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Description

When you’re working a field edge for pheasants or squaring up on a clay bird at your local range, the equipment you carry needs to function without hesitation. The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 in 12 gauge, fitted with a 28-inch barrel and Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage, is a tool built for those specific moments. This is a semi-automatic shotgun that American hunters and sport shooters have relied on through varied seasons and conditions, from the frozen marshes of the Midwest to the dry upland covers of the West.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE 3) is a gas-less, inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12 gauge. It is designed for shooters who need a reliable firearm for waterfowl, upland birds, turkey hunting, and clay target sports. While the platform is robust enough for home defense, its primary design focus is on field use where weight, swing, and durability matter. This particular model, with the 28-inch barrel and Mossy Oak Bottomland finish, is best suited for hunters who spend long days in variable terrain and target shooters who value a fast-handling shotgun that cycles a wide range of loads. Collectors will also appreciate the SBE 3’s position as a refined evolution of Benelli’s flagship semi-auto line.

Key Specifications

• Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge (2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch chambers)
• Action: Semi-automatic, Inertia Driven system
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 49.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 6.8 pounds (unloaded)
• Stock and Forend: Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage finish on synthetic material
• Sights: Red bar front sight with fiber optic insert
• Receiver: Aluminum alloy with Mossy Oak Bottomland coating
• Choke System: Benelli Crio system with interchangeable choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F included)
• Magazine Capacity: 4+1 (with 3-inch shells; 3+1 with 3.5-inch shells)
• Length of Pull: 14.375 inches
• Drop at Comb: 1.5 inches
• Drop at Heel: 2.25 inches

Feature Deep-Dive

The Inertia Driven system is the core of the SBE 3’s reliability. Unlike gas-operated shotguns that divert propellant gases to cycle the action, the Inertia system uses the gun’s own recoil energy. This means fewer moving parts, less fouling, and no need for gas piston adjustments. For a hunter walking through muddy fields or crossing creeks, this translates to a shotgun that keeps running when conditions are less than ideal. The system also allows the SBE 3 to cycle a broader range of ammunition, from light 2.75-inch target loads to heavy 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl rounds, without manual adjustment.

The 28-inch barrel is a deliberate choice for balance and swing. It is long enough to provide a smooth, consistent lead on crossing targets, yet short enough to handle well in tight cover or when moving through a duck blind. Benelli’s Crio barrel treatment, which involves cryogenically treating the steel, is intended to relieve internal stresses and produce a more consistent shot pattern. Combined with the interchangeable Crio choke system, shooters can fine-tune their pattern density for different game or target presentations. The red bar front sight with fiber optic insert offers quick acquisition in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon hunts.

The Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage is not merely cosmetic. This pattern is designed to blend into a variety of natural backgrounds, from dried vegetation to mud and timber. The synthetic stock and forend are textured for a secure grip, even when wet or gloved. The stock also features Benelli’s Progressive Comfort system, which uses a series of chevron-shaped recoil reducers inside the stock to manage felt recoil. This system is tuned to be more effective with heavier loads, making the 3.5-inch magnum rounds more manageable during a long day of shooting. The comb of the stock is also slightly raised to align the shooter’s eye with the rib more naturally.

Durability is a hallmark of the SBE 3. The receiver is machined from a solid block of aluminum alloy, keeping weight down without sacrificing strength. All internal components are finished with a corrosion-resistant treatment, which is important for hunters who encounter rain, snow, or saltwater environments. The bolt is chrome-plated for smooth operation and easy cleaning. The trigger guard is enlarged to accommodate gloved fingers, and the bolt release button is positioned for easy access. These are small details, but they add up to a shotgun that performs consistently over thousands of rounds.

The SBE 3 also incorporates a redesigned forend latch, which Benelli improved based on feedback from the previous generation. The latch is now more positive and easier to operate, even with gloves. The shell drop system has been refined to ensure that shells load smoothly from the magazine tube into the chamber. The carrier is also contoured to reduce the risk of pinching. These updates address common points of wear and user frustration found in earlier models, making the SBE 3 a more refined tool for the shooter who expects a firearm to function without fuss.

Ideal Use Cases

This shotgun is primarily built for hunting. The 12 gauge chambering and 3.5-inch chamber capacity make it suitable for waterfowl, turkey, and upland game. The Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern is effective in most hunting environments, from open fields to wooded swamps. The 28-inch barrel and 6.8-pound weight also make it a solid choice for sporting clays and trap, especially for shooters who prefer a lighter gun that moves quickly. While the SBE 3 can be used for home defense, its longer barrel and field-oriented design are not optimized for that role. It is not intended for concealed carry or competition shooting, though it will function on a 3-gun course if needed. The primary use case remains the field, where its reliability and handling characteristics are most appreciated.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: The SBE 3 cycles 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch 12 gauge shells. It will function with light target loads (1 oz. or 1.125 oz.) but may require a break-in period of approximately 100 rounds of heavier loads to ensure smooth cycling of very light ammunition. Steel shot, bismuth, and other non-toxic shot types are compatible with the Crio barrel and choke tubes.
• Holsters: Not applicable for this firearm type. A quality shotgun case or sling is recommended for carry and storage.
• Magazines: The SBE 3 uses a fixed tubular magazine. Extended magazine tubes are available from third-party manufacturers, but they may require modification to the barrel clamp and forend.
• Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, though most shooters use the factory sights. The Crio choke system accepts all Benelli Crio and Crio Plus choke tubes. Aftermarket stocks and forends are available from Benelli and third-party manufacturers, but the Mossy Oak Bottomland finish is factory-applied and difficult to match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you ship this shotgun to my home address in the United States?
A: No. As a licensed FFL retailer, we can only ship this firearm to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. You must arrange for a local FFL dealer to receive the transfer. We will ship to the FFL you provide after we verify their license. Please contact your chosen FFL before ordering to confirm they are willing to accept the transfer and to understand any fees they may charge.

Q: What is the FFL transfer process for this Benelli SBE 3?
A: After you place your order, you will need to provide us with the name and contact information of the FFL dealer who will receive the firearm. We will verify their license with the ATF. Once verified, we ship the shotgun to that dealer. You then complete the standard ATF Form 4473 and a background check at the dealer’s location. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from our purchase price. We recommend confirming the dealer’s policies before ordering.

Q: What types of ammunition does this shotgun cycle reliably?
A: The SBE 3 is designed to cycle a wide range of 12 gauge ammunition, from 2.75-inch target loads to 3.5-inch magnum shells. For optimal reliability with lighter loads (under 1.25 oz.), we recommend a break-in period of 100 to 150 rounds of heavier field loads. After that, most standard target loads will cycle without issue. Steel shot, bismuth, and other non-toxic shot are safe to use with the factory barrel and chokes. Avoid using reloaded or improperly sized ammunition.

Q: What is the warranty on this shotgun?
A: The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 is covered by a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, or unauthorized modifications. To file a warranty claim, you must contact Benelli USA directly with proof of purchase. We recommend keeping your sales receipt. We do not offer an extended warranty, but we can assist with warranty service coordination if needed.

Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, all firearm sales are final. We do not accept returns or exchanges on firearms once they have shipped from our facility. If the firearm arrives with a manufacturer defect or is not in the condition described, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with you and the manufacturer to resolve the issue. All other sales, including accessories and ammunition, are subject to our standard return policy, which requires items to be returned in original condition within 30 days.

This Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 in 12 gauge with a 28-inch barrel and Mossy Oak Bottomland finish is a field-ready shotgun that performs across a range of hunting and shooting disciplines. We ship to licensed FFL dealers in all 50 U.S. states. If you have questions about your specific FFL or need assistance with your order, contact our team. We are here to help you get the right firearm for your needs.