January 29, 2021
By Game & Fish staff
Benelli forever changed the expectations of waterfowl hunters with the introduction of the venerable Super Black Eagle shotgun. Continued innovation drives the evolution of the shotgun with updated features and performance.
“For three decades, the Super Black Eagle platform has dominated the semi-auto waterfowl market as a 3.5” 12-gauge shotgun,” said Tim Joseph, VP of Brand Marketing for Benelli USA. “We’ve applied all of the Super Black Eagle 3 enhanced updates and ergonomics to 3” 20-gauge and 3” 12-gauge models for 2021. We know the 20-gauge in particular will be a welcome addition for hunters who want the feature sets of a SBE3 but prefer a lighter gauge as well as for waterfowlers who are hunting areas that mandate the use of sub-gauge shotguns.”
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 boasts dozens of features and enhancements that improve the way the shotgun looks, feels and performs. At the heart of the SBE3 is the ultra-reliable inertia-driven action, which is centered around an Easy-Locking Bolt System – an enhanced breech-closing system that eliminates the possibility for a shooter-induced stoppage when trying to softly close the bolt or when the shotgun is treated roughly in the blind. And because hardcore waterfowl hunters don’t stay out of the field in frigid weather, the new SBE3 is designed for easier operation with gloved and/or cold hands. The oversized bolt handle, oversized bolt release, oversized safety and redesigned magazine cap along with the enlarged load port make for easier operation in cold conditions.
The Easy Fitting System of the SBE3 includes a shim kit that allows for up to eight different cast-and-drop configurations. The stock and forend design and rounded trigger give the SBE3 a smoother feel and make the shotgun easier to shoulder and swing on passing targets.
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The design of the Super Black Eagle 3 reduces felt recoil with its third generation ComforTech 3 stock and Combtech cheek pad. The SBE3’s inertia-driven system is easier to clean and requires less maintenance than the action of a conventional, gas-operated semi-auto.
The new 3-inch SBE3 shotguns are available in Black synthetic, Realtree MAX-5, GORE OPTIFADE Timber and Mossy Oak Bottomland camo patterns in both the 12-gauge and 20-gauge chamberings.
Benelli SBE3 3-Inch Shotgun
Gauge: 12 and 20. Action: Semi-auto. Chambering: 2 3/4- and 3-inch. Barrel Lengths: 26 and 28 inches. Stocks: Black synthetic, Realtree Max-5, OPTIFADE Timber/Mossy Oak Bottomland. Overall Length: 47.50 to 49.50 inches. Weight: 5.8 to 6.9 pounds. Sights: Fiber-optic red-bar front sight. Length of Pull: 14 3/8 inches. Drop at Heel: 2 1/8 inches. Drop at Comb: 1 1/2 inches. MSRP: $1,699 to $1,799. For more information, please visit: benelliusa.com
