28-Gauge Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Shotguns: First Look

The all-new Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 in 3-inch chamber 28-gauge answers the growing call of waterfowlers who hunt flooded timber in the southern regions as well as the beaver dams and cattails of the north, where tight quarters favor the sub-gauge. And with more hunters seeking smaller-gauge shotguns, the new SBE 3 28-gauge 3-inch models fit the needs of waterfowlers looking for greater challenges with a scaled-to-suite gun.

The new SBE 3 models continue the unfailing performance and rugged construction that has made the Super Black Eagle the first choice among discriminating shotgunners yet do so in a lighter weight, faster-handling package ideally suited for those decoyed birds in flooded timber. Offered in Crio-treated 26- and 28-inch barrel lengths, the 28-gauge SBE 3s are modest 5.5 and 5.6 pounds, respectively, with 47.5- and 49.5-inch overall lengths.

A total of eight models mark the 28-gauge SBE 3’s introduction, differentiated by barrel length and stock finish. Available stocks include synthetic, Realtree Max-5, Realtree Timber, GORE OPTIFADE, and Mossy Oak Bottomland.

While these 28-gauge SBE 3 models work with standard 2 ¾-inch shotshells, hunters can tap into the new class of 3-inch loads rolling off the premier ammunition lines. This diversity significantly broadens the 28-gauge SBE 3’s field applications, with a single platform that is lighter, faster, and easily adaptable to a broad range of hunting environments.

The SBE 3 3-inch 28-gauge comes in a custom-fitted hard case with a brace of Crio choke tubes—IC and M extended tubes and C, IM, and F flush tubes—plus a choke wrench and shim kit for drop and cast adjustment. Additional features include an upsized bolt handle, enlarged bolt release, and oversized safety for easy operation when wearing gloves. A carbon-fiber rib, contributing to the shotgun’s light weight, ends in a fiber-optic red-bar front sight for enhanced visibility in low light hunting conditions. The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 has exceptional ergonomics, rugged construction, and reliable cycling in the harshest environments. With its clean and consistent Inertia Drive System, refined operation, and integrated Comfort Tech 3 recoil reduction system, it is understandable why Benelli is the leader in the semi-auto shotgun class. Now, that apex performance merges with the 28-gauge renaissance to provide hunters even greater options when pursuing their waterfowl and upland hunting passions.

For more information on Benelli USA premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.