SHOT Show 2014: Benelli’s Ethos Shotgun

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SHOT Show 2014: Benelli’s Ethos Shotgun
Benelli Ethos

Benelli Ethos
Benelli Ethos
The first thing anyone does when they inspect a Benelli inertia driven shotgun is marvel at the smoothness of its action. The bolt glides in the receiver, almost like it was made of ice.

Benelli’s next generation of its inertia-driven line of guns is a fitting testament to what the company produces. The Ethos 12 gauge is as spectacular on the outside as it is on the inside. Stocked with AA-Grade European walnut – ergonomically cut – the the option of an anodized or nickel-plated receiver and strikingly blued barrel, the gun has the makings of a work of art.

Benelli aimed for such as masterpiece, but did not turn its back on engineering for pure aesthetics. The Ethos is the next generation of the renown Italian manufacturer's product. The highlight of the refined inertia drive is its easy locking system. A detent mechanism has been added to the bolt, ensuring its rotating head locks even when the bolt is eased forward without force.

A few other refinements in the Ethos include a new two-part carrier latch, beveled loading port and redesigned carrier to ensure faster and easier feeding. And a larger bolt release and easy access cartridge drop lever for speedy operation, even when wearing gloves.

Few semiautomatic shotguns look or operate in the same class as Benelli. With the introduction of the Ethos, the company can expect to maintain that distinction in the near future.

Similar to most Benelli products, the Ethos has a hefty price tag — starting price is $1,999. But as many smooth-bore fans know, Benelli is a brand that is typically worth the money.


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Elwood Shelton is the Digital Editor for Gun Digest. He lives in Colorado and has provided coverage on a vast spectrum of topics for GD for more than a decade. Before that, he was an award-winning sports and outdoors reporter for a number of newspapers across the Rocky Mountains. His experience has consisted of covering the spread of chronic wasting disease into the Western Slope of Colorado to the state’s ranching for wildlife programs. His passion for shooting began at a young age, fostered on pheasant hunts with his father. Since then, he has become an accomplished handloader, long-range shooter and avid hunter—particularly mule deer and any low-down, dirty varmint that comes into his crosshairs. He is a regular contributor to Gun Digest Magazine and has contributed to various books on guns and shooting, most recently Lever-Actions: A Tribute to the All-American Rifle.

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