Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 – Optifade Marsh – Montreal Skeet Club

Description

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 in Optifade Marsh finish, 12-gauge with a 28-inch barrel and 3.5-inch chamber, delivers reliable cycling for waterfowl hunters and clay shooters. This model, the Montreal Skeet Club edition, brings a specific configuration suited for the demands of high-volume shooting over decoys or on the skeet field. For shooters across the United States who require a semi-automatic shotgun that cycles consistently in adverse conditions, this platform offers a proven operating system with a durable, low-glare finish.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE 3) is a semi-automatic shotgun designed around Benelli’s inertia-driven operating system. This specific variant, finished in Optifade Marsh and marked as the Montreal Skeet Club edition, is built for waterfowl hunters who spend long hours in marshes, fields, and flooded timber, as well as clay target shooters who fire hundreds of rounds per session. The 12-gauge chambering with a 3.5-inch chamber allows it to handle everything from light target loads to heavy magnum waterfowl shells. This is not a home defense or concealed carry firearm; it is a dedicated field and range shotgun for those who prioritize fast handling, reduced recoil, and reliable cycling in dirty or wet conditions. Collectors may also find interest in the limited-edition Montreal Skeet Club markings, which add a distinct aesthetic to a proven workhorse.

Key Specifications

• Gauge: 12-gauge
• Chamber: 3.5-inch, accepts 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 49.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
• Finish: Optifade Marsh camouflage pattern on synthetic stock and forend; matte black receiver with Crio-treated barrel
• Sights: Red bar front sight with fiber optic insert; mid-bead sight
• Chokes: Crio system with five extended Crio chokes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Cylinder, and Skeet)
• Stock: Comfort Tech 3 recoil reduction system with interchangeable shims for drop and cast adjustment
• Magazine Capacity: 3+1 (plugged for migratory bird hunting compliance; unplugged capacity varies by state)
• Operating System: Inertia-driven with rotating bolt head
• Receiver: Aluminum alloy with anodized matte black finish
• Safety: Cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli SBE 3’s inertia-driven system is a key differentiator from gas-operated shotguns. This design uses the recoil energy from each shot to cycle the action, which means fewer moving parts and no gas ports to clog with powder residue or debris. For waterfowl hunters who frequently operate in muddy, wet, or freezing conditions, this reduces the likelihood of malfunctions caused by fouling or moisture. The system also allows for easier field stripping and cleaning, as the barrel and bolt assembly come apart without tools in most cases.

The Comfort Tech 3 stock system is engineered to reduce perceived recoil without adding significant weight. The stock uses a chevron-shaped recoil pad and a flexible stock design that absorbs energy before it reaches the shooter’s shoulder. This is particularly beneficial during high-volume shooting sessions, such as dove hunts or skeet rounds, where cumulative recoil can affect accuracy and shooter fatigue. The stock also includes an adjustable comb and length-of-pull spacers, allowing shooters to tailor the fit to their body and shooting style.

The barrel features Benelli’s Crio treatment, a cryogenic process that relieves internal stresses in the steel for a more consistent bore surface. This treatment is intended to improve pattern density and reduce shot deformation, which can lead to tighter, more uniform patterns at typical waterfowl and target distances. The Crio chokes included with the shotgun are also cryogenically treated and extend beyond the muzzle, making them easier to swap in the field without a choke tool.

The Optifade Marsh finish is a multi-component camouflage pattern designed to break up the shotgun’s outline in marshy, grassy, and open-water environments. Unlike glossy or solid-color finishes, this pattern uses vertical and horizontal elements to blend with reeds, cattails, and cattail shadows. The finish is applied to the synthetic stock and forend, which are also textured for grip in wet conditions. The receiver retains a matte black anodized finish, which reduces glare and resists scratches from brush and gear.

The Montreal Skeet Club edition branding is a limited production run that adds a subtle, engraved-style marking on the receiver. This does not alter the function of the shotgun but offers a distinct appearance for shooters who appreciate club-specific or commemorative models. The 28-inch barrel length is a versatile choice, balancing swing speed for crossing targets with sufficient sight radius for longer-range shots on the skeet field or in the duck blind.

Reliability with a wide range of ammunition is a hallmark of the SBE 3 platform. The inertia system does not require adjustment for different shell loads, and the rotating bolt head provides a secure lockup with high-pressure magnum loads. The shotgun cycles 2.75-inch target loads reliably after a short break-in period of approximately 100 rounds, and it handles 3-inch and 3.5-inch waterfowl loads without issue. The magazine tube is designed for easy loading and unloading, with a bolt release button located at the rear of the receiver for quick access.

Ideal Use Cases

This shotgun is primarily suited for waterfowl hunting, including ducks, geese, and other migratory birds, where the 3.5-inch chamber allows for heavy payloads and the Optifade Marsh finish provides concealment in wetland environments. It is also well-suited for clay target sports such as skeet, trap, and sporting clays, particularly for shooters who prefer a single shotgun for both hunting and recreational shooting. The 28-inch barrel and adjustable stock make it a reasonable choice for upland game hunting, such as pheasant or quail, where quick mounting and swing are important. This model is not intended for home defense, concealed carry, or tactical applications due to its barrel length and overall size.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: Accepts 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch 12-gauge shells. Light target loads under 1 ounce may require a break-in period of 100-150 rounds for consistent cycling. Steel shot, bismuth, and other non-toxic shot types are safe for use with the Crio barrel and chokes.
• Chokes: Uses Benelli Crio or Crio Plus choke tubes. Standard Benelli Mobil choke tubes are not compatible. Five extended Crio chokes are included; additional Crio chokes are available from Benelli and aftermarket manufacturers.
• Magazines and Extensions: The factory magazine tube holds 3 rounds. Aftermarket magazine extensions are available from Nordic Components, Briley, and other manufacturers, but must be installed by a qualified gunsmith to maintain reliable feeding. Note that magazine extensions may not be legal for migratory bird hunting in all states.
• Holsters and Slings: This shotgun does not use a holster. Sling swivel studs are included on the stock and forend for attaching a standard hunting sling. Uncle Mike’s, Butler Creek, and other QD-style sling swivels are compatible.
• Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or red dot sights. Benelli-specific rail mounts are available from Benelli Parts, Aimpoint, and Leupold. The stock accepts Benelli’s standard recoil pad and shim kits for further fit adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this shotgun be shipped to my address in the United States?
A: Yes, we ship to all 50 states, but we only ship firearms to licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers. We do not ship directly to residential addresses. After your order is placed, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer’s information. Please ensure your FFL is willing to accept the transfer and comply with all state and local laws.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work for this Benelli shotgun?
A: After you place your order, you will need to provide us with the name, address, and contact information of a licensed FFL dealer in your area. We will verify the dealer’s license and ship the shotgun to them via a common carrier. You will then complete the ATF Form 4473 and any required state background check at the dealer’s location before taking possession. There may be a transfer fee charged by the receiving FFL, which is separate from our purchase price.

Q: What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun, and are there any restrictions?
A: This 12-gauge shotgun is compatible with 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells. It is designed to cycle a wide range of loads, from light target loads to heavy magnum waterfowl loads. For optimal reliability, we recommend using factory-loaded ammunition from reputable manufacturers. Reloaded or hand-loaded ammunition may not cycle reliably and is not covered under warranty. Some ranges and hunting areas may restrict the use of steel shot or require non-toxic shot; the Crio barrel and chokes are safe for steel, bismuth, and tungsten-based shot.

Q: What warranty does Benelli provide with this shotgun, and how do I make a claim?
A: Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, misuse, or damage from improper maintenance. To make a claim, contact Benelli USA customer service at 1-301-283-6981 or visit their website for a return authorization. We also offer a 30-day return policy for defects in manufacturing, provided the shotgun has not been fired or modified. Please contact us within 30 days of delivery for any issues.

Q: What is your return policy for this firearm if I change my mind?
A: Due to federal regulations and safety considerations, we do not accept returns on firearms for reasons of buyer’s remorse or change of mind. If the shotgun arrives with a manufacturing defect or is not in the condition described, we will work with you to arrange a replacement or refund after inspection. All returns must be shipped back to us by a licensed FFL dealer, and the cost of return shipping and any transfer fees are the responsibility of the buyer unless the defect was present at the time of delivery.

Closing Call to Action

This Benelli Super Black