BENELLI SUPER BLACK EAGLE 3 12/28 (TIMBER COMF) – Armory Ranges

Description

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 stands as a proven semi-automatic shotgun for hunters and shooters across the United States, engineered to handle the demands of waterfowl, upland game, and turkey seasons. This 12-gauge model, featuring a 28-inch barrel and the distinctive Timber Comfortech stock, provides reliable cycling with 2¾-inch to 3-inch shells, making it a practical choice for those who need a versatile shotgun for varied field conditions. Whether you are working a flooded timber stand in Arkansas or walking a pheasant field in South Dakota, this firearm offers consistent performance that has earned trust among American hunters.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE 3) is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, designed primarily for hunting applications. It is built for the hunter who requires a dependable firearm that cycles a wide range of loads, from light target loads to heavy magnum shells, without manual adjustment. This model is also suitable for sport shooters who participate in clay games or informal range practice, as its recoil mitigation system reduces felt recoil during extended sessions. Collectors and firearm enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering legacy of the Super Black Eagle line, which has been a staple in Benelli’s lineup since the 1990s, though this model is intended as a working tool rather than a safe queen. It is not tailored for home defense or concealed carry due to its barrel length and overall size, but it excels in its primary role as a hunting shotgun.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (2¾-inch and 3-inch chambers)
• Capacity: 3+1 rounds (plugged for migratory bird hunting compliance; unplugged capacity may vary by state regulations)
• Barrel Length: 28 inches, with a ventilated rib and red bar front sight
• Overall Length: Approximately 49.5 inches
• Weight: 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
• Finish: Timber Comfortech stock with Realtree Timber camo pattern on stock and forend; matte black metal receiver and barrel
• Stock: Comfortech system with chevron recoil pads and adjustable drop and cast via shim kit
• Choke System: Benelli Crio system with interchangeable choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F – typically included)
• Sights: Red bar front sight on ventilated rib; drilled and tapped for scope mount
• Action: Inertia-driven system (Benelli’s Inertia Driven system)
• Safety: Cross-bolt trigger safety with reversible button for left-handed shooters

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 incorporates the company’s third-generation Inertia Driven system, which uses the shotgun’s recoil energy to cycle the action. This design eliminates the need for gas ports or pistons, reducing fouling and maintenance requirements compared to gas-operated shotguns. The system is self-regulating, meaning it will cycle light target loads and heavy 3-inch magnums without requiring adjustments to a gas valve, which simplifies operation in the field. This reliability is particularly beneficial during cold weather hunts when gas systems can be prone to sluggish performance due to residue buildup or freezing conditions.

The Timber Comfortech stock is a distinguishing feature of this model, combining a Realtree Timber camo pattern with Benelli’s proprietary recoil reduction system. The stock incorporates chevron-shaped, shock-absorbing pads that compress under recoil, spreading the impulse over a longer duration to reduce felt recoil by up to 48% compared to standard stocks. This allows shooters to maintain faster follow-up shots with less fatigue, which is advantageous when targeting fast-moving waterfowl or flushing upland birds. The stock also includes a shim kit that allows adjustment of drop at comb and cast, enabling a custom fit for different shooters’ body types and shooting styles.

The barrel features Benelli’s Crio system, a cryogenic treatment process that relieves stress in the steel and provides a consistently smooth bore surface. This treatment is applied to both the barrel and the included choke tubes, promoting tighter, more consistent shot patterns. The 28-inch barrel length strikes a balance between swing speed and sight radius, making it suitable for both pass-shooting waterfowl and close-quarters woodcock hunting. The ventilated rib reduces mirage effects on hot days and provides a flat sighting plane, while the red bar front sight offers quick target acquisition in low-light conditions common at dawn and dusk.

Durability is addressed through the receiver’s construction, which uses a lightweight aluminum alloy that is anodized for corrosion resistance. The bolt and carrier are made from steel with a nickel-Teflon coating, which reduces friction and helps prevent rust in humid environments. The extractor is a rotating-head design that provides positive shell extraction, even with high-pressure loads. All internal components are designed for long service life, with minimal wear points compared to other semi-automatic designs, which reduces the frequency of replacement parts.

The loading and unloading process has been refined on the SBE 3 with a larger bolt release button and a contoured loading port that allows for faster reloading. The cross-bolt safety is reversible for left-handed users, and the trigger guard is oversized to accommodate gloved fingers. The magazine tube is constructed from steel and holds up to three 2¾-inch shells, though it is shipped with a plug for compliance with federal migratory bird regulations (the plug can be removed for non-waterfowl use, where legal). The shotgun also includes a sling swivel stud set, allowing for easy attachment of a carrying sling for long days in the field.

Field stripping the SBE 3 is straightforward, requiring no tools for basic cleaning. The barrel is removed by unscrewing the magazine cap and pulling the barrel forward, while the bolt assembly can be taken down by rotating and removing the retaining pin. This simplifies cleaning after a day of hunting in wet or muddy conditions. The inertia system also means there are fewer small parts to lose compared to gas guns, which is a practical advantage for hunters who prefer to maintain their own firearms.

Ideal Use Cases

This shotgun is purpose-built for hunting, particularly waterfowl and upland game. The 28-inch barrel and 3-inch chamber allow it to handle steel shot, bismuth, and lead loads for ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, and grouse. The Timber camo pattern helps it blend into wooded or marsh environments, reducing glare and reflection. It is also suitable for turkey hunting with the appropriate choke and shot selection, as the recoil reduction aids in maintaining sight picture for follow-up shots. While not optimized for home defense or concealed carry, it can serve as a range gun for recreational clay shooting or informal target practice, though dedicated competition shooters may prefer a model with a longer barrel or adjustable stock.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: The SBE 3 cycles 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells reliably. It is compatible with lead, steel, bismuth, tungsten, and other non-toxic shot types. Light target loads (1 oz or 1⅛ oz) may require a break-in period of 50-100 rounds of heavier loads before cycling consistently. Do not use 3½-inch shells, as this model is chambered for 3-inch only.
• Chokes: Uses Benelli Crio choke tubes (standard length). Aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s, Patternmaster, or Briley are compatible if they are designed for the Benelli Crio thread pattern.
• Holsters: Not applicable for this firearm type.
• Magazines: The magazine tube is fixed; no aftermarket extended magazines are recommended without verifying compliance with local laws.
• Accessories: Compatible with Benelli-branded slings, scope mounts (drilled and tapped receiver), and buttstock shell carriers. Aftermarket recoil pads may be available but should be fitted by a gunsmith.

FAQ

Q: Does this shotgun ship to all U.S. states?
A: We ship to all states where the purchase and possession of a 12-gauge shotgun are legal. Some states, such as California, New York, and Illinois, have additional restrictions on magazine capacity or firearm features. It is your responsibility to verify local laws before ordering. We will not ship to addresses in restricted jurisdictions.

Q: What is the FFL transfer process for this firearm?
A: After placing your order, you will need to provide the name and contact information of a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your area who will receive the shotgun. We ship to that FFL dealer, who will then process the transfer to you after you complete the required background check (NICS or state equivalent). You must contact your chosen FFL beforehand to confirm they accept transfers from online retailers. We do not ship to home addresses.

Q: Is this shotgun compatible with steel shot?
A: Yes, the Benelli SBE 3 is designed to handle steel shot loads, as well as other non-toxic shot types. The barrel and choke tubes are rated for steel shot, but we recommend using choke constrictions no tighter than modified for steel shot to avoid barrel damage. Always check the choke tube markings for steel shot compatibility.

Q: What is the warranty on this Benelli shotgun?
A: Benelli USA offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the firearm for its service life, but does not cover normal wear and tear, misuse, or modifications. To make a warranty claim, you must contact Benelli USA directly with proof of purchase from an authorized dealer. We are an authorized Benelli dealer and can assist with warranty service coordination.

Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations, all firearm sales are final once the transfer has been initiated by your FFL. If a firearm arrives with a manufacturer defect, we will work with you and Benelli to resolve the issue under warranty. If you cancel an order before it ships, a 3% restocking fee applies. We do not accept returns for firearms that have been transferred or used. Please inspect the shotgun at your FFL before completing the transfer.

Closing CTA

This Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 12/28 in Timber Comfortech is available for order now and ships to your chosen FFL dealer across the United States. As a licensed firearms retailer, we ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations for a smooth transfer process. Add this shotgun to your cart to secure a reliable hunting companion for the seasons ahead.