Benelli Armi S.p.A.

Benelli’s history

Ongoing innovation, research and development of new technologies, quality and manufacturing excellence: this is Benelli's philosophy.

2020

Lupo: the first Benelli's bolt action has hunting DNA.

2020

The 828 U Beccaccia is born.

2019

Be Team, Benelli's first international team of professional practical shooters.

2018

BE.S.T. (Benelli Surface Treatment) is an exclusive treatment, covered by trade secrets, that protects from corrosion, wear and external agents

2018

Raffaello Be Diamond, the gem of the Benelli range, is a concentrate of technology, that is even more resistant thanks to the exclusive BE.S.T. treatment.

2018

The 828 U Sport is born, the innovative over & under designed for Sporting and Compak Sporting, with totally sports DNA.

2017

This year marked the fiftieth anniversary of the company, a special year for Benelli, that will also be the year of the gorgeous 12- and 20-gauge limited editions Raffaello 50° Anniversary.

2017

Super Black Eagle 3 is the family of semi-automatic 3.5" Super Magnum, ideal for hunting in extreme environment.

2017

Expansion of the Benelli Armi's plant.

2016

Benelli Industry 4.0. AGV collaborative robots.

2015

Rollout of the line of over & under shotguns 828 U.

2014

The world's broadest left-handed semiautomatic range, also in 20 gauge.

2013

The two new Raffaello models are presented: Power Bore and Black, the essence of technology, power and design.

2012

Official presentation of Montefeltro Beccaccia Supreme.

2011

New Customer Care area is built.

2011

Lean Production-oriented Benelli Production System is implemented.

2010

The one and only 28-gauge inertial semi-automatic, the Raffaello Crio.

2009

Vinci, 4 new patents© for 3 modules: stock, barrel and carriage.

2009

Benelli qualifies its suppliers ranking them as “excellent” and awards them FREE PASS status.

2009

Mr1: the 223-calibre Law Enforcement rifle.

2007

Bimillionaire Benelli celebrates 40 years and 2 million firearms sold with the limited series Bimillionaire.

2005

Beccaccia the lightest semi-automatic in gauge 12 (2.6 kg) and in gauge 20 (2.3 kg).

2005

The Comfortech System® is the first and only patent in the world that increases the shooter's comfort.

2003

Benelli enter the rifled barrel's world with the semiauto rifle Argo.

2001

The special cryogenic treatment Crio System optimizes the ballistic performance of barrels and chokes.

1999

Benelli introduces technopolymer with the exclusive 12-gauge Nova.

1998

M4 – the choice of the US Marines.

1997

Benelli sets up the sales subsidiary Benelli USA in Accokeek.

1997

In 1997 Benelli obtains a licence to open the subsidiary hosting the National Proof House in Urbino.

1996

Centro, is designed for the dual purpose of hunting and clay pigeon shooting.

1991

Super Black Eagle is the first 3.5" semi-automatic of the U.S. market.

1988

Technological innovation: the beating heart of the company.

1987

The first Super 90 left-handed semiautomatic is born.

1987

The aesthetic excellence and elegant lines of the 121 meet mechanical and technological perfection: the Raffaello family is born.

(Photo credit by Accademia Raffaello Urbino)

1984

Super 90: cocking system is distinguished by the presence of the magazine release lever.

1983

Eng. Luigi Moretti is appointed Managing Director of Benelli Armi S.p.A.

1983

The ingenious design of the Benelli inertial driven system is applied to the new Montefeltro series.

1975

Paolo Benelli founds Benelli Iberica in Spain.

1974

The SL80 series is born: 121- 123, Special 80, Extra Lusso, each in 3 versions (hunting, shooting, slug).

1973

The first Benelli 20-gauge semi-automatic is born, the SL 201.

1968

With the 121 a new generation of semi-automatic shotguns is born, the progenitor of all Benelli products.

1968

Benelli Armi hits 2,000 shotguns manufactured, 1,000 4-round 12-gauge shotguns, 1,000 5-round 12-gauge shotguns.

1968

The following year, the plant is built in Urbino and the production of the first firearms begins.

1967

Bruno Civolani invents the Benelli inertial driven system.

1967

The Benelli brothers, founders of the motorcycle factory, found Benelli Armi S.p.A. in Urbino in 1967.