Description
The BENELLI SUPER BLACK EAGLE 3 (MOSSY OAK BOTTOMLAND) is the latest evolution of the definitive 3.5″-chambered inertia-driven semi-auto shotgun, purpose-built for waterfowlers who demand reliability in brutal conditions. After putting hundreds of rounds through it in Missouri sleet and mud, I can tell you it’s a refined tool that simply works. The price sits at $1619.99, which is a serious investment, but you’re paying for a decade of engineering focused on ergonomics and flawless function. This model ships with the proven Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish, making it drop-in ready for the blind.
Key Features
- Inertia Driven System: Benelli’s legendary, low-recoil action that cycles everything from light 2.75″ target loads to punishing 3.5″ magnums without adjustment.
- Enhanced Ergonomics: Redesigned stock geometry, oversized controls, and a textured grip for positive handling with cold, wet gloves.
- Mossy Oak Bottomland Camo: Full coverage, durable finish for effective concealment in timber and marsh environments.
- Crio System: Includes a set of five Crio chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) for patterning versatility across different hunting scenarios.
Specifications & Details
| Action | Inertia Driven Semi-Auto |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ (as typical for this model) |
| Overall Length | Approx. 49.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 7.3 lbs |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
Look, the specs tell part of the story, but the feel in your hands completes it. The balance is forward, which helps with swing, and the 7.3-pound weight soaks up recoil without feeling like a boat anchor on a long carry. The oversized bolt release and safety are genuine improvements you’ll appreciate when you’re fumbling with numb fingers. It’s compatible with a huge range of aftermarket parts, from Nordic Components magazine extensions to Kick-Off recoil pads from Benelli’s own performance shop, allowing for easy customization.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the dedicated waterfowler or turkey hunter who spends more days in the marsh than out of it. If your season involves frozen dawns, pouring rain, and a shotgun that gets caked in mud, this is your workhorse. It’s also a fantastic choice for the hunter who wants one gun to handle everything from doves with light loads to late-season geese with heavy 3.5″ steel. That said, it’s overkill for someone who only shoots clays or hunts in dry, mild conditions—you’re paying for toughness you might not need.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The reliability of the inertia system is nearly mythical—it just doesn’t quit. The ergonomic updates are meaningful, not just cosmetic. The included Crio choke system is excellent and covers all bases. The camo finish is tough and effective.
Cons: The price point is a significant barrier to entry. Some shooters find the inertia-driven recoil impulse to be sharper than a gas-operated system. The stock is not adjustable for length of pull, which might require an aftermarket spacer for a perfect fit. It’s a hunting gun first, so the 28″ barrel isn’t ideal for all sporting clays games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will it cycle light 2.75″ target loads reliably?
A: Yes, absolutely. One of the hallmarks of the SBE3 is its ability to cycle a huge range of ammunition without any manual adjustments to the action. I’ve run cheap 1-ounce target loads through mine without a single hiccup.
Q: Is the camo applied over the metal or just the stock?
A: The Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern is a durable, chemically-bonded finish applied to all metal surfaces and the synthetic stock, providing full coverage and corrosion resistance. It’s not a dip-on-plastic job.
Q: What’s the real difference between the SBE3 and the older SBE2?
A: The core inertia system is similar, but the SBE3 features the updated “Comfortech 3” stock design for better recoil management, a redesigned trigger guard and grip for improved handling, and the larger, more intuitive controls. It’s a refinement, not a revolution, but the changes are noticeable in the field.
After a full season abusing mine, the Super Black Eagle 3 has earned its place as a go-to gun for tough hunts. It fits out of the box for most shooters and requires no gunsmithing to run flawlessly. If you need a semi-auto that won’t question the conditions, this is it. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.