A Deep Dive into its Core Features
Weight and Construction
At the heart of the Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge is its unwavering commitment to weight reduction. This shotgun achieves its name in the most literal sense. The most notable feature is its extremely light weight. This featherlight build is accomplished through the strategic use of advanced materials. The receiver is constructed from an alloy, chosen for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The carbon fiber rib further contributes to the slimming down.
Action and Barrel
The action, as with most Benelli shotguns, is a robust and reliable inertia-driven system. This mechanism is known for its simplicity and efficiency. It uses the inertia of the gun during recoil to cycle the action, ejecting the spent shell and loading a fresh round. This reliable design translates to fewer moving parts and less maintenance, making the Ultralight a great choice for hunters who value dependability in the field. The inertia-driven system has a reputation for handling various shell types reliably, though a close inspection of the load specifics is always recommended.
The barrel lengths available for the Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge typically offer a range that balances maneuverability with effective range. The different lengths allow the hunter to tailor the shotgun to their specific needs and hunting environment. Whether you’re navigating dense brush or taking longer shots across open fields, the barrel length plays a crucial role in how the shotgun handles and performs.
Choke System and Features
The Ultralight benefits from a quality choke system, often featuring the Crio choke system. These cryogenically treated chokes offer improved patterns and reduced deformation of the shot, leading to more consistent and effective shots. The ability to change chokes readily provides versatility, allowing the hunter to optimize the pattern for different game birds or shooting conditions.
The Ultralight is also known for its well-designed stock and forend. These components are usually constructed from a durable synthetic material, designed to withstand the rigors of the field. The ergonomics are crafted for comfortable handling and efficient shouldering. The grip is designed to allow for fast and accurate pointing, critical for quickly acquiring moving targets.
The Ultralight’s magazine capacity adds to its overall effectiveness. Its capacity is adequate for most hunting situations. The magazine tube allows for efficient loading and reloading.
The overall length is a crucial consideration. The shotgun’s overall length contributes significantly to its overall balance and how it feels in the hands. A more compact design enhances maneuverability, making it easy to move through brush or to quickly swing on a flushing bird.
Safety is paramount with any firearm. The Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge is equipped with a reliable safety mechanism. This allows the user to securely engage and disengage the safety.
The trigger pull is another key factor. The Ultralight often features a crisp and consistent trigger pull, which is beneficial for accurate shooting. A well-designed trigger contributes to the shooter’s confidence.
Performance and Handling in Action
Portability and Recoil
The primary appeal of the Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge, as its name suggests, is its incredibly lightweight design. This characteristic sets it apart from many other shotguns on the market. This portability makes a significant difference in the field. Hunters who routinely walk miles over varied terrain will immediately appreciate how much less tiring it is to carry. It lessens fatigue, allowing you to hunt longer and with more focus. The reduced weight is particularly beneficial for upland bird hunting, where the hunter covers significant distances in search of their quarry.
While a lighter shotgun can mean more felt recoil, the Ultralight is surprisingly manageable. Benelli incorporates design features that help mitigate the effect of recoil. Although some shooters might still notice the recoil, it is well within the bounds of comfortable shooting, even with extended periods in the field.
Accuracy and Handling
Accuracy is another crucial aspect of any shotgun. The Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge consistently delivers excellent accuracy. The combination of the well-designed barrel, quality chokes, and user-friendly handling contributes to its ability to deliver tight, consistent patterns. This accuracy is essential for clean, ethical shots at game.
Handling is where the Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge truly shines. The balance is exceptionally good. It swings and points naturally. This makes it easy to quickly acquire and track moving targets. The overall handling characteristics are a joy to experience in the field.
The shooting experience is generally positive. The Ultralight is a pleasure to carry, shoulder, and shoot. The combination of light weight, good balance, and the reliability of the inertia-driven system creates a pleasurable shooting experience.
Reliability is an important aspect of a hunting shotgun. Benelli is known for the reliability of its firearms, and the Ultralight carries on this tradition. The inertia-driven system is simple and robust, minimizing the risk of malfunctions. The Ultralight provides a reliable platform for the hunter.
Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages
The Good Points
The key advantage of the Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge is its lightweight design. This makes it incredibly easy to carry. The reliability of the inertia-driven action is another important benefit, ensuring the shotgun will perform when it counts. The balanced handling and the comfortable feel are a boon for all users. The quality construction contributes to the gun’s durability. The Ultralight is suited for many hunting applications.
The Drawbacks to Consider
The price is the first hurdle. It’s important to note that the premium features and materials often come with a higher price tag. While the Ultralight is a worthwhile investment for some hunters, the cost might be prohibitive for others. Recoil can be felt more than on a heavier shotgun. Some users might find the recoil of the 20 gauge, even with recoil mitigation, to be more noticeable than with heavier shotguns. The Ultralight is also less suited for heavier loads. Some shotguns of this design might not perform well with magnum rounds, although the 20 gauge is generally designed for lighter loads. Finally, the Ultralight might need a bit more careful maintenance. Some users have reported minor wear, which requires more regular care.
Who Should Consider the Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge?
The Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge is the ideal choice for specific hunters. It is a perfect fit for upland bird hunters. The lightweight design is an advantage when you are hiking many miles. Those that hunt in varied terrain, and prefer to have less weight to carry are also well-suited for this shotgun. Shooters that are looking for a lighter alternative to heavier shotguns might find this model to be ideal for them. The features and handling are designed for the enthusiastic hunter who seeks a quality lightweight option.
The shotgun also shines in specific hunting applications. The Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge excels in upland bird hunting scenarios. Its light weight makes it easy to carry for extended periods. The 20-gauge chambering has sufficient power for taking down birds at reasonable ranges. The shotgun is also suitable for dove hunting. Its portability allows for fast shouldering and quick follow-up shots. The Ultralight can also be used for waterfowl hunting. It is especially effective for retrieving waterfowl.
A Look at the Competition
Several manufacturers compete in the lightweight shotgun category. Comparing the Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge to its competitors will help you make a decision. Alternative lightweight 20-gauge shotguns are available from brands like Browning and Beretta. However, the Benelli Ultralight often stands out due to its balance and reputation. The lighter weight distinguishes it from some competitors. These models differ in terms of their build materials, features, weight, and overall performance. Considering these aspects when making a decision will guide the buyer.
Assessing Value and Price
The market price reflects the premium design and quality materials used in the Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge. The current price reflects this quality. The Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge offers solid value. The price of the Ultralight can be justified. The cost might seem higher than some shotguns on the market, but its features, performance, and durable design provide substantial value to the serious hunter. The warranty from Benelli adds further value.
The Verdict
In the world of lightweight shotguns, the Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge earns a reputation for delivering. This shotgun expertly blends light weight with quality construction. It excels in many applications. The combination of portability, reliability, and accuracy makes it a desirable choice. The Ultralight is ideal for upland hunters. If you prioritize weight reduction and want a high-quality, reliable 20-gauge shotgun, the Benelli Ultralight is a worthy investment.
Key Takeaways
The Benelli Ultralight 20 Gauge is a truly lightweight shotgun, ideal for carrying in the field.
It features a reliable inertia-driven action known for its simplicity and performance.
The shotgun is designed for comfortable handling and accurate shooting.
While it has a higher price, the quality and performance make it a valuable investment for the discerning hunter.
The Ultralight provides an advantage in any setting that requires a lighter weight and reliable tool.
