Benelli Montefeltro 12ga 3″ 24″ Satin Walnut 4+1 Semi-Auto Shotgun

Description

The Benelli Montefeltro 12ga 3″ 24″ Satin Walnut 4+1 Semi-Auto Shotgun is a field-proven firearm designed for the American upland hunter and clay shooter who values a lightweight, fast-handling platform. Whether you are working the edges of a Kansas cornfield for pheasants or stepping onto a skeet field in Texas, this shotgun’s 24-inch barrel and satin walnut stock provide the balance and swing needed for consistent, accurate shots. As a licensed FFL retailer, we carry this model for customers who require a reliable semi-automatic action that performs in the field without unnecessary weight or complexity.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Benelli Montefeltro is a semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 gauge with a 3-inch chamber, allowing it to handle both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shells. It features a 24-inch barrel, a 4+1 capacity (four rounds in the magazine tube plus one in the chamber), and a satin walnut stock with a blued metal finish. This shotgun is intended for hunters who pursue upland birds, waterfowl, and small game, as well as shooters who participate in recreational clay target sports like trap, skeet, and sporting clays. It is not designed for home defense or concealed carry, but rather as a dedicated field and range firearm. Collectors will also appreciate the Montefeltro’s traditional Italian craftsmanship, which has been a staple of Benelli’s line for decades.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Chamber: 3 inches (accepts 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Barrel Length: 24 inches
• Capacity: 4+1 (4 in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
• Stock: Satin Walnut with a gloss finish and checkered grip panels
• Finish: Blued steel on the barrel and receiver
• Weight: Approximately 5.8 to 6.2 pounds (varies slightly by production run)
• Sights: Red bar front sight with a metal bead
• Action: Semi-automatic, inertia-driven system
• Overall Length: 45.5 inches
• Length of Pull: 14 3/8 inches
• Drop at Comb: 1 ½ inches
• Drop at Heel: 2 ¼ inches
• Chokes: Comes with Crio chokes (typically Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, and Improved Modified)
• Receiver: Lightweight alloy with a matte blued finish

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Montefeltro’s defining feature is its inertia-driven operating system, which sets it apart from gas-operated semi-automatics. This system uses the recoil energy from each shot to cycle the action, meaning there are no gas pistons, o-rings, or tubes to clean or maintain. For the shooter, this results in a cleaner-running firearm that functions reliably across a wide range of ammunition, from light target loads to heavy magnum shells. The absence of gas system components also reduces overall weight, making the Montefeltro one of the lightest 12-gauge semi-autos on the market—a distinct advantage for hunters who carry their shotgun for miles through fields and marshes.

The 24-inch barrel on this model is a deliberate choice for close-to-medium range shooting. While many semi-autos feature 26 or 28-inch barrels, the shorter length improves maneuverability in dense cover, such as when flushing quail from thick brush or walking timber for woodcock. The barrel is produced using Benelli’s Crio system, which cryogenically treats the steel to relieve stress and improve consistency. This process is paired with Crio chokes, which are designed for tighter patterns and reduced shot deformation. The result is a barrel that delivers uniform shot patterns at typical hunting distances, giving the shooter confidence in their shot placement.

The satin walnut stock is another area where Benelli focuses on practical performance. The wood is selected for density and grain stability, then finished with a satin coating that reduces glare in bright sunlight—a useful feature for field hunters. The stock features a raised cheek piece and a slim forend, both of which promote a natural, consistent mount. The checkering at the grip and forend provides a secure hold even with gloved hands or in wet conditions. The length of pull is set at 14 3/8 inches, which accommodates most adult shooters without requiring adjustments, though aftermarket spacers can be added if needed.

The receiver is machined from a lightweight aluminum alloy and then blued to match the barrel. This reduces the overall weight of the gun without sacrificing structural integrity. The Montefeltro uses a two-piece carrier latch system that allows the shooter to load the magazine tube with the bolt closed, a convenience when topping off the tube between rounds. The bolt handle and safety button are both oversized for easy operation, and the cross-bolt safety is located at the rear of the trigger guard, where it is accessible without shifting your grip. These details reflect Benelli’s design philosophy: functional, no-nonsense features that support the shooter in the field.

One often overlooked aspect of the Montefeltro is its reliability with light loads. Because the inertia system relies on recoil energy, some shooters expect it to struggle with low-recoil target loads. In practice, the Montefeltro cycles 1-ounce and 1 1/8-ounce target loads consistently, provided the gun is clean and properly lubricated. This makes it a viable option for a day at the clay range, where you might fire 200 rounds in a session. The gun’s 4+1 capacity is standard for field shotguns, giving you four quick follow-up shots before needing to reload—enough for most hunting scenarios where multiple birds flush at once.

Ideal Use Cases

• Upland Hunting: The 24-inch barrel and lightweight design make this shotgun an excellent companion for pheasant, quail, grouse, and chukar hunting. The inertia action handles the dust and debris common in field conditions without clogging.
• Waterfowl Hunting: With a 3-inch chamber, the Montefeltro can fire 3-inch magnum loads for geese and ducks. The shorter barrel is still effective for pass shooting and jump shooting in marshes.
• Clay Target Shooting: This shotgun is suitable for skeet, sporting clays, and trap, particularly for shooters who prefer a lighter, faster-handling gun. The Crio chokes allow you to tailor patterns for each discipline.
• Small Game Hunting: For rabbit, squirrel, and other small game, the Montefeltro’s versatility with different shell sizes and choke options makes it a practical choice.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: Accepts 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. For best reliability, use shells with a minimum velocity of 1,200 fps. Light target loads (1 oz or 1 1/8 oz) cycle well when the gun is clean. Avoid using steel shot unless the barrel is specifically marked for it; the included Crio chokes are not steel-rated, so check the choke markings before use.
• Holsters: Not applicable for this shotgun. Use a quality sling for field carry.
• Magazines: The Montefeltro uses a fixed tubular magazine. No aftermarket magazines are available for this model.
• Accessories: The Montefeltro accepts standard Benelli choke tubes (Crio system). Replacement chokes, recoil pads, and sling swivels are widely available. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, though this is uncommon for field shotguns.

FAQ Section

1. Can this shotgun be shipped to my address in the U.S.?
Yes. As a licensed FFL retailer, we ship firearms to U.S. addresses only. The shotgun must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state, such as a local gun shop or pawn shop. We cannot ship directly to a residence. Once you place the order, we will coordinate with your chosen FFL to complete the transfer.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place the order, you will need to provide the contact information for a local FFL dealer who is willing to receive the firearm. We will ship the shotgun to that dealer, and you will complete a background check (Form 4473) at the dealer’s location before taking possession. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from the purchase price. We recommend contacting the dealer in advance to confirm their willingness to receive the transfer and to ask about their fee.

3. What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
This shotgun is chambered for 12-gauge shells up to 3 inches in length. It will fire 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shells, including target loads, field loads, and magnum loads. For best performance, use shells with a velocity of at least 1,200 fps. Steel shot is not recommended with the included Crio chokes unless the choke tubes are specifically marked for steel. Always verify choke compatibility before using steel shot.

4. What warranty does Benelli provide for this shotgun?
Benelli offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the firearm for its useful life but does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. If you experience a defect, contact Benelli USA directly for service. We recommend retaining your purchase receipt for warranty purposes.

5. What is your return policy for this firearm?
Due to federal regulations regarding firearms, all sales are final. We cannot accept returns or exchanges on firearms once they have been transferred to your FFL dealer. If there is a manufacturing defect, the warranty provided by Benelli applies. If the firearm is damaged in transit, we will work with the carrier to resolve the issue. Please inspect the firearm at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer.

This Benelli Montefeltro 12ga 3″ 24″ Satin Walnut 4+1 Semi-Auto Shotgun is available for purchase and can be shipped to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. As a licensed FFL retailer, we handle all necessary paperwork and shipping logistics to ensure a smooth transfer process. If you have questions about this model or need assistance locating a receiving FFL, contact our team. We are here to help you get this shotgun into your hands for your next hunt or range session.