Description
You’re in a flooded timber duck blind at first light, the temperature hovering just above freezing. The birds are working, but they’re wary—decoying high, flaring at the slightest movement. You need a shotgun that cycles flawlessly with everything from light 2¾-inch target loads to punishing 3½-inch magnums, that shoulders fast from an awkward sitting position, and that you can trust when your hands are numb. That’s the scenario the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 12 Ga, 26″ Barrel, Black Synthetic, Comfortech 3 Stock was built to dominate.
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 is a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun built on Benelli’s proven inertia-driven system. It features a 26-inch barrel, a durable black synthetic stock with the updated Comfortech 3 recoil reduction system, and is engineered to cycle any 12-gauge shell from 2¾” to 3½” without adjustment. This is a purpose-driven waterfowl and all-terrain hunting tool designed for reliability in harsh conditions.
Let’s talk about what makes it work. The heart is Benelli’s inertia-driven operating system. It’s simpler than gas-operated designs—fewer parts, less fouling. That means when you’re slogging through Missouri mud or marsh muck, the mechanism stays cleaner and more reliable. It cycles everything you feed it, a critical feature when you might switch between light loads for early-season teal and heavy steel for late-season geese. The system is so robust it often requires no gunsmithing required to maintain peak function season after season.
The updated Comfortech 3 stock is where you’ll feel the engineering. It’s not just a pad; it’s a system of flexible chevrons in the comb and buttstock that actively flex upon recoil, slowing the impulse before it reaches your shoulder. Combined with the shim-adjustable stock for drop and cast, it lets you get a custom fit for faster, more consistent mounting. The 26-inch barrel strikes a perfect balance for most hunters—quick handling in tight cover but with a smooth swing for pass shooting. The entire package weighs in at a manageable 7.3 pounds, light enough to carry all day but with enough mass to soak up recoil.
Durability is baked in. The black synthetic stock and forend are impervious to weather, and the Crio-treated barrel features chrome-lined chambers and bores for corrosion resistance. The controls are oversized for use with gloves, and the loading port is beveled for faster reloads when every second counts. It’s a tool built for the real world, where function always trumps flash.
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (2¾” – 3½”) |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | 47.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs |
| Action | Inertia-Driven Semi-Auto |
| Stock | Black Synthetic, Comfortech 3 |
Pros: Legendary reliability with the inertia system. Exceptional recoil reduction from Comfortech 3. Handles the full spectrum of 12-gauge loads interchangeably. Weatherproof and low-maintenance design. Shim-kit included for stock adjustment.
Cons: The premium performance commands a premium price point at $1597.06. The inertia system can feel snappier than a gas gun with heavy loads to some shooters. The synthetic stock is utilitarian—it’s built for abuse, not beauty.
So who is this for? It’s for the serious waterfowler who spends more days in the marsh than not. It’s for the turkey hunter who needs one gun to perform in rain, sleet, or dust. It’s for the upland hunter who covers miles and wants a reliable, lightweight companion. If your hunting involves variable conditions, mixed ammunition, and a demand for absolute dependability, this is your platform. It’s also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s and Patternmaster for tuning your pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can it really shoot light target loads and 3.5″ magnums without changing anything?
A: Yes. The Benelli inertia system is designed to cycle the entire range of 12-gauge loads from 2¾-inch, 1-ounce target loads up to 3½-inch magnums with no adjustments, swaps, or modifications needed. Just load and shoot.
Q: Is the Comfortech 3 stock a significant improvement?
A: For most shooters, yes. The redesigned chevron system in the comb and buttstock provides a more progressive flex, dissipating felt recoil more effectively than previous versions, especially noticeable with repeated magnum shots.
Q: What comes with the gun?
A: The shotgun includes a set of shims for adjusting the stock drop and cast, a set of Benelli choke tubes (typically Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), and a hard plastic carrying case. Remember, an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases when ordering online to your local dealer.
This is a benchmark semi-auto shotgun built for the hunter who doesn’t compromise. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See if it’s the right fit for your next season.


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