Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 12 Ga, 26″ Barrel,” Mossy Oak Bottomland

Description

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 in 12 gauge, configured with a 26-inch barrel and finished in Mossy Oak Bottomland, is a semi-automatic shotgun designed for serious waterfowl hunters and upland bird enthusiasts across the United States. Whether you are working flooded timber in Arkansas, chasing pheasants across the Dakotas, or setting decoys on the Chesapeake Bay, this firearm offers the reliability and handling required for extended days in the field. As a licensed FFL retailer, we provide this model to customers who need a proven platform for demanding hunting conditions, backed by Benelli’s reputation for robust engineering.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE3) is a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun that builds on the legacy of the original Super Black Eagle series. It is specifically designed for hunters who require a shotgun that cycles a wide range of 12-gauge loads, from light target shells to heavy 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl loads, without manual adjustment. This model is intended for experienced waterfowl hunters, turkey hunters, and upland bird hunters who prioritize reliability in wet, muddy, or cold conditions. It is also suitable for sport shooters who participate in clay games like skeet or trap, though its primary focus remains field use. Collectors will appreciate the Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage finish, which is a classic pattern for marsh and woodland environments.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (accepts 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells)
• Barrel Length: 26 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 49 inches (depending on choke tube installation)
• Weight: Approximately 6.7 pounds (unloaded, with 26-inch barrel)
• Magazine Capacity: 3+1 (with 3-inch shells; 2+1 with 3.5-inch shells; plug included for migratory bird compliance)
• Finish: Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage on receiver, barrel, and forend
• Stock: Synthetic with Recoil Reduction System and shim-adjustable drop and cast
• Sights: Red bar front sight with fiber optic insert; no rear sight
• Choke System: Benelli Crio system with Crio Chokes (F, IM, M, IC, C included)
• Action: Inertia-driven system (Benelli Inertia Driven)
• Receiver: Lightweight aluminum alloy with anodized finish
• Safety: Cross-bolt type, reversible for left-handed shooters
• Length of Pull: Adjustable from 13.75 inches to 14.5 inches via included shims

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli SBE3’s inertia-driven operating system is a key differentiator from gas-operated shotguns. This system uses the recoil energy from firing to cycle the action, which reduces the amount of fouling and debris that enters the internal mechanism. For hunters in muddy marshes or dusty fields, this means less cleaning and more reliable operation over long strings of fire. The system also allows the shotgun to remain lighter than comparable gas-operated models, which reduces fatigue during a full day of walking or wading.

The 26-inch barrel on this model provides a balance of maneuverability and swing dynamics. In dense cover or when shooting from a blind, the shorter barrel allows for quicker target acquisition and easier handling. The barrel is treated with Benelli’s Crio process, which involves cryogenic treatment of the steel to relieve stress and improve consistency. This results in tighter, more uniform shot patterns when used with the included Crio choke tubes. The barrel also features a ventilated rib with a red fiber optic front sight, which offers a clear sight picture in low-light conditions at dawn or dusk.

The Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage finish is applied to the receiver, barrel, and forend, providing effective concealment in a variety of natural settings. This pattern uses a mix of browns, tans, and dark earth tones that blend well with leaf litter, marsh grass, and tree bark. The finish is durable and resistant to scratching from brush or gear, which is important for a shotgun that sees regular field use. The synthetic stock and forend are also treated with this pattern, ensuring the entire firearm remains low-glare and non-reflective.

The stock incorporates Benelli’s Recoil Reduction System, which uses a chevron-shaped buttpad and a flexible stock design to manage felt recoil. This is particularly beneficial when shooting 3.5-inch magnum loads, as it helps keep the shooter on target for follow-up shots. The stock is also shim-adjustable for drop and cast, allowing the shooter to customize the fit for their face shape and shooting stance. The forend has a textured surface that provides a secure grip even with wet or gloved hands, which is a practical consideration for waterfowling.

The magazine tube holds up to three 3-inch shells (or two 3.5-inch shells) plus one in the chamber. A removable plug is included to reduce capacity to two shells total for migratory bird hunting, as required by federal regulations. The loading port is slightly beveled for easier shell insertion, and the bolt release button is positioned for quick access without breaking your grip. The cross-bolt safety is located at the rear of the trigger guard and can be reversed for left-handed shooters, which adds versatility for different users.

The trigger assembly is a single-stage design with a smooth, consistent pull weight of approximately 3.5 to 4 pounds. The trigger is housed in a polymer trigger guard that is durable and resistant to impact. The bolt handle is oversized for easy manipulation with gloves, and the bolt has a rotating head design that ensures positive lockup. The entire action is designed to be field-stripped without tools, making cleaning and maintenance straightforward after a day in the field.

Ideal Use Cases

• Waterfowl Hunting: The SBE3 is a standard choice for duck and goose hunters who need a reliable gun that cycles heavy loads in wet conditions. The 26-inch barrel is well-suited for blind or layout boat use, and the Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern blends with most marsh environments.
• Upland Bird Hunting: For pheasant, quail, and grouse hunters, the lightweight design and quick handling make it effective for walking fields and flushing birds. The inertia system handles light target loads reliably for practice or early-season shooting.
• Turkey Hunting: The 3.5-inch chamber allows for magnum turkey loads, and the camouflage finish aids in concealment. The red fiber optic front sight provides a clear aiming point in dim woods.
• Clay Shooting: While not a dedicated competition gun, the SBE3 can be used for recreational skeet, trap, or sporting clays. The adjustable stock and Crio choke system allow for pattern tuning to suit different clay targets.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This shotgun cycles 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells. It is designed to handle light target loads (1-1/8 oz) as well as heavy magnum loads, though some low-velocity target loads may require the use of a lighter load or a break-in period of 50-100 rounds of high-velocity shells. Steel shot, bismuth, and other non-toxic shot types are safe in the Crio barrel and chokes.
• Choke Tubes: The shotgun uses Benelli Crio choke tubes, which are specific to Benelli models with Crio barrels. Standard Benelli Mobil choke tubes are not interchangeable. Aftermarket options from Briley or Carlson’s are available in Crio thread pattern.
• Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases or red dot mounts, though most users rely on the factory fiber optic front sight. Magazine extensions are not recommended for this model, as they can affect the balance and may require modification to the barrel clamp. Sling swivel studs are pre-installed on the stock and forend.
• Holsters and Cases: A hard or soft case designed for 49-inch overall length shotguns is appropriate. No holster is required for this firearm, as it is a long gun. For storage, a silicone-treated gun sock or a lockable case is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this firearm be shipped directly to my home address in the United States?
No. Federal law requires that this shotgun be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state of residence. You must arrange with a local FFL to receive the transfer. We will ship to your chosen FFL upon receipt of their current license information. Some states may have additional restrictions on magazine capacity or barrel length, so please verify local laws before ordering.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work for this Benelli SBE3?
After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer. You can provide their name and address, or we can help you locate a nearby FFL. We then ship the shotgun to that dealer, and you complete the federal background check (Form 4473) at the dealer’s location. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from our purchase price. We do not ship to FFLs in states where we are not licensed; we will verify this before shipping.

3. What types of ammunition are safe to use in this shotgun?
This Benelli SBE3 is chambered for 12-gauge shells up to 3.5 inches. You may use 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells. Steel shot, lead shot, bismuth, and other non-toxic options are safe when using the appropriate choke constriction. For steel shot, use no tighter than modified choke (IM or tighter is not recommended). Always check the choke tube markings for steel shot compatibility.

4. What warranty coverage does Benelli provide for this model?
Benelli offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty covers the firearm for its useful life, but it does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. You must register the warranty with Benelli within 30 days of purchase. We are an authorized Benelli dealer and can assist with warranty service if needed, though we recommend contacting Benelli directly for fastest resolution.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms for change of mind or fitment issues. All firearm sales are final. If the product arrives with a manufacturing defect or is damaged in transit, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with Benelli or the shipping carrier to resolve the issue, which