Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 BEST Shotgun Review: Specs, Price, Hunting Use, Accessories & Real-World Performance.

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 BEST Shotgun Review: Specs, Price, Hunting Use, Accessories & Real-World Performance. Table of Contents Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 • Introduction to the SBE 3 BE.S.T. • BE.S.T. Surface Treatment Explained • Inertia-Driven System & Reliability • Available Models and Barrel Options • Technical Specifications • Chambering, Calibers & Choke Compatibility • Effective Range and Hunting Applications • Price and Market Position • Pros and Cons Based on Shooter Feedback • Accessories and Customization • Interesting Facts About the SBE 3 BE.S.T. • Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It? --- Introduction to the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 BE.S.T. The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 BE.S.T. is the flagship semi-automatic shotgun designed for serious waterfowlers, big game hunters, and competitive shooters. Building on the legacy of the original Super Black Eagle, the SBE 3 BE.S.T. introduces advanced corrosion resistance, improved ergonomics, and enhanced recoil management—all while maintaining Benelli’s hallmark inertia-driven reliability. --- 🛡️ BE.S.T. Surface Treatment Explained BE.S.T. stands for Benelli Surface Treatment, a proprietary diamond-like coating developed over a decade of research. It protects key metal components—barrel, bolt, trigger, safety, and choke tubes—from rust, abrasion, and saltwater corrosion. Benelli backs BE.S.T.-treated parts with a 25-year warranty, making it one of the most durable finishes in the firearms industry. --- ⚙️ Inertia-Driven System & Reliability The SBE 3 BE.S.T. uses Benelli’s Inertia Driven® System, which: • Cycles everything from light 2¾” target loads to heavy 3½” magnums • Requires minimal cleaning and lubrication • Operates flawlessly in mud, snow, and freezing temperatures • Features the Easy Locking Bolt for secure chambering This system has been tested to over 500,000 rounds in field conditions without failure. --- 🔧 Available Models and Barrel Options The SBE 3 BE.S.T. is available in: • 12-Gauge and 20-Gauge • Barrel lengths: 26” or 28” • Finishes: Matte Black Synthetic, GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Timber, and Waterfowl camo All models include: • Comfort Tech® 3 stock with recoil-reducing chevrons • CombTech cheek pad for face protection • Oversized bolt handle and safety button • Hard case, shim kit, and extended choke tubes --- 📊 Technical Specifications Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 • Action: Semi-automatic, inertia-driven • Gauge: 12 or 20 • Chamber: 2¾”, 3”, 3½” • Barrel Length: 26” or 28” • Weight: ~7.0 lbs (12-gauge) • Stock: Synthetic with Comfort Tech 3 • Chokes: Crio System – IC, M, F (flush and extended) • Magazine Capacity: 3+1 (standard), plug included • Finish: BE.S.T. matte black or camo --- 🎯 Chambering, Calibers & Choke Compatibility The SBE 3 BE.S.T. handles: • 12-gauge shells from 2¾” to 3½” • Crio® choke system: cryogenically treated for tighter, more uniform patterns • Includes:• Flush chokes: Cylinder, Improved Modified, Full • Extended BE.S.T. chokes: Improved Cylinder, Modified These chokes are ideal for: • Waterfowl: steel or bismuth loads • Turkey: tight full choke with magnum shells • Sporting clays: IC or Modified with target loads --- 🦆 Effective Range and Hunting Applications With proper choke and load selection, the SBE 3 BE.S.T. is effective at: • Waterfowl (ducks, geese): 30–60 yards • Turkey: up to 50 yards with magnum loads • Upland birds: 25–40 yards • Predator control (coyote, fox): 20–50 yards • Clays/sporting: up to 60 yards Its 3½” chamber makes it ideal for goose hunting, sea ducks, and late-season mallards. --- 💰 Price and Market Position Benelli Super Black Eagle As of 2025, the Benelli SBE 3 BE.S.T. retails between: • $1,899 – $2,199 USD depending on finish and gauge • Slightly more for camo or limited editions This places it in the premium shotgun category, competing with Browning Maxus II, Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus, and Winchester SX4. --- 👍 Pros and 👎 Cons Based on Shooter Feedback Pros: • Exceptional corrosion resistance (BE.S.T. coating) • Cycles all loads reliably • Lightweight for a magnum-capable shotgun • Low recoil with Comfort Tech 3 • Easy field maintenance Cons: • Higher price point than competitors • No wood stock options • Recoil still noticeable with 3½” shells • No left-handed version currently available Shooters praise its durability, balance, and field performance, especially in wet, coastal, or freezing environments. --- 🧰 Accessories and Customization Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Included: • Hard case • Shim kit for drop/cast adjustment • Extended BE.S.T. choke tubes • Flush Crio chokes • Sling studs Optional: • Additional recoil pads • Aftermarket sights (fiber-optic, ghost ring) • Magazine extensions (where legal) • Custom camo wraps or Cerakote finishes --- 🧠 Interesting Facts About the Benelli Super Black Eagle • The BE.S.T. coating was developed over 10 years in Benelli’s R&D lab in Urbino, Italy • Treated parts are backed by a 25-year corrosion warranty • The SBE 3 BE.S.T. is one of the few shotguns tested to half a million rounds without failure • Used by professional guides in Alaska, Argentina, and coastal marshes for its reliability --- 🏁 Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the SBE 3 BE.S.T. The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 BE.S.T. is ideal for: • Waterfowl hunters in extreme environments • Big game hunters using slugs or magnum loads • Sporting clay shooters who value reliability • Collectors seeking a corrosion-proof shotgun If you hunt in saltwater, snow, or humid conditions—or just want a shotgun that will last decades—the SBE 3 BE.S.T. is worth every penny.