Unveiling the Benelli LUPO: A Precision Revolution in Rifles

SPONSORED CONTENT: In the world of firearms, the name Benelli commands respect and is synonymous with innovation, reliability and cutting-edge technology. The Benelli LUPO rifle is a testament to this legacy, marking a significant milestone in the realm of precision rifles.

The Birth of Benelli LUPO

The LUPO (Italian for wolf) was introduced to the shooting community with much anticipation, and it did not disappoint. Developed by the renowned Italian firearms manufacturer, Benelli, the LUPO represents a departure from conventional designs, incorporating a host of features that redefine the modern bolt-action rifle.

Design and Ergonomics

At first glance, the Benelli LUPO stands out with its distinctive design. The rifle boasts a satin alloy chassis and either a synthetic stock that contributes to its light weight and provides durability, or an AA-grade walnut stock. Wood or synthetic, the ergonomic design ensures a comfortable and natural feel in the hands of the shooter, facilitating quick and precise aiming.

The cheekpiece and length-of-pull stock spacers adjustable for drop and cast further enhance the customizability of the LUPO, catering to individual preferences and body types. Whether you are an experienced marksman or a novice shooter, the LUPO adapts to your needs, providing a personalized shooting experience.

Barrel and Accuracy

One of the defining features of the Benelli LUPO is its free-floating, hammer-forged Crio-treated barrel. Available in various lengths, the barrels are meticulously crafted to ensure optimal precision and consistency in shot placement. The LUPO is designed to deliver sub-MOA accuracy, making it a formidable choice for both hunting and long-range shooting.

The free-floating barrel design eliminates unwanted vibrations, contributing to the rifle’s exceptional accuracy. Additionally, the barrel is threaded, allowing users to attach muzzle devices or suppressors, enhancing the rifle’s versatility.

Bolt Action System

The heart of any bolt-action rifle lies in its bolt system, and the Benelli LUPO excels in this regard. The bolt features a three-lug design, providing a short and smooth 60-degree lift. This design not only enhances the rifle’s ergonomics but also enables faster follow-up shots.

The floating bolt head ensures consistent contact with the cartridge, promoting reliable feeding and extraction. The user-friendly bolt handle, coupled with the efficient ejection system, adds to the overall ease of operation, making the LUPO a favorite among shooters of different skill levels.

Trigger System

The LUPO’s trigger system is a masterpiece in itself. The crisp and adjustable trigger breaks cleanly, instilling confidence in the shooter for precise shot placement. The user can fine-tune the trigger pull according to personal preferences, striking a balance between sensitivity and safety.

Magazine and Capacity

Benelli has equipped the LUPO with a detachable box magazine, simplifying the reloading process. The magazines are available in 5+1 for all cartridges except the 300 Win. Mag., which is 4+1. The reliable feeding mechanism ensures smooth and consistent cycling, contributing to the rifle’s overall reliability.

Innovative Features

What sets the Benelli LUPO apart from its competitors are the innovative features that enhance its performance and user experience. The Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system, for instance, mitigates felt recoil, allowing for quicker target acquisition and follow-up shots.

The Benelli LUPO also incorporates a patented Multi-Radial Rifling system, optimizing bullet stability and accuracy. This unique rifling design contributes to the rifle’s exceptional performance with a variety of ammunition types.

Applications in Hunting and Precision Shooting

The versatility of the Benelli LUPO makes it a suitable companion for a range of shooting activities. Hunters appreciate its lightweight design, accuracy and adaptability to different environments. Whether pursuing game in dense forests or wide-open fields, the LUPO’s features cater to the needs of hunters seeking a reliable and accurate rifle.

Precision shooters, on the other hand, value the sub-MOA accuracy and the rifle’s compatibility with various accessories. The LUPO’s adaptability to different shooting disciplines, including long-range precision shooting, makes it a popular choice among shooters.

Durability and Build Quality

Benelli is renowned for producing firearms that withstand the test of time, and the LUPO is no exception. Crafted with attention to detail and utilizing high-quality materials, the rifle exhibits robustness and durability. The BE.S.T. corrosion-resistant finish further contributes to the rifle’s longevity, ensuring it remains a reliable companion for years to come.

Sporting Classics’ Adam C. Trawick took the LUPO, in its latest walnut stock, to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, this past September for black bear. Though the hunt was ultimately unsuccessful — there’s a reason it’s called “hunting” and not “killing” — the opportunity to handle the firearm and get a feel for it was fruitful in of itself.

Taking the LUPO to the range and having it readied in the bear stand up in the Canadian wilderness brought about an intimate appreciation for Benelli’s latest innovation in the LUPO series:

“It is a light rifle,” Trawick says. “Perfect for hunters, whether afoot or perched 15 feet above ground, who make long hikes, crossing treacherous terrain to take a prize or fill their freezer.”

Thinking of firing the LUPO at the range before embarking on the journey to the hat of America, and, after arriving, zeroing it in the first day he had to say:

“Regarding felt recoil,” continued Trawick, “the LUPO is about what you would expect from its 300 Win. Mag. chambering, though a marked improvement. Recoil is more like a stiff shove, and the Combtech cheek pad keeps the gun from jacking your jaw. The trigger pressure, for me personally, was perfect, though I understand that is a preferential statement that varies from hunter to hunter.”

Trawick concluded, “it is a powerful, sexy and built-to-last rifle for the practical hunter. The Benelli LUPO was built with legacy in mind, not merely to last for the purchaser, but built to stand the test of time; it is a talisman storing stories that can be handed down through the generations. The LUPO will be in the hands of your grandchildren’s children, providing them the ability to feed their families, while conveying the stories of their ancestors.”

In the ever-evolving world of firearms, the Benelli LUPO stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence. Combining precision engineering, advanced features and user-friendly design, the LUPO represents a paradigm shift in the realm of bolt-action rifles. Whether you are a hunter seeking a reliable companion in the field or a shooter pushing the boundaries of accuracy, the Benelli LUPO is a rifle that delivers on its promises. As a symbol of Benelli’s commitment to quality and performance, the LUPO has rightfully earned its place among the elite in the world of firearms.

Ergonomics of Benelli LUPO

The ergonomics of the Benelli LUPO are carefully designed to provide users with a comfortable and intuitive shooting experience. The rifle incorporates several features that enhance handling, adaptability and overall user satisfaction. Below are key aspects of the Benelli LUPO’s ergonomics:

Adjustable Cheekpiece:
The LUPO comes equipped with an adjustable cheekpiece, allowing users to customize the rifle’s fit to their individual preferences and facial anatomy. This feature is particularly important for achieving proper eye alignment with the scope, promoting better accuracy and reducing shooter fatigue.

Length-of-Pull Spacers:
To accommodate shooters of different body sizes and preferences, the Benelli LUPO includes length-of-pull spacers. This adjustability enables users to tailor the length of the rifle to their specific needs, enhancing comfort and ensuring proper shouldering of the firearm.

Cast-on/Cast-off and Comb Drop: LUPO features an adjustable cast of the rifle butt to better accommodate left-or right-handed shooters, facilitating faster target acquisition. LUPO comes with a set of shims that adjust the cast and the comb drop, which also aids the hunter with grip length.

User-Friendly Bolt Handle:
The bolt handle of the LUPO is designed with user comfort in mind. Its shape and size contribute to a positive and ergonomic feel, facilitating quick and smooth cycling of the bolt. This design is especially beneficial for follow-up shots and sustained accuracy during shooting sessions.

60-Degree Bolt Lift:
The LUPO features a 60-degree bolt lift, which is relatively short and contributes to the rifle’s overall ergonomic design. A shorter bolt lift allows for faster and more efficient cycling of the action, enhancing the user’s experience and reducing the time between shots.

Comfort Recoil Reduction System:
The LUPO incorporates Benelli’s Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system. This system mitigates felt recoil, making the rifle more comfortable to shoot. Reduced recoil is particularly important for maintaining target acquisition and follow-up shot accuracy, especially during extended shooting sessions.

Crisp and Adjustable Trigger:
The trigger system of the LUPO is designed to be crisp, providing a clean and predictable break. Additionally, the trigger is adjustable, allowing users to fine-tune the pull weight to their liking. A well-designed trigger contributes to the overall shooting comfort and precision.

Textured Grip Surfaces:
The surfaces of the rifle, including the grip areas, feature textured patterns to enhance the shooter’s grip. This is especially important in adverse weather conditions or situations where the shooter’s hands might be sweaty. A secure grip promotes better control and handling.

Ambidextrous Controls:
The LUPO is designed to be user-friendly for both left- and right-handed shooters. Ambidextrous controls, such as the safety and magazine release, ensure that the rifle can be operated comfortably by shooters of varying preferences.

Balance and Handling:
The overall weight distribution and balance of the LUPO contribute to its excellent handling characteristics. A well-balanced rifle is easier to maneuver, aim and control, which is crucial for both hunting and precision shooting applications.

Why should hunters choose Benelli LUPO?

Hunters should consider the Benelli LUPO for several compelling reasons, as the chassis-style rifle is designed to meet the specific needs and preferences of hunters across various scenarios. Here are key factors that make the Benelli LUPO an excellent choice for hunters:

Accuracy in the Field:
The Benelli LUPO is renowned for its exceptional accuracy, thanks to features such as the cold-hammer-forged barrel and the sub-MOA guarantee. For hunters, precise shot placement is crucial, and the LUPO’s accuracy ensures that shots count, whether in open fields or dense forests.

Lightweight Design:
The overall design of the LUPO contributes to its lightweight nature. This is a significant advantage for hunters who may need to cover long distances on foot. A lighter rifle is easier to carry, making it more practical for extended hunting trips.

Versatility in Chambering Options:
The LUPO is available in multiple caliber options, catering to the diverse preferences and requirements of different hunters. Whether pursuing big game or varmints, hunters can choose a chambering that suits their specific needs, making the LUPO a versatile rifle for various hunting scenarios.

Detachable Box Magazine:
The LUPO features a detachable box magazine, simplifying the reloading process. This is advantageous for hunters who may need to reload quickly in dynamic hunting situations. The reliable feeding mechanism ensures smooth cycling, reducing the likelihood of misfeeds.

Threaded Barrel for Accessories:
The threaded barrel of the LUPO allows hunters to attach muzzle devices or suppressors. This feature adds to the rifle’s versatility, enabling hunters to adapt to different hunting conditions and preferences, such as reducing muzzle rise or minimizing noise.

Durability and Reliability:
Benelli is known for producing durable and reliable firearms, and the LUPO is no exception. Constructed with high-quality materials and finishes, the rifle is built to withstand the rigors of hunting, ensuring that it remains a dependable companion in the field.

In conclusion, the Benelli LUPO is a compelling choice for hunters due to its accuracy, lightweight design, adaptability, versatility in chambering options and features designed specifically to enhance the hunting experience. Whether pursuing big game or engaging in varmint hunting, the LUPO is engineered to meet the demands of the modern hunter.