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

Icarry DD H9 1
Icarry DD H9 1

I Carry: Daniel Defense H9 in an ANR Designs Holster

In our latest “I Carry” segment above, we’re taking a closer look at the Daniel Defense H9, a unique, striker-fired design that borrows popular features from several different handguns. 

A Surprising Conversation on Just How Far an Anti-Gun State Can Go

In Massachusetts this fall, ballot question 9 is an effort to repeal 2024 legislation known as “An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws,” a complex package of fees, red tape, training requirements, and other burdens placed on law-abiding gun owners. 

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 2, 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.

Are Snub-Nose Revolvers Still Relevant?

In a world of micro-compact handguns, does the venerable snub-nose revolver still have a place? Here are four reasons why you might still consider carrying a snubby.

Behind Federal's 7 mm Backcountry Cartridge

In 2025, Federal Ammunition introduced its new 7 mm Backcountry cartridge, which operates at higher pressures than any previous commercial ammunition offering.

New for 2026: Beretta 94X Performance

The latest step in the evolution of Beretta's 90 series of handguns is the 94X Performance, a handgun that the company calls “the ultimate evolution of the Beretta competition pistol for IPSC and USPSA.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.