The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 in Mossy Oak Bottomland is a semi-automatic shotgun built for the demands of American waterfowl hunters and clay target shooters. Whether you’re working a flooded timber in Arkansas or walking the skeet fields at a club like Montreal Skeet Club, this firearm offers consistent cycling and reliable operation in wet, muddy, or cold conditions. It’s a tool designed to perform across a range of upland and waterfowl scenarios common to U.S. hunters.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE 3) is a gas-less, inertia-driven semi-auto shotgun chambered in 12 gauge. This specific model features a Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage finish, making it suitable for hunters who need concealment in marsh, field, or forest environments. It is intended for waterfowl hunters, skeet and sporting clays shooters, and upland bird hunters. While not designed for home defense or concealed carry, its robust construction and fast cycling make it a viable option for three-gun competition or ranch use. Collectors may also appreciate the limited-edition Montreal Skeet Club markings, though the primary audience remains active shooters and hunters.
Key Spec Breakdown
- Caliber: 12 Gauge (3.5-inch chamber, accepts 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells)
- Capacity: 3+1 rounds (with 3.5-inch shells; 4+1 with 3-inch shells, using the included magazine plug)
- Barrel Length: 28 inches (standard for this configuration; also available in 26-inch)
- Finish: Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage on receiver, barrel, and forend; synthetic stock with textured grip panels
- Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
- Sights: Red bar front sight with fiber optic insert; mid-bead for quick target acquisition
- Stock: ComforTech 3 recoil-reducing system with adjustable drop and cast shims
- Choke System: Crio system with five interchangeable chokes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Cylinder)
- Receiver: Aluminum alloy with anodized finish; drilled and tapped for scope mounts
- Action: Inertia-driven system with rotating bolt head
- Length of Pull: 14.375 inches (adjustable via shims)
Feature Deep-Dive
The Benelli SBE 3 uses a proven inertia-driven operating system that eliminates the need for gas pistons, o-rings, or complex gas ports. This design reduces fouling buildup and keeps the action cycling reliably even when firing a mix of light target loads and heavy magnum waterfowl shells. The rotating bolt head locks securely into the barrel extension, providing a solid seal that handles high-pressure 3.5-inch loads without excessive wear. For U.S. hunters who often shoot in wet or muddy conditions, the lack of gas system components means less maintenance and fewer failure points.
The ComforTech 3 stock system uses a progressive recoil pad and chevron-shaped buttpad to spread recoil impulse over a longer duration. This reduces perceived recoil by up to 48% compared to standard stocks, according to Benelli’s internal testing. The synthetic stock is reinforced with a steel core to prevent flexing, and the textured grip panels provide a non-slip surface even with wet gloves. The stock also includes a shim kit that allows shooters to adjust drop at comb and cast for a custom fit, which is helpful for shooters with different face shapes or shooting styles.
The Crio barrel system uses a cryogenic treatment process on the barrel and chokes to relieve internal stresses, resulting in a more consistent bore diameter. This treatment is applied to the barrel and the five included Crio chokes, which are designed to produce tighter, more uniform patterns. The barrel also features a lengthened forcing cone that reduces pellet deformation as the shot column transitions from the shell to the bore. For waterfowl hunters using steel or bismuth shot, this design helps maintain pattern density at longer ranges.
The receiver is machined from a lightweight aluminum alloy and finished in Mossy Oak Bottomland, a pattern featuring a mix of dead grass, brown stems, and dark earth tones. This finish is applied using a durable coating process that resists scratching and fading from UV exposure. The receiver is also drilled and tapped for optional scope mounts, though most shooters will use the included fiber optic front sight and mid-bead for fast target acquisition. The bolt release button is oversized and textured for easy operation with gloved hands.
The magazine tube holds four 3-inch shells or three 3.5-inch shells, with a plug included to limit capacity to two rounds for migratory bird hunting compliance. The bolt handle and bolt release are both oversized, and the cross-bolt safety is located at the rear of the trigger guard for intuitive operation. The trigger pull is crisp, typically breaking at around 5.5 to 6.5 pounds, with a short reset that supports fast follow-up shots. The entire firearm can be disassembled for cleaning without tools, requiring only a simple push of the takedown button.
The Montreal Skeet Club markings on the receiver add a subtle, collectible element without compromising the firearm’s field utility. These markings are laser-engraved and filled with a contrasting color, making them visible but not obtrusive. While this model is not a limited production run, the club branding distinguishes it from standard SBE 3 models. For shooters who frequent clubs or participate in organized shoots, this detail may hold additional appeal.
Ideal Use Cases
- Waterfowl Hunting: The Mossy Oak Bottomland finish, 3.5-inch chamber, and Crio choke system make this shotgun well-suited for duck and goose hunting in marshes, fields, and timber.
- Skeet and Sporting Clays: The 28-inch barrel, adjustable stock, and fiber optic front sight provide a balanced swing for clay target shooting at clubs like Montreal Skeet Club.
- Upland Bird Hunting: The lightweight design and inertia action allow for quick mounting and reliable cycling when hunting pheasant, quail, or grouse.
- Three-Gun Competition: The fast cycling and 3+1 capacity make it a functional choice for shotgun stages, though extended magazines are available separately.
- Ranch or Farm Use: The durable synthetic stock and corrosion-resistant finish handle exposure to dust, mud, and light rain without issue.
Compatibility Notes
This shotgun cycles reliably with 12-gauge shells ranging from 2.75-inch target loads (1,200 fps or higher) to 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl loads. Low-velocity target loads under 1,200 fps may not cycle the action consistently due to the inertia system’s design. For shooters who prefer lighter loads, a reduced-power recoil spring is available from Benelli. The barrel accepts all standard Benelli Crio chokes, both in steel and lead shot versions, and aftermarket extended chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Patternmaster are compatible. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a Weaver or Picatinny rail mount, and scope bases from Benelli or third-party manufacturers fit without modification. Holsters are not applicable for this firearm; for storage, a soft case or hard case with a 50-inch interior length is recommended. Magazines are fixed tube-style; extended tubes from Benelli or Nordic Components can increase capacity to 7+1 or more, but may require a barrel clamp for stability.
FAQ Section
1. How does shipping work for this firearm to a U.S. address?
We ship this Benelli SBE 3 to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. You must select a local FFL dealer during checkout and provide their license information. We do not ship directly to residential addresses. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout, and we typically ship within 2-3 business days via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required.
2. What is the FFL transfer process?
After placing your order, we will contact your chosen FFL dealer to confirm they are willing to accept the transfer. You will need to visit the dealer in person, complete a Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check. The dealer may charge a transfer fee (typically $20–$50). Once the background check clears, you can take possession of the firearm. We recommend contacting your FFL before ordering to confirm their transfer policies and fees.
3. What types of ammunition are compatible with this shotgun?
This shotgun is designed for 12-gauge shells with a maximum length of 3.5 inches. It will cycle 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells, but we recommend using loads with a minimum velocity of 1,200 fps for reliable inertia cycling. Steel shot, lead shot, bismuth, and tungsten-based loads are all safe to use through the Crio barrel and chokes. Avoid using reloaded or damaged ammunition, as it may cause cycling issues or safety hazards.
4. What warranty does Benelli provide for this firearm?
Benelli offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty covers repair or replacement of defective parts, excluding normal wear items like springs, chokes, and recoil pads. To file a warranty claim, you must contact Benelli USA directly with proof of purchase. We also offer a 30-day return policy for unused, undamaged firearms in original packaging, subject to a restocking fee and return shipping costs.
5. Can I return this firearm if I change my mind?
Yes, you may return this Benelli SBE 3 within 30 days of delivery if it has not been fired, altered, or damaged. The firearm must be in its original packaging with all accessories, chokes, and paperwork. A 15% restocking fee applies, and you are responsible for return shipping and insurance. Firearms must be returned to our facility via a licensed FFL dealer. We cannot accept returns on firearms that have been used or modified.
Closing Call to Action
This Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 in Mossy Oak Bottomland is available now for U.S. customers. We ship to licensed FFL dealers in all 50 states. Add it to your cart and complete checkout to start the transfer process. If you have questions about FFL selection or compatibility, contact our team during business hours.
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