Benelli Lupo BE.S.T. Grey Elevated II: the field test
The Lupo rifle in the BE.S.T. Grey Elevated II version shows a distinctive and durable appearance, both in the camo stock and in the BE.S.T. treatment – in matte grey finish, in this case. Lightweight and accurate, we spent two days between the range and the hunting ground with this bolt-action rifle.
Benelli’s creativity seems unstoppable in coming up with new versions of the Lupo bolt-action rifle that can please even the most discerning hunters looking for new solutions with its precise technical and aesthetic details.
We got to know in the field the Lupo BE.S.T. Grey Elevated II, which with its technopolymer stock and BE.S.T. matte coating boasts characteristics of strength and lightness compatible with dynamic hunting without any fear of environmental obstacles or external agents. A version that will suit lovers of camo given the Realtree Optifade pattern that also provides the gun’s design with a modern and aggressive look.
This is matched in color to the BE.S.T. treatment, which as we know not only serves a protective function of metal surfaces from corrosion over time, but also enhances smoothness and overall functionality of the rifle.
Benelli Surface Treatment is the solution against rust, corrosion and wear, and in the in the unique Metal Grey matte color, on the Lupo BE.S.T. Grey model it is applied on the upper receiver, bolt lock lever, bolt, bolt-handle, barrel and thread protector ring.
Video: testing the Benelli Lupo Be.S.T. Grey Elevated II with the Steiner Ranger 3-18×56 scope
Benelli Lupo BE.S.T. Grey Elevated II bolt-action rifle fitted with a Steiner Ranger 3-18×56 scope on the firing lines
Guests of Benelli, we began our test by shooting the Lupo at 100 and 200 meter distances. Using the rifle in .308 Winchester caliber, fitted with a Steiner Ranger 3-18×56 variable magnification scope, we checked the accuracy that Benelli guarantees for this rifle. With 150-grain Sako Hammerhead ammo, groupings were great at both distances without the need to adjust zeroing, with just minimal natural drop compensation of a few cm in the 200-meter range. Trigger is very crisp and can be adjusted from 900 grams to 2 kg.
Ergonomics provided by the stock contact areas with a soft cheekpad – which in target shooting allows comfortable and accurate aiming – is remarkable. The Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system inside the buttstock reduces the negative effects of felt recoil on the shoulder, also decreasing stress for the hunter and making the rifle manageable, avoiding jerks even in case of follow-up shots. The overall weight of the Lupo BE.S.T Grey is about 3.1 kg, making it suitable for walked-up hunting even in mountain areas where carrying a bulky rifle can be troublesome.
In order to get a full view of its use, we used the rifle both from the high seat and stalking, moving smoothly through the woods and hills. To tell the truth, we even came very close to concluding an action and firing the decisive shot with it on a wild boar that we had spotted and followed from a distance for a long way through the woods to a path that led us to the last few meters, where the wild animal felt our presence and escaped into the thick of the woods a moment before firing. What remains is the excitement and pleasure of the hunt experienced and the certainty of the accuracy of the Lupo, which at the range with the zeroing shots immediately demonstrated the reliability guaranteed by Benelli, with consistently overlapping hits and performance at the different ranges of 100 and 200 meters.
The Lupo BE.S.T. Grey rifle is available in .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum and 6.5 Creedmoor calibers. Cryogenic barrels are available in 56 cm and 61 cm lengths.
