First Hunt
The sounder of 10-12 hogs came in right at sunset, 150 yards from my blind. I quickly shouldered my new Benelli Lupo .308 as the crosshairs of the Trijicon Accu-Power settled on the ear of a big pig on the edge of the group. I squeezed the excellent, crisp trigger. Pew-pew, hog down, DRT. As the pigs exploded into a cloud of dust and squeals, I smoothly swung the Benelli after another hog racing off, racked a second round, and dropped it as well. I thought about firing off a third but the pigs were now largely into the South Texas brush. Good enough for tonight, two down. My buddy hunting several hundred yards away reported hearing a quick “pop-pop”, somewhat surprised that the follow-up shot came so quickly from a bolt gun. I won’t say that the Lupo handles like one of Benelli’s superb shotguns but that Italian DNA is in there. Lupo is Italian for wolf, and this new Benelli is a predator.
The Benelli Lupo .308 rifle has been making waves in the firearms community since its introduction, and for good reason. Benelli, a name synonymous with high-quality shotguns, has brought its considerable expertise to bear on this new bolt-action rifle. With a focus on precision, ergonomics, and versatility, the Lupo is designed to cater to both seasoned hunters and precision shooters alike. This review delves into what makes the Benelli Lupo .308 a noteworthy addition to the rifle market.
Design and Build Quality
The Lupo’s design is a testament to Benelli’s commitment to innovation and quality. At first glance, the rifle’s sleek, modern aesthetic stands out, but it’s not just about looks. The Lupo features a highly durable synthetic stock that is both lightweight and rugged, making it suitable for a variety of environments. The stock’s adjustable length of pull and comb height ensure a custom fit for different shooters, enhancing comfort and accuracy.
One of the most striking aspects of the Lupo is its patented “Dual-Core” technology. This technology includes an innovative stock design that reduces felt recoil and improves shot placement by minimizing movement upon firing. Additionally, the Lupo’s aluminum alloy receiver is both lightweight and strong, contributing to the rifle’s overall stability and precision.
The barrel is threaded 5/8 x 24 for a standard .30 caliber suppressor. This review is probably the only review I have written in quite a while where I was not running a silencer. There is a long, sordid story revolving around a ranch manager who believes “silencers are bad” that I won’t bore you with. Suffice it to say that the Lupo usually has a Crux 7.5″ can mounted.
Accuracy and Performance
When it comes to performance, the Lupo .308 does not disappoint. The rifle features a free-floating barrel that is precision-machined to ensure consistent shot placement. The barrel is cold hammer-forged and is available in various lengths to suit different shooting preferences. The .308 caliber is known for its versatility and effectiveness, making it a popular choice among hunters and target shooters alike. The Lupo’s barrel delivers exceptional accuracy, with sub-MOA (minute of angle) performance.
The rifle’s bolt-action mechanism is smooth and reliable, thanks to its stainless steel construction and well-engineered design. The action cycles effortlessly, allowing for quick follow-up shots—a crucial factor in both hunting and competitive shooting scenarios. The adjustable trigger is another highlight, offering a crisp, clean break that enhances shooting precision. Mine came in at just barely over two pounds so I left it as-is.
Ergonomics and Features
Ergonomics is a key focus of the Lupo, and Benelli has succeeded in creating a rifle that is comfortable to handle and operate. The stock is designed with a soft-touch finish, providing a secure grip even in challenging conditions. The adjustable cheekpiece and length of pull ensure that shooters of all sizes can find a comfortable shooting position. Benelli includes a kit to customize the stock to most any shooter’s preference. I ordered my rifle in Open Country camo with their BE.S.T finish.
The rifle also boasts an integrated two-piece picatinny rail on the receiver, making it easy to mount optics and other accessories. This feature enhances the rifle’s versatility, allowing shooters to customize their setup according to their needs. Additionally, the Lupo includes a unique detachable box magazine with a capacity of 5 rounds.
BE.S.T.
The Benelli Surface Treatment (BE.S.T.) is a proprietary finishing technology developed in-house by Benelli. I have become a huge believer in any sort of anti-corrosion treatments like the popular Cerakote. Hurricane Harvey taught me this valuable lesson, the hard way. Prior to the hurricane hitting Houston, I moved all of my firearms to the second story of our home as flooding was the primary danger. Despite not being directly subjected to any water, the prolonged extremely high humidity caused surface rust anyplace where a blued gun part touched anything else. For example, a rifle barrel leaning against a wall of shelf caused a rust spot at the contact point. This was a painful lesson as many fine firearms required minor refinishing repair. However, guns that had Cerakote (or similar anti-corrosion treatment) did not form any rust at all! Benelli believes so strongly in their BE.S.T. treatment that it comes with a 25 year warranty.
Field Performance
In the field, the Benelli Lupo proves its mettle across various shooting scenarios. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry during long hunts, while its durability ensures it can withstand harsh conditions. The rifle’s accuracy translates into effective shot placement, whether you’re targeting game at a distance or engaging in precision shooting at the range. Benelli lists my model at 6.9 pounds. The Lupo’s recoil reduction technology significantly reduces felt recoil.
I fed a variety of ammunition through the Lupo and they all grouped fairly well. Barnes 150gr VOR-TX and Hornady 165gr Superformance each grouped .75″ MOA. I’m anxious to try the Hornady Precision Hunter 178gr ELD-X as I expect it to perform even better.
The Benelli Lupo is simply a marvelous handling gun.
The Benelli Lupo .308 rifle sets a new standard in the realm of bolt-action rifles, blending cutting-edge technology with practical design. Its combination of accuracy, versatility, and ergonomic features makes it a formidable choice. While it might be on the higher end of the price spectrum (suggested retail of mine is $1949) the investment is justified by the rifle’s performance and build quality.
In summary, the Benelli Lupo .308 offers a compelling package that caters to a wide range of shooting needs. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking for a reliable and accurate rifle or a precision shooter in search of a high-performance firearm, the Lupo stands out as a worthy contender. With its advanced features and proven reliability, it’s clear that Benelli has crafted a rifle that lives up to its reputation for excellence.
Mike Coker
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