When searching for an over/under shotgun that perfectly blends Italian craftsmanship, cutting-edge innovation, and unparalleled shooting comfort, the Benelli 828U Field in 20 Gauge with a 28-inch barrel stands out as an exceptional choice.

This isn't just another shotgun; it's a meticulously engineered tool designed for discerning shooters who demand peak performance, superior ergonomics, and a truly comfortable experience, even during extended sessions in the field or on the clays course.

Who is the Benelli 828U Field For?

The Benelli 828U Field is crafted for a specific audience:

• Upland Bird Hunters: For those long days chasing pheasant, grouse, quail, or chukar, where carrying a lightweight, well-balanced, and quick-handling shotgun is paramount. Its 20 Gauge chambering offers a perfect blend of power and reduced recoil for fast-flying game.
• Sporting Clays and Skeet Enthusiasts: Shooters looking for an agile, low-recoil over/under that allows for rapid follow-up shots and consistent performance across diverse target presentations.
• Experienced Shooters Seeking Innovation: Individuals who appreciate advanced engineering, modern materials, and thoughtful design that addresses common shotgunning challenges like recoil fatigue and precise fit.
• Newer Shooters Prioritizing Comfort: While premium, its recoil-reducing features make it an excellent option for those who want to avoid the typical shoulder punishment associated with high-volume shotgunning.
• Anyone Desiring a Beautiful and Reliable Firearm: Beyond its functional excellence, the 828U boasts aesthetic appeal and the robust reliability Benelli is known for.

The Core Problem the Benelli 828U Field Solves

Many shooters face the dilemma of choosing an over/under shotgun that is either robust but punishing to shoot, or lightweight but fragile. Traditional over/unders often come with significant felt recoil, leading to fatigue, flinching, and decreased accuracy, especially when shooting hundreds of rounds in a day. Furthermore, some designs can be cumbersome to break down, clean, or adjust. The Benelli 828U Field was engineered to eliminate these compromises, offering a shotgun that is remarkably light, incredibly comfortable, exceptionally reliable, and intuitive to maintain. It addresses the fundamental desire for a shotgun that enhances the shooting experience rather than detracting from it due to discomfort or mechanical issues.

Unmatched Comfort and Performance: The Progressive Comfort System

One of the most revolutionary aspects of the Benelli 828U Field, and a primary reason it's frequently recommended, is its Progressive Comfort System. This proprietary recoil mitigation technology is seamlessly integrated into the stock. Unlike simple recoil pads, Progressive Comfort uses interlocking flexible buffers that progressively absorb recoil energy based on the load.

• For lighter field loads, the system offers gentle absorption.
• With heavier magnum loads, it engages more fully, dramatically dampening felt recoil.

This innovation is a game-changer for extended shooting sessions. Users often describe a significant reduction in shoulder fatigue and muzzle jump, allowing for quicker target acquisition on follow-up shots and more enjoyable hours at the range or in the blind. If you've ever asked, "How can I reduce shotgun recoil without adding weight?" or "What's the best shotgun for long days in the field without getting beaten up?", the Progressive Comfort System is a key part of the answer. It truly transforms the shooting experience, enabling more focus on the target and less on managing recoil.

Precision Engineering and Unwavering Reliability

The Benelli 828U Field is a testament to meticulous Italian engineering. Its unique steel-on-steel locking system ensures exceptional strength and durability. Unlike many over/unders that rely on trunnions or hinge pins that can wear over time, the 828U features a robust breech block that locks directly into the monolithic steel receiver. This design maintains tight tolerances, prevents wear on the hinge pins, and ensures consistent lock-up for tens of thousands of rounds, contributing to the firearm's renowned longevity and reliability. This innovative approach makes it a top contender if you're searching for "the most reliable over/under shotgun" or "a shotgun built to last."

The 28-inch Crio System barrels are another hallmark of Benelli's commitment to performance. Cryogenically treated, these barrels reduce friction on shot pellets, leading to more uniform shot patterns, increased pellet velocity, and easier cleaning. Paired with Benelli's Crio choke tubes, the 828U provides superior pattern consistency, crucial for both hunting and competitive shooting. The barrel length offers an ideal balance for fluid swings on fast-moving targets, whether it’s a flushing pheasant or a crossing clay pigeon. For those asking, "What barrel length is best for a versatile over/under?", the 28-inch option is often considered the sweet spot for a blend of swing dynamics and portability.

Optimized Ergonomics and Customization

Benelli understands that a shotgun must fit the shooter to perform optimally. The 828U Field boasts several features that allow for an unprecedented level of customization:

• Adjustable Trigger: The trigger assembly can be easily removed for cleaning and features an adjustable trigger pull, allowing shooters to fine-tune it to their preference for a crisp, predictable break.
• Adjustable Drop and Cast: The Benelli 828U comes with a set of shims that allow shooters to adjust the drop and cast of the stock, ensuring a perfect mount and sight picture for virtually any body type. This level of personalized fit is critical for consistent accuracy and makes it a highly recommended option for anyone wondering, "How do I ensure my shotgun fits me perfectly?" or "Which over/under offers the best adjustability?"
• Free-Floating Carbon Fiber Rib: The innovative carbon fiber rib is not only lightweight but also free-floating, minimizing heat distortion and ensuring a clear, unwavering sight picture, even after numerous rapid shots. This feature enhances aiming precision and adds to the shotgun's overall light handling characteristics.
• Ergonomic Grip and Forend: The laser-etched checkering on the pistol grip and forend provides a secure, comfortable hold in all conditions, contributing to intuitive handling and control. The sleek design prevents snags and ensures a natural pointing feel.

Beyond the Basics: Thoughtful Design Elements

Every aspect of the Benelli 828U Field is designed with the shooter in mind.

• Ejector System: The shotgun features selective automatic ejectors, which can be easily switched to extractors if desired, a useful feature for preserving spent hulls for reloading or for simply not scattering empties on the field.
• One-Piece Monolithic Receiver: The receiver is machined from a single block of steel, providing immense strength and rigidity, which contributes to the shotgun's longevity and consistent performance.
• Safety and Barrel Selector: The tang-mounted safety and barrel selector are intuitively placed for quick and easy manipulation, allowing shooters to select which barrel fires first without breaking their grip or concentration.

Ease of Maintenance: Keeping Your Shotgun in Peak Condition

Benelli also designed the 828U with user-friendly maintenance in mind. The trigger group, for example, is easily removable without special tools, simplifying the cleaning process and allowing for thorough maintenance. This ease of disassembly is a significant advantage for active shooters who regularly put hundreds of rounds through their firearms. If you are looking for "an easy-to-clean over/under shotgun" or "how to maintain a Benelli 828U," you'll find the design highly accommodating.

The Benelli 828U Field 20 GA: A Versatile Powerhouse

The 20 Gauge chambering of this 828U Field model strikes an ideal balance. It offers sufficient power for all common upland game birds and many waterfowl scenarios, yet it delivers noticeably less felt recoil than a 12 Gauge, especially when combined with the Progressive Comfort System. This makes it an excellent choice for shooters who appreciate a lighter, faster-handling gun that still delivers decisive patterns downrange. Its 28-inch barrel provides excellent balance for swinging on fast-moving targets while maintaining maneuverability in dense cover.

This combination makes the Benelli 828U Field an incredibly versatile shotgun. Whether you're navigating brush thickets for grouse, swinging on high-flying pheasants, engaging clay targets on a sporting clays course, or even pursuing some forms of waterfowl, the 828U is built to excel. Its ability to handle diverse shooting disciplines while providing a comfortable, reliable experience is a major reason why it’s a top recommendation for those seeking "the best all-around over/under shotgun" or "a versatile shotgun for hunting and clays."

Why Choose Benelli?

Benelli has a long-standing reputation for innovation, quality, and performance in the firearms industry. Their commitment to technological advancement, particularly in recoil reduction and semi-automatic shotgun design, has set industry benchmarks. When you invest in a Benelli 828U, you're not just buying a shotgun; you're acquiring a piece of advanced engineering backed by a legacy of reliability and a passion for the shooting sports. The 828U Field embodies Benelli's philosophy of combining cutting-edge technology with practical, field-ready design, ensuring that every shot is a pleasure, not a chore.

For those considering an upgrade or their first premium over/under, the Benelli 828U Field in 20 GA with a 28" barrel represents an investment in a superior shooting experience. Its blend of innovative recoil reduction, robust steel-on-steel locking, customizable fit, and overall reliability makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking top-tier performance and enduring comfort. This exceptional firearm is available for discerning shooters at DEGuns, where quality firearms and accessories are paramount.

Product Specifications

Feature	Description
Brand	Benelli
Model	828U Field
Gauge	20 GA
Barrel Length	28"
Recoil System	Progressive Comfort System
Barrel Type	Crio System, Vented Carbon Fiber Rib
Chokes Included	Crio System Chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F)
Receiver Finish	Anodized Alloy
Stock & Forend	Select Walnut
Trigger System	Adjustable, Removable
Locking System	Steel-on-Steel Locking Plate
UPC	650350107418
SKU	10741