Description
The Benelli Super Black Eagle II stands as a trusted companion for American hunters who demand reliability when the weather turns and the birds are working. Whether you are wading through a frigid cattail slough in the Dakotas or walking a CRP field for pheasants in Kansas, this semi-automatic 12-gauge delivers the consistent cycling performance that has made the SBE series a fixture in duck blinds and upland covers across the country. Built on a proven inertia-driven operating system, the Super Black Eagle II is engineered to handle a wide range of loads without the gas system maintenance required by some competitors.
What This Product Is and Who It Is For
The Benelli Super Black Eagle II is a semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12-gauge, purpose-built for waterfowl and upland bird hunting. This specific model features the Realtree APG HD camouflage finish, which provides effective concealment in agricultural fields, marsh edges, and timber settings. It is designed for hunters who spend long days in the field and need a shotgun that can withstand mud, ice, and heavy use without compromising function. While not intended for home defense or concealed carry, the SBE II is also a capable choice for clay target shooters who appreciate a soft-recoiling, fast-cycling gun. Collectors will recognize the Super Black Eagle II as a significant evolution in the Benelli semi-auto line, retaining the proven features that have made it a benchmark in the waterfowl community.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge (2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch chambers)
- Action: Inertia-driven semi-automatic
- Barrel Length: 26 inches (as indicated by the URL slug)
- Overall Length: 47.5 inches (approximate)
- Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
- Magazine Capacity: 3+1 (with 3-inch shells; 2+1 with 3.5-inch shells)
- Stock: Comfortech Plus with Realtree APG HD finish
- Receiver: Aluminum alloy with Realtree APG HD finish
- Sights: Red bar front sight
- Choke System: Crio system with interchangeable chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F included)
- Safety: Cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard
- Length of Pull: 14.375 inches
- Drop at Comb: 1.5 inches
- Drop at Heel: 2.25 inches
Feature Deep-Dive
The heart of the Super Black Eagle II is Benelli’s proprietary Inertia Driven system. Unlike gas-operated shotguns that divert propellant gas to cycle the action, the inertia system uses the shotgun’s own recoil energy to cycle the bolt. This design results in fewer moving parts, less fouling buildup, and a cleaner operating system that functions reliably in cold weather and after hundreds of rounds. The inertia system also allows the SBE II to handle a wide variety of loads, from light 2.75-inch target loads to heavy 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl loads, without requiring manual adjustment of a gas regulator.
The Comfortech Plus stock is a key upgrade on this model. It features a flexible, chevron-shaped recoil pad that reduces felt recoil by allowing the stock to flex slightly upon firing. This system, combined with the stock’s internal gel-impregnated comb, helps mitigate the sharp impact of magnum loads while maintaining a solid cheek weld. The stock also includes a shim system that allows the shooter to adjust drop and cast, enabling a custom fit for different body types and shooting styles. This adjustability is particularly valuable for hunters who shoot from a variety of positions, such as sitting in a layout blind or standing in a field.
The Realtree APG HD finish provides practical concealment across a range of hunting environments. APG, which stands for “All-Purpose Green,” incorporates a blend of brown, green, and black leaf patterns that blend well in agricultural fields, wooded edges, and marsh vegetation. The finish is applied to both the barrel and the receiver, ensuring consistent camouflage coverage without bare metal that can reflect sunlight and spook wary birds. The finish is also durable enough to resist scratching from brush and contact with boat gunnels or blind frames.
The Crio barrel and choke system contribute to consistent patterning and shot performance. The barrel is cryogenically treated to relieve stress in the metal, which Benelli states improves shot uniformity and reduces pattern flyers. The Crio chokes are also cryogenically treated and feature a longer, tapered internal profile that allows shot to transition smoothly from the barrel to the choke constriction. This design helps produce dense, even patterns at typical waterfowl and upland ranges, which is a practical advantage when taking shots at crossing birds or birds in decoys.
Reliability in adverse conditions is a hallmark of the SBE II. The inertia system is less susceptible to cold-weather malfunctions than gas-operated shotguns because it does not rely on small gas ports that can freeze or become clogged with ice. Hunters who have used this platform in sub-freezing temperatures or after a dunk in the marsh report that the action continues to function as long as the bolt can move freely. The gun also features a self-cleaning rotating bolt head that helps eject debris from the action, reducing the need for frequent field disassembly during a long hunt.
The overall ergonomics of the Super Black Eagle II reflect its field-oriented design. The fore-end is slim and checkered for a secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands. The trigger guard is oversized to accommodate gloved fingers, and the cross-bolt safety is positioned for easy access without removing the firing hand from the grip. The bolt handle is knurled and large enough to manipulate with cold fingers, and the bolt release button is placed conveniently at the rear of the loading port. These details matter when you are loading quickly before a flight of ducks or clearing a chamber after the hunt.
Ideal Use Cases
The Benelli Super Black Eagle II is primarily a hunting shotgun. It excels in waterfowl applications where 3.5-inch loads are common, such as duck and goose hunting over decoys or in pass-shooting scenarios. The 26-inch barrel provides a good balance of swing speed and handling in tight cover, making it suitable for upland birds like pheasants, quail, and grouse. The shotgun is also well-suited for turkey hunting with the appropriate choke and loads, as the Realtree APG finish blends well with spring woods and field edges. While not a dedicated competition gun, the SBE II can be used for sporting clays or trap practice, particularly for hunters who want to maintain familiarity with their field gun. It is not designed for home defense or concealed carry due to its length, capacity, and intended purpose.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: This shotgun cycles 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells reliably. It handles light target loads (1-ounce, 1200 fps) as well as heavy magnum loads. Steel shot, bismuth, and tungsten-based non-toxic shot are all compatible. Avoid using shells with excessively high pressure or those not meeting SAAMI specifications.
- Chokes: The gun accepts Benelli Crio choke tubes. Aftermarket chokes from manufacturers like Carlson’s, Patternmaster, and Kicks are compatible if they are specifically designed for the Crio thread pattern.
- Accessories: A variety of aftermarket stocks, fore-ends, and recoil pads are available from sources like Mesa Tactical and Limbsaver. Magazine extensions are available from Nordic Components and other manufacturers, but be aware of local magazine capacity limits for hunting.
- Optics: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. A Picatinny rail or dedicated scope mount base can be installed for red dot sights or low-power scopes, particularly for turkey hunting.
- Cleaning: Standard shotgun cleaning kits and solvents work well. The inertia system requires periodic cleaning of the bolt head and rotating bolt assembly, but less frequently than gas-operated shotguns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this shotgun be shipped to my address in the United States?
A: Yes, we ship to all states where this firearm is legal to own. However, we do not ship directly to a residence. The shotgun must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state, such as a local gun shop or pawn shop, who will process the transfer to you. We will coordinate with your chosen FFL to ensure compliance with all federal and state laws.
Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
A: After you place your order, you will need to provide the contact information for a licensed FFL dealer in your area who is willing to accept the transfer. We will verify their license with the ATF and ship the shotgun to them. You will then visit the FFL dealer to complete the required background check (Form 4473) and pay any applicable transfer fee. Once the background check is approved, the shotgun is yours. We recommend contacting your chosen FFL before ordering to confirm they are willing to accept a transfer from an out-of-state retailer.
Q: What ammunition does this shotgun require?
A: The Benelli Super Black Eagle II is chambered for 12-gauge shells in 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch lengths. It will cycle standard lead shot, steel shot, bismuth, and tungsten-based non-toxic loads. For best reliability with light target loads, Benelli recommends using ammunition with a minimum velocity of around 1200 fps. The shotgun does not require high-brass shells for basic function, but very low-recoil training loads may not cycle the action reliably.
Q: What warranty covers this shotgun?
A: Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm. It does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from misuse or improper maintenance, or modifications made by third parties. If you experience a warranty issue, you can contact Benelli USA directly or work with an authorized service center. We recommend registering your shotgun with Benelli after purchase to confirm warranty coverage.
Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations and the nature of firearm sales, we do not accept returns on firearms for reasons of buyer’s remorse or change of mind. If the shotgun arrives with a defect or damage from shipping, please contact us immediately. We will work with you and the manufacturer to address the issue, which may involve a replacement or repair under warranty. We inspect all firearms before shipping to ensure they are in proper condition.
Ready to Add the Benelli Super Black Eagle II to Your Collection?
We ship this shotgun to licensed FFL dealers across the United States. If you are ready to order, simply complete your purchase and provide your chosen FFL’s contact information during checkout. Our team will verify the FFL license and handle the shipping logistics. For questions about availability, FFL requirements, or compatibility with your
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