Using Benelli's premium shotgun as the canvas, artisans helped create a classically inspired yet technologically advanced modern shotgun for the Set of Five shotguns. (Photo courtesy of Benelli)
January 20, 2022
By Game & Fish Staff
A true example of functional art crafted from wood and metal, the new Benelli Magnifico Set of Five semi-auto shotguns pair Old World firearms artistry with modern-day design. Photo courtesy of Benelli Benelli unveiled the one-of-a-kind set—two shotguns chambered in 12 gauge, two in 20 gauge, and one in 28 gauge—at an invitation-only event during the 2022 Safari Club International Hunter's Convention, held during SHOT Show week in Las Vegas .
Above: Meet the Benelli Magnifico Set of Five (Benelli video) "The Benelli Magnifico Set of Five was born of a simple question: How would the world's most advanced semi-auto shotgun look if reimagined as an interpretation of a classical Italian custom?," the company asks in a press release . The result was this amazing set of shotguns.
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For the project, Benelli commissioned some of Italy's leading contemporary artisans: master engravers Giovanni Steduto and Valerio Peli, gunmaking house F.lli Piotti, and leather artist Oscar Maschera. Benelli's commitment to quality manufacturing, innovation, and product refinement is blended with Italian heritage and artistry in luxury-class shotguns.
"It is a legacy—an approach to the classical art of the firearm—that enjoys a renaissance today in the Benelli Magnifico Set of Five," Benelli states.
Benelli Magnifico Set of Five shotguns. (Photo courtesy of Benelli) Benelli Magnifico Set of Five shotguns. (Photo courtesy of Benelli) SHOT 2022: See all the new guns, ammo and gear
Art, Technology and Heritage Discerning wetland and upland hunters have long loved Benelli shotguns for their performance, innovation and elegance. With the proven Inertia Driven system, Benelli semi-autos are designed around the human form, with integrated comfort features, ergonomic geometry, and careful balance delivering shotguns that shoulder quickly, swing easily, and aim intuitively.
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Inspired by the European aristocratic "driven shoot" tradition as its guiding theme, the Benelli Magnifico Set of Five weaves Italian culture, craftsmanship and artistry with premium shotgun design from muzzle to stock.
Steeped in tradition, the driven shoot has enlivened estates throughout Western Europe for centuries, and continues to set the fashion and decorum of traditional upland hunting.
Mechanical Works The Set of Five begins with Benelli's premium shotgun, with the unrivaled Inertia Driven system at the heart of each gun. Shooters can expect reliable cycling with any load, clean operation, a soft, refined recoil pulse, and exceptional balance and handling.
Engraving Steduto and Peli hand-engraved each of the Set of Five receivers with intricate scrollwork and modern interpretations of classical hunting scenes.
Benelli Set of Five 12-gauge shotgun. (Photo courtesy of Benelli) The 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge models feature unique engravings with scenes aligned with the individual gun's theme. Waterfowl in wetland settings grace the 12-gauge shotguns with different portrayals on both sides of the receiver.
Benelli Set of Five 20-gauge shotgun. (Photo courtesy of Benelli) The 20-gauge models edify the upland hunt with bird dogs and flushing pheasants.
Benelli Set of Five 28-gauge shotgun. (Photo courtesy of Benelli) The 28-gauge sports life-like etchings of pointers and quail.
Delicate oak leaf and acorn motifs, and embossed rose gold on the acorns and sky elements frame the scenes.
Stock & Fitment For the stock fitment work, master gun craftsmen with F.lli Piotti (Piotti brothers) selected fine walnut billets, hand-fashioning the raw wood to jewel-like perfection and integrating the metalwork. Hand-rubbed oil finish and buffalo horn butt plates complete the luxurious form.
Benelli Set of Five luxury shotguns. (Photo courtesy of Benelli) Case & Sundries Leather artist Maschera crafted a one-of-a-kind handmade leather tri-fold case in a style reminiscent of the triptych form of Renaissance art.
Benelli Set of Five leather storage case. (Photo courtesy of Benelli) Covered in premium vegetable-tanned full-grain leather, the case holds all five shotguns, with gauge-specific care sets for polishing and cleaning. The case features expert hand-stitching and brass and brass-plated steel hardware.
An engraving of Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine is integrated into the case lid. The unpublished novella Among Forests and Fields by Umberto Piersanti, 2005 Nobel Prize for Literature nominee, is included in a hand-stitched leather-bound cover.
Benelli’s Magnifico Set of Five project also aims to further the important advocacy work of Safari Club International. This luxurious, one-of-a-kind shotgun set will be sold, after which Benelli will donate $200,000 to SCI, helping to fund the organization's wildlife conservation and humanitarian service efforts, as well as the American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) and the International Wildlife Museum.
