Benelli’s Lupo, Italian for wolf, is a name that suits this rifle perfectly. Sleek, adaptable and undeniably lethal in the right hands, the Lupo is Benelli’s first foray into bolt-action rifles and has been around now for a few years. Like its shotguns, the Lupo showcases the company’s knack for blending modern engineering with refined aesthetics. My time with the .243 Win model proved it’s a predator of the highest order, whether you’re chasing whitetails in the woods or punching paper at the range.
From the moment you pick it up, the Lupo feels different—in a good way. The rifle balances perfectly, thanks to its lightweight aluminum chassis, which keeps the barrel free-floated and rock-solid for accuracy. Unlike most chassis rifles that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie, the Lupo manages to incorporate the benefits of modern design without losing its traditional hunting appeal. At just over 7 pounds unloaded, it’s easy to carry all day without fatigue, and the bolt’s buttery-smooth, 60-degree throw makes chambering rounds a breeze.
Accuracy Meets Adaptability
Benelli didn’t just build a rifle; they built a rifle that fits. The ComfortTech3 stock is a standout feature, offering an adjustable length of pull, drop, cast and even trigger reach. No matter your size or shooting style, you can dial in the fit. Pair that with the Progressive Comfort recoil-reduction system and the CombTech cheek pad, and you’ve got a rifle that’s as comfortable to shoot as it is deadly accurate. Recoil from the .243 Win was minimal—barely noticeable, even after an extended session at the range, though .243 is not a very punishing caliber to shoot in any configuration.
Speaking of accuracy, the Lupo doesn’t disappoint. Out of the box, it comes with a sub-MOA three-shot group at 100 yards guarantee and as our quick site-in session would later prove it delivered. The rifle handles beautifully off shooting sticks or resting on the sill of a shooting house, as well as in kneeling and standing positions, making reliable hits on targets out to 100 yards. I’m sure it will deliver much farther as well, but that is as far I personally tested it. Whether you’re hunting deer in a stand or coyotes on the move, the .243 Win. chambering is versatile and perfectly suited for these tasks. For those who prefer heavier calibers, Benelli also offers the Lupo in .270 Win, .30-06, and .300 Win Mag, along with short-action options like 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. Additional chamberings are now offered in 6 mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem. Mag., .223 Rem and 7mm PRC.
Practical Design for Hunters
While the Lupo’s accuracy steals the spotlight, its practical features are what make it a true hunter’s rifle. The AirTouch checkering on the stock and forend provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions, while the angled wrist naturally positions your hand for a consistent hold. The detachable box magazine locks in securely but can also be topped off through the ejection port, offering the best of both worlds. The ambidextrous safety is intuitive, sitting right where your thumb expects it to be, and the trigger—adjustable from 2.2 to 4.4 pounds, though I didn’t mess with it other than to gently squeeze it when firing—was crisp and predictable, breaking cleanly every time.
I had the opportunity to hunt with the Lupo at East Fork Lodge in Missouri a couple of years ago, and prior to the hunt, our group of hunters, joined by Tim Joseph, the Vice President, Brand Marketing at Benelli USA, gathered on the range to check the zero on our guns and put some shots on paper. Everyone was dialed in and while I didn’t bust out the measuring tape at the time, all of the rifles grouped nicely despite our varying degrees of marksmanship and appeared to be right in or at the border of Benelli’s sub-MOA three-shot guarantee. We were shooting from a bench rest in an underground range at East Fork so the environmental factors were pretty controlled. At the time we were using DRT loads as the owners of East Fork also own Dynamic Research Technologies.
Despite hunting some gorgeous northern Missouri land, prime for big whitetail bucks, and hitting opening week, the weather was unusually windy the first day and warm the next two. I saw two decent 8-pointers, one that was cruising too far off through the woods and one I was seriously considering, but knew it wasn’t what you come to northern Missouri to shoot. As a result, I went home empty handed on that trip. Tim, however, scored on a gorgeous wide- and heavy-racked 10-point that was a good, representative buck of what can be taken in the region. As I recall, Tim’s shot with the Lupo and the DRT ammunition, made it so no follow-up shot or tracking was needed.
The following season, I was fortunate to get another Lupo in .243 in my hands and take it to family property in the mountains of Virginia where I was able to shoot a couple does using Winchester ammunition. Quite simply, the Lupo is a pleasure to carry and to shoot. At 7.2 pounds, it’s not an ultra “lightweight” rifle, but it is far from heavy as well. When humping it up and down hills, the weight of the gun hanging over your shoulder is negligible.
One for the Woods
The Benelli Lupo is a rifle that feels as good as it shoots and with a few years of sales, use and refinements under their belt, the company has one heck of a rifle hunters can depend on when that one shot really counts. Lightweight, accurate, and designed with hunters in mind, it’s a game-changer in the bolt-action market. The .243 Win model is a dream for deer and predator hunters, but with multiple calibers to choose from, there’s a Lupo for every hunt. With a threaded barrel, it can also easily accept a suppressor for when hunting coyotes or hogs, making it as quiet as it is deadly. Benelli took its time with this one, and it shows. If you’re in the market for a bolt-action rifle that blends modern innovation with timeless design, the Lupo deserves a spot at the top of your list. After all, every hunter needs a good wolf in their pack.
Specifications
Model: Benelli Lupo (#15002)
Caliber: .243
Action: Bolt-action
Barrel: matte, blued with 1 in 9-in. twist, threaded 5/8×24, free-floating, Crio treated
Receiver: Chassis-style allow receiver, matte, blued finish
Stock: ComfortTech3 (now only available in a granite moss color, but older matte black models can still be found), with Progressive Comfort recoil reduction
Barrel Length: 22 in.
Overall Length: 42.125 in.
Weight: 7.2 lbs.
MSRP: $1,699
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