Tag Archives: one of a kind Benelli guns

Bellissimo! Benelli’s Italian Plant has the Best Foyer in the Gun Industry

On a recent trip to the Benelli factory in Urbino, Italy, we got a peek at their one-of-a-kind facility that blends Old World craftsmanship with modern manufacturing standards.

We were there to get the scoop on the new gas-operated M2-G1 tactical shotgun but would be remiss if we failed to bring you at least some coverage of the factory itself. For instance, the 430,000 square feet of shotgun and rifle-making brilliance is nestled in the hills and Roman walls of the Via della Stazione, at the terminus of the region’s historic former railway station.

Benelli factory, Urbino Italy
While Benelli began as a mechanical and motorcycle company 115 years ago in nearby Pesaro, its Benelli Armi firearm factory came to Urbino in 1967. (Photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
Benelli factory, Urbino Italy
Note the old walls surrounding the plant.
Benelli factory, Urbino Italy
The influence of Raphael – whose painting style was one of harmony, balance, and grace – and Count Federico da Montefeltro, a military strategist and benefactor remembered as “the Light of Italy,” is everywhere in Urbino and still very alive at Benelli. 

Come with us as we take a closer look at the shotguns and rifles on the wall of the foyer, many of them rare and one-of-a-kind demo guns.

Benelli factory, Urbino Italy Ethos shotgun
How about this amazing Ethos?
Benelli factory, Urbino Italy Raffello
Note the clear polymer furniture on this Raffello
Benelli factory, Urbino Italy concept gun on display
This one could be right from the 2045 catalog cover. 
Benelli factory, Urbino Italy concept gun on display
The Raffellos are high-end Intertia-driven Benelli autoloaders

More in my column at Guns.com.