The Specs Sheet: Defining the Ultralight
The Specs Sheet: Defining the Ultralight
The crisp autumn air, the rustle of leaves underfoot, the adrenaline of the hunt – these are the moments that define the passion of a wingshooter. And for many, the shotgun is the quintessential tool of the trade. But what if you could have a shotgun that not only performs flawlessly but also makes those long days in the field feel less arduous? Enter the Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge, a firearm that has carved a unique niche in the world of hunting shotguns. This review delves deep into this lightweight marvel, exploring its features, performance, and the hunting experience it delivers, helping you decide if it’s the perfect companion for your next outdoor adventure.
This shotgun isn’t just about reducing weight; it’s about redefining the way you experience the hunt. The Ultralight boasts a design philosophy that prioritizes comfort, maneuverability, and efficiency, making it a compelling choice for hunters who value both performance and ease of use. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look.
Before we dive into the details, let’s establish the core attributes of the Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge. This shotgun is built with a focus on minimizing weight without sacrificing the robust reliability Benelli is known for.
The core of this shotgun’s appeal is readily apparent the moment you shoulder it. It often weighs in at around five and a half pounds, making it significantly lighter than many other shotguns in its class. This featherweight characteristic is a game-changer for hunters who spend hours trekking through varied terrain. The lower weight translates directly to less fatigue, enabling you to stay focused and sharp, even at the end of a long day.
The barrel length typically hovers around twenty-six inches, striking a balance between maneuverability and effective range. This length is ideal for upland bird hunting, offering excellent handling in brush and quick target acquisition. The overall length of the shotgun, influenced by the stock, typically remains manageable, contributing to its compact feel.
The stock and forend material are often constructed from high-quality synthetic materials, enhancing the lightweight design while providing durability and resistance to the elements. Some models offer the classic elegance of wood, sometimes with enhanced finishes for added protection. The sleek design ensures a comfortable grip and facilitates smooth shouldering.
The chamber size reflects the 20 gauge designation, designed to accept shells of various lengths, catering to a range of hunting applications. The magazine capacity, while often limited by design, typically allows for a couple of rounds plus one in the chamber, providing ample firepower for the majority of hunting scenarios. The finish of the shotgun, ranging from matte black to attractive camouflage patterns, enhances its aesthetic appeal and helps to reduce glare in the field.
Unveiling the Features: A Closer Look at the Technology
Inertia-Driven System
The Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge is more than just a collection of parts; it’s a product of innovative engineering designed to enhance the shooting experience.
At the heart of the shotgun’s reliability lies Benelli’s renowned Inertia-Driven System. This system, unlike gas-operated systems, uses the energy generated by the recoil to cycle the action. This design is known for its simplicity, ease of maintenance, and exceptional reliability. With fewer moving parts, the inertia system is less prone to fouling and malfunctions, ensuring smooth operation even under harsh conditions. This is a critical advantage for hunters who rely on their shotguns in challenging environments.
Comfortech Stock
Another standout feature is the Comfortech stock. This patented system utilizes a series of strategically placed chevrons within the stock to reduce felt recoil significantly. The design helps to distribute the recoil energy more evenly across your shoulder, minimizing discomfort and allowing for faster follow-up shots. The result is a shooting experience that is much more pleasant, especially when firing heavier loads.
Crio Treated Barrel
The Crio treated barrel is also a key element of the Ultralight’s design. This cryogenic treatment process involves cooling the barrel to extremely low temperatures. This process realigns the molecular structure of the steel, enhancing its consistency and durability. The result is improved shot patterns, reduced barrel stress, and a longer barrel life. This gives hunters a critical edge in both accuracy and reliability.
Bolt Design and Locking System
The bolt design, a critical component of the inertia system, is engineered for strength and reliability. The robust locking system ensures a secure lockup, providing consistent and reliable performance, shot after shot.
Choke System
The inclusion of interchangeable chokes adds further versatility to the Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge. The shotgun often comes with a set of Crio chokes, designed to optimize shot patterns for various hunting situations. This allows hunters to tailor their shotgun’s performance to different game species and hunting distances, from close-range flushes to longer shots over open fields.
Sights/Rib
The sighting system typically consists of a ventilated rib with a front bead sight, allowing for quick target acquisition. Some models may include a mid-bead for improved sight alignment. The simple and effective sight system is crucial for quick, instinctive aiming in fast-paced hunting scenarios.
Handling and Ergonomics: Feel the Difference
Balance and Feel
The handling characteristics of a shotgun can make or break your experience in the field. Fortunately, the Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge shines in this area.
The first thing you’ll notice is the exceptional balance. The weight distribution is carefully engineered to enhance maneuverability and ease of shouldering. The shotgun feels lively in your hands, allowing for quick swings and effortless target acquisition. This balance is a significant advantage in the thick cover often encountered while hunting upland birds.
Weight Comparison
When comparing the weight to other shotguns, the Ultralight truly earns its name. Compared to heavier 20 gauge shotguns, it feels like a significant step up in ease of carry. That extra pound or two saved makes a big difference over the course of a long day’s hunt.
Stock Fit and Adjustability
The stock fit is generally comfortable for most shooters, and some models offer options for adjusting the length of pull. The ease of operation is also a highlight. The controls (safety, bolt release) are logically placed and easily accessible, allowing for quick and efficient loading, unloading, and manipulation of the firearm.
Ease of Operation
The ease of operation is also a highlight. The controls (safety, bolt release) are logically placed and easily accessible, allowing for quick and efficient loading, unloading, and manipulation of the firearm.
Recoil
The felt recoil is also impressively manageable, especially when combined with the Comfortech stock. Even with heavier loads, the recoil is significantly reduced compared to shotguns without this technology. This reduces fatigue and allows for greater comfort and a better shooting experience.
Performance in the Field: Hitting the Mark
Patterning
Beyond its sleek design and comfortable ergonomics, the Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge is all about performance.
The ability to consistently produce tight and effective patterns is crucial for successful hunting. Pattern testing with the Ultralight shows that its Crio treated barrel, when paired with appropriate chokes and loads, consistently delivers impressive patterns at various ranges. This level of pattern performance provides a significant advantage in the field, ensuring a higher percentage of hits and maximizing the effectiveness of each shot.
Reliability
The reliability of the Inertia-Driven System is a hallmark of Benelli shotguns, and the Ultralight continues that tradition. Reports of jamming or malfunctions are rare. This level of reliability is essential for hunters, who rely on their firearms to perform flawlessly in critical moments.
Accuracy
The inherent accuracy is another standout feature. The consistent shot patterns, combined with the comfortable ergonomics, contribute to excellent accuracy. Whether you are shooting clays at the range or pursuing a swift-flying game bird, the Ultralight provides the confidence you need to make your shots count.
Shooting Experience
The overall shooting experience is simply enjoyable. The comfortable ergonomics, reduced recoil, and smooth operation combine to make this shotgun a pleasure to shoot. The Ultralight excels at delivering the experience most hunters seek. It is a well-balanced tool that enhances the enjoyment of the hunt.
Target Applications
The shotgun is well suited for upland bird hunting applications. Its light weight and maneuverability make it ideal for traversing varied terrain, while its effective range and shot patterns provide the necessary performance to take down even the most elusive game birds. The Ultralight is ready for action.
The Hunting Experience: Taking it to the Field
Upland Bird Hunting
The Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge is designed to excel in the field. Its handling, balance, and performance make it a joy to carry and shoot during the hunt.
The light weight is a huge advantage when traversing difficult terrain. The Ultralight allows you to move quickly and efficiently, reducing fatigue and allowing you to stay focused on the hunt.
Maneuverability
The benefits of its maneuverability quickly become apparent in brush or when flushing birds from tight cover. The shotgun can be easily maneuvered around branches and obstacles, allowing you to quickly acquire your target.
Carrying Comfort
The Ultralight also shines in carrying comfort. Because of its light weight, it is easy to carry for extended periods. Even after a long day of hunting, you’ll find yourself with more energy and alertness.
Weighing the Scales: Pros and Cons
Pros
Before making any decision, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of the Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge.
The advantages of this shotgun are numerous. The light weight is perhaps its most significant selling point, followed by its low recoil and reliable operation. The build quality and overall craftsmanship are excellent, reflecting Benelli’s reputation for producing high-quality firearms.
Cons
However, there are a few potential drawbacks. The price point, can be considered high, compared to some other shotguns. The magazine capacity might be considered limited, especially for certain types of shooting. The recoil, though significantly reduced by the Comfortech stock, may be more noticeable with some heavier loads.
Comparisons and Competitors: Is the Ultralight Right for You?
When considering the Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge, it’s important to compare it to other shotguns on the market. While there are several options to choose from, few offer the same blend of features as the Ultralight.
The Benelli’s key advantage lies in its light weight. Its design gives it the edge in terms of maneuverability and carrying comfort. It stands alone as the leader in its class.
The Verdict: A Champion’s Choice
In conclusion, the Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge is a top-tier hunting shotgun. It excels in terms of handling, performance, and overall shooting experience.
The comfortable ergonomics, reliable inertia system, and effective performance make it a joy to shoot. The Ultralight is well-suited for a variety of hunting applications, especially upland bird hunting.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, reliable, and high-performing shotgun that won’t break your back, the Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge is an excellent choice. It’s a shotgun designed to enhance the enjoyment of the hunt, allowing you to focus on the experience of being in the field.
For the hunter who values both performance and comfort, the Benelli Ultralight 20 gauge is a true champion.
