Benelli Lupo Walnut Rifle: The BE.S.T. Treatment

The winter range elk herd of 300+ head were clumped together in the center of the fallow field in north central Montana. The herd moved as a single entity, constantly changing shape and density like an amoeba under a microscope.

The five or six legal, shooter bulls were always out of range and shielded by the cows, calves and young bulls. Dominant old cows deftly maneuvered the gaggle out of rifle range. After five days of playing cat and mouse with the herd, my guide and I were more than frustrated. I believe we were bordering on mental collapse.

We hoped the established paradigm would shift this last morning of the hunt. With the wind in our favor, we snuck through the swampy cottonwood bottom that bordered the vast fields. But we could not get closer to them than 400 yards and the elk were packed together like sardines in a can.

I found myself in this predicament after accepting an invitation to hunt with a couple of good industry buddies, Christian Hogg of Fiocchi ammo and Tim Joseph from Benelli. I was joined on the hunt by one of my oldest pals as well, Steve Comus, Director of Publications for SCI.

As a veteran of previous winter range elk hunts, I was looking forward to the unique experience, as in general these hunts are marked by vast herds of migrating elk bunched up in the lowlands as winter snows drive them from the high country.

Our group was appropriately supplied with the latest Fiocchi hunting ammo and the new Benelli Lupo Walnut rifles, chambered for the proven .300 Winchester Magnum. The new Fiocchi Hyperformance loads held 180-grain Hornady SST bullets and the rifles sported the Petersen’s HUNTING’s Editor’s Choice riflescope of the year, Steiner’s excellent H6Xi 2-12x42.

A Look at the Lupo

Benelli’s Lupo rifle is an interesting and capable rifle, combining the attributes of the modern “chassis” system (meaning the barreled action isn’t supported within a traditional wood or synthetic stock, but rather, is held within an aluminum “chassis” to which separate butt and fore-stocks are attached.) The chassis theoretically decreases the deleterious effects the environment may have upon a traditional stock’s relationship with the barreled action while providing a stable and stiff platform.

The aluminum chassis also supports the rifle’s clever, double-stack detachable box magazine which can be topped off from above while still in the rifle. This is a decided, real-world advantage in my opinion.

The Lupo also offers a host of other custom, yet practical features designed for enhanced ergonomics and performance. These include a Progressive Comfort Recoil Reduction System; patented Combtech Cheek pad; Benelli’s Perfect Fit system that allows owners to customize the rifle’s drop, cast and trigger pull length; adjustable trigger from 2.2 to 4.4 pounds; 60-degree bolt lift; Crio treated barrel and a 5/8x24 threaded muzzle for those who like to hunt quietly with a suppressor.

But my favorite custom touch is Benelli’s BE.S.T. surface treatment that is applied to the bold, receiver and barrel. On this walnut variant, the proprietary coating features a high-gloss finish that uses the latest nanotechnology combined with diamond-hard carbon particles to create an exceptionally durable and impenetrable barrier to rust and corrosion. So much so that it is guaranteed not to rust or corrode for 25 years from date of purchase.

This BE.S.T. coating imparts a beautiful black finish that reminds me of the once highly polished and deeply blued rifles of the ’60s and ’70s like the exceptional Weatherby Mark V and the Sauer Model 90.

Even though the design of the AA-Grade walnut butt and forend could not be called “traditional,” they create an updated “classic” look, with a high comb intended to precisely position the master eye behind the optic. While the slim, trim forend that, despite it’s somewhat racy angularity, could be looked upon as having been influenced by the British-style with its deficit, rather than surfeit, of wood. The stocks have an attractive soft-matte finish, similar to hand-rubbed oil.

Range and Field

On the range, the Lupo acquitted itself with aplomb. Shooting six different .300 Winchester Magnum loads at 100 yards from manufacturers including Hornady, Sig and Sako, in addition to Fiocchi, the average of all groups measured just 1.24 inches. The new Fiocchi Hyperformance load using Hornady SST bullets shot an impressive group measuring .861-inch. The best group overall goes to Sako’s TRG Precision Match load using their proprietary 165-grain Scenar-L bullet. It printed 3 shots center to center, measuring .573-inch with two bullets entering a single hole. It is safe to say that the Benelli is a minute-of-angle rifle and has the potential to be far better than that.

And so it was that, I found myself that cold Montana morning playing leapfrog yet again with an uncooperative winter range elk herd. In the pre-dawn darkness we made our approach through the leafless cottonwoods that stood bordering the field like wraith-like sentinels. We could see the elk in the center of the vast field, perhaps 500 yards off.

As the sun began to rise over the mountains, the elk seemed to sense our presence. Suddenly, the lead cow decided it was time to move. She headed south at a fast trot, with the herd following her in tow.  Once again, as had been the case all week, we were left with the option to trail them within the cover of the creek bottom, or call it quits. But quitting wasn’t an option, so we took up the chase, hoping that by the grace of God the elk would eventually approach close enough for me to finally get a shot.

Within the cover of the trees and the wind in our favor, we silently followed the herd for a quarter mile or so. We dipped down into the creek bed and crossed the cold, clear stream. Coming up the bank, we saw that while the majority of the herd remained far out in the field, a smaller group of roughly twenty to thirty animals began to head in our direction and it looked as if they were ready to bed down within the swamp.

The Moment of Truth

Rusty set up the sticks, using a blowdown for cover. The elk moved closer, led by the cows and calves. It seemed like forever, but eventually a branch-horned bull, a young six point, came into view. I was lining up on him when Rusty, who was at a slightly better angle to the approaching elk, whispered that a better bull was coming. Some of the cows were now as close to us as 25 yards and I was concerned that they would bust us. Tilting my head down, I shielded my eyes as best I could so as not to make direct eye contact with any of the closest cows or calves, while still waiting for the bull to come into range.

Luckily, I am that kind of hunter that gets the “shakes” after, instead of before the shot. With a steady hand I waited, not exactly patiently, but simply doing what needed to be done. This was serious business, and after nearly a week of runaround, I was determined to drop a bull and end this hunt.

I allowed the smaller bull to pass. The bigger six point came up to the edge of the trees, then paused, a large tree trunk and a horizontal limb between the bull and I shielding him from my view. At last, he moved around the tree and stepped into the glade, turning to his right and exposing his shoulder. I don’t recall hearing the report of the rifle as the bull went straight down and I slapped another round into the chamber.

If you appreciate the finer things in life and admire traditional craftsmanship and quality, and embrace a newer way of doing things, you owe it to yourself to get your hands on a Benelli Lupo Walnut. I know you’ll be as impressed. As I am.

Benelli Lupo Walnut Specs

• Type: Bolt-action repeating rifle
• Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum (also .308,  .30-06, 6.5 Creedmoor)
• Barrel: 24 inches
• Length of Pull: Adjustable, 13.8-14.75 inches
• Capacity: 5+1
• Stock: AA-Grade walnut, matte finish
• Sights: None, two-piece  Weaver/Picatinny rail
• Trigger: 3.5 lbs., adjustable DLX
• MSRP: $2,299
• Manufacturer: Benelli, benelliusa.com

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