Benelli Super Black Eagle 3

About the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE3) is a premium semi-automatic shotgun introduced in 2017 as the third generation of Benelli's flagship waterfowl hunting platform. Chambered for 3.5-inch 12 gauge magnum shells, the SBE3 cycles 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch ammunition interchangeably without adjustment, thanks to Benelli's patented Inertia Driven operating system originally conceived by Italian engineer Bruno Civolani in 1967. The Inertia Driven system uses the energy of recoil to compress an inertia spring within the bolt body, which then drives the bolt rearward to eject the spent shell and chamber a fresh round. Because no gas is bled from the barrel, the action stays remarkably clean and cool, enabling legendary reliability in the harshest waterfowl hunting conditions including rain, mud, snow, and saltwater spray. The SBE3 features Benelli's ComforTech 3 recoil reduction system with optimized chevron-shaped inserts in the stock that flex progressively to absorb felt recoil, paired with the CombTech cheek pad that reduces facial impact and vibration. The Easy Locking bolt system uses a spring-loaded ball detent to prevent the bolt from being bumped out of battery, eliminating a common source of misfires in inertia-operated shotguns. Additional improvements include the Easy Loading system for smoother shell feeding, an oversized bolt handle and safety button sized for gloved hands, and Crio-treated barrel and choke tubes for tighter, more consistent patterns. Five cryogenically treated choke tubes are included: full, improved modified, modified, improved cylinder, and cylinder. Available with 26-inch or 28-inch barrels in a variety of finishes including black synthetic, Realtree Max-5, Mossy Oak Bottomland, and Gore Optifade Timber.

The original Benelli Super Black Eagle, introduced in 1992, was the first semi-automatic shotgun capable of reliably cycling 3.5-inch magnum shells. It launched one year after the federal ban on lead shot for waterfowling took effect in the United States, perfectly timed to help hunters transition to heavier steel loads that demanded larger payloads. The Inertia Driven system at the heart of every SBE was conceived by Italian engineer Bruno Civolani in 1967 and has proven so reliable that Benelli shotguns have been known to fire over 500,000 rounds without a single mechanical failure.

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 specifications

The SBE3's 3+1 magazine capacity is standard from the factory; some jurisdictions and hunting regulations require further capacity restrictions. The shim kit included with the shotgun allows adjustment of stock drop and cast to fit a wide range of shooters. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope or red dot sight mounting. The SBE3 was later expanded beyond the original 3.5-inch 12-gauge model to include 3-inch 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 28-gauge variants (2021 onward). The BE.S.T. (Benelli Surface Treatment) variants feature a proprietary coating that carries a 25-year warranty against rust and corrosion. The A.I. (Advanced Impact) barrel system, introduced on later models, pushes shot faster for tighter patterns and increased velocity at range. The original Super Black Eagle was introduced in 1992 as the first 3.5-inch semi-automatic shotgun; the SBE II followed in 2003 with the Crio barrel system and ComforTech recoil pad.