Come back Benelli! We love you! Kirsten Joy Weiss’ toilet-paper shredding infatuation with my M4 is only our most recent ode to your well-deserved reputation for scattergun excellence. Besides, the MR1 rifle review that raised your hackles is more than three years old now. (Dudes, you don’t even sell the gun anymore!) Our ethos is truth telling. Yours is a new 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun. According to your press release (after the jump), the ETHOS contains your best bits (Inertia Driven action, Progressive Comfort recoil reduction) in a gun with figured AA-Grade European walnut. We’d really like to check out the new two-part carrier latch, beveled loading port, redesigned carrier, larger bolt release, patented anti-seize magazine cap and easy access cartridge drop lever. Even at $2k msrp, that’s a lot of design for the dosh. At the risk of groveling, a testing and evaluation sample would be most appreciated. We won’t even mention the fact that Starbucks sells ETHOS water. D’oh! . . .
ACCOKEEK, MD (January 6, 2014) – Benelli proudly presents the next generation of its Inertia Driven® autoloaders. This elegant new semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun is called the ETHOS—the perfect balance of art and technology. The ETHOS is the culmination of Benelli’s latest innovations, refinements and design superiority, all centered around the core—Inertia Driven® System—the most reliable shotgun operating system ever created.
The ETHOS is built on a new platform that combines form and function for improved ergonomics, the ability to cycle the lightest loads, even 7/8 ounce, and a patented Progressive Comfort® recoil reduction system that provides less felt recoil. ETHOS stocks are cut from beautifully figured AA-Grade European walnut and are designed specifically to incorporate the patented recoil reduction system, an unobtrusive, lightweight simple system that self-adjusts to any size load.
Benelli’s dynamic new design includes a patented easy locking system. This features a detent mechanism that has been added to the bolt body, guaranteeing the rotating bolt head will lock up even when the bolt is eased forward without force. A new two-part carrier latch, beveled loading port and redesigned carrier ensures that shells glide into the magazine faster and easier. A new larger bolt release, and easy access cartridge drop lever promotes speedy operation for quick handling even when wearing gloves. The ETHOS’ distinctive style and excellent balance results in a faster mount and instinctive handling.
The ETHOS features a replaceable carbon fiber rib that reduces overall weight. The interchangeable front sight enables shooters to quickly switch between red, green or yellow fiber-optics, which come standard with the ETHOS. A newly patented anti-seize magazine cap incorporates a synthetic bushing in the magazine cap, preventing it from binding in foul weather or dusty conditions.
“The superbly balanced ETHOS is designed with all the features that make this latest Benelli semi-auto not only a pleasure to shoot, but also a beautiful gun to own,” said Tom DeBolt, Benelli USA VP of Sales. “Shooters will enjoy the benefits and pleasure of handling and shooting a top-quality semi-auto shotgun that embodies the perfect balance of art and technology to specifically meet their needs, whether it be for upland birds in the field or clay birds at a range.”
COMMON SPECIFICATIONS:
Gauge: 12 Chamber: 3-inch
Magazine Capacity: 4+1 Crio®Chokes: C,IC,M,IM,F
Sights: Interchangeable fiber-optic front sight
Length of Pull: 14 3/8 inches Drop at Heel: 2 ¼ inches
Drop at Comb: 1 ½ inches (Includes shim kit to adjust drop and cast).
Overall length: 47 ½”(26-inch barrel) 49 ½” (28-inch barrel)
Stock: AA-Grade walnut with Progressive Comfort® recoil reduction system Finish: Anodized or nickel-plated receiver with blued barrel.
Weight: 6 ½ lbs. Minimum Recommended Load: 7/8 oz. MSRP: $1999 (Black anodized receiver) $2199 (Nickel-plated engraved receiver)
For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com
I think the manual safety was included to bid for .mil contracts.
Looks like a beautiful shotgun! Bet it’s expensive…
*scrolls down to check price* Yep. Still beautiful, though.
Condolences out to the slain officer’s family, but this whole sordid raid was FUBAR from the beginning.
Obama is the greatest salesman ever. Record sales, record profits, record donations, & record high prices. Truly a corporate Democrat. The Gun Industry loves him. That is why they said and did nothing except take your money.
I went out to the desert last week when it was cold (15 degrees or so), windy and foggy.
My groups were AWFUL.
But I had a blast!
When will they make a suppressable shotgun? With a gap between the magazine tube and barrel (so as to integrally suppress it) it could be possible, or would the inertia system choke?
While we are at it, can we quiz these law makers about the Constitution before they are allowed to pass any laws?
Open carrying a rifle in a mall has no other purpose than to attract attention — “hey lookit me!” Why, it’s almost as self serving as a black woman sitting in the front of a segregated bus.
A pro-2A protest that doesn’t attract attention is a massive fail.
If there were three perps, the CA limit of 10(+1) might not have been enough either.
People who want to commit suicide will find a way to do it. This law will just make them find another way to do it.
Got one in January and I really like it. It’s very light, but has excellent balance, smooth handling and is good looking (I like real wood – I admit I’m both oldfashioned and unpractical). It cycles even the lightest shells without any problems. Only thing that has stopped it so far is wet skeetloaded shells that barely would go off in my o/u. Haven’t tested it in cold wheather yet, but i expect an “unoiled” (dry) gun will perform just fine even in 0 degrees (Fahrenheit). My judgement so far is that Benelli delivers.
For comparison, it replaced my trusted 26″ Beretta 686, also a very good hunting gun. I just wanted something new. For competition and “serious clay shooting” (olympic skeet, sporting and FITASC) I don’t think it will replace my K80, but if the unthinkable should happen that my German should fail, I wouldn’t be worried using the Benelli Ethos (Raffaello in Europe) as my backup gun!
im 58, shot browning hump backs all my life. bought a ethos for 1899 and its the best move i ever made. im converted