Benelli Expands Super Black Eagle 3 Collection with Three New 28-Gauge Options

The evolution of shotgun ammunition technology has revolutionized how hunters approach gauge selection, enabling them to choose lighter options without sacrificing stopping power or ethical harvesting capabilities. This trend has led to a notable shift in preferences, with many sportsmen embracing smaller gauges for their reduced felt recoil and improved maneuverability. Recognizing this market demand, Benelli has strategically expanded its acclaimed Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE3) semi-automatic shotgun series.

Building on Success: The 28-Gauge Foundation

Benelli initially introduced the 28-gauge chambering to the Super Black Eagle 3 platform in 2022, demonstrating the company's commitment to providing versatile options for discerning hunters. For the 2025 model year, the Italian manufacturer has unveiled three distinct 28-gauge SBE3 variants, each engineered to meet specific hunting applications and environmental demands.

Technical Excellence: Core Performance Features

Each of the three new models incorporates Benelli's renowned inertia-driven operating system, a technology that has proven its reliability across countless hunting seasons. The shotguns feature the advanced Comfort Tech 3 stock system integrated with Combtech technology, specifically designed to minimize felt recoil and enhance shooter comfort during extended hunting sessions.

Key Specifications:

• Ammunition compatibility: Optimized for 2¾" and 3" shells
• Magazine capacity: Two-round tube magazine
• Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Choke tube selection: Complete set including flush-mounted Crio cylinder, improved modified, and full choke tubes, plus extended improved cylinder and modified tubes

Model Breakdown: Purpose-Built Variants

Waterfowl-Focused Models (28" Barrel)

Model No. 11251 represents the premium waterfowl hunting configuration, featuring a 28-inch barrel optimized for long-range shots over water. The metal components receive a durable Tungsten Cerakote finish, while the furniture showcases the proven Gore Optifade Timber camouflage pattern, ideal for diverse wetland environments.

Model No. 11250 offers an alternative waterfowl setup with a Patriot Brown Cerakote metal finish complemented by Gore Optifade Marsh camouflage on the furniture. This configuration provides excellent concealment in marsh and coastal hunting scenarios.

Upland and Turkey Specialist

Model No. 11253 caters to hunters targeting turkeys and other woodland game birds with its compact 24-inch barrel design. The shorter barrel length enhances maneuverability in dense cover while maintaining accuracy at typical upland hunting ranges. This model features a Patriot Brown Cerakote metal finish paired with the classic Mossy Oak Bottomland Original camouflage pattern on the stock. Additionally, the receiver comes factory-drilled and tapped, allowing hunters to easily mount optics for precise shot placement.

Market Positioning and Availability

All three new 28-gauge Super Black Eagle 3 models carry an MSRP of $2,149, positioning them competitively within the premium semi-automatic shotgun market. This pricing reflects the advanced engineering, premium materials, and specialized manufacturing processes that define the Super Black Eagle 3 series.

The introduction of these models reinforces Benelli's commitment to innovation and hunter satisfaction, providing options that combine the manageable recoil characteristics of the 28-gauge cartridge with the reliability and performance standards that have made the Super Black Eagle series a favorite among serious waterfowl and upland hunters worldwide.