Page 14 - GUNS Issue n.01

The barrel has a classic varmint profile with a 17.1 mm muzzle diameter; on the muzzle there is a BE.S.T.-
finished thread protector that covers a m14x1 thread, useful the installation of suppressors in those illuminated
countries (such as Germany) that allow them to be used during hunting activities, whereas in Italy it can be
useful for installing a muzzle brake, perhaps on rifles chambered for more exuberant calibers, such as .300
Winchester magnum.
The locking system

Benelli technicians have opted for a system with three lugs placed at 120 degrees from each other and on the
bolt head there are also the extractor and the spring-loaded ejector, both quite traditional, but also for this
reason able to guarantee excellent effectiveness. Thanks to the three lugs, the opening angle of the bolt handle
is 60°, a feature that facilitates follow-up shots. The bolt is made from tri-alloy steel with nickel-chromium-
molybdenum, a tempering steel ideal for withstanding strong stresses, even those generated by the most
exuberant calibers. The bolt body is also subjected to the BE.S.T. treatment: I was able to appreciate the perfect
smoothness when closing and opening the bolt.
The body is characterized by a particular design with a recessed central portion: thanks to this, the magazine
stays aligned with the profile of the chassis and the cartridge sits higher and is more in line with the chamber, a
feature that ensures greater fluidity when feeding a new round.
Speaking of feeding, the double stack magazine is capable of holding up to 5 rounds, that become 4 with magnum
calibers. In the front, there is a small separator which, in fact, allows you to reload with minimal effort, as if the
magazine was a single stack. To eliminate the risk of an accidentally dropping the magazine, the release lever was
put in the front, flush with the chassis’ profile. The available space still allows to easily reach the lever.
The choice of moving the safety in the junction area between the stock and the action, so that the tab could be
ambidextrous, was spot-on. In the same area there is also a visual (red) and tactile indicator that warns the shooter
that the firing pin is cocked. On the right, near the bolt handle, there is a small lever: when the manual safety is
engaged, the bolt remains closed and this small lever allows you to open the bolt without disengaging the safety.

Particular attention was Benelli’s Progressive
paid to the stock, taking Comfort has been
inspiration from systems installed inside the
and solutions already buttstock. The system
adopted on other Benelli gradually absorbs the
firearms. There are three recoil impulse.
interchangeable cheek
pieces (the lowest one is
shown in the photo) in the
Combtech system.

12 TEST RIFLE_Benelli lupo Be.S.T. caliBer .30-06