Vinci Synthetic 28 CC

Description

For the American shooter who demands reliability in the field or at the range, the Benelli Vinci Synthetic 28″ represents a practical evolution in semi-automatic shotgun design. Whether you’re working a duck blind in the Mississippi flyway, breaking clays at your local club, or keeping a dependable firearm for home defense, this 12-gauge platform offers a blend of inertia-driven operation and synthetic durability that suits a wide range of U.S. shooting disciplines.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli Vinci Synthetic 28″ CC is a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells, featuring a 28-inch barrel and a black synthetic stock. It is designed for shooters who need a reliable, low-maintenance firearm for waterfowl hunting, upland game, and occasional target shooting. This model is not a specialized competition gun or a compact home-defense tool; it is a general-purpose field shotgun built for extended days in the field where weight, balance, and cycling consistency matter. It suits the hunter who values inertia-driven systems over gas-operated actions, as well as the shooter who wants a straightforward, easy-to-clean platform without complex disassembly. Collectors may appreciate its place in Benelli’s lineage, but this is primarily a working firearm for practical use.

Key Specification Breakdown

• Gauge: 12 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Chamber: 3-inch, for standard and magnum loads
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 49.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
• Stock: Black synthetic polymer with textured grip panels and a soft rubber recoil pad
• Receiver: Anodized aluminum alloy with a matte black finish
• Barrel Finish: Matte black, corrosion-resistant blued steel
• Chokes: Accepts Benelli Crio chokes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, full, and extra full options available separately)
• Capacity: 3+1 (3 rounds in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber) with the included plug; 4+1 without the plug (check local regulations)
• Sights: Red bar front sight with a white bead mid-bead (standard vent rib)
• Safety: Cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard
• Action: Benelli Inertia-Driven system (no gas ports or pistons)
• Stock Drop & Cast: Factory adjustable shim system for cast and drop (shims included)

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Vinci Synthetic 28″ uses the company’s well-established Inertia-Driven system, which relies on recoil energy to cycle the action. Unlike gas-operated shotguns, this system has no gas ports, pistons, or O-rings to clean or replace. This means less fouling buildup in the action, which is a tangible advantage for hunters who fire a few boxes of shells per season and want to avoid frequent deep cleaning. The inertia system also cycles a wide range of loads, from light 2.75-inch target loads to heavy 3-inch magnums, without manual adjustment. This versatility is useful for shooters who transition between dove fields and goose pits without changing guns.

The synthetic stock is a key feature for field durability. It is made from a glass-reinforced polymer that resists moisture, temperature extremes, and impact. The stock includes a raised comb and a textured grip area, which help maintain a consistent cheek weld even with wet hands or gloves. The soft rubber recoil pad reduces felt recoil, which is noticeable with magnum loads. The stock also accepts Benelli’s shim system, allowing the shooter to adjust drop and cast to fit their body type. This is a practical feature for a gun that may be used by multiple family members or for different shooting positions.

The 28-inch barrel with a vent rib provides a balanced swing for crossing shots on waterfowl or upland birds. The red bar front sight and white mid-bead offer a clear sight picture in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon hunts. The barrel is chrome-lined for corrosion resistance, which is beneficial when hunting in damp environments. The Crio choke system uses a cryogenic treatment process that Benelli claims improves pattern consistency, and the gun comes with a set of five chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) to cover most hunting and target scenarios. Changing chokes is straightforward with the included wrench.

The receiver is machined from an aluminum alloy and anodized in a matte black finish, which reduces weight without sacrificing structural integrity. The loading port is beveled for easier reloading, and the bolt handle is oversized for gloved hands. The magazine tube holds three 3-inch shells with the factory plug installed, which is required for waterfowl hunting under federal regulations. Removing the plug allows for a 4+1 capacity, suitable for target shooting or home defense. The cross-bolt safety is positioned at the rear of the trigger guard, accessible to both right- and left-handed shooters, though the gun itself is right-hand ejection.

The trigger assembly is a single-stage design with a clean break and a pull weight averaging 6 to 7 pounds. The magazine cutoff button, located on the left side of the receiver, allows the shooter to manually eject a chambered shell without feeding a new round from the magazine. This is a useful feature for changing loads mid-hunt or for making the gun safe without unloading the tube. The overall length of pull is approximately 14.25 inches, which fits most adult shooters, and the comb height is suitable for use with both bead sights and low-mounted optics.

Ideal Use Cases

• Waterfowl Hunting: The 3-inch chamber and inertia system handle steel shot and heavy loads reliably. The synthetic stock resists moisture and mud.
• Upland Game: The 28-inch barrel and 7.2-pound weight make it manageable for walking through fields. The Crio chokes provide pattern flexibility for pheasant, quail, or grouse.
• Target Shooting: Suitable for trap, skeet, and sporting clays with light target loads. The inertia system cycles 1-ounce loads consistently.
• Home Defense: While not a compact design, the 4+1 capacity and reliable cycling with buckshot loads make it a viable option for those who prefer a full-length shotgun. The synthetic stock reduces maintenance concerns.
• General Field Use: A practical choice for shooters who want one gun for multiple seasons. The adjustable stock and choke system add versatility.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: Accepts 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. Light target loads (1 oz or less) may require a break-in period of 50 to 100 rounds of high-brass loads for reliable cycling. Steel shot, lead shot, and bismuth are all compatible.
• Holsters & Slings: This is a long gun; no holster is applicable. Use standard shotgun sling swivels (not included). The stock has sling studs pre-installed.
• Magazines & Accessories: The magazine tube is fixed and non-removable. Aftermarket magazine extensions are available from third-party manufacturers but may require a longer spring. Ensure compliance with local capacity laws.
• Chokes: Uses Benelli Crio chokes (thread pattern: 12-gauge Crio). Aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Patternmaster are also compatible.
• Optics: The vent rib is not drilled for scope mounts. A saddle mount or a rail replacement (e.g., from Benelli or Aimpoint) is required for red dot or scope use. The gun is typically used with bead sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I have this shotgun shipped to my home in the U.S.?
A: No. Federal law requires that all firearms sold by licensed dealers be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. We will ship this shotgun to the FFL you provide during checkout. You will then complete the ATF Form 4473 and a background check (NICS) at that dealer before taking possession. We cannot ship directly to a residential address.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work when I order from csfirearms.com?
A: After you place your order, you will need to provide the name and address of a local FFL dealer who is willing to process the transfer. You can either select a dealer from our list during checkout or enter your own. We will then ship the firearm to that dealer via a carrier that complies with federal regulations. The dealer will contact you when it arrives, and you will complete the background check and pay any applicable transfer fees (these vary by dealer and are not included in our price).

Q: What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun, and are there any restrictions?
A: This shotgun is chambered for 12-gauge shells up to 3 inches in length. It will cycle 2.75-inch and 3-inch loads. We recommend using high-quality factory ammunition from reputable brands. For the first 50 to 100 rounds, use heavier loads (1.125 oz or more) to help seat the inertia spring. Avoid using steel shot in older barrels without a steel-shot rating; this barrel is rated for steel shot. There are no state-level ammo restrictions that apply to this gun, but always check local laws regarding magazine capacity and hunting regulations.

Q: What warranty does Benelli provide for this shotgun, and how do I make a claim?
A: Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This does not cover normal wear, misuse, or damage from improper maintenance. To make a claim, contact Benelli USA’s customer service at (301) 283-6981 or visit their website to obtain a return authorization number. You will be responsible for shipping the firearm to their service center. We recommend keeping your sales receipt as proof of purchase. As a retailer, we do not process warranty claims directly but can assist with contacting the manufacturer.

Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they have been transferred to you from your local FFL. If the firearm arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage from shipping, please inspect it immediately at your FFL and contact us within 48 hours. We will work with Benelli to resolve the issue, which may involve a replacement or repair. If you cancel your order before it has shipped, a full refund will be issued minus a 3% processing fee. We