Winners at a Glance
The Benelli M1014 is the best shotgun the company makes, in our humble opinion, but there are other specialist choices and cheaper options.
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Benelli M1014 |
| Lowest Price |
 | Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 |
| Lowest Price |
 | Benelli SuperNova Tactical |
| Lowest Price |
 | Benelli M2 Tactical |
| Lowest Price |
 | Benelli 828u |
| Lowest Price |
Intro
Benelli produces the best shotguns that special military units and run of the mill law enforcement officers use every single day of the week in pretty much every country that can afford them.
The Italian manufacturer is a legend when it comes to tactical shotguns. Officially endorsed by the US Marines, Navy SEALs, John Wick and just about everybody in between, the Benelli M4 is the gold standard of home defense shotguns.
That means a lot of Benelli’s greatest work lies in the shadow of this great 12 gauge shotgun icon. But there are lots more high quality shotguns you might want to look at.
Here are the best Benelli shotguns for sale in 2024 and where to get the best price.
1. Benelli M1014
- Price: $1,961.99
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Weight: 8lb
- Capacity: 5+1
This is the special forces shotgun of choice, almost everywhere. It is the extreme version of the Benelli M4 Tactical shotgun, and we love it.
It’s a cliche because it’s true, the Benelli Tactical 12 gauge shotgun is an equalizer, a breech tool and an almighty close quarters combat weapon.
This is a compact, soft shooting shotgun with a telescoping shoulder brace and fully adjustable cheek guard if you really want to apply yourself to the accuracy side.
Benelli’s ARGO Auto Regulating Gas Operated system is legendary for its reliability. It has been filled with sand, mud and seawater as part of the United States military trials, and just come up firing every time thanks that BeST Benelli Surface Treatment finish.
Capacity is Right For the Job
As a home defense shotgun, it’s just about the sweet spot in terms of capacity. Most home invasions don’t require more than five shots from a 12 gauge shotgun.
There’s an intimidation factor to this tactical shotgun. Visually and, of course, from the first round of buckshot that won’t overpenetrate, covers a bigger area than a slug and just makes a lot of sense for modern personal protection.
Slugs can be fun with the Benelli, too, though, and turn it into a cannon that makes pink mist out of things in its immediate path.
A Benelli in your gun safe or as a truck gun could give you a sense of peace and wellbeing that only US military tuned Italian engineering can provide. It isn’ta Benelli ultra light, but it is ultra reliable.
Of course the Benelli M4 provides all the same engineering with a fixed stock, for a lot less money. So you could get one of those here.
2. Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 12ga
- Price: $1,499.99
- Action: Semi-Auto Shotgun
- Weight: 6.8lb
- Capacity: 3+1
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 12ga shotgun has emerged as one of the best all-round shotguns for hunting deer to turkeys. It’s a do it all field shotgun that just works almost everywhere.
Of course that’s no accident. 10 years of development work has gone into this simple workhorse for duck hunting through to big game hunting. And the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 12ga semi auto shotgun is a solid performer in every discipline.
The end result is an inertia driven system that is better equipped to deal with the clogging wet mud you tend to find when you’re out shooting waterfowl, and sometimes hogs or big game hunting.
Benelli 12ga Shotgun is Durable
Oversized controls and a simple locking bolt system means you can handle this with gloves, in all conditions.
That inertia driven system never needs adjusting and can handle the lightest birdshot through 3.5 inch magnum shells. So this is a seriously versatile hunting gun that can handle everything from clay pigeons and ducks to deer hunting, moose and even bigger things.
The 12ga shotgun is finding favor with recreational shooters into target shooting and knocking clays out the sky.
In essence, this shotgun can take every form of game in North America, with the right ammunition. That’s kind of wild.
You can get a black synthetic Benelli 12ga shotgun, mossy oak bottomland camo, RealTree Max, just about every color honestly.
Benelli Configuration Options
You can go for a 12 gauge, 20 Gauge & 28 Gauge Benelli Super Black Eagle 3.
Then you get to choose between a 24 and 28 inch barrel, various magazine tube extensions and turkey hunters in particular might like a pistol grip and oversized bolt handle for your Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 12ga semi auto shotgun.
You can even go for a Performance Shop gun with a much bigger bill, and a lot of finishing work from the Benelli Pro set-up.
Check the full line here:
Benelli 20ga is a Popular Shotgun
The Benelli 20ga has joined the best sellers list too. With a little less recoil and punch, the 20ga variant is more than enough shotgun for most of us and is great for waterfowl hunting and recreational shooting.
3. Benelli SuperNova Tactical
- Price: $554.99
- Barrel Length: 18 inches
- Weight: 7.6lb
- Capacity: 4+1 rounds.
The Benelli SuperNova Tactical is a cheap shotgun that is as good as any pump action shotgun on the market in 2024.
A steel frame with an overmolded polymer finish and sexy trigger guard meets a Comfortech gel pad at the rear and it’s a super light solution. The pump action is chambered for up to 3.5 inch shells and you basically can’t miss if you’re reloading normal shells. That means super fast reload times.
You can order a variety of SuperNova field shotguns, too, and the idea is that it’s fully modular and you can turn this receiver into a multitude of shotguns with the right parts & accessories.
4. Benelli M2 Tactical
- Price: $1,311.99
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Weight: 6.7lb
The Benelli M2 Tactical is the cut-price alternative to the legendary Benelli M4 semi automatic shotgun. And while the gas system is simpler, for the casual user this is pretty much as good.
Remove the two piston ARGO gas operated system and replace it with an inertia driven system and you’re pretty much there. That’s the main difference and most of us are happy with an inertia system in the Benelli M2 Tactical.
The M2 also comes with more configuration options than the M4 and is actually the best selling Benelli shotgun, largely thanks to the price.
Honestly the lightweight Benelli M2 with a simple black synthetic stock is great for defensive duties and security details. Although we’d like a larger magazine tube and upgraded fiber optic sights, or red dots.
The Special Forces might demand the M4, but even they probably don’t actually need it. We certainly don’t. If you have the money and want it, get the M4. If you’re looking for value for money, it’s right here.
5. Benelli Ethos Cordoba
- Price: $2,018.99
- Weight: 6.6lb
- Capacity: 4+1
The Ethos Cordoba BE.S.T aims to bring traditional craftsmanship up to date with modern technological advances like the Comfortech recoil reduction in the synthetic stock.
So the end result is an inertia driven semi-auto shotgun with a two part carrier latch and beveled loading port for fast reloads.
The metalwork on the Ethos Cordoba has been treated to the new Benelli Surface Treatment, which is a new coating that the manufacturer claims is more resistant to corrosion and damage than anything we’ve seen before.
We live in exciting times…
The Ethos Cordoba gets a large bolt handle and enhanced trigger guard. A ported barrel also helps control recoil and muzzle rise.
Its carbon fiber rib is ready for a fiber optic bead and mid rib beads or something more technical for fast acquisition.
Small windows in the Ethos Cordoba magazine tube show you how many shells you have left at a glance,
Benelli Ethos Supersport is a Traditional Option
If you want all the modern convenience, but the traditional look, then the Ethos Supersport could be the one.
As for the craftsmanship on the Ethos Supersport, that’s a AA grade satin walnut engraved stock and engraved nickel plated receiver.
You can also get a carbon-fiber stock that looks amazing with the nickel plated receiver, but so does the walnut stock on this Benelli Ethos Supersport shotgun.
Check the whole Ethos line here, from the Ethos Sport through to the Ethos Supersport Performance Shop shotguns, Ethos Cordoba and more: The Ethos Upland Performance Shop is a much more expensive offering tha you might want to look at.
6. Benelli 828u
- Price: $2,599.99
- Action: Break Action Shotgun
- Weight: 6.5lb
- Capacity: 2
The Benelli 828u is a classic over/under shotgun, really the type grandpa might have owned. If grandpa had a butt ton of money he never told you about.
Over & Under shotguns get seriously expensive these days, and this is one of the best double barrel shotguns money can buy.
You get AA Grade satin walnut, anodized receiver and integral Progressive Comfort Recoil Mitigation system in this Benelli break action shotgun.
These interlocking and separate pads help to dissipate the force of the 12 gauge shells. They’re part of the fully adjustable Quadrafit buttstock that offers a surprising amount of adjustabilityfor shotgun stocks and you can change the length of pull and height of comb.
The Benelli 828U is about as high quality as over/unders get without getting into insane money. We like it, a lot for waterfowl hunting and sport shooting.
6. Benelli M2 Field 12Ga
- Price: $1,338.99
- Weight: 6.6lb
- Capacity: 3+1
The Benelli M2 Tactical semi automatic shotgun is the volume seller, but there’s a whole range that has won legions of fans around the world.
The Benelli M2 Field 12ga is every bit as good, and brings this affordable mid-range semi-automatic shotgun to the great outdoors.
It’s a great weight and it is super portable thanks to the 24 inch barrel. This is a compact field shotgun with a natural weight distribution that is easy to shoulder all day.
You can get all kinds of grips, longer barrels, whatever you like really. The first thing might be a 3 shot magazine tube extension, which I would take all day long, especially when you’re shooting targets or big game hunting with shotguns with red dots.
The Flush Crio choke tubes are cryogenically treated for increased mass, pattern density and strength. And of course you can go for the Performance Shop shotguns that John Wick took into battle in the third chapter.
7. Benelli Nova
- Price: $453.99
- Action: Pump Action Shotgun
- Weight: 7.6lb
- Capacity: 4+1
The Benelli Nova Tactical pump-action shotgun is a great entry-level shotgun with a one piece receiver and buttstock to cut costs.
So this isn’t the most modular shotgun, but most people don’t care about that and that’s why these tactical pump action shotguns are best sellers.
This is a cheap shotgun with a black synthetic stock that is great for home defense that packs in 4+1 shells and comes with a butter smooth pump. Turns out a lot of people care about that.
These are the Tactical pump action shotguns, but tBenelli has produced a full line of long barrel shotguns. The 26″ barrel version with the RealTree Max camo finish is a perfect gun for the great outdoors.
But we also like the shorter barrel pump action Nova, so that’s our pick.
8. Benelli Montefeltro
- Price: $1,376.99
- Weight: 5.5lb
- Capacity: 4+1
Sold firmly as a waterfowl shotgun, the Benelli Montefeltro is a lightweight shotgun that won’t bog you down when you’re otherwise getting bogged down.
At just 5.5lb this is the lightest shotgun here by a mile. and it’s also chambered for up to 3 inch Magnum loads. Switch from light birdshot to M3″ magnum slugs with no adjustment. If you’re duck hunting in bear country, maybe that could be a thing?
It’s AA grade Satin walnut, anodized receiver and other goodies that help resist corrosion and keep it on point for shooting targets or ducks. The average rating is basically 5 stars everywhere for these semi auto shotguns.
9. Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Turkey Performance Shop
- Price: $2,999
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Turkey Performance Shop is an expensive luxury, but if you’re a committed turkey shooter then you might want the best.
A low glare, ported barrel helps control recoil of heavy turkey loads. You get a fiber optic front sight, space for a mid rib bead and it comes with a Burris Fastfire red dot sight.
The Mossy Oak Bottomland stock, cryogenically treated barrels and perfect pistol grip all add to the sense of occasion. Each gun is tested, too, for pinpoint accuracy at long range.
Is the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Turkey Performance Shop worth more than double the basic shotgun? Well you’re definitely deep into diminishing returns, but then the custom bolt release levers and enlarged bolt handles are nice. And all the actions are smooth as butter on glass.
You probably should get the standard shotgun before you opt for a Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Turkey Performance Shop . But if you want the best, well here it is.
Subtle Differences for Waterfowl Performance Edition
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Waterfowl Performance Edition is a similar gun, with a similar price, and some very subtle differences.
There’s no pistol grip, there is a cheek comb pad and a Hi Viz CompSight to boost visibility in low light. So if you buy the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Waterfowl Performance Edition, you can probably do without the Turkey Performance Shop Super Black Eagle.
10. Benelli Vinci
- Price: $2,448.99
- Barrel: 28 inches
- Weight: 5.5lb
- Capacity: 4+1
The Benelli Vinci was discontinued in 2019. and the Super Vinci in 2021. They still turn up from time to time, though.
They’re getting increasingly rare, though, and we’d go with a current model for sheer convenience. You might find special deals, though, in which case go for it.
Buy Gun Parts & Accessories
If you want optics, scopes, binoculars, hunting gear, cleaning supplies and cleaning kits, game calls, outdoor gear, survival gear and more gun accessories, we can probably help. Rifle accessories, pistol accessories, pistol magazines, rifle magazines, pistol grips, we got em all.
So if you need optics & scopes, gun cleaning stuff or dog training kit, we will have something for you somewhere. We don’t just supply your Benelli, Benelli or otherwise.
Parts & shotgun accessories are freely available.
We’re definitely going to do more hunting gear, too, but hunting gear is a broad subject and we’re kind of not sure where to start. That’s why we stick to safe gun accessories, because we’re insecure.
Shotgun Optics is a Whole New Post
You can go for a massive variety of sights/optics and red dot sights on your shotgun, depending on what you’re using it for. A defensive shotgun can benefit from simple red dot sights, while a long range hunter might want the latest thermal sights for lighting up the night.
Night vision thermal optics are an expensive gamechanger for night hunters as you can now see exactly what you’re shooting at. Night Vision Thermal optics are starting to surface with the Sig Sauer Echo3 among others and most red dot sights work well.
We have some wild tech that these next gen red dot sights and night vision thermal optics that can make life much easier for a hog hunter or an LEO in the field. Night vision specifically, and other shooting accessories.
Have a look at the the likes of red dot sights, optics, Trijicon thermal sights, thermal pulsar etc here and get the best deals on shooting accessories.
Where to Find a Cheap Benelli Shotgun Models
Organise the price low to high on PSA or Guns.com and look out for a RealTree Max bargain, Mossy Oak Bottomland, Gore Optifade Timber or other semi auto shotguns, Benelli shotguns, Benelli slug guns, shotgun accessories, cases etc.
Also look out for Stoeger Shotguns and Stevens Security if you want a real bargain. Or maybe a single shot shotgun, parts & accessories…
Are Benelli Rifles Good?
The Benelli Lupo bolt action rifle has now joined the R1. So what is the verdict on these bolt action rifles?
They’re pretty great.
The Benelli Perfect Fitting system on the Benelli Lupo bolt action rifle allows for a large amount of adjustment with the rifle stocks. Length of pull, drop, cast are all user adjustable.
Now the average rating is exceptional, which is usually a pretty good indicator with a bolt action rifle.
Get some Vortex Optics, scopes or other high quality glass up there and you’ll find one of the best hunting rifles and all rounders in the game. The Benelli Lupo bolt action rifle is that good, and probably has more potential.
A shotgun and a bolt action rifle are all some folks want and if you were bought up on the company’s shotguns, then it makes sense to get the matching rifle and a Benelli collection. Get Benelli rifles, shotguns, ammo storage, shoes, boots, whatever. It’s all good.
The R1 bolt action rifles come in the bigger calibers: 338 Lapua, 30-06 Springfield and 308 Win. The Lupo is available in 300 Win Mag, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 243 Win and more.
Now the R1 bolt action rifles take some inspiration from the shotguns too
Maybe get branded gun cases, bags and other accessories too. Some outdoor gear perhaps, to go with your guns & ammo? Benelli USA has got you…
