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The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE3) represents the peak of semi-automatic shotgun innovation for serious hunters. Known worldwide for its reliability, precision, and rugged performance, the SBE3 continues Benelli’s legacy as a leading name in premium shotguns. Built for extreme environments — from icy marshes to muddy blinds — the SBE3 combines Benelli’s inertia-driven system, weatherproof construction, and Italian craftsmanship to deliver flawless function in any condition. For many waterfowlers, it’s not just a shotgun — it’s a trusted companion built for a lifetime of hunts.
Since its debut in the early 1990s, the original Benelli Super Black Eagle revolutionized the hunting world as the first semi-auto shotgun to handle 3½-inch magnum shells with absolute reliability. Decades later, the SBE3 refines this heritage with upgraded ergonomics, a softer recoil system, and superior fit-and-finish while retaining the legendary **Inertia-Driven System** that made it famous.
Engineered for hardcore waterfowlers, upland hunters, and turkey specialists, the Super Black Eagle 3 is available in multiple gauges and finishes — from 12 and 20 gauge to the newer 28 gauge variants. Every detail is optimized for real-world hunting performance, from the enlarged bolt handle and loading port to the Comfort Tech 3 recoil system.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12, 20, and 28 gauge options |
| Action | Inertia-Driven semi-automatic |
| Chamber | 3½″ (12-gauge); 3″ (20-gauge and 28-gauge) |
| Barrel Length | 26″ or 28″ |
| Overall Length | 47.5″ – 49.5″ |
| Weight | ~7.0 lb (depending on gauge and finish) |
| Magazine Capacity | 3+1 (standard) |
| Receiver | Drilled and tapped anodized aluminum |
| Stock | Comfort Tech 3 synthetic stock with recoil-reducing chevrons |
| Sights | Red-bar fiber optic front bead |
| Finish | Black synthetic, Mossy Oak Bottomland, GORE Optifade, Realtree Max-7, and more |
Unlike gas-operated shotguns that rely on dirty combustion gases, the SBE3 uses Benelli’s exclusive **Inertia-Driven System**, a clean, simple, and reliable mechanism that cycles shells using recoil energy. With fewer parts, less fouling, and no gas pistons to clean, the SBE3 runs clean for thousands of rounds and performs reliably in freezing rain, mud, and snow — conditions that would stop lesser shotguns in their tracks.
This innovative system offers distinct advantages:
The Comfort Tech 3 stock design uses flexible chevrons and a new Combtech cheek pad to drastically reduce felt recoil and muzzle climb. Even with heavy magnum waterfowl loads, the SBE3 remains controllable and comfortable, allowing faster follow-up shots in demanding situations.
Benelli re-engineered the loading port, shell latch, and carrier for smoother, faster reloading. The **Easy Loading System** allows quick, snag-free feeding — a major benefit in cold-weather conditions with gloves on.
The SBE3’s redesigned receiver and stock geometry improve balance and pointability, resulting in a more natural mount and swing. The shotgun’s refined ergonomics make it one of the easiest semi-autos to shoulder and shoot intuitively.
From Alaskan wetlands to coastal salt marshes, the SBE3 is built to survive harsh conditions. Available with BE.S.T. corrosion-resistant coatings and multiple camouflage finishes, it’s engineered for decades of heavy outdoor use.
Benelli’s Crio System uses deep cryogenic treatment to relieve stress and improve uniformity in the barrel steel. This technology ensures tighter, more consistent shot patterns and extends barrel life under heavy use.
The SBE3’s precision engineering produces consistent point-of-impact and even shot distribution. Crio-treated barrels and high-quality chokes deliver excellent long-range performance for waterfowl, turkey, and upland game alike.
The inertia system combined with Comfort Tech 3 results in remarkably low felt recoil. Hunters report smooth cycling and stable target reacquisition, even with powerful 3½″ magnum shells. It’s one of the few 12-gauge semi-autos that feels light, fast, and easy to control across load types.
Field-tested across extreme climates, the SBE3’s simplicity and resistance to fouling make it nearly unstoppable. Whether submerged in swamp water or frozen in a blind, it continues to operate flawlessly — earning its reputation as the go-to shotgun for professional waterfowlers.
Maintenance on the SBE3 is minimal. Remove the barrel and bolt assembly for basic cleaning after several hunts. Because it’s inertia-driven, there are no gas pistons to scrub, and carbon buildup is nearly nonexistent. Apply light oil to moving parts and store dry. Benelli’s BE.S.T. finish versions require almost no corrosion maintenance, even after exposure to saltwater or humidity.
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 is a masterpiece of engineering and one of the most reliable semi-automatic shotguns ever made. From its weatherproof design to its inertia-driven reliability, the SBE3 delivers performance that seasoned hunters depend on in the toughest environments. Whether you’re braving icy blinds or chasing geese at sunrise, the SBE3 is built to perform when it matters most — and to keep performing for generations.
Disclaimer: Always comply with local laws and safe-handling practices when purchasing or using firearms. This article is for informational purposes only.
