Benelli Expands Its Performance Shop Competition and Field Shotgun Lines with New Advanced Impact Barrel Technology

With shotgun technology and advancement spanning centuries and leading to today’s ultra-sophisticated designs, it is easy to believe that shotgun performance has already reached its zenith. Benelli says, “Not so fast!”

For 2024, Benelli introduces a revolutionary new technology to the shotgun world—one that raises the bar by improving the terminal performance of the smooth-bore platform. Called the Benelli Advanced Impact (A.I.) technology, this new approach to shotgun ballistics delivers shot downrange faster, harder, and with a denser pellet configuration than traditional shotgun barrel designs.

The key to Benelli A.I. technology is new ballistic contours integrated into the barrel bores. These new contour designs combine with Benelli’s new Advanced Impact Crio® chokes to provide enhanced shot column velocity and energy.  The further the shot travels from the muzzle, the greater the difference from standard barrel ballistics.  

For example, exhaustive ballistic testing has shown a 4% increase in velocity and 6% increase in energy at one meter past the muzzle compared to a standard shotgun barrel. By the time the shot has traveled 60 meters, velocity is up by 42% and energy by 77% in comparison. Whether the intent is to bust clays or bring down waterfowl, such an increase is a game-changer in terms of terminal performance given the resulting transfer of energy to the target.

But the benefits of Benelli A.I. technology do not stop there. By combining the A.I. barrel with A.I. Crio® chokes, testing reveals tighter and more uniform shot columns across a load’s effective ballistic range. That means more pellets on target and hitting with greater force and penetration than what is found with conventional shotgun barrels.

To bring this exciting technology to market, Benelli is introducing the Advanced Impact system in three new Performance Shop ETHOS-series models: Performance Shop ETHOS Supersport A.I., Sport A.I., and Cordoba A.I., BE.S.T.

Performance Shop ETHOS Supersport A.I.

The first competition shotgun to herald the new Advanced Impact barrel technology, the Performance Shop ETHOS Supersport A.I. is guaranteed to continue the brand’s winning tradition. Featuring a 30-inch barrel in 2 ¾- and 3-inch chamber, this shotgun hosts a nickel-plated receiver, carbon-fiber finish, and red anodized Briley bolt handle, bolt release, and weighted forend cap. Backed by Benelli’s Combtech and ComfortTech stock systems and powered by Benelli’s Inertia Driven system, the Performance Shop ETHOS Supersport A.I. makes this competition platform the standout performer in any venue.

Performance Shop ETHOS Sport A.I.

Those who want the competitive edge of the ETHOS Supersport A.I. but favor the classical looks and feel of wood furniture will find it all in the new Performance Shop ETHOS Sport A.I. The AA-grade satin walnut stock and forend ideally complement the gun’s nickel-plated receiver and gloss blued barrel. Recoil mitigation for those long days on the range come courtesy of Benelli’s Progressive Comfort stock. As with the ETHOS Supersport A.I., the ETHOS Sport A.I. hosts a 30-inch barrel in 2 ¾- and 3-inch chamber and feature upgraded Briley red color-coated choke tubes.  

Performance Shop ETHOS Cordoba A.I., BE.S.T.

Intended for both competition and hunting pursuits, the Performance Shop ETHOS Cordoba A.I., BE.S.T. does it all. A black synthetic stock and forend combine with the proven Benelli Surface Treatment (BE.S.T.) barrel finish to ensure long-term protection against rust and corrosion in all weather conditions. A 28-inch barrel chambered in 2 ¾- and 3-inch 12-gauge, anodized receiver, Inertia Driven system as well as upgraded Briley black color-coated choke tubes complete this multi-use semi-auto.

For more information on Benelli’s new Advanced Impact barrel technology or to learn more about Benelli USA’s full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.

About Benelli

Benelli, headquartered in Accokeek, Maryland, offers the largest selection of semi-automatic shotguns in the world, as well as a variety of rifles. Since the company’s inception, Benelli has led the world in innovative firearm technology, including the ground-breaking Benelli Inertia Driven system, effective Comfort Tech recoil-reduction systems, and the BE.S.T. anti-corrosion coatings. Because of this commitment to innovation, they are recognized as the world’s leading manufacturer of premium firearms for competitive shooters, hunters, and defense professionals.