The Benelli Lupo has been a fantastic big-game hunting rifle for many over the past few years, but in 2022, it'll be even better. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ferronato)
January 20, 2022
By The Editors
In 2020, Benelli expanded their legendary status as gunmakers and launched the Lupo, setting a new standard for bolt-action rifles across the board. This rifle took the market by storm, offering a quaint but sleek style that delivered phenomenal down-range performance.
We have used the Lupo in the field and were astounded by the results and comfort offered by the platform. The rifle shoulders more like a shotgun—which is likely due to the famed shotgun offerings that Benelli has produced throughout the years—it is easy to shoulder, sight acquisition is quick, and holds true.
The Lupo proved to be a straight shooter for Associate Editor Joe Ferronato and his hunting party. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ferronato) This year, the company expands the award-winning Lupo BE.S.T. series with premium wood stock models that bridge Lupo’s precision performance and technological innovation with defined ergonomics and contemporary styling. The new rifles include the field-proven, glossy Benelli Surface Treatment (BE.S.T.) on the barrel. The company is so sure of this treatment it comes with a 25-year guarantee against rust and corrosion.
BE.S.T. is a new proprietary finishing technology developed by engineers and scientists at Benelli’s manufacturing headquarters in Urbino, Italy. It is a hybrid Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) technology that applies a protective coating to parts. This coating provides corrosion and abrasion resistance superior to any other firearm finish on the market.
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The function continues with the stock’s Monte Carlo profile and integrated features that have made the Lupo a standout in the field, such as the Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system to mitigate felt recoil and muzzle rise. The AirTouch Grip surfaces along the forend and grip provide a solid purchase in all weather conditions.
For those looking to add the Lupo to their arsenal with a new, fashionable finish, Benelli Lupo BE.S.T. models are chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, and .300 Win-Mag. These rifles feature premium AA-grade walnut stocks that share the same ergonomics of the synthetic model from 2020 that make the Lupo one of the most comfortable rifles on the market today. The rich walnut stock is finished in a durable satin coating that speaks to rifle aficionados but will stand up to the hard abuse Benelli firearms are known to endure.
This new rifle still carries the attributes of its synthetic predecessor: high-quality manufacturing, durability, sub-MOA accuracy, and, most importantly, reliability. The Crio-treated free-floated barrel combines with a hardened-steel barrel extension bedded to a steel block within an alloy receiver to deliver precise and repeatable point-of-impact—which is of the utmost importance for a reliable hunting rifle.
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Other features include a detachable box magazine that blends smoothly with the chassis, top-mounted ambidextrous safety, a two-piece Picatinny rail system for optic mounting, as well as user-adjustable stock spacers to customize length-of-pull. The Lupo comes with shims to adjust drop, cast, and trigger reach for an even more custom fit. This innovative platform is driving new performance levels in the bolt-action rifle category.
Lupo Wood BE.S.T. models include:
.300 Win-Mag Satin Walnut/gloss BE.S.T. 24-inch barrel 4+1 capacity 1:11 RH twist 7.1 lbs 6.5 Creedmoor Satin Walnut/gloss BE.S.T, 24-inch barrel 5+1 capacity 1:8 RH twist 7.1 lbs
