Description
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 in 12-gauge with a 28-inch barrel, Timber Camo finish, and Tungsten Cerakote accents delivers reliable semi-auto performance for waterfowl and upland hunters. For hunters across the United States who face varying weather conditions and demanding shot strings, this shotgun offers a proven operating system that cycles a wide range of loads. Whether you are working flooded timber in Arkansas or chasing pheasants across the Dakota plains, the Super Black Eagle 3 provides consistent performance where it matters most.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE 3) is a semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12-gauge with a 3.5-inch chamber, designed primarily for waterfowl and upland bird hunting. This specific model features a 28-inch barrel, a Timber Camo finish, and Tungsten Cerakote accents on the receiver and barrel components. It is intended for hunters who require a durable, weather-resistant firearm capable of handling heavy magnum loads as well as lighter target loads. While not marketed as a tactical or home-defense shotgun, its reliable cycling and recoil-reducing design make it suitable for clay target practice and range use. Collectors and enthusiasts will appreciate the fit and finish of the Timber Camo and Cerakote combination, which adds corrosion resistance and visual appeal.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 12-gauge
- Chamber: 3.5 inches (accepts 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells)
- Barrel Length: 28 inches
- Overall Length: 49.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
- Capacity: 3+1 (with 3-inch shells; 2+1 with 3.5-inch shells, depending on magazine plug)
- Finish: Timber Camo (hydro-dipped) on stock and forend; Tungsten Cerakote on receiver, barrel, and magazine cap
- Stock: Comfortech 3 recoil-reducing stock with adjustable comb and shim system
- Sights: Red bar front sight; metal bead mid-sight
- Chokes: Includes Crio Crio chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) in a hard case
- Action: Inertia-driven semi-automatic
- Receiver: Aluminum alloy with anodized finish under Cerakote
- Length of Pull: 14.375 inches (adjustable via shims)
Feature Deep-Dive
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 builds on the legacy of its predecessors with several refinements that improve handling and reliability. The Comfortech 3 stock system uses a chevron-shaped recoil pad and a gel insert to reduce perceived recoil, which is especially beneficial when shooting heavy 3.5-inch loads. The stock also features an adjustable comb and shim system, allowing the shooter to customize drop and cast for a consistent cheek weld. This adjustability is valuable for hunters who use different clothing layers or shooting positions across seasons.
The inertia-driven operating system is a hallmark of Benelli shotguns, and the SBE 3 improves upon it with a redesigned bolt and carrier assembly. The bolt head features a rotating locking lug that engages the barrel extension, and the inertia spring has been tuned to cycle a broader range of ammunition. This includes light 2.75-inch target loads, which can be problematic for some gas-operated guns. The system also remains cleaner than gas-operated designs, as combustion gases do not enter the action, reducing fouling and maintenance requirements.
The Timber Camo finish is applied using a hydrographic process that provides a natural woodland pattern, suitable for timber, marsh, and field environments. The Tungsten Cerakote accents on the receiver, barrel, and magazine cap offer additional corrosion and wear resistance, particularly in saltwater or humid conditions common in coastal waterfowl hunting. Cerakote also reduces glare, which can be advantageous when birds are wary of reflective surfaces.
The 28-inch barrel with Crio chokes provides a balance between swing speed and sight radius. The Crio system uses a cryogenically treated barrel and choke tubes, which Benelli states improves pattern consistency by relieving stress in the metal. The included set of five chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) covers most hunting scenarios, from close-range wood ducks to longer-range geese. The barrel is also back-bored to reduce recoil and improve shot pattern uniformity.
Ergonomics have been updated with a larger bolt handle and a more pronounced bolt release button, making operation easier with gloved hands. The trigger guard is oversized to accommodate gloves, and the safety is a cross-bolt design located at the rear of the trigger guard. The magazine tube holds up to three 3-inch shells, but a plug is included for compliance with migratory bird regulations. The gun disassembles without tools for cleaning, with a simple push-pin system securing the forend.
The receiver is machined from aluminum alloy to keep weight down, and the barrel is steel with a matte Cerakote finish. The overall weight of 7.2 pounds makes the SBE 3 manageable for a full day in the field without being too light to handle heavy loads. The balance point is just forward of the receiver, aiding in smooth swinging for crossing shots. These features combine to make the SBE 3 a dependable tool for hunters who need a shotgun that performs in varied and demanding conditions.
Ideal Use Cases
- Waterfowl Hunting: The 3.5-inch chamber, Timber Camo finish, and corrosion-resistant Cerakote make this shotgun well-suited for duck and goose hunting in marshes, fields, and flooded timber.
- Upland Bird Hunting: The 28-inch barrel and adjustable stock allow for quick mounting and accurate shooting at pheasants, grouse, quail, and other upland species.
- Clay Target Practice: The ability to cycle light target loads and the included choke set make this a viable option for sporting clays, trap, and skeet.
- Range Use: Recoil reduction and adjustable stock make it comfortable for extended range sessions, though it is not designed for competition-specific disciplines.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: The SBE 3 cycles 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells. It handles light target loads (1 oz. at 1200 fps) reliably after a short break-in period, though heavier loads are recommended for the first 50 rounds. Steel shot, bismuth, and lead loads are all acceptable, provided they meet SAAMI specifications.
- Holsters: This is a full-size shotgun; no holster is applicable. A sling (not included) can be attached via the included sling swivel studs.
- Magazines and Accessories: The magazine tube is fixed and not designed for aftermarket extensions. Benelli offers a range of accessories including replacement chokes, shim kits, and recoil pads. The SBE 3 is compatible with most aftermarket stocks and forends designed for the Super Black Eagle platform, though fitment should be verified.
- Choke Tubes: Uses Benelli Crio chokes. Aftermarket chokes from Briley, Carlson’s, and others are available in Crio thread pattern. Do not use standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes, as the threading is different.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you ship this shotgun to my address in the United States?
We ship to licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers only. We cannot ship directly to a residence. Once your order is placed, we will require your chosen FFL dealer’s contact information and a copy of their license. We will verify the license and ship the firearm via a common carrier. You will need to complete a background check and Form 4473 at the receiving dealer before taking possession.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After placing your order, provide us with the name, address, and phone number of the FFL dealer where you want the firearm shipped. We will contact the dealer to confirm they are willing to accept the transfer. Once confirmed, we ship the firearm to that dealer. The dealer will then contact you to arrange pickup, at which point you will complete a background check and any applicable state paperwork. Transfer fees vary by dealer and are not included in our price.
3. What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 is chambered for 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch 12-gauge shells. It is designed to handle lead, steel, bismuth, and tungsten-based shot. For best reliability, we recommend using loads with a minimum velocity of 1200 fps for the first 50 rounds. After break-in, lighter target loads (down to 1 oz. at 1180 fps) typically cycle without issue. Do not use non-SAAMI spec ammunition or reloads that exceed pressure limits.
4. What warranty does Benelli provide?
Benelli USA offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is non-transferable. It does not cover normal wear and tear, modifications, or damage from improper maintenance. If you experience a defect, contact Benelli USA customer service with proof of purchase. We recommend registering your firearm on Benelli’s website after purchase.
5. What is your return policy for this firearm?
Due to federal regulations on firearms, all sales are final once the firearm has been transferred to your FFL dealer. If the firearm arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage from shipping, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will assist with a replacement or repair through Benelli’s warranty process. We cannot accept returns for change of mind or fitment issues. Please inspect the firearm at your dealer before completing the 4473.
Shipping and Ordering
This Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 is available for purchase and ships to all U.S. states where legal, subject to state and local laws. We only ship to licensed FFL dealers. After your order is placed, our team will coordinate with your chosen dealer to ensure a smooth transfer. We do not charge sales tax outside of our home state, and shipping costs are calculated at checkout. For questions about availability or lead times, contact our customer service team. Order now to add this reliable semi-auto shotgun to your collection.
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