Benelli Montefeltro Silver Featherweight Semi-Auto 12 Ga 26″ 3″ 2rd

Description

The Benelli Montefeltro Silver Featherweight Semi-Auto 12 Ga 26″ 3″ 2rd is a shotgun built for the American sportsman who values a reliable tool over a flashy accessory. Whether you are walking a North Dakota cornfield for rooster pheasants or squaring up on a sporting clays course in Georgia, this firearm delivers the proven Benelli inertia system in a lightweight, fast-handling package. For the U.S. shooter who demands a gun that points naturally and cycles without complaint, the Montefeltro offers a straightforward path to more hits in the field.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Benelli Montefeltro Silver Featherweight is a semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 gauge with a 26-inch barrel and a 2-round magazine capacity (3+1 total with one in the chamber). This model is designed for the hunter who spends long days on his feet—upland bird hunters, waterfowlers who appreciate a lighter carry, and clay target shooters who want a gun that swings easily without fatigue. It is also a strong choice for the collector who values Italian craftsmanship and the proven Benelli inertia-driven action. This is not a tactical or home-defense shotgun; it is a field gun built for wing shooting and general outdoor use. The Montefeltro appeals to the experienced shooter who understands that a lighter, well-balanced shotgun often means more clean kills and less strain during a full day afield.

Key Specifications

• Gauge: 12 Gauge (accepts 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Action: Semi-automatic, inertia-driven (no gas system)
• Barrel Length: 26 inches
• Overall Length: 47.5 inches
• Magazine Capacity: 2 rounds (3+1 total with one in the chamber)
• Weight: Approximately 6.3 to 6.5 pounds (varies slightly by production run)
• Receiver Finish: Silver anodized aluminum alloy
• Stock: Satin walnut with a semi-gloss finish, checkered pistol grip and forend
• Choke System: Benelli Crio system (interchangeable chokes, typically includes IC, M, F)
• Sights: Red bar front sight
• Length of Pull: 14 3/8 inches
• Drop at Comb: 1 1/2 inches
• Drop at Heel: 2 1/4 inches

Feature Deep-Dive

The heart of the Montefeltro is Benelli’s inertia-driven operating system. Unlike gas-operated shotguns that divert propellant gases to cycle the action, the inertia system uses the shotgun’s recoil energy to compress a spring inside the bolt. This design means fewer moving parts, no gas ports to clean, and reliable function across a wide range of ammunition loads—from light 2 3/4-inch target loads to heavy 3-inch magnums. For the U.S. hunter who may be in dusty, muddy, or cold conditions, this simplicity translates to fewer malfunctions and easier maintenance in the field. You can run this gun hard, drop it in a muddy marsh, and expect it to cycle when you need it most.

The 26-inch barrel is a deliberate choice for balance and swing speed. Many field shooters find that a 26-inch barrel offers a quicker point and better handling in thick cover compared to longer 28- or 30-inch barrels. The Montefeltro’s overall weight of around 6.3 pounds makes it one of the lightest 12-gauge semi-autos available. This weight reduction does not come from cheap materials; the receiver is machined from a lightweight aluminum alloy and given a silver anodized finish that resists corrosion. The satin walnut stock is cut from select European walnut and features a satin finish that reduces glare in bright sunlight. The checkering at the pistol grip and forend provides a secure hold, even with wet or gloved hands.

Benelli’s Crio barrel system is another feature worth attention. The barrel is cryogenically treated and then stress-relieved, which Benelli claims improves shot pattern consistency and barrel durability. While the average shooter may not notice a dramatic difference, the Crio system does allow for tighter manufacturing tolerances and a smoother bore surface. The shotgun comes with a set of interchangeable Crio chokes (typically Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), giving the shooter flexibility to adjust patterns for different game birds or clay target presentations. Changing chokes is straightforward with the included choke wrench, and the threads are designed to resist seizing over time.

The stock geometry of the Montefeltro is designed for fast, instinctive shooting. The length of pull is set at 14 3/8 inches, which fits most average-sized adults without needing a spacer or recoil pad adjustment. The drop at comb and heel are relatively standard, promoting a natural cheek weld that aligns the shooter’s eye with the rib. The Montefeltro also features Benelli’s shim system, which allows the shooter to adjust the drop and cast of the stock to fit their specific build. This adjustability is often overlooked but can make a significant difference in how the gun mounts and points for individual shooters.

Maintenance is straightforward with the Montefeltro. The inertia system requires occasional cleaning, but there are no gas pistons, O-rings, or complex valve assemblies to disassemble. A simple field strip involves removing the forearm cap, sliding the forend off, and pulling the bolt assembly out. The barrel can be cleaned from the breech end, and the receiver can be wiped down with a light oil. Benelli recommends periodic lubrication of the bolt head and inertia spring, but the gun will run reliably with minimal attention. For the U.S. shooter who wants to spend more time shooting and less time cleaning, this is a practical advantage.

Finally, the aesthetic of the Montefeltro Silver Featherweight should not be dismissed. The silver receiver contrasts nicely with the satin walnut stock, giving the shotgun a classic, understated look that fits in at a hunting camp or a clay range. It is not a flashy, engraved showpiece, but rather a working gun that looks good doing its job. The finish is durable enough to handle field use, and the aluminum receiver helps keep the weight down without sacrificing strength. This shotgun is built to be carried, not just displayed.

Ideal Use Cases

• Upland Bird Hunting: The light weight and quick handling make this shotgun a top choice for pheasants, quail, grouse, and woodcock. The 26-inch barrel is maneuverable in brush, and the inertia system cycles reliably with field loads.
• Waterfowl Hunting: While lighter than many dedicated waterfowl guns, the Montefeltro handles 3-inch magnum loads for ducks and geese. The silver receiver is less prone to rust than blued steel, though a protective coating is recommended in saltwater environments.
• Sporting Clays and Skeet: The Montefeltro is a capable clay target gun for the occasional shooter or the hunter who wants to practice with the same gun they carry in the field. The Crio chokes allow pattern adjustments for different presentations.
• General Field Use: For the shooter who wants one shotgun that can handle rabbits, squirrels, and other small game, the Montefeltro is a versatile choice. The 2-round magazine capacity is typical for hunting regulations in most states.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: Accepts 12-gauge shells from 2 3/4-inch to 3-inch. Inertia systems require a minimum load energy to cycle reliably; light target loads (1 oz or less at 1200 fps) may not cycle in all conditions. Heavier field loads (1 1/8 oz at 1300 fps or more) are recommended for consistent function.
• Chokes: Uses Benelli Crio chokes (standard thread pattern). Aftermarket chokes from Briley, Carlson’s, and others are compatible if specified for Benelli Crio.
• Holsters and Slings: Standard shotgun slings can be attached via the swivel studs (front stud on the barrel band, rear stud on the stock). No specific holster is required for this field gun.
• Magazines and Accessories: The magazine tube is fixed with a 2-round capacity. Extended magazine tubes are not typically available for this model due to the inertia system design. Benelli offers a variety of recoil pads, stock shims, and replacement parts through authorized dealers.
• Optics and Sights: The Montefeltro is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount. It is designed for bead or front-sight shooting. A red bar front sight is standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you ship this shotgun to my address in the U.S.?
A: We ship to all 50 states, but only to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. We do not ship directly to residential addresses. Once your order is placed, we will need your chosen FFL dealer’s contact information. We will verify their license and ship the firearm via a licensed carrier. You can then pick up the shotgun from that dealer after completing the required background check.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work when I buy from csfirearms.com?
A: After you place your order, you will be prompted to provide the name, address, and phone number of a licensed FFL dealer in your area who is willing to receive the transfer. We then contact that dealer to confirm their license is current. Once verified, we ship the shotgun to them. You will need to visit the dealer, fill out ATF Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check before the shotgun is released to you. Transfer fees vary by dealer and are not included in our price.

Q: What ammunition can I use in the Benelli Montefeltro?
A: This shotgun is rated for 12-gauge shells from 2 3/4-inch to 3-inch in length. It will handle lead shot, steel shot, and bismuth loads. Because it uses an inertia system, it may not reliably cycle very light target loads (under 1 oz at 1200 fps). For best reliability, use field loads of 1 1/8 oz or heavier at 1300 fps or more. Always follow the ammunition manufacturer’s pressure ratings and avoid using shells longer than 3 inches.

Q: What is the warranty on the Benelli Montefeltro?
A: Benelli offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm. The warranty does not cover wear and tear from normal use, damage from improper maintenance, or modifications. If