NRA Gun of the Week: Benelli 828U Sport

On this week’s “Gun of the Week,” American Rifleman staff take a close look at an over-under shotgun from Italy’s Benelli.
Benelli’s 828U Sport over-under shotgun is distinctly different from the inertia-operated semi-automatics we’ve seen imported by the Italian maker in years past. The over-under 828U design was originally designed for 12 ga. shotshells and utilizes a lockup system that is unique to Benelli-a solid steel breech block, separate of the receiver, lock into the monoblock once the action is hinged closed-which allows for a system that is robust and designed to last a lifetime.
The 828U Sport is built on a steel receiver for increased weight and enhanced balance versus aluminum used for the company’s field models. Benelli provides bolt-on weights for tuning the gun’s balance point. In addition, an optional model with the company’s Progressive Balance stock system can further be adjusted to shooter. Benelli offers its well-regarded Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system for its 828U Sport as well.
The Sport model in Benelli’s 828U lineup contains features that benefit clay-target shooters by way of adjustability-the gun’s balance, choke constriction, sighting rib, stock and trigger can all be manipulated by the shooter for a custom fit without the need for specialized outsourcing. Though suited for chasing trophies, the 828U Sport in 12 ga. provides a chamber cut for 3” shells, so users wanting to hunt upland game, or big game, can do so. Cryogenically treated barrels of 30” or 32” are available and Benelli supplies a full set of extended Crio choke tubes with each gun, as well as a custom-fitted carrying case.
Benelli provides an innovative and robust design with its 828U Sport. The competition-grade shotgun is not only smooth shooting, it is attractive, too. AA-grade walnut with fish-scale texturing comes standard with the 828U Sport. Compared to the high-end market of over-under guns the 828U enters, it commands a retail price lower than expected.
Check out our NRA Gun of the Week video, above, to learn more about the Benelli 828U Sport.
Benelli - bit.ly/33XNGJm
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Extras:
Benelli 828U Shotgun Review - bit.ly/3iEWk3A
Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun Review - bit.ly/33XP8LR
Ruger Mark IV Hunter - bit.ly/3kJjwPW
Pacific War, Pearl Harbor, Part 2 - bit.ly/3kJ4WrO
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NRA’s Hunter Leadership Forum - bit.ly/37FkK77

[@johnbinford3287]

I first shot this weapon in Ireland in 16ga on private trap outing. Worked well, light gun, certainly light recoil. I and a friend then each bought 12ga 828U Silver here in MD. Apparently the importer is in Cambridge, MD; I liked it out of the box and spent several hundred rounds adjusting the stock for drop, cast, etc. Length of pull nonadjustable without changing recoil absorption device on stock. The comb was left stock. I eventually used up all the adjustment available on the chart (various shims between receiver and stock) and bootlegged an additional spacer off the chart. Works fine. The ONLY problem I had was with the removable trigger assembly...it wouldn't stay in the weapon after 500+ rounds (not 25ea trap rounds, cartridges). I had to send the weapon back to Benelli in Cambridge and they instantly replaced the trigger assembly and I've probably run 3000 rounds through it. The recoil bangs my cheekbone sore after 100-150 rounds so I don't shoot it a lot. I've just installed a high gel comb, available from Benelli so I'll try that along with a couple extended chokes (it comes with flush chokes, mine is 28") Might have to float the bird higher since it looks like it changes my POI. There is also an ExtraHigh gel comb available but no trap high rib. I've had no problems since the trigger assembly other than loosening screws in the wood forearm that were easily tightened several thousand rounds ago. I'm now working on my trap skills with a browning citron 725 pro out of the box. LOTS heavier gun.

[@nkdenton62]

I shoot a Briley modified Performance Shop Supersport II and love it but am also in the market for an O/U. I’ve test shot Krieghoff K-80, Caesar Guerini, Beretta 694 and a Browning 725. I haven’t yet shot an 828 Sport but unless it is a complete disappointment, I plan to go with the 828U Sport hands down. Two reasons - 1) K-80 is a fantastic gun but I can’t see myself ever being able to justify the cost. Ditto for the higher end CGs, etc. I just have too many other places to put the extra money (ammo, for one); 2) the gun that manages 12 ga recoil to my rehabbed shoulder the best wins. The 694 is tempting but Benelli proved to me with the SS II they know how to lower recoil better than anybody so the 828U Sport wins. I’m an amateur NSCA competitor in Veteran class - it might be fun to be “that guy” who’s not playing by the conventional rules...

[@garyK.45ACP]

Nice gun...but disappointing in one big respect. Price. MSRP $2700-3100 !!!! Seriously? Despite the hype, every one of those changes was made to reduce the costs of production, especially the connection of the butt to the receiver, which is now no different than a Mossberg 500 pump gun. The "additional breechblock" eliminates the complicated fitting of the breech to the receiver...even more so than monoblock construction did years ago. It also eliminates steel to aluminum wear in the field models allowing them to use cheaper and easier to machine aluminum alloy receivers on those models. "Carbon fiber" rib, much cheaper. Fish scale checkering...amazing what CNC machines can do with a program, isn't it? Trigger...yeah, just like the Remington 870 did 70 years ago. Premium walnut...meh. It is available on every Turkish made Huglu or Yildiz for around $600. Drop the price to under $1000 and you have a deal...until then, Benelli just found a way to line their own pockets.

[@kirk0respite]

Go home with you shitty Remington pop gun kid you just jealous

[@grinchyface]

Features to price ratio, this gun is in stores for far less than other sporting guns. Your $600 huglu (one of which I have, a CZ) is an absolute shitshow- mine has a clapped out chamber after about 2000 clay rounds. I have benellis with 30,000 rounds through them on factory parts and are only just getting started. The closest comparable gun is at least $1000 more in stores, and has the main issue if you plan on shooting a lot of rounds: It was hand fit. Hand fitting makes sense in the 1920s, but it's absolutely stupid now, and the benelli is brilliant for losing the hand fitting aspect. Q has done the same thing with their bolt rifles- the Fix and Mini Fix. Hand fitting should have been a thing of the past in the 80s, but people are still crazy about it despite it netting a worse product, especially with today's manufacturing methodologies and machine tools. I bought this gun because I can count on it having zero downtime while I shoot 5-600 clays a week, and if it does, Benelli can literally just send me new parts that will fit and will be safe without handfitting.

[@75avan]

at what pet rock you live? show me where I can get one for $2700-3100 and I buy two! inflation baby inflation!

[@johnbinford3287]

@@grinchyface Yeah, but they won't send you new parts at no cost under warranty,..they want the weapon back. Ask me how I know this! Otherwise I agree...I expect thousands of rounds without trouble after initial teething problems.

[@makrandvidwans5346]

verry nice gun

[@arrowmaniacskeepthetraditi2736]

Got one of these and people talk bad about it but have yet to shoot it, typical of keyboard warriors

[@Jolly56Roger]

I have they kick like a mule.

[@eddiehenderson5682]

are there tube sets available for them?

[@timeverett7828]

Be it fair or not, tons of armchair negative info floating around on the net about this firearm. In the market I reside, you can't give this firearm away. Local retailers have stopped carrying it in their inventory.

[@johnbinford3287]

I expect local retailers can't keep them in stock with the 2020 election and scared of gun grabbers.