Benelli Ethos

by
posted on May 5, 2014
** 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. **
ethos_gotw_f.jpg

Benelli's much-heralded Ethos is comprised of some of the company's most successful innovations, both old and new. Naturally, the shotgun is centered around the company's famous Inertia Driven operating system. The carrier has been redesigned, making shells easier to load, and an enlarged bolt release makes for simpler and faster operation. The cartridge drop lever has been likewise changed, making the shotgun easier to handle and operate-even for a shooter in gloves. A newly patented Easy Locking System in the bolt body is designed to ensure that the rotating bold head locks up, and the Ethos' system is designed to cycle even the lightest of shotgun loads-right on down to 7/8 ozs.

The name, meanwhile, is representative of the craftsmanship that Benelli puts into its firearms. Ethos means "character," and has long been used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, nation or ideology. The Benelli brand has long prided itself on credibility, respect, integrity and merit-and the company views its new shotgun as the culmination of its own guiding ethos.

For more information, check out the video embedded below, hosted by American Rifleman Editor-in-Chief Mark Keefe, or go to BenelliUSA.com.

Technical Specifications:

Gauge: 12, 3" (also 2¾")

Receiver: black anodized 7075 aluminum alloy

Overall Length: 49½"

Barrel Length: 26", 28" (tested), 30"

Weight: 6 lbs., 9 ozs.

Magazine Capacity: four

Trigger: single-stage, 6-lb., 2-oz. pull

Stock: AA-grade European walnut with ComforTech Plus: length of pull, 143⁄8"; drop at comb, 1¼"; drop at heel, 17⁄8"

Chokes: interchangeable Crio chokes: cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified and full

Sights: interchangeable fiber-optic front bead, white metal mid-rib bead

Accessories: five choke tubes, choke-tube wrench, fitted plastic hard case, oil bottle, shim kit for changing cast and drop and magazine plug (other buttpads and comb inserts available at extra cost)

MSRP: $1,999 (tested); $2,199 (engraved nickel-plated receiver)

Multimedia:

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.