Gun Of The Week: Benelli Lupo HPR

Welcome to another American Rifleman “Gun Of The Week,” and on this episode, we’re taking a closer look at Benelli’s Lupo HPR, or High Precision Rifle. This version of Benelli’s recently introduced Lupo bolt-action rifle is designed for both hunting and long-range shooting, and it includes a few desirable features for shooters looking to stretch their shots. Watch the video above to see Benelli’s bolt-action rifle in use on the range.

Benelli is best known for its line of shotguns, but in 2020, the company expanded into bolt-action rifles with its Lupo. At the time, this was framed as a dedicated hunting platform, and Benelli translated much of its experience in building shotguns over to this new rifle design, such as the Progressive Comfort recoil-reduction system, Combtech cheekpad and a system of Perfect Fit shims that allow for custom cast and drop adjustments. Several years later, a dedicated precision variant of the Lupo dropped, and it includes even more upgrades.

Like the original Lupo, the HPR variant has an aluminum alloy chassis that gives this platform a unique look. The purpose of this chassis is to give the Lupo action a rigid foundation designed to promote accuracy and consistency. The original Lupo was capable of tight groups, and Benelli has gone one step further with its HPR, giving this platform a sub-m.o.a., five-shot accuracy guarantee of 0.75″ at 100 yards with factory ammunition. Part of the accuracy recipe here, of course, includes the heavy-contour, fluted, CRIO-treated barrel, which is threaded at the muzzle and comes with a substantial, three-port brake to reduce recoil. This particular model is chambered for the 6.5 mm Creedmoor cartridge and comes with a 26” barrel, but Benelli also offers the HPR in five other popular long-range calibers, each with a barrel length optimized for that chambering.

Another critical component of the Lupo HPR is its two-piece furniture setup, which is something not commonly seen these days but is essential to the Lupo’s capabilities. At the rear is a feature-rich synthetic stock that includes some modular elements to aid in not just rifle fit but also ensure a comfortable, stable shooting position. An eight-position comb is easily adjustable through a simple push-button arrangement. At the bottom end of the buttstock, there’s a removable bag rider, and the grip has an interchangeable insert that provides options that are oriented differently for hunting or target-shooting.

Weighing in at just about 9.5 lbs., the HPR is a bit hefty for field use, but considering that it’s primarily designed to be used as a target rifle, it’s well-constructed for that. We appreciated the design of the detachable, five-round box magazines, which can be easily removed and inserted, thanks to the relief cuts on either side of the aluminum chassis. The textured and well-contoured fore-end lends itself to offhand shooting when needed, and it’s worth noting that this fore-end, as well as the buttstock, offers numerous M-Lok accessory attachment points. Benelli also treats every HPR rifle with its BE.S.T. finish, which is genuinely one of the most durable firearm finishes available anywhere, and it carries a warranty against rust and corrosion for 25 years. If you’re looking for a do-it-all precision rifle that can handle harsh environments, the Benelli Lupo HPR checks all the boxes.

Benelli Lupo HPR Specifications
Manufacturer: Benelli USA
Action Type: bolt-action, repeating, centerfire rifle
Chambering: 6.5 mm Creedmoor
Barrel: 24″ hammer-forged, cryogenic-treated steel
Receiver: steel; matte BE.S.T. finish
Stock: two-piece synthetic, Progressive Comfort recoil system, fully adjustable and customizable
Sights: none; Picatinny rail
Trigger: single-stage, adjustable
Magazine: five-round detachable box
Overall Length: 46.25″
Weight: 9 lbs., 8 ozs.
MSRP: $2,949