Known and appreciated for its quality and recognisable aesthetics, the Benelli Duca di Montefeltro semi-automatic has, since its first version, represented a versatile shotgun for demanding hunters, attentive not only to ballistic performance but also to the beauty of their firearm.
The new engravings of the Duca di Montefeltro semi-automatic
In this 2024 the Duke of Montefeltro has been presented by Benelli in a renewed form, both in design and technology. The receiver, made of blued and silver-finished steel, features special laser engravings developed by Benelli that – depending on the light, give the hunter's eye different effects of depth and movement in the depicted subjects, that are very particular and realistic. On the right side, in an autumn sky veiled in clouds, a pheasant is portrayed in flight, while on the left partridges in flight are depicted amidst floral motifs. Attention to aesthetic detail, homage to nature and wild game, once again find a recognisable touch in Benelli semi-automatics. In continuity with the elegance of the engravings, the polished blued receiver and barrels are matched by the stock and fore-end wood, oil-finished select European walnut with a special Wood FX finish.
Benelli Duca di Montefeltro: technical specifications
Moving on to the technical features, the new Duca di Montefeltro inherits from the Montefeltro series the renewed Easy Loading and Easy Locking loading and unloading systems. The bolt can be closed silently, always guaranteeing a safe shot, while the loading of the two cartridges into the magazine and the subsequent unloading are facilitated by a port increased in size and by a very soft and smooth spring along the magazine tube, that allows a smooth and fast operation. The material and design of the trigger guard also accompanies the movement of the hand when inserting the cartridges. The trigger guard is generously sized to facilitate instinctive access even when wearing gloves. The trigger, which is very light but precise, has been revised in weight and lightened to around 1,900 grams. The weight of the semi-automatic is standard at around 3 kg in the 12-ga version with 70-cm barrels that we had the opportunity to test on clay pigeons. A balanced and not excessively low weight confirms the versatile nature of the gun, which can be used with all types of shells, having barrels with 76 mm magnum chambers, thus firing more or less heavy loads without any particular negative effects in terms of recoil and muzzle climb.
Benelli Duca di Montefeltro shooting impressions
Shouldering the Duca di Montefeltro, after the first moments of distraction dictated by its attractive appearance, you have the immediate perception of holding a rugged and reliable shotgun in your hands. The purchase on the stock with a rather steep pistol grip gives a feeling of safety and full control of the gun when aiming. The streamlined fore-end, as always in Benelli shotguns, allows hands of different sizes to have an extended contact surface to guarantee agile and fast swinging. As mentioned, the standard and not super-light weight of the semi-automatic prevents any accentuated vibration when firing, allowing for quick and stable follow-up shots on the target. The Benelli cryogenic barrels with which the gun is equipped ensure fast and well-distributed shot patterns, as we saw on the sporting course clay targets, both at short-range and more instinctive shots, and in aimed and follow-up shots on more distant targets in flight. Using standard 28-gram cartridges cycling proved to be positive and consistent, and the recoil rather mild at the shoulder.
The lightened trigger is pleasant and very intuitive to use, certainly promoting more precise and immediate follow-up shots. The ventilated rib ending in a very bright red fiber optic front sight effectively leads the eye on the target. We tested the shotgun with 70-cm barrels and three-star intermediate chokes, but the Duca Di Montefeltro comes with a complete set of five chokes, from Cylinder to one-star. The other barrel lengths available are 61 cm for those who engage in walked-up hunting in the woods, 65 cm for general use of the shotgun in different situations and environments up to medium shooting distances, and 70- and 76-cm lengths recommended for hunting in open spaces or from a stand for shots at longer ranges. As always, in the Benelli semiautomatic drop and cast of the stock can be adjusted thanks to the shim kit that the company provides. The shotgun is currently produced in 12 gauge with a recommended retail price of approximately 2,360 euro. In its new restyling, the Duca di Montefeltro confirms itself as a valuable firearm and an elegant compromise for those who love the traditional look of a semi-automatic with a wooden stock and detailed engravings, but at the same time want an up-to-date gun equipped with the main technical features for comfort and performance, ready to effectively face the challenges and adventures that the hunter never wants to give up.
