Description
The Benelli Super Black Eagle II in 12 Gauge, configured with a 24-inch barrel and dressed in Realtree APG with a Comfortech stock, is a tool built for the demands of waterfowl hunting and upland pursuits across the United States. For the hunter who needs a reliable, fast-handling shotgun that can cycle everything from 2¾-inch target loads to punishing 3½-inch magnums, this model offers a specific balance of maneuverability and proven inertia-driven action. Whether you are working flooded timber in Arkansas, chasing pheasants through South Dakota cornfields, or setting decoys on a coastal marsh, this shotgun is engineered to perform without excessive weight or complexity.
Product Overview and Intended User
This Benelli SBE II is a semi-automatic shotgun designed for the serious waterfowler and upland hunter who values reliability in adverse conditions. It is not a general-purpose home defense or range toy; its primary purpose is to put game in the bag, season after season. The 24-inch barrel makes it exceptionally quick to swing through heavy cover, while the Realtree APG camouflage finish provides effective concealment in wetland and agricultural environments. This model is well-suited for the experienced hunter who understands that a shorter barrel demands disciplined mounting, but rewards with faster target acquisition. Collectors will also appreciate the specific configuration of the adjustable rifle sight, a feature often preferred for shooting heavy payloads at longer ranges or with slugs.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Action: Semi-Automatic, Inertia-Operated
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 45.5 inches
- Chamber: 3½ inches (accepts 2¾-inch, 3-inch, and 3½-inch shells)
- Magazine Capacity: 3+1 (with 3½-inch shells; capacity varies with shorter shells)
- Stock: Realtree APG Comfortech with recoil reduction system
- Finish: Realtree APG (Advantage Pattern) camouflage on receiver, barrel, and forend
- Sights: Adjustable rifle sight (rear) with a red bar front sight
- Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
- Choke System: Crio system with interchangeable chokes (C, M, F typically included)
- Receiver Material: Lightweight aluminum alloy
- Length of Pull: 14.375 inches
Feature Deep-Dive
The heart of this shotgun is Benelli’s Inertia Driven system, which uses the gun’s recoil to cycle the action. Unlike gas-operated designs, this system has fewer moving parts, no gas pistons, and no O-rings to clean or replace. This means the SBE II will function reliably in freezing temperatures, dusty fields, and muddy marsh conditions where gas guns might falter. The inertia system also keeps the receiver cleaner, as combustion gases are not redirected into the action. This design contributes directly to the gun’s reputation for long-term durability and low maintenance, a significant advantage for hunters who spend long days in the field without access to cleaning kits.
The 24-inch barrel is a deliberate choice for the hunter who prioritizes maneuverability. In a layout blind, a dense cattail slough, or while navigating thick alder runs, the shorter barrel reduces the chance of snagging and allows for faster target acquisition on crossing birds. The trade-off is a slightly shorter sight plane, but the included adjustable rifle sight helps compensate for precision shooting with slugs or heavy loads. The red bar front sight provides a clear, quick sight picture even in low-light conditions at dawn or dusk. This barrel length also reduces overall weight, making the gun feel livelier in the hands during a long day of walking.
The Comfortech stock system is a key feature that reduces perceived recoil without adding weight. The stock has a chevron-patterned recoil pad and a unique internal design that allows the stock to flex slightly under recoil, spreading the impulse over a longer period. This is particularly noticeable when shooting 3½-inch magnum loads, which can be punishing in lighter shotguns. The Realtree APG camouflage pattern is not just cosmetic; it is a proven pattern for breaking up the shotgun’s outline in a variety of wetland and agricultural settings. The stock also features a shim system that allows the shooter to adjust drop and cast, enabling a custom fit for different body types and shooting styles.
The receiver is machined from a lightweight aluminum alloy, which keeps the overall weight down to approximately 7.2 pounds. This is a significant advantage for the hunter who carries the gun all day, as every ounce saved reduces fatigue. Despite the light weight, the receiver is durable and corrosion-resistant, finished with the same Realtree APG pattern as the barrel and stock. The bolt is chrome-lined for smooth operation and easy cleaning, and the rotating bolt head locks securely into the barrel extension, a design that contributes to the gun’s reliability and accuracy. The magazine tube is also coated for corrosion resistance, a detail that matters in saltwater marsh environments.
The Crio barrel and choke system are engineered for consistent patterns. The barrel is cryogenically treated during manufacturing, which relieves internal stresses and creates a smoother bore surface. This results in more uniform shot patterns and less pellet deformation. The Crio chokes are also treated and feature a longer taper for a gradual constriction, further improving pattern density. This system allows the hunter to fine-tune the gun’s performance for different game birds and ranges, from close-flushing woodcock to high-flying geese. The adjustable rifle sight on this model adds flexibility for hunters who use slugs for deer or for precise shots on crippled birds, a feature not found on all SBE II configurations.
Ideal Use Cases
This shotgun is purpose-built for waterfowl hunting, including ducks and geese over decoys, pass shooting, and jump shooting. The 24-inch barrel and Realtree APG finish make it an excellent choice for marsh and field hunting where concealment and quick handling are critical. It is also well-suited for upland bird hunting, particularly in heavy cover where a shorter barrel prevents snagging. The adjustable rifle sight allows for use with slugs, making it a viable option for deer hunting in states that allow shotguns. While it can be used for turkey hunting, the 24-inch barrel and rifle sight may be less ideal than a dedicated turkey gun with a longer barrel and full choke. This is not a recommended choice for home defense, as the 3½-inch chamber and lightweight design produce significant recoil with defensive loads, and the manual of arms is designed for hunting, not tactical scenarios.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: This shotgun cycles 2¾-inch, 3-inch, and 3½-inch 12-gauge shells. It will reliably function with high-brass hunting loads and target loads above 1,200 fps. Light target loads (under 1,200 fps) may not cycle the inertia system dependably, especially in cold weather. Use of steel shot is permitted through Crio chokes marked for steel.
- Chokes: Uses Benelli Crio choke tubes. These are specific to Benelli Crio barrels and are not interchangeable with standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes. Replacement chokes from Carlson’s or Briley are available in Crio thread pattern.
- Sights: The adjustable rifle sight is factory-installed. Aftermarket fiber optic or ghost ring sights may require gunsmith fitting.
- Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts (Benelli specific or Picatinny rail). Magazine tube extensions are available from aftermarket manufacturers, but be aware of capacity limits for waterfowl hunting (federal limit is 3 shells total in the gun for migratory birds).
- Holsters/Slings: A standard 1-inch sling swivel stud is installed on the stock. A forend swivel stud is not standard but can be added. No holster is applicable for this firearm.
FAQ
1. Can this shotgun be shipped directly to my home?
No. As a licensed FFL dealer, we can only ship this firearm to a federal firearms licensee (FFL holder) in your state. After your purchase, you will need to provide the contact information for the FFL dealer who will process the transfer. We will ship the firearm to them, and you will complete the ATF Form 4473 and a background check at that location before taking possession.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work for this shotgun?
After you place your order, we will contact you to obtain your chosen FFL dealer’s license information. You must confirm that the dealer is willing to accept the transfer. We ship via a common carrier (UPS or FedEx) with adult signature required. The receiving FFL dealer will charge a transfer fee, which is separate from our purchase price. You should contact your local FFL before purchasing to confirm their fees and willingness to accept transfers.
3. What ammunition is compatible with this Benelli SBE II?
This shotgun is chambered for 12-gauge shells up to 3½ inches. It will fire 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells as well. For reliable cycling with the inertia system, we recommend shells with a velocity of at least 1,200 feet per second. Light target loads below this velocity may fail to cycle. Steel shot, bismuth, and tungsten-based non-toxic shot are safe to use through Crio chokes marked for steel. Always verify that your choke is rated for the shot type you intend to use.
4. What warranty covers this Benelli shotgun?
Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is non-transferable. It covers the firearm for its usable life, but does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. For warranty service, you must contact Benelli USA directly. We recommend retaining your purchase receipt as proof of ownership.
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final. Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, we do not accept returns on firearms for change of mind or cosmetic preference. If your firearm arrives with a manufacturer defect or is not as described, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with you and Benelli to resolve the issue under warranty. We cannot accept returns for ammunition, magazines, or accessories once opened. Please inspect your firearm at your FFL before accepting the transfer.
Closing Call to Action
This Benelli Super Black Eagle II 12 Gauge with 24-inch barrel and Realtree APG finish is available now for purchase and can be shipped to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. We stock this model and are ready to process your order. If you have any questions about the configuration or the transfer process, contact our team. Add
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