Page 15 - GUNS Issue n.01

1_The adjustable trigger has a pull
1 2
weight range that can vary from 2.2 to
4.4 pounds (from just under a kilo to just
under two kilos, approximately).

2_The muzzle is protected by a thread
cover that was also subjected to the
BE.S.T. treatment.

3_The double stack magazine has a
capacity of 5 rounds (4 with magnum
calibers). Note the front separator which,
when reloading, transforms the double
When the magazine is inserted, it’s perfectly aligned stack into a single stack, lightening the
with the chassis’ profile. The magazine release lever spring pressure.
offers enough space for easy operation.

3

Comfort and customization
The familiar feeling that Benelli’s technicians wanted to recreate, even in a weapon so different from a classic
shotgun, is even more evident in the massive use of technologies applied to the stock, as well as in the
aesthetics and peculiar design of the Lupo. There were two goals: to give the hunter freedom of customization,
based on the shape of his body and face, and to facilitate the use of the rifle with maximum comfort, even
with exuberant calibers. Hence the choice of equipping the Lupo with Combtech, a system that provides three
interchangeable cheek pieces with different heights, made using a material capable of attenuating vibrations
to the cheek. There is also the Progressive Comfort, a system patented by Benelli that is inserted inside the
buttstock to gradually absorb the recoil impulse. The customization also concerns the possibility of changing
the length off pull (the distance between the butt-pad and the trigger): starting from the standard distance of
350 mm (13.8 inches), using the spacers produced by Benelli itself it is possible to increase the LOP up to 385
mm (15.1 inches). In total, the shooter can choose six different lengths.
If to the three cheek pieces we add the 4 plates for modifying the drop and the 3 ones to adjust cast (all to be
placed at the junction point between stock and chassis), we arrive at 36 different customization possibilities!
Another Benelli technology was also used for the forend: the Air Touch, which makes gripping with the weak hand
very effective, but also helps to prevent slipping when the hunter is forced to place the rifle on makeshift supports.

Our test
When we arrived at the Cora Candigliano range, about twenty kilometers from Benelli’s headquarter in
Urbino, we were greeted by a typical winter day: cold temperatures, poor visibility and, above all, wind, gusts
of wind that create the worst possible conditions for a day at the range.
To tell the truth, it is not that difficult to find severe weather conditions when hunting, but for the first ever test
of the Lupo, we had hoped for something better.
Let’s start from the end: to take advantage of the few moments of respite from the bad weather, we imposed on
the Lupo in .30-06 a completely abnormal pace for a hunting rifle and, in any case, a very demanding rhythm
even for a rifle designed for sport shooting.

Benelli lupo Be.S.T. caliBer .30-06_TEST RIFLE 13