Benelli 828U 12 gauge 26

The first over-under shotgun to be worthy of the Benelli name—the 828U Shotgun. The 828U is an innovative take on the over-under shotgun while still maintaining the classic and elegant look that O/U shotguns are known for. Benelli 828U shotguns are available in 12 gauge and can accommodate shells that are 2-3/4” to 3” in length. All 828U shotguns come with AA-Grade walnut stocks with satin finish and are available with anodized or engraved receivers.

One of the most important aspects of the Benelli 828U 12 Gauge Shotgun is its custom fit. The drop at comb, comb height, length of pull can all be adjusted in a matter of minutes with Benelli’s QuadraFit™ buttstock. Progrssive Comfort® helps mitigate the recoil from inside the stock eliminating the need for thick recoil pads that affect your length of pull.

Features 

• Shim Kit
• Benelli Crio® Chokes
• AA-Grade Walnut Stock
• Quadrafit™ Technology
• Carbon Fiber Front Sight
• Benelli Hardcase Included
• Optional Engraved Receiver
• Benelli Crio® Treated Barrel
• Progressive Comfort® Recoil Mitigatio

Benelli 828U 12 Gauge Shotgun 10701 — Premium Over/Under Performance for the Modern Shooter

The Benelli 828U 12 Gauge, 26-inch barrel, AA-grade walnut stock, blue anodized receiver, and Progressive Comfort system (Model 10701) is a refined over/under shotgun engineered for shooters who demand precision, comfort, and modern design in a classic break-action platform. Built by Benelli, this shotgun blends Italian craftsmanship with innovative engineering, delivering exceptional balance, reduced recoil, and reliable performance for upland hunting, sporting clays, and competitive trap.

Design Philosophy: Modern Engineering Meets Tradition

Unlike traditional over/under shotguns that rely on steel receivers and conventional recoil pads, the Benelli 828U rethinks the platform from the ground up. Its blue anodized aluminum receiver reduces overall weight without sacrificing strength, while the AA-grade walnut stock provides both durability and elegance. The result is a shotgun that shoulders naturally, swings smoothly, and holds up to thousands of rounds on the range or in the field.

The 26-inch barrels offer an ideal balance between maneuverability and sight radius, making this configuration especially popular among clay shooters and upland bird hunters who need quick target acquisition without sacrificing accuracy.

Progressive Comfort System: Recoil Management Redefined

One of the most talked-about features of the Benelli 828U is its Progressive Comfort system. This patented recoil-reduction technology uses interlocking flexible elements within the stock to absorb and dissipate recoil energy progressively based on the load being fired.

Light target loads feel incredibly soft, while heavier hunting loads remain manageable and comfortable. This translates to less shoulder fatigue during long clay sessions and faster follow-up shots in the field.

Key benefit: You can shoot longer, stay focused, and maintain accuracy without the punishment typical of over/under shotguns.

AA-Grade Walnut Stock: Function and Beauty

The AA-grade walnut stock is not just aesthetic—it’s functional. The ergonomic shaping, combined with Benelli’s shim kit, allows shooters to customize drop and cast for a near-perfect fit. Proper gun fit means better pointability, improved consistency, and greater confidence.

The walnut’s rich grain pattern paired with the blue anodized receiver gives the 828U a distinctive, high-end appearance that stands out on the range.

Blue Anodized Receiver: Lightweight Strength

Traditional over/unders rely on heavy steel receivers. Benelli’s decision to use an aluminum alloy receiver with steel locking plates reduces weight while preserving durability where it matters most. The blue anodized finish adds corrosion resistance and a modern aesthetic rarely seen in break-action shotguns.

This design makes the 828U noticeably lighter than many competitors, reducing fatigue during long hunts or tournaments.

Performance in the Field and on the Range

The Benelli 828U excels in multiple shooting disciplines:

• Sporting clays – Smooth swing, low recoil, and excellent balance
• Trap shooting – Consistent sight plane and reliable trigger performance
• Upland hunting – Lightweight design for long walks and quick shots
• Skeet – Fast target acquisition and responsive handling

The 26-inch barrels provide optimal pattern control and velocity while remaining agile enough for fast-moving birds.

Crio-Treated Barrels and Chokes

Benelli’s Crio system cryogenically treats the barrels and chokes to relieve stress in the metal, improving pattern uniformity and shot consistency. This technology enhances accuracy and makes cleaning easier by reducing fouling.

Included choke options allow shooters to tailor patterns for specific shooting scenarios, from tight trap patterns to wider upland spreads.

Trigger System and Ejectors

The crisp, reliable trigger ensures consistent shot release, while the automatic ejectors make reloading quick and efficient. These mechanical details matter during competition and hunting, where speed and reliability are essential.

Ergonomics and Balance

What truly sets the Benelli 828U apart is its balance. The weight distribution between the stock and barrels makes the shotgun feel lively in hand. It points naturally, tracks targets smoothly, and transitions between shots effortlessly.

Shooters often describe the 828U as feeling “alive” compared to heavier, front-weighted over/unders.

Why the Benelli 828U 10701 Stands Out

Many over/under shotguns on the market follow century-old design patterns. The Benelli 828U breaks that mold with:

• Aluminum receiver for lighter carry
• Progressive Comfort recoil system
• Adjustable fit with shim kit
• Cryogenic barrel treatment
• Modern aesthetics with classic walnut craftsmanship

This combination makes it one of the most technologically advanced over/under shotguns available today.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Model	Benelli 828U 10701
Gauge	12 Gauge
Barrel Length	26 inches
Stock	AA-Grade Walnut
Receiver	Blue Anodized Aluminum Alloy
Recoil System	Progressive Comfort
Chokes	Crio Choke System
Action	Over/Under Break Action
Use	Clays, Trap, Skeet, Upland Hunting

Ideal Shooter Profile

The Benelli 828U is ideal for:

• Competitive clay shooters wanting reduced recoil
• Upland hunters needing lightweight reliability
• Shooters seeking modern engineering in a classic platform
• Enthusiasts who value aesthetics and performance equally

Final Thoughts

The Benelli 828U 12 Gauge 26” AA Walnut Blue Receiver Progressive Comfort Shotgun (10701) is more than just an over/under—it’s a re-engineered shooting experience. By combining cutting-edge recoil management, lightweight materials, superior barrel technology, and elegant walnut craftsmanship, Benelli created a shotgun that performs at the highest level while remaining comfortable and visually striking.

For shooters who want tradition without outdated design, the Benelli 828U stands in a class of its own.