NRA Gun of the Week: Benelli 828U Sport

by
posted on August 14, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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, locks into the monoblock once the action is hinged closed—which allows for a system that is robust and designed to last a lifetime.

Black shotgun receiver with wood stock attached.

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 boasting 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.

Man wearing ballcap and protective shooting gear shooting a shotgun pointed toward camera.

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 work. 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 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.

Black shotgun barrels on white background.

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.

Black shotgun receiver open on gray background.

Check out our NRA Gun of the Week video, above, to learn more about the Benelli 828U Sport.

Benelli 828U Sport Specifications
Manufacturer: Benelli Armi S.p.A.
Importer: Benelli USA Corp.
Action Type: lock plate over-under shotgun
Chambering: 12 ga.; 3”
Receiver: steel
Barrel: 30” cryogenically treated steel
Trigger: 3-lb., 6-oz. pull
Sights: carbon fiber ventilated rib, red fiber-optic bead
Stock: walnut
Weight: 8 lbs., 1.9 ozs.
MSRP: $4,399
benelliusa.com

Further Reading:
Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Shotgun Review
Celebrating 25 Years of the Benelli Super Black Eagle
Benelli’s 28-Gauge Legacy
Benelli 828U Shotgun Review
Poetry in Motion: Benelli's Ethos

Extras:
Benelli 828U Shotgun Review

Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun

Ruger Mark IV Hunter

Pacific War, Pearl Harbor, Part 2

Latest

Remington Model 1888
Remington Model 1888

I Have This Old Gun: Remington Model 1888

Following Remington's bankruptcy in 1888, a number of the company's unsold Model 1875s were discovered, and it was decided that something could be made from them.

Rifleman Review: Ruger RXM

In 2025, Ruger teamed up with Magpul to create the RXM pistol, a design that uses a chassis-style receiver anchored inside of a polymer grip frame.

New for 2026: Franklin Armory Prevail Rifle

Franklin Armory introduces the company's first bolt-action rifle, the Prevail.

Thinking Of Tinkering? Be Honest About Your Reasons.

There are often benefits to resurrecting an old gun, but cost savings isn’t usually one of them.

New For 2026: Woox High Grade Stocks and Fore-ends

Dress up your lever-action, shotgun or bolt-action rifle while adding functionality.

NRA Partners with ‘We the Free’ Streaming Network

The NRA partners with online streaming service We the Free to bring 2A content.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.