Benelli Montefeltro

Montefeltro vs Benelli M2: Choosing Within the Benelli Lineup

The Montefeltro and M2 are the two most similar guns in Benelli’s field lineup, both using the same inertia system. The key difference is the receiver design: the Montefeltro uses a rotating bolt with the inertia spring inside the stock, giving a slimmer profile and slightly lighter weight. The M2 uses Benelli’s updated ComforTech stock with gel pads for recoil reduction, making it softer to shoot with heavy loads. The Montefeltro is the classic, traditional choice—lighter, simpler, and available in a walnut-stocked configuration that suits hunters who prefer traditional aesthetics. The M2 is the modern upgraded option with better recoil management for high-volume shooting or light-framed shooters. Both are exceptional field guns.

Benelli Inertia System: Why It Matters in the Field

Benelli’s inertia system has no gas ports to foul, no pistons to clean, and no o-rings to replace. The entire operating mechanism consists of the bolt body, the inertia spring, and the rotating bolt head—parts that can be field-stripped and cleaned in minutes without tools. In hunting conditions where the gun may sit uncleaned for extended periods between seasons, the inertia system’s simplicity is a genuine reliability advantage. The tradeoff is sensitivity to light loads: an inertia gun requires enough recoil energy to cycle the action, which means very light 7/8-ounce target loads may not cycle reliably. Standard field loads and all hunting loads run flawlessly.

Montefeltro 20 Gauge: The Youth and Upland Option

The Benelli Montefeltro 20-gauge is one of the most popular upland hunting shotguns available. At 5.6 pounds, it is light enough for all-day carry through grouse, woodcock, and pheasant cover while delivering the fast cycling of a semi-auto for follow-up shots on flushing birds. The 20-gauge Montefeltro is also commonly recommended for smaller-framed shooters and youth hunters who find 12-gauge recoil uncomfortable—the lighter payload and the Montefeltro’s light weight combine to produce a very manageable shooting experience. Available in 24-inch and 26-inch barrel lengths with a set of choke tubes.

Montefeltro Walnut vs Synthetic: Which to Choose

The Montefeltro is available in both walnut-stocked and synthetic-stocked configurations. The walnut version is the traditional choice—it is lighter, warmer to the touch in cold weather, and aesthetically classic in a way that synthetic cannot replicate. The synthetic version is more weather-resistant and easier to maintain in wet or muddy conditions. For upland hunting in dry country, walnut is the traditional and beautiful choice. For waterfowl hunting, hunting in rain, or buyers who want a gun that can be cleaned without worry, the synthetic version is the more practical option. Both use the same action, barrel, and choke system.

Montefeltro Chokes and Accessories

The Benelli Montefeltro uses Benelli’s proprietary Crio choke system, which is compatible with Benelli Crio Plus chokes from the broader aftermarket. Standard configurations ship with Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full chokes. Extended chokes for turkey, waterfowl, and slug use are available from Benelli and Carlson’s. The Montefeltro’s slim receiver does not accept all aftermarket accessories designed for the M2 or SBE3, so verify compatibility when purchasing stocks or recoil pads.

Related Pages

Explore related options at Impact Guns: Benelli Shotguns • Semi-Auto Shotguns • 20 Gauge Shotguns • 12 Gauge Shotguns