Revolutionary shotgun to receive Golden Bullseye Award at NRA Annual Meetings

ACCOKEEK, MD– It defies convention, but Benelli's first over-and-under shotgun, the 828U, continues to garner accolades worldwide for its exquisite form, flawless function and rock-steady performance in the field and on the range.

The Benelli 828U has added another coveted award to its already-lengthy resume as it has been named Shotgun of the Year by American Rifleman. The 828U will receive a 2016 Golden Bullseye Award at the upcoming NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Louisville, Kentucky.

"We wanted to build a revolutionary over-and-under shotgun that's designed specifically for hunters, one that points and shoots as well as a fine Italian-made shotgun should with features that enhance the shooting experience for our loyal customers," said Benelli USA General Manager Tom DeBolt. "We're honored to have the 828U receive the prestigious NRA Golden Bullseye Award and to be recognized as Shotgun of the Year by an esteemed publication like American Rifleman."

Long known for its wealth of innovations in semi-auto shotguns that have made the brand synonymous with waterfowl hunting and other outdoor pursuits, Benelli introduced the 828U in 2015. The shotgun's revolutionary breech design features a steel lock-plate opening system that became instantly recognizable in the world of over-and-under shotguns where little has changed over the past century. With aesthetics that appeal to shooters who previously eschewed over-and-under models while preserving the feel and balance demanded by purists, the Benelli 828U delivers versatility that makes it at home in upland fields, waterfowl blinds and other hunting environments.

"At Benelli, we've always been out in front on innovation and creating markets. We do that by knowing the market and being able to design and build a shotgun that people want to own and shoot," DeBolt said. "And we've proven that again through the tremendous success of the Benelli 828U."

In his American Rifleman story "Breaking with Tradition," Senior Executive Editor Brian Sheetz praised the 828U for daring to tread on ground that had typically been populated exclusively by shooters with traditional tastes in shotguns. He went on to add that the 828U doesn't look like the same old shotgun. With features like the user-adjustable stock cast and drop, Progressive Comfort recoil system, carbon fiber rib and interchangeable cheekpieces, Sheetz noted that the 828U doesn't shoot like the same old shotgun, either.

"That the 828U breaks with the tradition of previous over-and-under shotguns and with all of the other guns that have come from its family before is without question," Sheetz wrote in the November 2015 issue. "And that it does so confidently and beautifully is difficult to deny."

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS: Gauge: 12-Gauge Barrel Length: 26 inches and 28 inches Weight: 6.5 and 6.6 lbs. Finish: AA-Grade satin walnut with anodized receiver Crio® Chokes: C, IC, M, IM, F Sights: Fiber-optic front sight with red insert Length-of-Pull: 14 3/8 inches Drop at Heel: 2 1/8 inches Drop at Comb: 1 1/2 inches MSRP: $2,499

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS: Gauge: 12-Gauge Barrel Length: 26 inches and 28 inches Weight: 6.5 and 6.6 lbs. Finish: AA-Grade satin walnut with nickel-plated receiver Crio® Chokes: C, IC, M, IM, F Sights: Fiber-optic front sight with red insert Length-of-Pull: 14 3/8 inches Drop at Heel: 2 1/8 inches Drop at Comb: 1 1/2 inches MSRP: $2,999

About Benelli

Benelli is a world leader in manufacturing quality shotguns and rifles that are known for their ultra-reliability and high-performance standards. For the latest news and product information visi www.benelliusa.com.

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Media Contact: Josh Ward
Blue Heron Communications
(800) 654-3766
Josh@blueheroncomm.com