The benelli folks love to hate

[Poindexter]

I'm not sure that that I could bring myself to spend $3500 on an O/U with 24" barrels, or that progressive of look.

Then again, when I got a 687EELL in 20 gauge with 26" barrels, I never thought it would swing well enough for me and I'm to the point now upland hunting that the rest of my battery rarely leaves the safe.

I use a 24” barreled Franchi for clays now. Love the balance, and it pops orange birds just as well as anyone else‘s at the local club.

I don’t have one, but have fondled one a few times at the local shop. I thought it felt very much like my super vinci in regards to the balance and mounting. I’m not a shotgun expert by any means but before I bought the super vinci a few years ago I picked up as many shotguns as I could and that one felt right immediately to me. Looks goofy as can be, like a camo space gun, but I use it for upland, waterfowl, and turkeys and without an issue. I just really like it. When I picked up the 828u it felt very similar to me, probably the first o/u that I really liked the feel of. They definitely aren’t like a browning or beretta which I really want to like but never feel right to me. Probably a good idea to get your hands on one first in my opinion.

The gun shop down the road got a performance shop Ethos in and man that feels good to mount. Same feel as my Super Black Eagle 3, but a longer barrel. Aside from the M2 Tactical (sorry to say, I own this too) I have yet to meet a Benelli that didn’t mount well.

The weight reduction and she’ll extraction of this Performance Shop 828 is intriguing. Not to mention the price reduction vs. the Sport.

 

[S.Clancy]

Most people would be better served buying a Remington 870 and putting the extra $1400 into practice.....

 

[Poindexter]

Most people would be better served buying a Remington 870 and putting the extra $1400 into practice.....

I agree. It has been nice not being "most people" my entire life

Back to Benelli... the more I think about this Performance Shop version the more I'm thinking it is leading the pack on my next 12 gauge purchase.

 

[Eagle]

Thanks for bringing up this o/u. I’ve been shooting sporting clays for the last year and finally ready to jump into buying a gun for it. These are really light, but intriguing as a gun I could use on the course and carry in the hills. Just wish I could find one to put some rounds through.

 

[arock]

Bit of a bummer it doesn't come in 28 gauge or I'd be all over one.

Their recoil system does work well. I have a M2 and my farts hit me harder then that thing. Its almost too easy to shoot.

 

[daisy024]

The 828U seems amazing. I can't wait to shoot it.

 

[Clarson757]

I’ve had my 828 20ga for two years. Taken ducks, dove, quail and a few pheasants with it. Shoots great and no complaints on the fit/ function. I have been thinking about grabbing the 12ga BEST version for ducks and even turkey.

In comparison I have a 20ga Ultralight and I feel more accurate with the 828 even though they are nearly identical in weight.