Next-Generation of Perfection: Benelli’s Super Black Eagle 3—SHOT Show 2017

in Authors, Clay Martin, SHOT Show 2017

For more information, visit https://www.benelliusa.com/super-black-eagle-iii.

To purchase on GunsAmerica.com, click this link https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=super%20black%20eagle%203.

Overview

I don’t think anyone has yet improved over the reliability of Benelli shotguns, including Benelli. So unfortunately, we didn’t see some crazy new operating system this year that would make even the impressive and capable Inertia Driven system look stone age by comparison. There is always next year, though. We did see some serious improvements on the comfort side of the house though, with the new Super Black Eagle 3.

Next-Generation of Perfection: Benelli’s Super Black Eagle 3—SHOT Show 2017

The new Super Black Eagle 3 from Benelli builds on the strengths of the original and gives the shooter even more for his money. Image courtesy Benelli.

Next-Generation of Perfection: Benelli’s Super Black Eagle 3—SHOT Show 2017

The heart of the shotgun is the rugged and reliable inertia driven system. Image courtesy Benelli.

Specs

  • Chambering: 12 Gauge
  • Barrel: 26-28 inch
  • OA Length: 47.5-49.6 inches
  • Grips: Comfort Tech stock
  • Sights: fiber optic bead
  • Action: semi auto
  • Finish: N/A
  • MSRP: $1,899 (black), $1,999 (camo versions)

Impression

As a Benelli shotgun shooter, I can tell you the Comfort Tech stock isn’t just marketing hype. If you shoot an M2 with that stock side-by-side with a pistol grip model, you will absolutely feel the difference. I think that is also part of the reason you see fewer aftermarket stocks for Benellis that other manufacturers. No one wants them. This year, Benelli introduced the Comfort Tech 3. The new model increased the size and optimized the location of the impact absorbing chevrons, leading to further reduced recoil. Also added to the stock is CombTech, which is billed as reducing the impact to your face. I call that shutting your mouth when you’ve all been drinking, but this shotgun feature should be nice too.

Next-Generation of Perfection: Benelli’s Super Black Eagle 3—SHOT Show 2017

The Comfort Tech stock system of the Super Black Eagle takes the ergonomics of the gun to the next level.

What else? A new, larger bolt handle and safety. I can’t speak with much authority on this one, since Taran Butler built my M2, which included 3-Gun type controls. But bigger controls usually mean easier-to-use in gloves, and waterfowlers aren’t exactly known for going out on warm, sunny days. The Super Black Eagle 3 looks like a great evolution of this dependable line of shotguns.

Next-Generation of Perfection: Benelli’s Super Black Eagle 3—SHOT Show 2017

A beveled loading port, redesigned carrier and a new two-piece carrier latch have all been incorporated into the shotgun to make loading the magazine effortless. Image courtesy Benelli.

Price & Availability

The Super Black Eagle 3 is available now and is priced from $1,899 for the black model and $1,999 for the camo versions. This is only a $100 increase over the earlier Super Black Eagle models and offers you a lot for your money. Be sure to check it out.

For more information, visit https://www.benelliusa.com/super-black-eagle-iii.

To purchase on GunsAmerica.com, click this link https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=super%20black%20eagle%203.

About the author: Clay Martin is a former Marine and Green Beret, retiring out of 3rd Special Forces Group. He is a multi-decade and -service sniper, as well as 3-Gun competitor and Master ranked shooter in USPSA Production. In addition to writing about guns, he is the author of “Last Son of The War God,” a novel about shooting people that deserve it. You can also follow him on twitter, @offthe_res or his website, Off-The-Reservation.com

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  • Capacitygear March 6, 2017, 6:41 pm

    Had a H&K import Benelli SBE (1st mod) in ’95… sold like an idiot been looking for another ever since. BEST SHOTGUN IVE EVER OWNED!! As reliable as the venerated 870 or 500 and could drop an extra round on the feed tray… dumb dumb dumb!!

  • matthew martinez January 26, 2017, 12:44 pm

    This is something to look forward to at my ffl. my sbe2 is gorgeous and modern and shoots really well. as a mechanical engineer i can really appreciate this line of guns from benelli. they shoot great and look good.

  • Lowndes January 26, 2017, 9:47 am

    Clay, I, too have a Benelli M2 with a similar modified Carrier Latch (GGG&G Tactical) that speeds up and simplifies reloading. It alone makes that M2 my favorite and GO-TO gun for doves, ducks, skeet and sporting clays (no “tactical” uses). As you know, the much larger surface area (1-1/4″ x 5/8″) of a tactical type carrier latch button can’t be appreciated until you use it. Just poke it with a fingertip and it’s closed. No hunting for a very small, almost flush button that requires a lot of force to operate. Why is this not a standard design feature on autoloaders? I saw the new carrier latch on the SBE at the Shot Show. It is a step in the right direction, but still very small and only somewhat easier to press.

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