The Benelli Ultra Light 28 gauge has generated considerable buzz among upland bird hunters and sporting clays enthusiasts. Its lightweight design and reputation for reliability make it a compelling option, but does it live up to the hype? This in-depth review will explore the gun's strengths and weaknesses, helping you determine if it's the right fit for your shooting needs.
A Deep Dive into the Benelli Ultra Light 28 Gauge
Benelli's reputation precedes it. Known for their innovative inertia-driven systems and robust construction, the Ultra Light 28 gauge aims to provide a comfortable and effective shooting experience, particularly for those seeking a manageable recoil. The key selling point is its remarkably low weight, achieved through a careful selection of materials and design choices. This reduced weight translates to less felt recoil, increased maneuverability, and reduced fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
Key Features & Specifications:
- Lightweight Design: This is the flagship feature. The Ultra Light's featherweight nature significantly reduces felt recoil.
- Inertia-Driven System: Benelli's reliable inertia system ensures consistent cycling and reduces the complexity of the action.
- 28 Gauge: The smaller gauge offers less recoil than larger gauges like 12 or 20, making it ideal for smaller framed shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
- Comfortable Stock: Typically featuring a well-designed stock geometry that contributes to comfortable shoulder placement and reduces felt recoil.
- Durable Construction: Benelli is known for building robust shotguns, and the Ultra Light is no exception.
Performance on the Range and in the Field:
The Ultra Light 28 gauge performs admirably in various shooting disciplines. Its lightweight design makes it exceptionally quick to mount and swing, translating to improved target acquisition and follow-through. The reduced recoil allows for faster target engagement and improved accuracy, particularly during rapid fire sequences.
In the field, its manageable weight is a significant advantage. Hours spent walking through fields and woods become less tiring, allowing for increased focus on the hunt. The gun's light weight and swift handling are especially beneficial when navigating dense cover. However, the lighter weight can also lead to a slightly more noticeable muzzle flip, something experienced shooters can manage with proper technique.
Who is the Benelli Ultra Light 28 Gauge For?
This shotgun is an excellent choice for several types of shooters:
- Smaller-framed shooters: The reduced recoil and light weight make it particularly suitable for individuals with smaller builds.
- Upland bird hunters: The lightweight design and maneuverability are ideal for hunting various game birds in diverse terrains.
- Sporting clays enthusiasts: The quick handling and reduced recoil contribute to improved scores in sporting clays competitions.
- Hunters seeking reduced recoil: Anyone sensitive to recoil will appreciate the comfort this gun offers.
Potential Drawbacks:
While largely positive, some aspects deserve consideration:
- Price: Benelli shotguns are generally positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum.
- Durability of Finish: Some users have reported minor issues with the finish holding up under heavy use. This is not universal, however.
- Recoil Sensitivity (despite reduced recoil): While the reduced recoil is a major selling point, some shooters might still find the lack of substantial mass leads to a more noticeable muzzle flip. This is generally manageable with practice and proper technique.
Conclusion: A Winner for Many
The Benelli Ultra Light 28 gauge is a high-quality shotgun that delivers on its promises. Its lightweight design, combined with Benelli's reliable inertia system, makes it a pleasure to shoot. While the price point might be a deterrent for some, the superior handling, reduced recoil, and overall shooting experience make it a strong contender for upland bird hunting and sporting clays. Ultimately, whether or not it's the right choice for you depends on your individual shooting style, budget, and hunting preferences. Consider carefully if the premium price and potential for a more noticeable muzzle flip are acceptable trade-offs for its considerable advantages.
