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
Benelli really does make good stuff. I need to pick one up one of these days.
Looks like a beautiful shotgun! Bet it’s expensive…
*scrolls down to check price* Yep. Still beautiful, though.
Benelli’s old motto was “performance worth the price”. Cycling millions of rounds (LITERALLY not figuratively) without fail killing Argentinean doves probably prove that statement.
Haha, I’m not denying that it’s totally worth the asking price! But for this dude, it’d not gonna happen for a good while. Now a Nova, or a Super Nova like you mentioned…one of those I could maybe get in the near future. 🙂
SuperNova is by far the best pump-action gun on the market, and I would put it on my Mt. Rushmore for shotgun choices regardless of action. I shot one exclusively for the better part of 8 years before (hunting, clays) and only went to the Maxus because I wanted something a little softer shooting and carrying 8+ lbs of shotgun was a bit too much on long pheasant hunts. But for the duck blind/goose pit, you’d be hard pressed to find a better fit.
Have you Tried the Ithaca 37? Can’t seem to find good/trustworthy reviews (hint, hint).
You may think its expensive until you go to a nice trap / skeet / sporting clays range. This would be an average gun at Triple B’s where I shoot 6-8 times / years. My Benelli doesn’t get much love, but it shoots well, is easy to clean, and is very reliable.
I’d upgrade to this if I had the cash.
Benelli definitely leads the market in shotgun design. Even though I don’t own any Benelli’s anymore (prefer the fit of the softer shooting Browning Maxus), I have always been a fan of the SuperNova (a highly underrated shotgun) and the Montelfeltro (which I’ll shoot when my age advances and I find carrying a 5.5 lb 20 gauge agreeable chasing pheasants).
My dad carries the 20 gauge Ultralight when we run after the corn chickens and the 28 gauge Ultralight might be the prettiest, cutest gun I ever handled in my life and is my personal obscure object of desire. If I ever hit a $2K superfecta, my first stop will be to my LGS to buy that masterpiece.
Our own cheeseball ad campaigns will be our ultimate undoing.
That was painful to watch – the only thing it was missing was a woman doing a breathy “Bennneellliii” voice-over.
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?
Beautiful shotgun!
I bought a Nova back in November 2012 at Bass Pro. It took them longer to run my credit bureau for the Bass Pro credit card (Save 10% on the purchase if I signed up for the credit card) than to run my background! haha. Now 14 months later I have killed one duck, one goose, 18 doves and Hundreds of clay pigeons with that Nova and not one problems yet. Best $300plus dollars I have ever spent on a gun. If I had the cash I would not hesitate to buy this new Ethos. Between Beretta and Benelli, I love me the Italians.
Thats a beauty. I’d almost hate to take that out in the field and scratch it up.
Concur on prices…thes a Suprnova Tactical on Gunbroker right now for $405 last bid $499 buy now…
And a hunting gun with Comfort Tech stock also under $500… now thats a value to me.
For the person who asked about and Model 37 review.
http://randywakeman.com/IthacaModel37twenty.htm
The new ithacas are well made guns and I wouldn’t hesitate to run one. My first gun was a 20 ga BPS so I’m impartial to the browning/pederson design which the 37 adheres too moreso than the BPS.
Ithaca no longer makes it as a catalog item, but there ultralight 16 ga was a sweet ass gun and I’m still kicking myself for not ordering one.
But in terms of price and what you ask of it, I’d probably go with a Super Nova over a 37 that might cost near as 2-300$ more. However if you are a scattergun purist (as I am at times) and value well blued steel, well figured walnut and a connection to the past…. Nothing wrong at all with a 37 and won’t wear out in 3 lifetimes.
I asked about the Ithaca, thanks for the review. I sorta want the ultralight in 16 gauge, figure it would make a nice heirloom gun if I had it engraved.
If you call Ithaca directly, you may still be able to order a 16 gauge straight from the factory. They may make a limited run and you might be able to get onI a list. I inquired a couple of years ago and they said they were still making them, but wouldn’t commit the tooling until they received a certain # of orders. That may still be the case. And yes, if you did get one, that would make a great family heirloom. My father has said all of his A-5’s will be making their way into my gun safe and the Sweet 16 will be one that my sons will have to fight over! I had to have a 16 myself so I bought the upland BPS version in 16 gauge. A very, very good gun… slightly less overall workmanship than a 37, but a about $300-350 cheaper and still will kill pheasants and ducks 100 years from now.
Looks like a beautiful shotgun and from my experience with Benellis i am sure it is worth the price. In my case I don’t think I will ever replace my Vinci, Benelli’s true 21st century shotgun. Besides it is a bargain compared to the Ethos.
Heck, I haven’t paid less than 2K for a shotgun in nearly a decade… Considering the nearly $3,000 price tag I paid for my Performance Shop Super Sport, the ETHOS is a bargain! Looks like I will be adding Benelli #4 to my gun cabinet very soon.
My dad shot a 37 and I have that gun from the 1940’s. I have found and bought 2-12,16,and 20 gage over the years. Also bought 12 and 20 gage Benelli and use the 20 on ducks. Love it and want an ETHOS 20 gage.
I bought one of the “new” Ithaca M37 Trap models….. You’ll have to pry it from my hands when I leave this Earth. Absolutely a jewel like action, balanced well and hits clays so far out that they died of old age before I smash them. One of the sleeping beauties out there.
Also have an Ethos….very disappointed as the higher sight rails and longer butts are not available at this time even though all the marketing from the Benelli site said they were. I have put this beauty away until I can get these “mods” as the gun is not a perfect fit, I can shoot it well but I have to think of what I am doing. Corporate said 30 to 90 days…. after that, the gun goes back to them. I do not have $2K kicking around and thought long and hard and saved up for over a year to invest in a new gun.
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