Benelli 12616 Ethos SuperSport 12/30 AI Barrel 

The Benelli 12616 Ethos SuperSport 12/30 AI Barrel refers to the Benelli Performance Shop Ethos Supersport A.I., a high-performance semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12-gauge with a 30-inch barrel, designated by the item number 12616. This model is specifically engineered for competitive shooting and features advanced ballistic technology developed by Benelli in collaboration with Briley Manufacturing.

Advanced Impact Technology

The Advanced Impact (A.I.) system combines two key innovations:

• Revolutionary bore contours within the barrel that optimize gas dynamics and shot column behavior.

• Cryogenically treated extended choke tubes, known as A.I. Crio® chokes, which are subjected to a deep-freeze process at -300°F to enhance durability and consistency.

The shotgun comes with a comprehensive set of choke tubes:

• Five A.I. Extended Crio® chokes: Cylinder (C), Improved Cylinder (IC), Modified (M), Improved Modified (IM), and Full (F).

• Two Briley® Spectrum A.I. extended chokes: Skeet (SK) and Improved Cylinder (IC), offering specialized performance for specific shooting disciplines.

Design and Ergonomics

The Ethos Supersport A.I. features a carbon fiber stock finish and a nickel-plated receiver, giving it a sleek, modern appearance. It includes several Briley-manufactured enhancements for improved handling and recoil management:

• 6 oz weighted forend cap (red anodized), which helps balance the gun and reduce felt recoil.

• Oversized red anodized bolt handle and EZ bolt release paddle, facilitating faster and easier operation, especially under competitive conditions.

The Comfort Tech® 3 recoil reduction system is integrated into the stock, enhancing shooter comfort during extended sessions. The standard grip and right-handed configuration are standard across all configurations.

Sights and Handling

The shotgun is equipped with a red-bar front sight and a metal bead mid-barrel sight, with some sources noting a small red fiber optic front sight and a silver mid-bead on the rib. The overall length is 51.5 inches, with an average weight of 7.0 lbs, making it slightly forward-heavy due to the weighted forend cap—a characteristic that many competitive shooters prefer for smoother swing dynamics.

Key dimensions include:

• Length of Pull: 14-3/8 inches

• Drop at Heel: 2-1/4 inches

• Drop at Comb: 1-1/2 inches

• Magazine Capacity: 4+1 rounds

• Chamber: 2-3/4" and 3" shells

• Action: Semi-automatic (inertia-driven)