Outdoor Guns · #7
Ultra Light
Benelli
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An inertia-driven autoloader under six pounds. There is nothing better for walking miles of grouse or woodcock cover, and the inertia system stays clean because it does not vent gas into the action.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight for an autoloader
- Reliable inertia-driven action operates cleanly
- Fast to shoulder and swing on moving targets
- Minimal maintenance required in the field
- Excellent for long days covering challenging terrain
Cons
- Recoil is more noticeable than heavier shotguns
- Premium price point compared to general-purpose autoloaders
- Not ideal for high-volume shooting like clays
- Limited suitability for heavier magnum loads
Best uses
- Upland bird hunting
- Long-distance walk-up hunts
- Backcountry grouse and woodcock
- Hunters prioritizing light weight
Specifications
- Maker
- Benelli
- Model
- Ultra Light
- Action
- Semi-Automatic (Inertia-Driven)
- Gauge
- 12-Gauge
- Weight
- Under 6 lbs
- Primary Use
- Upland Hunting, Walk-Up Birds
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Upland bird hunting, Long-distance walk-up hunts, Backcountry grouse and woodcock, Hunters prioritizing light weight
Where to buy the Ultra Light
We don't have a direct Amazon listing on file yet — this opens an Amazon search for the exact make and model.
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The Benelli Ultra Light earns its number 7 spot on our list for its specialized excellence in a niche many overlook: the long-haul, field-intensive hunt. This isn't your clay pigeon champion or your turkey blind behemoth. It's built from the ground up for hunters who cover serious ground, particularly in upland environments. The 'Ultra Light' isn't just a marketing tag; it's the core design principle. Weighing in at less than six pounds, this 12-gauge shotgun redefines what an autoloader can be in terms of portability. Benelli's inertia-driven system is the real hero here, offering unparalleled reliability in adverse conditions and a remarkably clean operation that minimizes maintenance in the field. While it might not be everyone's first choice for every scenario, for those specific hunts where every ounce counts and reliability is paramount, the Ultra Light truly shines. It's a testament to focused engineering for a clear purpose.
Who It's For
This shotgun is purpose-built for the hunter who prioritizes mobility and endurance above all else. If your hunts involve miles of walking through dense cover for grouse, woodcock, or pheasants, the Ultra Light is an exceptional tool. It's not for those who post up in a blind or require heavy recoil absorption for high-volume shooting. This is a shotgun for the active, dedicated upland hunter who values a lightweight, fast-handling firearm that won't weigh them down over a full day in the field. Its ease of carry means less fatigue, allowing for more focus on the hunt itself.
Materials & Build
The secret to its featherlight status lies in a combination of carefully selected materials. The receiver is typically aluminum alloy, reducing weight without sacrificing critical strength, while the barrel is a lightweight steel profile. Benelli's Comfortech stock system, while not as plush as some gas-operated systems, still offers some recoil mitigation with strategically placed chevrons. The overall construction prioritizes a minimalist approach, shedding non-essential bulk to achieve its svelte profile. It's a no-frills, function-first design that holds up to rough use.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Ultra Light lives up to its name. Its light weight makes it incredibly quick to shoulder and swing on fast-flushing birds. The inertia-driven system is famously reliable, cycling a wide range of loads cleanly and consistently, even after extensive use in dusty or wet conditions. Because no gas is vented into the action, it runs much cleaner than gas-operated shotguns, reducing the need for frequent field cleaning. Recoil is certainly more noticeable than with a heavier, gas-operated gun, but it's manageable with standard upland loads and a proper shooting form.
Durability & Maintenance
Benelli's inertia system is renowned for its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. With fewer moving parts and no gas system to foul, there's less to go wrong and less to clean. The simple design means fewer points of failure in harsh environments. While the lightweight construction might seem delicate, Benelli builds these guns for hard use. You're getting a tool designed to withstand the bumps and scrapes that come with navigating dense woods and briar patches, requiring only basic cleaning after a day's hunt to keep it running smoothly.
Alternatives & Value
At its price point, the Ultra Light is a premium offering, but its unique combination of extreme lightness and Benelli reliability sets it apart. Comparable alternatives for lightweight autoloaders are few, and often involve significant compromises in durability or cycling consistency. Some might consider a high-end over-under for similar weight, but you'd lose the semi-automatic follow-up shot capability. The value here is in its specialized performance: for the serious upland hunter, the time saved in cleaning and the energy saved in carrying make it a worthwhile investment, outweighing its higher cost compared to more general-purpose autoloaders.
How we chose
We started with a long list of outdoor guns that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Ultra Light — frequently asked questions
- Is the Ultra Light worth it?
- We rank it #7 in Outdoor Guns. An inertia-driven autoloader under six pounds. There is nothing better for walking miles of grouse or woodcock cover, and the inertia system stays clean because it does not vent gas into the action.
- What is the Ultra Light best for?
- Best for upland bird hunting, long-distance walk-up hunts, backcountry grouse and woodcock and hunters prioritizing light weight. Standouts: exceptionally lightweight for an autoloader and reliable inertia-driven action operates cleanly.
- What are the downsides of the Ultra Light?
- Recoil is more noticeable than heavier shotguns, Premium price point compared to general-purpose autoloaders and Not ideal for high-volume shooting like clays.
- What are the key specs of the Ultra Light?
- Maker: Benelli · Model: Ultra Light · Action: Semi-Automatic (Inertia-Driven) · Gauge: 12-Gauge · Weight: Under 6 lbs
- Who It's For?
- This shotgun is purpose-built for the hunter who prioritizes mobility and endurance above all else. If your hunts involve miles of walking through dense cover for grouse, woodcock, or pheasants, the Ultra Light is an exceptional tool.
- Materials & Build — what should I know about the Ultra Light?
- The secret to its featherlight status lies in a combination of carefully selected materials. The receiver is typically aluminum alloy, reducing weight without sacrificing critical strength, while the barrel is a lightweight steel profile.
Compare side by side
Put the Ultra Light against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.