Description
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3, Semi-Auto 12 Ga, 24″ Barrel, 3.5″, 3rd, Bottomland is a premium inertia-driven shotgun designed for serious waterfowl and turkey hunters. It’s built to handle the full spectrum of 12-gauge loads, from light 2.75″ target shells up to punishing 3.5″ magnums, all with reliable cycling and reduced felt recoil. The 24″ barrel and Bottomland camo finish make it a purpose-built tool for tight blinds and timber, offering a balance of quick handling and downrange effectiveness. At $1691.06, it’s a significant investment, so let’s break down where that money goes and who gets the most bang for their buck.
Key Features
- Versatile 3.5″ Chamber: The flagship feature. Shoot everything from light 2.75″ target loads to heavy 3.5″ magnum waterfowl and turkey loads without adjustment.
- Benelli Inertia Driven System: Legendary reliability with minimal maintenance. It runs cleaner than gas systems and is less sensitive to weather and fouling.
- 24″ Barrel with Bottomland Camo: A shorter, maneuverable barrel perfect for duck blinds and turkey woods. The Bottomland pattern is a proven, all-season camo for Missouri and beyond.
- Comfortech Stock: Integrated gel recoil pad and cheek piece significantly dampen recoil, a must-have for long days shooting heavy loads.
- Third Generation Design: Refinements include a larger trigger guard for gloved hands, improved ergonomics, and enhanced surface treatments for durability.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Overall Length | 45.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs |
| Finish/Camo | Bottomland |
| Action | Semi-Auto, Inertia Driven |
| Capacity | 3+1 (with plug installed) |
Weighing in at 7.3 pounds, the SBE3 is light enough to carry all day but has enough heft to soak up recoil. The 45.5-inch overall length makes it quick to shoulder in confined spaces—think a layout blind or thick brush. Here’s the thing—while it’s a top-tier hunting gun, it’s also drop-in ready for aftermarket parts from brands like Carlson’s for chokes or MOA Precision for mounts, letting you customize without a gunsmith.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This isn’t a do-everything first shotgun. It’s for the dedicated hunter who chases geese in December and turkeys in April and needs one tool that won’t flinch. If you regularly shoot 3.5″ shells for waterfowl or long-beard turkeys, the SBE3’s ability to handle them reliably justifies its price. It’s also ideal for hunters in varied environments who need a gun that performs in mud, freezing rain, and dust without constant babysitting. The 24″ barrel is a specific choice for hunters who prioritize fast handling over a longer sight plane.
Practical Pros & Cons
Pros: Unmatched reliability across all shell lengths with the inertia system. The Comfortech stock is a genuine benefit for recoil management. The Bottomland finish is durable and highly effective. Lower maintenance than many gas-operated competitors. High resale value holds its worth better than many budget guns.
Cons: The price tag is steep—you can get a reliable semi-auto for waterfowl for several hundred dollars less. The inertia system can feel a bit more “snappy” than a soft-shooting gas gun with target loads. At this investment level, some hunters expect a full set of chokes; it typically comes with only a few. Is the premium for the Benelli name and proven track record worth it compared to a Beretta A400 or a Franchi Affinity? For the hunter who abuses gear in harsh conditions, often yes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can it really cycle light target loads reliably?
A: Yes, that’s a key claim of the SBE3’s third-generation inertia system. It’s designed to cycle 2.75″ target loads (down to 1-ounce dram equivalent) up to 3.5″ magnums without any manual adjustments. That said, always test your specific ammo before a big hunt.
Q: Is the 24″ barrel too short for waterfowl hunting?
A: Not at all. A 24″ or 26″ barrel is preferred by many waterfowlers for its quick swing in blinds and boats. You give up a bit of velocity, but modern ammunition and chokes make it plenty effective at standard waterfowl ranges. It’s a trade-off for handling speed.
Q: What’s included in the box?
A: Typically, the shotgun comes with a set of Benelli Crio chokes (often Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), a shim kit for stock drop/cast adjustment, and a cable lock. The gun is ready to hunt—FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
If you demand a shotgun that can transition from dove fields to goose pits without a hiccup and you value rugged simplicity over adjustable gas systems, the Super Black Eagle 3 in Bottomland is a proven workhorse. Consider your typical hunting scenarios and whether you truly need 3.5″ capability to see if this investment aligns with your needs.
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