Description
Picture this: you’re in a Missouri blind at dawn, the temperature’s dropped, and you’re cycling through a mixed bag of light target loads and heavy 3.5″ magnums. A reliable shotgun that won’t choke is worth its weight in gold. That’s the practical promise of the Benelli Super Black Eagle II 24 SteadyGrip APG HD Camo Finish. It’s a semi-automatic shotgun built on Benelli’s proven inertia-driven system, designed to handle any 12-gauge shell from 2 3/4″ to 3 1/2″ without adjustment. The 24″ barrel with SteadyGrip stock and APG HD camo makes it a versatile, no-fuss workhorse for waterfowlers and turkey hunters who need one gun to do it all.
Here’s the thing—the Super Black Eagle II’s value isn’t in being the cheapest, but in being relentlessly dependable. The inertia system is simpler than gas-operated rivals; it has fewer parts to foul with powder residue or freeze up in a marsh. That means less cleaning and more shooting. While the upfront cost of $1640.85 is an investment, you’re paying for a design that’s been field-proven for decades, avoiding the potential cycling issues that can plague more complex guns in harsh conditions. It’s a classic case of spending more now to avoid headaches later.
A key feature is the SteadyGrip stock. It’s not just a pistol grip for looks. The design provides a more natural point of contact for your hand, offering improved control during rapid follow-up shots or when swinging on a flushing rooster. Combined with the 24″ barrel—a great middle-ground length for maneuverability in a blind and swing through timber—this setup enhances handling without sacrificing too much sight plane. The APG HD (All-Purpose Green) camo is a practical, effective pattern for most Midwestern and waterfowl environments, offering solid concealment right out of the box. No gunsmithing required to get it field-ready.
Benelli’s ComfortTech system in the stock helps manage recoil, which is a genuine consideration when you’re shooting dozens of 3.5″ shells in a morning. Is it as soft-shooting as a heavy gas gun? Not quite, but the trade-off is a lighter, faster-handling platform that’s easier to carry all day. The gun weighs in at a very manageable 7.3 pounds, which is a significant advantage over bulkier competitors during long slogs through public land. The Crio-treated barrel is another practical touch, designed for consistent patterning and durability.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (2 3/4″, 3″, 3 1/2″) |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Overall Length | 46.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Stock | SteadyGrip Pistol Grip, ComfortTech |
| Finish | APG HD Camo |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: legendary reliability across all shell lengths, simple maintenance, and a handling-focused design with the SteadyGrip stock. The 24″ barrel is a versatile sweet spot. The cons? The price point is a real consideration. You could buy two reliable pump-actions for this cost. Recoil, while managed, is sharper than on heavier gas-operated models. And for some, the pistol grip stock is a matter of personal preference—it’s great for control but can feel less traditional.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is for the hunter who values simplicity and reliability above all else. It’s ideal for the Missouri waterfowler who doesn’t want to think about adjusting their gun when switching from early-season teal loads to late-season goose magnums. It’s also a solid pick for the all-season turkey hunter who appreciates the SteadyGrip for steadying the bead on a tom’s neck. If your budget allows for a buy-once-cry-once purchase for a shotgun that will last decades, this is a strong contender. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the SteadyGrip stock interchangeable with a standard stock?
A: Yes. The Super Black Eagle II uses Benelli’s modular stock system. The SteadyGrip can be replaced with a standard ComfortTech stock or other aftermarket options, like those from brands such as Mesa Tactical, if you decide you prefer a traditional fit.
Q: Can it reliably cycle light target loads?
A: Generally, yes. The inertia system is known for cycling a wide range of loads. However, extremely light 1-ounce target loads at lower velocities (under 1200 fps) can sometimes be less reliable. For consistent performance with light loads, sticking with standard 1 1/8 oz. loads at higher velocities is the practical advice.
Q: What chokes does it come with?
A: It typically includes a set of Benelli Crio choke tubes (often Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full). These use the Benelli Crio thread pattern, which is common and has plenty of aftermarket options from companies like Carlson’s or Patternmaster for specialized hunting.
If you need a single, do-everything semi-auto shotgun that you can count on in the toughest conditions, the Benelli Super Black Eagle II with the SteadyGrip is a proven tool. See the full details on our site.
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