Since the Lupo project was born, Benelli has produced a series of models that have consistently attracted the attention of enthusiasts, satisfying their aesthetic tastes and hunting needs. The Lupo Granite Moss is no exception.
The Wolf of Benelli, enthusiasts can confirm, represents something unique in the vast universe of bolt action rifles. Visually it is noticeable by the stock and forend separated from the metal chassis, but there are many unique features designed by Benelli When he decided to embark on the bolt-action rifle market, he did so in his own unique way, combining his own development and design ideas. In this article, we showcase them in the Granite Moss model, having recently had the pleasure of testing it at the range and while hunting. This model certainly stands out from previous versions for its particular attention to a highly attractive aesthetic. Specifically, the stock and forend are a unique color combination of green and gray, closely resembling their natural hues thanks to a unique texture known as "wedding," which also provides camouflage and an excellent grip that enhances the hunter's grip.
Benellicreated Granite Moss respecting the Lupo family's performance standards. These ensure a sub-MOA with 3 shots at 100 yards (91,44 meters), always achievable with good commercial ammunition. Our test was carried out with the gun in cal. 308 Win, used for the first time, is the confirmation. The aforementioned performance is the result of a series of technical aspects that characterize the Lupo Granite Moss which absolutely put the hunter at ease. First of all, there is certainly the care taken in seeking great rigidity in the weapon. This is the result of choices made on types of highly resistant materials. The aluminum chassis is intimately joined to the steel bolt box and the barrel, guaranteeing, as mentioned, absolute rigidity which translates into the excellent ballistic performance previously highlighted. The barrel is only joined to the rest of the gun at the bolt box, while it is floating for its entire remaining length, a factor that allows for regular vibration not limited by constraints, notoriously particularly effective when shooting ball, especially at longer distances. The upper part of the bolt box features two Picatinny bases securely fixed with screws, one in front and one behind the bolt extraction window. The end of the 17mm diameter barrel has a 5/8” thread. This allows you to adapt the shooting performance to the needs of each hunter who can install sound moderators, where permitted, or muzzle brakes. The chassis underneath the bolt box is made of aluminum, houses part of the bolt handle in a perfect recess and integrates in a very elegant line the removable magazine which can hold 5 or 4 rounds depending on the many calibers in which the Lupo Granite Moss is made. The design of the guard is very pleasing as it is placed obliquely to the general axis of the weapon. Inside is the trigger which in this version of the Lupo is lightened in the release, which is completely frictionless and with a reduced travel. The factory setting is for a tensile load of 0,90 kg, but it can be customized in the range from 0,65 to 1,65 kg. The shooting tests we carried out while maintaining the aforementioned 0,90 kg allowed us to highlight the pleasant sensation of an infinitesimal time between the start of the pull on the trigger and the percussion, an element that highlights an undisputed advantage in terms of shooting accuracy. The magazine, as mentioned, integrates perfectly into the chassis line, is double-stack and removable and holds 5 rounds in the 30.06, .308 Win, 6 mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .223 Rem, .243 Win and .270 Win calibers. Instead, it houses 4 rounds in the 6,5 PRC, 7 PRC, 7 Rem and 300 Win Mag calibers. This important list of calibers represents in itself an important reference for the hunter's ballistic choices, as it does not actually place any limits for hunting most medium and large game. The magazine insertion into the chassis is particularly simple and streamlined, and the design of its internal mechanism makes loading ammunition very easy. The magazine fully respects the integrity of the bullets by positioning the first round in perfect alignment with the cartridge chamber. This is even more important when you need to quickly repeat a shot and you move the bolt handle quickly and without too much attention.
In addition to the aforementioned ballistic elements that allow for easy sub-MOA results, such performance is also achieved thanks to the perfect fit that the Lupo Granite Moss allows, becoming one with the user. This is achieved through a variety of modular features that are the very essence of this rifle's uniqueness and that translate into ergonomics that are difficult to match. Highlighting the aforementioned solutions, we'd like to begin with a simple fact: the plates positioned between the stock and the chassis allow the hunter to independently search for the best combination of drop and cast from 252 possibilities. This may seem like a striking number, but it stems from the ability to manage 4 drops and 3 casts with the plates alone, to which are added further possible combinations with 3 combs of varying heights, 6 possible LOPs that vary the same from 350 to 385 mm. This is thanks to the combination of two recoil pads of different lengths and spacers. The excellent ergonomics are further supported by the AirTouch checkering system on the stock and forend; these allow for the continuous removal of moisture from perspiration through the natural circulation of air between the skin and the polymer surface. Finally, we recall the possibility, provided by a plate, of modifying the trigger distance. Still on the subject of ergonomics, we highlight that Benelli On the Lupo Granite, Moss has included one of its most celebrated systems, Progressive Comfort. The system's distinctive feature is its structure, consisting of a series of polymer plates (cantilever beams) that flex when subjected to recoil energy, dissipating it, reducing the impact on the shoulder. This is of particular interest to all hunters, given that they engage in shooting sessions at the range several times a year, whether for training, personal preference, or to calibrate their scopes. On these occasions, Progressive Comfort maximizes its effectiveness. Respecting the shooter's body, the polyurethane comb, available in three heights and capable of dampening microvibrations transmitted to the skull, also demonstrates its significant effectiveness.
The presentation of the cartridge in line already highlighted when describing the features of the magazine is further facilitated by the design of the bolt whose handle ends in an ovoid shape; the bolt is of the pushfeed type with a central part with a reduced section that guarantees reliability in the insertion sequences into the firing chamber.
The safety on top of the gun is easily operated with the thumb. When engaged, it blocks both the trigger and the bolt; the bolt can be released by pulling the lever on the left side of the rifle, allowing for inspection of the chamber or removal of ammunition. An alternative, available upon request, is: Benelli The Lupo Granite Moss features a two-position safety. The bolt lock has three lugs, allowing a 60° rotation, making it quick to reload. The extractor is massive and easy to use thanks to a spring-loaded piston. The outstanding quality of the bolt is its natural sliding action, making the action particularly smooth and quiet.
All the elements described speak in favour of the weapon and indirectly flatter Benelli for being able to introduce extremely reliable solutions into the Lupo Granite Moss, always looking at the practicality of use for the hunter, who in his hunting action is already called upon to concentrate on a series of environmental situations and on the prey.
