Benelli gets into the bolt action game

Il Lupo, the Appenine wolf, is making a comeback in Italy.  Appropriately enough, Benelli has named their new foray into the bolt action rifle world “Lupo”.  Featuring a three lug one piece chromed bolt with 60 degrees of throw, the Lupo also has a hammer forged, cryogenically treated barrel.  A notable design feature Benelli incorporated form their 828U shotguns is that the receiver does not have an extended tang, so one can fully adjust the drop and cast of the stock with spacers and shims.  One can also adjust the comb height of the stock with two different padded inserts.  Recoil is dampened by a “progressive comfort” recoil pad and soft cheek insert.

Specs, per Benelli:

• Calibers: .300WM, .30-06, .270Win
• Barrel length: 22″, (24″ for .300WM)
• MSRP $1699
• Available July 2020
• Weight: 7lbs, (7lbs 40z for .300WM)
• Twist: 1:11 (1:10 for .270Win)
• LOP: adjustable from 14.2-15.2″
• Free floated barrel
• Two Piece picatinny rail for mounting optics
  

  [SHOT 2020] Lupo stock adjustment, photo credit Benelli

Working the bolt, the action of the rifle feels very smooth, a lot like a Tikka T3.  The trigger pull felt very good on the floor samples and is adjustable from 2.2-4.2lbs. The Lupo has a very European 2 position safety, located directly behind the cocking indicator.  The grip and fore-end are textured as well.  Early examples have produced groups as good as half MOA, though the rifle is guaranteed to shoot sub-MOA three shot groups.

Other new products

The 3 1/2″ chambered Super Black Eagle gets a slight facelift this year with the introduction of the Super Black Eagle 3.  Now available with DLC coating for corrosion protection (Benelli calls this treatment B.E.S.T.), the SBE3 series has the new comfortech chevron stock, a smattering of colors to choose from, and left handed models.  The bolt, safety, and bolt release are all also enlarged.  There were also a number of other Benelli shotguns now available with left handed receivers as well.

The 828U over/under shotgun has a new iteration, the 828U “Sport”.  Featuring longer and heavier barrels and fancier wood, these shotguns are made specifically for competitive shotgun sports.  The new 828U’s aren’t cheap, however, as they cost $4,399.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a pair of nifty single shot stalking rifles that Benelli’s affiliate, Stoeger had on display.  The 1885 Courteney Stalking Rifle will be available in .303 British, weighing in at 7.1lbs and available with or without a scope base, MSRP will be $1729.

For more information, please visit Benelli and Uberti.