December 1, 2022
Updated April 8, 2026
Photos: Matt Addington & Matt Johnson
Over the past year, I enjoyed shooting the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 shotgun in 12- and 20- gauge. My goal for the year was to use them across various shotgunning activities from recreation, sport & hunting. At the same time, I wanted to get a variety of hands-on them from novice and experienced shooters to give their assessment of the platform. The results were exactly what I anticipated – smiles & enjoyment across the board.
My first adventure was taking my 11-year-old son out spring turkey hunting here in MN. Both gauges were great – he carried the 20 and me the 12. Even though I had no plans to pull the trigger, it gave the appearance that we both were on the hunt. And as any parent who has taken their younger kids out hunting, it's always an adventure when you're in the field, and this was nothing short of that. This wasn't his first rodeo but his first behind the trigger. As always, we napped, called, and hid out, and yes, we had some turkeys working in just about the time a young doe decided to walk within arms reach of us and booger the entire setup. I'm not sure whose eye’s were wider, the doe's or my son's! The SBE3 performed as I had hoped. When we patterned the shotgun, my son never hesitated about shooting it. He's shot long guns before and, in his words – hardly even felt it go off. And in the field – it became second nature, and he never once complained about carrying it around the entire day. These guns are so well balanced, not just on the draw but even when you sling them over your shoulder for a walk in the woods.
My next outing was with an old friend for a couple rounds of sporting clays at the local club. He's an avid waterfowler whom I'm slowly converting over to more big game hunting…but I digress. We have boys separated by one year, and he was looking at what to get his son for his first "personal" shotgun. To be fair, he was already considering the Benelli as he has a couple himself already…all be it the original Super Black Eagle. He enjoyed them immensely and could tell the difference between the original to these 3's. And when we were done, we both shot better with the 12 but thoroughly enjoyed the 20. His comment was he would have no problem getting the 12 for his son now and letting him grow some into it. He and I are of the same thought that we don't want the recoil to turn kids off from enjoying the sports we love. And when you combine Benelli's Inertia System with today's ammo loads – recoil concern is no longer an issue.
For the third outing, I got back out for Minnesota's dove opener with my brother-in-law and his buddies. He, too, is more of a bird hunter (primarily ducks and pheasants) than I am, and I wanted to get his take on these as well. We started the day with a flurry of birds, he on his own gun, and me with the Benelli 12. Then we switched things up, and he took the 12 while I loaded up the 20ga. As soon as he held it, a smile came on his face as it was much lighter than he currently had. He was nervous about how it would kick, and I assured him not to worry and that he won't even notice it. Mind you, my brother-in-law is 140 and maybe 5'4”….so on the smaller side. After his first two birds with the gun, he looked at me, and his smile told me that I wasn't getting the gun back till the day was over.
Throughout all of these outings, the firearms performed flawlessly, and the typical response from everyone was – they shoot so smoothly and feel so comfortable in hand. While any shotgun can be used across all these outings, the SBE3 proved that you get what you pay for. No matter your skill level.
Adequately taken care of, these shotguns will last and perform for any hunter for a long time. And yes, you waterfowl guides, we know that regular cleanings mean something different to you than us familiar Joe hunters.
Takeaways:
Benelli is the originator of a quality inertia-driven shotgun that runs regardless of the elements. The inertia system Benelli has created is second to none – smooth, clean, and flawless operation. It reduces felt recoil drastically that even shooting traditional turkey loads isn't a cringe-worthy experience…. even for an 11-year-old. If I had to choose one to use for the rest of my hunting days – I'd take the 20ga. Each model comes with a full array of chokes, and I'd probably even add a couple more to the mix, but there really isn't anything I couldn't do with this shotgun. ?The shotgun feels well enough built that it will last long enough to pass along to my son and his son someday?
12ga. report:
I like to feel balanced in a good 12-gauge shotgun. There's something to be said about a gun that swings easily and lifts naturally. Benelli elevated the standard for fit and finish on the SBE3 12-gauge shotguns. While I don't get out to the clay fields often enough, the fine-pointing shotgun burned through the clays for both novices and experienced clay busters.
Shotguns point differently for everyone. I can pick one up, and it points just fine, but other folks don't get the same experience. The SBE3 found the middle ground. It's such a well-crafted shotgun 90 percent of shooters could pick this gun up and run the lights out of it. The first few stands of clays warrant a little getting used to, so I was hitting clays at further distances. I was getting used to picking them up again, but I was busting clays from beyond my normal range.
I don't know what to attribute this to, but hitting far-ranging clays and birds was difficult. With the advancement of modern shotguns shells and shotguns, like the Benelli SBE3, shotgun enthusiasts can extend their ranges.
Overall, the 12-gauge SBE3 is what I expect from Benelli. I know how good the Super Black Eagle shotguns have run in the past, so it's great to see they made improvements on something so reliable. I'm sure that was quite the task.
20ga. report:
Talk about a sweetheart of a shooter. The SBE3 in 20 gauge is light, nimble, versatile, and with today’s small gauge ammo increases the lethality out to extended ranges.
This one is phenomenal for young and new shooters. The inertia-driven system that Benelli incorporates makes it a dream to shoot.
Final Thoughts:
It took a bit, but I'm upping my shotgun game with the SBE3. I've heard stories of how durable and manageable they are, but it's hard to explain until you've got one in your hands. Trust me, when you shoot it once, you’ll be hooked. ~ Matt
---
For a quick reference, here's what you're getting with the SBE3:
Action: Inertia-Driven semi-automaticGauges available: 12, 20, 28Chamber: 2-3/4", 3", and 3-1/2" (12 gauge)Barrel lengths: 26" and 28"Overall length: 47.6"–49.6" (varies by barrel)Weight: 6.9–7.0 lbs. (12 gauge)Stock: Synthetic with ComforTech 3 recoil systemChokes included: 5 Crio choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F)Finish options: Black synthetic, multiple camo patterns (Optifade Timber, Optifade Marsh, Mossy Oak Bottomland, Gore Sitka, and more)MSRP: Starting around $1,899 (standard) to $2,999+ (A.I. BE.S.T. models)
The SBE3 is also available in a BE.S.T. (Benelli Surface Treatment) configuration, which coats all metal components in a tungsten-based corrosion-resistant finish backed by a 25-year warranty against rust. The newest A.I. (Advanced Impact) barrel models feature a proprietary bore profile designed to improve pattern density and increase downrange energy retention — Benelli claims up to 50% more penetration with steel shot.
The SBE3 lives in a crowded field of premium semi-auto shotguns. Here's how it compares to the models most often cross-shopped against it.
Benelli SBE3 vs. Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus: The A400 runs a gas-operated system, which generally produces softer recoil than the SBE3's inertia system. The tradeoff is that gas guns require more cleaning and maintenance. The A400 tends to shoot flatter (closer to point of aim), while the SBE3 is known to pattern high — something to be aware of for turkey hunters. Both are excellent waterfowl guns, but the SBE3 is lighter and handles faster in the blind.
Benelli SBE3 vs. Browning Maxus II: The Maxus II is another gas-operated competitor that's softer on the shoulder. It also comes in at a lower price point than the SBE3, typically $200–400 less. However, the SBE3's inertia system stays cleaner in harsh conditions — a real advantage during multi-day hunts in mud, rain, and salt spray where you can't break the gun down for cleaning.
Benelli SBE3 vs. Winchester SX4: The SX4 is the budget-friendly option in this category, coming in under $1,200. It's a solid gas gun that cycles reliably, but it lacks the fit, finish, and recoil management of the SBE3. For hunters who want a beater they don't mind getting beat up, the SX4 is a great choice. For hunters who want the best, the SBE3 is worth the premium.
Benelli SBE3 vs. Franchi Affinity 3.5: The Affinity shares Benelli's inertia-driven system (Franchi is owned by Benelli's parent company) at a significantly lower price. It's a great gun for the money, but the SBE3's ComforTech 3 stock, oversized controls, and overall refinement justify the step up for serious waterfowlers who put hundreds of rounds through their gun every season.
Waterfowl hunters: This is the SBE3's home turf. The ability to cycle 2-3/4" through 3-1/2" shells without adjustment, the corrosion-resistant finishes, and the lightweight handling make it one of the best duck and goose guns ever made. The newer A.I. barrel models push the performance envelope even further with improved pattern density.
Upland hunters: At under 7 pounds, the SBE3 is light enough for all-day walks through cover. The 20-gauge and 28-gauge options are especially well-suited for quail, pheasant, and grouse hunters who want a fast-handling gun they won't get tired of carrying.
Turkey hunters: The SBE3 will kill turkeys, but be aware that these guns tend to shoot high. You may want to add an aftermarket optic or at minimum verify your point of impact with your turkey load before heading to the woods. The factory receiver is not drilled and tapped for optics on all models, so check your specific configuration.
Clay shooters: The SBE3 handles beautifully on sporting clays and 5-stand. As we found during our testing, it runs light 1-1/8 oz. target loads without any cycling issues — impressive for a 3-1/2" chambered gun. It won't replace a dedicated competition shotgun, but for a hunter who wants to sharpen their skills between seasons, it's more than capable.
Is the Benelli SBE3 worth the money?For serious waterfowlers and upland hunters, yes. The build quality, reliability in harsh conditions, recoil management, and versatility across shell sizes make it a gun you'll keep for decades. We've put the SBE3 through turkey season, sporting clays, waterfowl hunts, and family outings — it performs across the board. If you hunt hard and want one semi-auto that does it all, the SBE3 justifies the investment.
What chokes come with the Benelli SBE3?The standard SBE3 comes with five Crio choke tubes: Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. The A.I. BE.S.T. models come with five extended Advanced Impact chokes designed to work with the A.I. barrel profile for improved patterning and energy retention.
Can you shoot steel shot in a Benelli SBE3?Yes. All SBE3 models are designed to handle steel shot without issue. The Crio barrel treatment actually benefits steel shot performance. With the A.I. barrel models, Benelli claims up to 50% more downrange penetration with steel — meaning cheaper steel loads can approach the terminal performance of more expensive bismuth or tungsten options.
Does the Benelli SBE3 shoot high?Many SBE3 owners report a higher-than-expected point of impact, particularly the earlier production models. Benelli has addressed this somewhat in newer runs, but the guns still tend to pattern 60/40 or 70/30 high. For wingshooting this is actually an advantage — you see the bird over the barrel rather than covering it. For turkey hunting or stationary targets, you'll want to verify POI and consider shimming the stock or adding an optic.
Benelli SBE3 vs. SBE2 — what changed?The SBE3 improved on the SBE2 with the ComforTech 3 stock system, oversized bolt handle, redesigned bolt release, larger trigger guard, and the Easy Locking bolt design that prevents out-of-battery misfires. The handling, controls, and reliability all took a step forward. If you're on an SBE2 and considering the upgrade, the improvements are real and noticeable — but the SBE2 is still an excellent gun if you're happy with it.
Matt Johnson
A 15-year firearms industry veteran, Matt Johnson chases big game with everything from archery equipment to muzzleloaders and everything in between. The Minnesota native has enjoyed 33 years of big game hunting and finds most of his success on public grounds. If you can’t find Matt on the slopes in the winter, he is on the hunt.
