It fit me very well (needed to switch to a lower drop shim). The floating breech block us intriguing, as are the re-designed ejectors. The stocks exhibit figure and also have fish scale checkering in panels on the fore-end and pistol grip. But I can't get him to bring it out. Somebody with too much money paid about $700 to take one shot with it and decide he didn't like it. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Written and photographed by Ralph Winingham, using evaluations from Gun Tests team testers. Manuals | Benelli Shotguns and Rifles Our Team Said: We were disappointed in the looks, feel, and handling ability of Benellis first venture into the over-and-under market. Its weak, problematic ejection, vulgar aesthetics, high recoil and annoyingly violent gun movement is topped-off with a nosebleed price. Such is the case with the new Benelli Model 828U that made a big splash at the January 2015 SHOT Show. Nsca # 540300. The Beretta you have will run circles around it if it fits you. Best affordable Sporter shotguns - Clay Shooting magazine While we had no problems working the system, our experience leads us to believe that over time, and after extensive use in the field and on the range, we worry that there may be issues that develop with the mechanism. Review: Benelli 828U Shotgun - The Firearm Blog Very nice gun and I liked the slim profile, but didn't impress me enough that I would buy one. Combine those conditions with several inches of snow on the ground and a temperature that failed to rise above the single digits, and the hunt proved to be the ideal opportunity to test the mettle of a gun that, at that point, still posed far more questions than it answered. Click to reveal Think I'll just order from soortsmans and they say i can always decline it when it shows up if it's not my cup of tea. Benelli 828u Sport Review - sirfasr The problem is, it is a very large pen that you have to get up really high to hold the nib in place while typing. It was the only one I could ever have made that I could put my finger on. Just to clarify, I am interested in the sport model (black steel receiver with SPORT written on the side). People are not being rude, but they are probably of the opinion that casting rose petals on a pile of dooty will not improve the stench. Copyright 2023 National Rifle Association. Getting back to the shooting of the gunon crossing targets this light gun will force you to focus on swing maintenance. To consistently break targets, particularly those with any distance on them, we had to hold high and right, not the accepted and typical practice of shooting where you look. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. More importantly, everything it makes has the performance to match. Not a single hiccup. We have patterned several Browning shotguns featuring the Invector DS (Double Seal) chokes and found the tubes seem to pattern very well. But their final question was telling: What is the proper balance between tradition and innovation? The groups consensus advice, he said, was that Benelli must stay true to character. Realize, too, that this was legitimate wild-bird hunting among wide-open crop fields and across rolling terrain that was as natural as pheasant habitat gets. 67.205.62.133 Benelli 828U Sport - Guns - ShootClay Forum I have only seen one of the sporting versions in use in the area I shoot. I shoot quite a bit, so I know that this should tell me something! As far as technology is concerned, the Benelli 828U Shotgun stands out from the crowd with the help of next generation of recoil reduction and progressive comfort; custom fit with the QuadraFit Buttstock and Custom Fit Stock that is adjustable drop and cast; and Crio system for more uniform pattern. And that it does so confidently and beautifully is difficult to deny. Ive made several small changes to my pen, and these were done using a pen for a few minutes, and then a few minutes of practice until I got the pen ready to use it. Be ready for some hate. Says they are LH in 12 gauge, but should give you a feel for the gun and you can order what you want then. Probably a good idea to get your hands on one first in my opinion. Benelli 828OU Field Black | Over and Under Shotgun Reviews | Gun Mart Unfortunately, this is a gross misconception that needs to be rectified. Reinforcing the theme of mechanical modularity is a self-contained trigger module that can be removed from the receiver with an included tool. For our firing tests, we set up at the patterning range where we quickly discovered that the Crio Flush Fit chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified and Full) included with the package were not a match for the Browning. But againit's hard to build a field gun with a steel receiver under 7.0 lbs in 12 ga. Add in the sub-par patterning performance, plus some ineffective target busting time on the range, and our shooters said the new 828U stack-barrel does not live up to the standards of the high-quality semiautomatic firearm innovator. Both the Modified and Improved Cylinder tubes delivered just under 40 percent of the strikes within a 20-inch circle around the center of the targets. Inside Look: The Benelli 828U Shotgun - Gun Digest The gun's main appeal is the weight, and it is light. I have heard that there are several people out there selling them for $100.00 each. They introduced a 20 gauge version this year. To whatever extent we guessed where they were headed merely validated the instincts of a company that manages to stay one step ahead of the market. Overall, no major complaints were registered regarding the 828Ua testimony to the guns overall design. Same thing happened again first time I attempted to assemble/disassemble the firearm. Both inserting and withdrawing shells and spent hulls, even with a gloved hand, is noticeably less difficult than with many other over-unders and a real boon in the field when reloading. The "U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, Model of 1903," better-known as the M1903 Springfield, has become one of the most popular U.S. military small arms to collect. There were 202 hits in the 20-inch circle with the Modified choke and 164 hits with the Improved Cylinder choke. The modified choke in the top barrel produced a 39-61 percent pattern, with 306 hits (46 percent) in the 20-inch circle around the center. The lever cocking the firing mechanism felt very solid and is a new concept you don't see on other guns. But it pointed well, swung nicely without being too whippy or too sluggish. Oof. Here are the features to watch out for. In a classic example of premature innovation, we found the new Benelli 828U simply did not function, feel, or perform as well as a veteran Browning Citori 725 when fired head to head. Along the way, it earned the respect of a new generation of hardcore duck and goose hunters beset by the same kind of weather and environmental conditions that had caused their fathers to rely on pump guns. Matine1 - I have the same issue on an 828U. Ridiculously overpriced. I just really like it. Nice guns. I am not asking for opinions on this gun, though of course I respect any opinions that are posted here. A tweak here and a tweak there have been billed as making the new Model 725 Field a top pick for clays and birds. Her biggest complaint involved the force required to operate the opening lever: Because she had to press on its tip to gain an advantage in leverage, she found that the barrel selector on the safety button could be inadvertently moved to select the bottom barrel. Your Worst Nightmare About benelli 828u problems Come to Life NRA Gun of the Week: Benelli 828U Sport Benelli 828 Black - Guns & Equipment - Pigeon Watch Forums At this point, its worth noting that the 828U was designed for easy access to its breech. The nearly seamless union is not adorned on its exterior as in many traditional guns. I have a Beretta 686 for example. We did find that the balance point of the shotgun was slightly behind the lightweight, aluminum receiver, rather than the preferred point right between the hands as with the Browning. They are generally not well regarded, in spite of several glowing articles by gun writers. I bought the field version 2 months ago and I love it-Lights out in field and sporting clays-LOVE IT!!! the past 2 yrs. It is a pen that a lot of people use for writing, especially in college. Benelli 828u Sport - First Look Review - NEW 2019 - YouTube It is also very comfortable to write with. I've own 'B' guns, SKB's, and Rizzini O/U's. My understanding is that there is a major difference in handling and recoil between the 828U and the 828U sport. In fact, it has been my favorite pen for so long. She appreciated the buttpad for not hanging up on clothing, liked the matte finish of the carbon-fiber rib and pointed out that the removable breech block would make cleaning easier. She praised the guns appearance, calling it nice and light and adding that it balanced and came to the face well. I flew to another city and had to break down for checked bag as my case cannot fit it assembled. The 828U Steel comes chambered for 2 3/4- and 3-inch shotshells in both 12- and 20-gauge. By the time the shot connected, he was likely 50 or more yards out, but was hit solidly by the center of the swarm, which sent him unceremoniously into the stubble. An included tool allows easy removal of the module from the gun. 4 nickel-plated lead shot at 1485 f.p.s.not a particularly mild load for a 12 gauge weighing only 6 lbs., 9 ozs. She appreciated the buttpad for not hanging up on clothing, liked the matte finish of the carbon-fiber rib and pointed out that the removable breech block would make cleaning easier. It is a nice color, and is the perfect size to comfortably hold in one hand. Elsewhere, we thought the stock, forearm, and barrel finish on the Benelli seemed to closely resemble the features of a semiautomatic, rather than exhibiting the typical look and style of an over-and-under in its price range. This Model 725 Field was no exception. I dont try and go fast and never use anything force, more just move the parts. Want more gun reviews? It's the OU that folks love to hate, I guess it bucks traditional builds and some folks just aren't receptive to that. In fact, Benelli became so well-known for its semi-automatic shotguns that it found itself a bit typecast. Texas. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. I decided that I wanted to become a member and contribute to this community, and posted some questions in a respectful manner. I do not recall the barrel length of this 828, it is at her place. Ive been using this pen for several months now (since November or so). The other issue already mentioned is long term durability due to the alloy receiver. That is always the answer before buying a new gun. Our shooters documented no handling problems in any of our testing. I have been in the market for a midtier over under and am a huge Benelli fan as well. Hello I purchased a 828U several months ago in 12 gauge, and have had nothing but problems. That's harsh Randy, but I certainly appreciate the thoughts. In late 2017 I was shooting a round of skeet with my .410 winchester 101 and one of the gentlemen in my squad asked if he could try my .410 as he had never shot one. so sure no problem. For more than two centuries, Westley Richards has produced some of the worlds finest firearms, each wearing a timeless and classic look with bespoke flourishes. The companys first attempt at offering shooters a stack-barrel, rather than a semiautomatic, prompted our readers to call for our shotgun test team to put together a match-up of the Benelli 828U with a comparable model made by another firearm manufacturer. In the case of the Benelli 828U, it's a matter of 'easy if you know how', and even then both removal and refitting of the breach face baffled me for some time. Our conclusion was that the Model 828U system doesnt like light loads not a good thing in a light firearm. BE SURE TO SHOOT IT FIRST! If you're only going to drag it out for upland a dozen hunts a year or less I think one could justify it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I hear it's dead easy to disable, but blimey the number of swear words during out 60 clay trying was rather large :-) 2) During our test, there was a case where the gun didn't close. Hello I purchased a 828U several months ago in 12 gauge, and have had nothing but problems. I have never seen one being shot in person. This Benelli test target is "within parameters" according to Benelli. According to Vignaroli, The modularity of the design means that the function of the various subassemblies is almost independent. He added that, Wherever it is needed is strong material; wherever it is not needed is light material. For instance, the aluminum receiver is unstressed, and departs even from other aluminum-receiver shotguns in the sense that its hinge and locking components do not directly bear the brunt of firing stresses. 828U Sportcirca 10k carts later - Guns - ShootClay Forum You should make sure the barrel lug is seating firmly on the pivot pin before closing. Recently, in a move unexpected by nearly everyone, Benelli created an all-new, lightweight over-underthe 828Uand, with it, an opportunity to capitalize on its reputation among brand loyalists, waterfowlers and shotgunners in general. So especially the beginning was really tough for usunderstanding the over-under and its habits and the way the gun moved.. The 828U and it's sporting counterpart are simply ill designed for heavy sporting use. The internal recoil system did nothing for me, although I have had 4 shoulder surgeries. Where it stands now. He said company engineers were reserved, not letting on that the gun they were working on was an over-under. Shot one once at a game fair a couple years ago. Archived 828U Sport thread. JavaScript is disabled. Shotgun Review: Benelli 828U - Pheasants Forever They have sold so few new ones there simply aren't many on the street.Look on Gun Broker. Manuals. It makes the gun handle, and perform better in the long term. In 2014, early production samples were unveiled during an upland hunt at Browns Hunting Ranch near the town of Gettysburg in the pheasant-rich game fields of South Dakota. Turning the lever to open the gun cams the bolt out of engagement with the monobloc, while at the same time uses a lever tipped with a roller bearing to press rearward on the chrome-plated wedge mentioned above, cocking the strikers. Thomas Jefferson. For a gun with some familiar features, such as a walnut buttstock and fore-end, the 828U also has quite a few unexpected innovations. This pen is currently only available for $39.95 at benelli.com, and it is available in 16 different colors. Your email address will not be published. Most noticeable is the shotguns patented locking mechanism that incorporates a free-floating locking plate in the front of the aluminum receiver. The Benelli Disaster - RANDY WAKEMAN Overall, the gun is well-balanced thanks to the weighted magazine cap. IMO, I think in O/U shotguns, especially those used for targets, a receiver made of steel not alloy is a must. Benelli says that they subjectively estimate the felt-recoil reduction at around 30 percent. My friend that I go to S.D. Download the appropriate manual for your Benelli shotgun or rifle. 828U Sport, always black, steel action so heavier, better recoil characteristics. It was the worst over under I've ever shot. The Benelli 828U differs from its' break-open brethren in several ways. Also, we fired 2.75-inch Nobel Low Recoil Target loads with 78 ounce of No. Shooting just a little high is exactly what a field shotgun should do to handle rising targets. The 828U does not disappoint in that regard, balancing well directly at the hinge point. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. On another thread someone mentioned that street price for a new 828U Sport was already in the $3300 range. Best Shotguns for Skeet, Trap, & Clay Shooting - Pew Pew Tactical Both receivers are sculpted to evoke the wings of a mallard in flight. They definitely arent like a browning or beretta which I really want to like but never feel right to me. & hasn't had any problems with it that I know of. I spend a lot of time at gun clubs and I have seen only one and it had 28 inch bbls. Citori. Your IP: Removing two more screws frees it for access to a nut on a stock bolt that fixes one of two metal drop plates. Its weak, problematic ejection, vulgar aesthetics, high recoil and annoyingly violent gun movement is topped-off with a nosebleed price. When a firearm manufacturer with a reputation of producing high-quality, durable semiautomatics ventures into the under/over market, a lot of shooters will take notice. As to the stock, Vignaroli said, The grip shape and wrist have been developed through studies of different hands and gloves to ensure a better fit and better approach to the trigger. A replaceable polymer cheekpiece allows for changes in comb height, and the Progressive Comfort recoil-mitigation system inside the buttstocka series of interlocking polymer tines that flex to soften the guns movement into the shooters shoulderis capped with a soft rubber recoil pad radiused at the heel to encourage snag-free mounting of the gun. My Browning Citori White Lighting 16 ga. feels just as good in my hands and about the same weight. Reliability issues, and it was just too light for a serious competition gun. It features a single, selective inertia trigger system with a tang-mounted barrel selector/safety button. I bought an 828U Sport May 2019 - 30" tubes, travelled some distance to buy one with a decent bit of wood - some of them look like they have stocks made from reclaimed pallets. If a shooter favors the looks and feel of a semiautomatic, the Model 828U may be just the ticket. The matte-blued barrels and receiver helped reduce glare and seemed to be of high quality. A guy at a field trial I was at a year ago had one and I really liked it. That the 828U breaks with the tradition of previous over-under shotguns and with all other guns that have come from its family before it is without question. I feel like when I looked at them the longest I could find was a 28, 26" and 28" I believe in the 828uthe field gun. Buddy of mine bought one because he duck hunted with s SBE. In the field, my first shot on a live bird brought a similar, satisfying experience. While the aforementioned is readily apparent by examining the guns exterior, it is inside that the Benelli departs from, or, more properly, defies convention. That's the extent of my dealings with one. I shot 50 rounds and was impressively sore. An added benefit of the levers graceful design is that the shooting-hand thumb can rest naturally alongside it atop the receiver. Both versions have sold very poorly and have had issues. It tipped the scales at 7.75 pounds and measured 44.75 inches in length, with our team finding no fault in its heft or handling ability. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Condor. Better triggers - when they work - mine used to go 'click' fail to strike the primer , target lost. I have the model with the silver receiver. But have heard nothing but problems about the. Very Stiff SBE II Safety - Page 3 - Benelli - Benelli USA Forums And the birds we encountered were not only tough and of good size, but wary, running and flushing sometimes hundreds of yards ahead of the dogs. 712 shot shells at a range of 30 yards, we found the Modified choke in the top barrel produced a 57-43 percent pattern (57 percent above the center and 43 percent below) and the Improved Cylinder choke in the bottom barrel produced a 62-38 percent pattern. That makes two 828u's in almost the same number of weeks with the same issues. The action on the Benelli Sport II is strong, fast, and flawlessly cycles pretty much any target load you try to feed it. The Benelli 828u is a pen that I received as a gift. These dimensions are right on the average mark for an out-of-the-box shotgun, and our various team members had no problems adjusting to the fit. First I'm a Benelli guy, having 4 in my safe, but the first iterations that i saw of the 828U weren't too great. Have only shouldered one, never had a chance to shoot one. It doesn't compare to 694, F16, or CG in that price range. JavaScript is disabled. The list of unusual features covers all aspects of the shotgun's operation, as discussed here. Poor patterns, weak target hits, and uninspiring features all contributed to our low grade for this shooting tool. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. A colleague of mine had one of the sporting versions. I bought a Guerini instead with a kinetic balancer and love it. Benelli 828U Black Anodized & Blued 12 Gauge 3in Over Under Shotgun - 28in - A shotgun that feels and shoots like a Benelli from the moment you pick it up to the moment you break it open. I'll get my hands on it sooner or later and give my opinion on it. I am also hoping that the colors they are using are a more accurate match to my pen. Gun Value Conditions explained: New in box - 100% condition in unopened box. We achieved very few hard, solid breaks with either of the two test loads fired at various targets, both close and far, using the Benelli. Benelli 828U problem : r/Firearms - reddit.com One of our test-team members scrounged up a heavier load (a 1-ounce, 1,230 feet per second shell) that did eject from the bottom barrel. You are using an out of date browser. As noted earlier, this is the latest version of a long line of Browning over-and-unders that have found favor with the shooting public. Barrel lengths offered are 26-, 28-, and 30-inch. These old-fashioned scatterguns are often viewed as traditional and many believe they simply can't compare to modern semi-auto or pump-action models.