long sessions.

Waterfowl Hunting: With 3-inch chambering, the Montefeltro can handle steel shot loads for ducks and geese. The chrome-lined barrel resists corrosion from marsh conditions, though you should clean the gun after exposure to saltwater.

Home Defense: While not its primary purpose, the Montefeltro’s reliability and 5+1 capacity (with plug removed) make it a functional option for home defense. The 26-inch barrel is longer than typical defensive shotguns, but the light weight aids in maneuverability.

Compatibility Notes

The Benelli Montefeltro accepts standard 12-gauge shells in 2-3/4” and 3” lengths. It cycles reliably with target loads (1-1/8 oz. at 1200 fps or higher) and field loads, but light 1-oz. target loads may occasionally fail to cycle due to the inertia system’s recoil requirements. For best results, use ammunition with a minimum velocity of 1200 fps. The shotgun uses Benelli Crio choke tubes, which are interchangeable with other Benelli Crio models, but not with standard MobilChoke or Beretta/Benelli Optima systems. Aftermarket stocks and recoil pads are available from brands like Mesa Tactical and Kick-Eez, but the stock is not easily adjustable without gunsmith work. The Montefeltro does not accept optics or rail mounts without a custom gunsmith installation, as the receiver is not drilled and tapped for scope bases. Magazine extensions are not commonly available for this model due to the fixed magazine tube design.

FAQ Section

Q: How does shipping work for this shotgun to a U.S. address?
A: We ship all firearms to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. After you place the order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL’s details. Shipping is via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required. We ship to all 50 states where the shotgun is legal for sale, including California and New York, provided your FFL can accept the transfer.

Q: What is the FFL transfer process for this Benelli Montefeltro?
A: Once you order, you will need to provide the name and address of a local FFL dealer who is willing to receive the shotgun. We will ship the firearm to that dealer after verifying their license. You then visit the dealer, fill out ATF Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from our price. We do not ship to home addresses or PO boxes.

Q: What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
A: The Montefeltro is chambered for 12-gauge shells in 2-3/4” and 3” lengths. It functions best with ammunition that has a velocity of at least 1200 fps, such as standard field loads or target loads. Light 1-oz. target loads under 1200 fps may cause cycling issues due to the inertia system. Steel shot is safe for use in the chrome-lined barrel, but avoid using steel shot with the full choke tube. Always check the choke tube markings for steel shot compatibility.

Q: What is the warranty on this Benelli Montefeltro?
A: Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers repairs or replacement at Benelli’s discretion. It does not cover normal wear, damage from misuse, or modifications. You must register the firearm online within 30 days of purchase to activate the warranty. We recommend keeping your sales receipt as proof of purchase.

Q: What is the return policy for this shotgun?
A: Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they leave our inventory. If the shotgun arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage from shipping, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with Benelli to resolve the issue under warranty or arrange a replacement. For any other concerns, please reach out before completing the purchase to discuss your specific needs.

Closing Call to Action

The Benelli Montefeltro, Semi-Automatic, 12 Gauge, 26” Barrel, Satin Walnut is available now for purchase from csfirearms.com. We ship to licensed FFL dealers across the United States, with fast processing and tracking provided. If you have questions about compatibility or the ordering process, contact our team before placing your order. This shotgun is ready for the field or the range—order today to add it to your collection.