When innovation and inspiration collided the 828U was born the first over/under worthy of the Benelli Not sure how far you are from Ogden UT or Salt Lake City, looks like Impact Guns has a few in stock. 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. Here are the features to watch out for. I have to admit I pondered getting a Benelli 828U as a 'wet weather gun' rather than taking the 'P' gun out on foul days - it's not like it comes to any harm but it's a beautiful tool that deserves better (maybe an owner that could match it's capabilities would help too ).). JavaScript is disabled. 828U 04-2020.pdf (16.67 MB) For: 828 U Shotguns, 828 U Limited Edition. Two small springs (arrow) hold the block away from the receivers face when the action is open so that it is positioned to interlock with the monobloc as the action hinges shut. Estimated New and Used Values for a Benelli 828U Values are based on a basic model with no options or colors. 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. 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. But its also true that the 828U upholds at least one traditionthat of being a uniquely innovative and distinctive firearm bearing the now-famous marque of a motorcycle-turned-gunmaker named Benelli. 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. 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. The Fire-Lite mechanical triggers in the Model 725 are both smooth and crisp, going the extra step to help a shooter stay on target when touching off a shot. 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. The Benelli does beat the weight issue, at some cost IMHO. I.e Beretta, Browning, Ceasar. The sporting model is almost $4000. I have a Beretta 686 for example. I forced it open and sent it in to Benelli who "fixed" it and sent it back to me. My Franchi over/under experience wasn't very good. Recoil with the Browning using the two light loads was well within the comfortable range, and spent shells were ejected with authority each and every time there were no malfunctions of any kind. This tendency to shoot low and left went a long way toward explaining why our teams target busting experience with the Benelli was much less than satisfactory. So, when the first rooster got up quite behind me, I simply turned and swung the gun in its direction, keeping my eye on its beak and firing as soon as I could. 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. The 828U is what you would expect from Benelli - a hardworking, lightweight and low-recoil shotgun. Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives. To minimize this, the 828U cheekpiece has a replaceable Air Foam pad that cushions your face. In the field, my first shot on a live bird brought a similar, satisfying experience. I might sell a kidney to get one. It is held just forward of the receivers face by two small springs when the action is open, and, as the gun closes, a lug in the monobloc under the lower barrel engages a recess at the blocks bottom, and a groove on the monoblocs upper end engages a lip at the blocks top, locking the two together and pressing the block reward against the receivers face. I personally have doubts about it holding up to heavy shells and shooting at volume. I have never owned a Benelli but have read about the SBE 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. Two versions are available: one with a black anodized receiver and one with a silver-tone receiver said to be the result of a nickel-based treatment. Have you seen one or held one? Over on Shotgun World in I love my Benelli, there have been some problems reported about the 828 U trigger assembly dropping out, ejector problems and problems with the breech lock popping open. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Ive been using benelli 828u for a few weeks now, and it is surprisingly fast and easy to use. The latter has laser-cut panels of fish scale checkering at its lower rear corners along with floral scroll engraving designs in panels on the top, sides and bottom. The Benelli 828U differs from its' break-open brethren in several ways. 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. Instead I have a set of four rather specific questions that I think are appropriate to ask to the group of (knowledgeable) strangers on this forum. Maybe it's not beautiful in every way, but the ability to adjust this firearm makes it a fine choice for . Nice guns. It is a pen that is also very expensive. 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. Our Team Said: We were disappointed in the looks, feel, and handling ability of Benellis first venture into the over-and-under market. The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time. The pen is a nice color, and the metal nib has a nice texture to it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That pattern was 13-87 percent, with 153 hits (28 percent) in the 20-inch center circle. I just really like it. An Over-UnderFrom Benelli?There had been no hint that Benelli might venture into more traditional forms such as break-actions. Posts: 2,178. More importantly, everything it makes has the performance to match. They include (l.): a shim kit that offers 40 different combinations of cast and drop adjustment; the Progressive Comfort recoil-mitigation module that resides within the buttstock; and interchangeable cheekpieces that can be swapped out to provide proper stock-to-face fit. I have good things to say about all of them. The Benelli also failed to eject any of the light loads from the bottom barrel, which caused us to consider whether there was a problem with the impulse-driven ejectors that might require gunsmith work. In fact, it has been my favorite pen for so long. So we had to pay particular attention to the right angle and the right ergonomics of this lever through its geometry, Vignaroli said. It is no stretch to suggest that the new gun offers appealing aesthetics, innovative engineering, precise manufacturing, intuitive handling and satisfying shootability. Benelli has stated that the receiver has wear from improper assembly. At this point, its worth noting that the 828U was designed for easy access to its breech. I know steel inserts in the breech face are part of the 828U design, but the lack of weight mid point I suspect hurts it as a target gun. However, 76 percent of the total hits in the 30-inch circle were in the lower left quadrant and there were four, 3-inch holes in the pattern, mainly in the outer 10-inch ring. Benelli is not giving me any additional information, but have stated it is damaged and they will not repair or replace the wear I have apparently done. An included tool allows easy removal of the module from the gun. The Benelli didn't fill me with the same inspiration. 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. Its weak, problematic ejection, vulgar aesthetics, high recoil and annoyingly violent gun movement is topped-off with a nosebleed price. It seems like the 828U Sport is a better gun than the original/field model 828U, certainly so for clay shooting. Connecting with birds under such conditions can be a challenge, and it requires a gun that points naturally, swings fast and predictably and is capable of shooting tight patterns. The pen is very comfortable to write with, and is the perfect size for comfortable writing. Phillips-head screws hold the pad in place, which, once removed, allows access to the Progressive Comfort module. Beretta A400 Xcel "Black" Cole Special - Beretta A400 Xcel 20 Gauge - Beretta A400 28 Gauge -. Crio -treated chokes in C, IC, M, IM, and F are also included. The internal recoil system did nothing for me, although I have had 4 shoulder surgeries. I would have it. 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. The swing was beautiful but the recoil destroyed me. Secondly, the polyurethane comb cushions any residual impact to your face. That makes two 828u's in almost the same number of weeks with the same issues. Back at the office, during the course of several weeks shooting in different settings and throughout several hundred shells worth of varied ammunitionwhether plastic- or paper-hulled, having high or low brass heads and in various payload weights and velocitiesan informal test group encountered no failures with our nickel-finish, 28"-barreled test sample. You must log in or register to reply here. Rather, the guns strikers are cocked by operating the top-mounted opening lever. IMO, I think in O/U shotguns, especially those used for targets, a receiver made of steel not alloy is a must. Recently, in a move unexpected by nearly everyone. " Not a single hiccup. Thanks for the replies. Doubles are supposed to find their appeal in durability and simplicity. Press J to jump to the feed. This Model 725 Field was no exception. How Different Is It?Described dispassionately, the 828U is simply a wood-stocked over-under shotgun built around an aluminum receiver. Advertisement Barrel & Receiver The 828U comes with 26, 28, or 30-inch barrels that have three-inch chambers. While pump-action and semiautomatic shotguns are the overwhelming favorite field guns throughout the shooting community, over/unders are the kings of clay-target shooters. You could do most of this research yourself. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. Overall, the gun is well-balanced thanks to the weighted magazine cap. I have shot a few of them on Demo days next too several other O/U. Been loving this game since 01. Culminating in the 1993 introduction of the Super Black Eagle, one of the first semi-automatics capable of firing 2", 3" and 3" shells, the Inertia Drive system proved reliable to a fault throughout two-and-a-half decades of service in a series of models. Unfortunately, I think it would be great for other people as well. Maybe it's just me but I'm not a fan of field O/U's with aluminum receivers. Reliability issues, and it was just too light for a serious competition gun. Where it stands now. 828 U Product Manual (14.83 MB) For: 828 U Shotguns, 828 U Upland Performance Shop Shotguns, 828 U Sport Shotguns. Here's the inside story of what they found and how they're rebuilding an industry giant. Was a surprise to see him with it as he typically shoots a Perazzi. Copyright 2023 National Rifle Association. It is a pen that a lot of people use for writing, especially in college. I agree that Gunbroker is showing prices close to MSRP. The lever cocking the firing mechanism felt very solid and is a new concept you don't see on other guns. It consists of a cast steel fire control housing pinned to an aluminum trigger guard. Benelli 828U Sport The action was not at all stiff. With birds in the air, we should note we were particularly impressed with the trigger-pull touch-offs of 4.5 pounds for the bottom barrel and 4.25 for the top barrel. Rather, pressures are contained by way of a 1 1/4" wide by 2316" high by 15/16" steel breech block. This article, "Breaking With Tradition," appeared originally in the November 2015 issue of American Rifleman. The trade-off in the field is that most shooters will take a lighter gun that carries better, because just one extra pound adds up over several miles of kicking pheasants up. You must log in or register to reply here. The 828U and it's sporting counterpart are simply ill designed for heavy sporting use. I bought the field version 2 months ago and I love it-Lights out in field and sporting clays-LOVE IT!!! If you're only going to drag it out for upland a dozen hunts a year or less I think one could justify it. Ridiculously overpriced. JavaScript is disabled. 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. I've own 'B' guns, SKB's, and Rizzini O/U's. The 828U represents a true breakthrough in over-under shotgun design, and Benelli hopes it will also help the company break through with a whole new group of upland and recreational sport shooters. We pitted the Benelli 828U, retailing for $2,500, against the Browning 725, retailing for $2,470, both at the clay-target range and on the patterning board to see if the new smokepole performed as advertised against a proven product sitting in the rack beside it. Written and photographed by Ralph Winingham, using evaluations from Gun Tests team testers. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I know the guy that bought it but in the year of Covid I haven't had an opportunity to ask him about it. And due to the stupid barrel overlap at the receiver, you can't use sub gauge tubes. But around 2012, Benelli engineers, spurred by the belief that they could contribute something new to traditional shotgunning, quietly began work on an over-under that would be engineered like none before it. On this Benelli O/U attempt, first thing I noticed was the triggers. I forced it open and sent it in to Benelli who fixed it and sent it back to me. Fit and comfort in the hands and to the body of the user are of critical importance to ensuring success on small, fast-moving targets. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Every time I see him, I ask when I can shoot the space gun. Better triggers - when they work - mine used to go 'click' fail to strike the primer , target lost. If it doesn't fit you, look for a Browning 725 Sporting, Caesar Guerini Summit Sporting, even a Blaser F16 (used) is in the realm of possibilities. The fore-end iron attaches in such a way that the fore-end itself is nothing more than a cosmetic cover. Make one with a steel receiver, adjustable rib 30" and 32" barrels, improve the trigger a little bit, and get rid the funky comb and people would be breaking down their door to buy one. 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. Further isolating the fore-end and barrels from the receiver are what Benelli refers to as impulse activated ejectors.