Benelli Raffaello
Benelli Armi SpA · Shotgun · In Production · 1987
Also known as: Raffaello, Benelli Raffaello Crio
Overview
The Benelli Raffaello is an Italian semi-automatic shotgun built on Benelli's patented inertia-driven operating system. Introduced in 1987 as a premium sporting and hunting gun, it combines the classic lines of the earlier Model 121 with a refined, low-maintenance action that cycles on the inertia generated by recoil rather than gas or moving barrel. Later variants adopted the cryogenically treated Crio barrel for tighter patterns and the ComforTech recoil-absorbing stock to reduce felt recoil and muzzle climb. Chambered for 2 3/4 inch 12 gauge shells, it is a favourite among upland and waterfowl hunters and clay shooters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2900 g (102.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1240 mm (48.82") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Inertia Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Aluminium Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Crossbolt Safety
- Features: Inertia Driven Action, Interchangeable Chokes, Crio Treated Barrel, Comfortech Recoil Stock, Vented Rib, Red Bar Front Sight
Variants
- Benelli Raffaello CrioComfort — Crio Comfortech
- Benelli Raffaello Power Bore — Over Bored Barrel
- Benelli Raffaello Lord — Luxury Engraved
Production
Production years: 1987-present
Continuously developed sporting line; multiple variants including Crio, CrioComfort, Power Bore, Lord and BE.S.T. editions
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Bruno Civolani
Notes
The base Raffaello fires standard 2 3/4 inch (70 mm) loads and, unlike the Nova and SuperNova pump guns, is not rated for 3 inch magnum cartridges; magnum-capable comfort variants exist. Barrels are offered from roughly 18.5 to 28 inches and the gun ships with a multi-choke set (C, IC, M, IM, F).
Background
The Raffaello name is part of Benelli's tradition of naming high-end sporting shotguns after Italian Renaissance masters, here after the painter Raffaello Sanzio (Raphael). Its inertia-driven action traces back to Bruno Civolani's 1967 patent, the mechanism that came to define modern Benelli semi-autos.