Bruno Civolani, an Italian engineer born in 1922, revolutionized shotgun design with his inertia-driven action in the 1960s. While not the first to develop an inertia system, as Carl Axel Theodor Sjogren of Sweden had previously worked on a similar concept, Civolani’s design significantly improved upon earlier attempts.Civolani’s fascination with firearms began in his youth, and he was inspired by Axel Sjögren’s recoil-operated shotgun.
After extensive experimentation and refinement, Civolani developed his inertia system, which used a powerful spring in the bolt frame to ensure the full cycle of the gun’s automation .Key features of Civolani’s inertia system include:
- Simplicity: Only three primary parts – bolt body, inertia spring, and rotating bolt head
- Cleanliness: No gas system means less carbon buildup and easier maintenance
- Versatility: Capable of firing various cartridge types without adjustment
Initially, Civolani struggled to find a manufacturer for his design. In 1967, the Benelli brothers, known for their motorcycle company, saw potential in Civolani’s invention and formed Benelli Armi S.p.A.
In January 1969, Benelli produced the first 150 semi-automatic 12-gauge inertia-mass shotguns. The inertia system gained popularity due to its fast cycling rate and reliability in harsh conditions. In 1986, Beretta (which had acquired Benelli in 1983) added a rotating bolt to the design, further improving its performance. The introduction of the Benelli Super Black Eagle in 1992 solidified the inertia system’s place in the shotgun market. Today, Civolani’s inertia system is widely used in high-quality shotguns produced in Italy by Beretta-owned Benelli, Franchi and Stoeger as well as shotguns manufactured in Italy and Turkey.
# # #
