Best Upland Shotguns · #3
Ultra Light
Benelli
Reader rating
Rate it and you move it. Community ratings re-rank this product inside its Top 10 list.
Expert-picked, reader-ranked. Our editors choose the products and the launch order; member star ratings move picks up or down over time.
Under six pounds in 12 gauge. The gun for hunters who cover ground rather than sit on field edges.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight for all-day carry
- Fast handling and quick target acquisition
- Renowned inertia-driven reliability
- Low maintenance and clean operation
- Durable construction for field use
Cons
- Increased felt recoil with heavy loads
- Premium price point
Best uses
- Long-distance upland hunts
- Fast-flushing birds
- Mountain chukar hunting
- Grouse in dense cover
Specifications
- Maker
- Benelli
- Model
- Ultra Light
- Gauge Tested
- 12 gauge
- Action
- Semi-automatic
- Weight (12GA)
- Under 6 lbs
- Receiver
- Alloy
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
Long-distance upland hunts, Fast-flushing birds, Mountain chukar hunting, Grouse in dense cover
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.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Benelli Ultra Light earns its name with an impressive sub-six-pound weight in 12-gauge, a feat of engineering that immediately sets it apart. This isn't a shotgun for leisurely strolls to a blind; it's built for those who put in miles, whether chasing pheasants across prairie or navigating steep timber for grouse. Benelli achieves this svelte profile through a combination of a featherweight alloy receiver, a carbon-fiber ribbed barrel, and a slimmed-down forend. It's designed to be carried all day without fatigue, making it a favorite among hardcore upland hunters. While the Ultra Light sheds ounces, it doesn't sacrifice Benelli's renowned inertia-driven system. This mechanism is famous for its reliability, cycling everything from light target loads to heavy magnum shells with consistent precision and minimal maintenance. This means less worry about jams in dusty fields or freezing temperatures. The gun handles and swings with an alacrity that belies its gauge, feeling more like a smaller bore, which can be a distinct advantage when birds flush unexpectedly. It's a specialized tool, certainly, but for the right hunter, it’s an indispensable one.
Who It's For
This shotgun is purpose-built for the active upland hunter. If you measure your hunts in miles walked rather than hours sat, the Ultra Light is precisely what you need. It’s ideal for chasing fast-flushing birds over varied terrain where every ounce matters. Think chukar in the high desert, grouse in dense cover, or pheasants across vast fields. It’s also a good fit for hunters who prefer a livelier, quicker-handling gun, valuing agility over sheer heft. It’s not a gun for the casual range shooter or someone prioritizing recoil absorption above all else.
Materials & Construction
Benelli's commitment to weight reduction is evident in every component. The receiver is crafted from a durable, lightweight aluminum alloy, contributing significantly to its low overall mass. The barrel features a carbon-fiber ventilated rib, which not only shaves ounces but also helps to dissipate heat. The stock and forend are typically made from a synthetic polymer, often with textured gripping surfaces for secure handling in all conditions. Internally, the gun utilizes Benelli's proven inertia-driven operating system, known for its few moving parts and inherent reliability.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Ultra Light lives up to its name. Its minimal weight makes carrying it all day a non-issue, drastically reducing fatigue. The gun swings exceptionally fast, allowing for quick target acquisition on unpredictable flushes. Recoil, while noticeable in the 12-gauge due to its light frame, is manageable thanks to Benelli's recoil pads and the inertia system's characteristics. Functionality is flawless; it cycles a wide range of loads without complaint, from 1 oz target loads to heavy waterfowl shells, proving its versatility beyond just upland work. Its balance is surprisingly good for such a light gun.
Durability & Longevity
Despite its lightweight construction, the Benelli Ultra Light is a robust firearm. The inertia system is inherently cleaner running than gas-operated alternatives, meaning less fouling and fewer parts to wear out. The alloy receiver is treated to resist corrosion and scratches, standing up well to the rigors of field use. While extreme abuse can mark any gun, the Ultra Light is built to endure the typical bumps and scrapes of active hunting. With routine cleaning and care, it will provide decades of reliable service, a hallmark of Benelli's reputation.
Trade-offs & Alternatives
The primary trade-off for the Ultra Light's feather-like weight is increased felt recoil, particularly with heavier loads. If recoil sensitivity is a major concern, you might consider a heavier gas-operated semi-auto or a 20-gauge version of a lightweight shotgun. At its price point, alternatives include some higher-end gas-operated guns like the Beretta A400 series or certain over-and-unders from Browning or Franchi, which offer different balances of weight, recoil mitigation, and handling characteristics. However, few semi-autos match its specific combination of extreme lightness and inertia reliability.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best upland shotguns 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 #3 in Best Upland Shotguns. Under six pounds in 12 gauge. The gun for hunters who cover ground rather than sit on field edges.
- What is the Ultra Light best for?
- Best for long-distance upland hunts, fast-flushing birds, mountain chukar hunting and grouse in dense cover. Standouts: extremely lightweight for all-day carry and fast handling and quick target acquisition.
- What are the downsides of the Ultra Light?
- Increased felt recoil with heavy loads and Premium price point.
- What are the key specs of the Ultra Light?
- Maker: Benelli · Model: Ultra Light · Gauge Tested: 12 gauge · Action: Semi-automatic · Weight (12GA): Under 6 lbs
- Who It's For?
- This shotgun is purpose-built for the active upland hunter. If you measure your hunts in miles walked rather than hours sat, the Ultra Light is precisely what you need.
- Materials & Construction — what should I know about the Ultra Light?
- Benelli's commitment to weight reduction is evident in every component. The receiver is crafted from a durable, lightweight aluminum alloy, contributing significantly to its low overall mass.
Compare side by side
Put the Ultra Light against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.