Description
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 12ga Satin Walnut Stock 28″ Barrel Progressive Comfort is a high-performance, inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun engineered for reliability in harsh conditions. It’s built to cycle everything from light target loads to heavy 3.5″ magnum shells without adjustment, making it a versatile choice for waterfowl, turkey, and upland hunting where weather and ammo selection are unpredictable. The Progressive Comfort stock system actively reduces felt recoil, a critical feature when you’re facing a long day in the blind or a full limit of geese.
Key Features
- Inertia-Driven System: Renowned for extreme reliability with minimal maintenance, cycling all 12ga shells from 2¾” to 3½” magnums.
- Progressive Comfort Stock: Hydraulic damper in the buttstock compresses progressively to soften recoil, especially with heavy magnum loads.
- 28″ Barrel with Crio® Treatment: Freezes and chokes the barrel for tighter, more consistent patterns and enhanced corrosion resistance.
- Satin Walnut Stock: Offers a classic, durable finish that stands up to field use while providing a secure, traditional grip.
- Comfortech 3D Cheek Pad: Integrated into the stock design to further dampen vibration and recoil at the point of contact.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | 49.2 Inches |
| Weight | 7.3 Pounds |
| Stock | Satin Walnut with Progressive Comfort System |
| Chokes | Includes Crio® Chokes (IC, M, F) |
Weighing in at 7.3 pounds, the SBE3 balances well for smooth swings on passing ducks or rising pheasants. The 28″ barrel provides a clean sight plane and optimal swing dynamics for most hunters, while the 3.5″ chamber capability means you’re prepared for any North American game bird. Here’s the thing—this reliability isn’t theoretical. The inertia system is famously simple and robust, with fewer moving parts than gas-operated shotguns, which translates to less cleaning and more shooting even in muddy, frozen marshes. It’s drop-in ready for a wide range of aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s and Patternmaster, allowing you to fine-tune your pattern for specific game without gunsmithing required.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is for the serious waterfowler who faces freezing rain and needs absolute certainty in their gear. It’s for the turkey hunter who demands a soft-shooting platform for dense shot patterns at distance. It’s also an excellent choice for the versatile upland hunter who might chase doves one weekend and geese the next, requiring one tool that adapts without compromise. If your season depends on a firearm that performs when it’s caked in mud and you’re down to your last few shells, this is your workhorse.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Legendary all-ammunition reliability; Effective recoil reduction system; High-quality fit and finish; Low-maintenance inertia drive; Classic aesthetic with modern performance.
Cons: Higher price point at $1704.96; The walnut stock, while beautiful, requires more care than synthetic in extreme conditions; The inertia system can transmit more felt ‘snap’ than a well-tuned gas system with light loads.
The investment is justified by its durability. When it comes to a long day in a layout blind, the Progressive Comfort system isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity that lets you stay focused and make ethical shots through the afternoon. This model ships to Missouri and compliant US states, with FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. Its design is compatible with a vast ecosystem of accessories, from sling swivels to extended choke tubes from major manufacturers like Briley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Progressive Comfort system really make a difference with 3.5″ magnum shells?
A: Yes, significantly. The hydraulic damper works like a shock absorber, progressively slowing the recoil impulse. This spreads the force over a longer period, reducing the sharp peak recoil that magnums are known for. The difference is most noticeable over a high volume of shots.
Q: Can I use 2.75″ target loads reliably for clays or dove hunting?
A: Absolutely. The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 is designed to cycle the full spectrum of 12-gauge loads, from light 1-ounce target loads up to 3.5″ magnums, without any manual adjustments. This makes it a true one-shotgun solution for multiple disciplines.
Q: How does the inertia system compare to a gas-operated semi-auto?
A: Inertia systems are generally simpler, with fewer parts to clean. They are less sensitive to fouling and run cleaner and drier. Gas systems often have a softer, push-like recoil feel, but require more frequent disassembly and cleaning of the piston and gas ports to maintain reliability, especially with lighter loads.
Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.