Skip to content

Gear

Ultra Light 20

The Benelli Ultra Light 20 isn't just a shotgun; it's a statement about how an upland gun should feel and perform. From the moment you pick it up, its namesake—ultra light—is evident, offering an almost effortless swing and carry. This isn't achieved by compromising on build quality, however. Benelli leverages its well-established inertia-driven system, renowned for its reliability and minimal moving parts, to deliver a shotgun that balances featherlight ergonomics with robust performance. It’s

Share
Follow

Topic summary

The Benelli Ultra Light 20 isn't just a shotgun; it's a statement about how an upland gun should feel and perform. From the moment you pick it up, its namesake—ultra light—is evident, offering an almost effortless swing and carry. This isn't achieved by compromising on build quality, however. Benelli leverages its well-established inertia-driven system, renowned for its reliability and minimal moving parts, to deliver a shotgun that balances featherlight ergonomics with robust performance. It’s

Key takeaways

  • Inertia-Driven operating system
  • Lightweight alloy receiver with matte finish
  • Elevated carbon-fiber ventilated rib
  • Crio-treated barrel and choke tubes
  • WeatherCoat protected walnut stock and forend
  • Chambered for 2-3/4-inch and 3-inch shells

Intended uses

  • High-mileage prairie pheasant hunts
  • Ruffed grouse and woodcock coverts
  • Chukar hunting in steep terrain
  • All-day upland walk-up shooting

Verification notes

Evidence: expert reviewed. Last verified October 16, 2026.

Catalog photo
Real product photography — no AI-generated or placeholder imagery.

Editorial take

The Benelli Ultra Light 20 is built specifically for upland hunters who measure their days in miles rather than minutes. Tipping the scales right around five and a quarter pounds, it directly addresses the fatigue of bushwhacking through dense alder runs or hiking across vast prairie tracts. Carrying it one-handed across steep terrain feels effortless, solving the universal complaint of heavy field guns dragging on the shoulder by mid-afternoon.

Mechanically, the shotgun relies on Benelli's proven Inertia-Driven system housed inside an anodized, lightweight alloy receiver. A raised carbon-fiber rib shaves critical ounces off the barrel and shifts the balance squarely between the hands. Because it vents exhaust gases out the muzzle rather than back into the action, the platform stays remarkably clean and reliable through hundreds of rounds. The walnut furniture receives a weather-resistant treatment that holds up well against thorny covers, though the gun's feathery front end means shooters must practice disciplined follow-through to avoid stopping their swing on crossing birds.

Physics dictates the primary trade-off here: shedding weight amplifies felt recoil. While standard light target and light field loads are easy to manage all day, pushing heavy three-inch magnum payloads produces a snappy, noticeable punch compared to heavier gas-operated options. It is not an ideal setup for high-volume clay shooting, but as a specialized hunting tool designed to be carried extensively and fired occasionally, it sits at the top of its class.

Best for

  • High-mileage prairie pheasant hunts
  • Ruffed grouse and woodcock coverts
  • Chukar hunting in steep terrain
  • All-day upland walk-up shooting

Not ideal for

  • Felt recoil is snappy when firing heavy three-inch field loads
  • Light front end requires deliberate follow-through on crossing targets
  • Carries a premium price tag compared to standard field semi-autos
Loading…

Verified specifications

Key features
  • Inertia-Driven operating system
  • Lightweight alloy receiver with matte finish
  • Elevated carbon-fiber ventilated rib
  • Crio-treated barrel and choke tubes
  • WeatherCoat protected walnut stock and forend
  • Chambered for 2-3/4-inch and 3-inch shells

Warranty and repair information: contact the brand directly for the most current terms.

Related

Related field guides

Related adventures

Loading field test report…
Loading reviews…

Data sources & verification

  • Last verified: 10/16/2026