New Guns 2025: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 28-Ga. Shotguns

Viva la sub-gauge Renaissance!

by
posted on February 19, 2025
Benelli Sbe 3 Gore
Benelli's SBE 28-gauge in GORE OPTIFADE Marsh

The year 2025 has marked a few trends in the shooting world, one of which is the ongoing "sub-gauge Renaissance" among shotguns. These smaller gauges like the 16-gauge, the 28-gauge, and the .410 bore are injecting a new level of fun and participation for many waterfowl and upland hunters ... while presenting new challenges and tactics for turkey hunters. Benelli's Super Black Eagle 3 series is a terrific exxample of that, with three more 28-gauge models.

To begin, Benelli has expanded the SBE3 28-gauge line with two new color configurations available for 28"-barrel shotguns. The new patterns are waterfowl-focused with GORE OPTIFADE Marsh furniture combined with Patriot Brown Cerakote and GORE OPTIFADE Timber working with a Tungsten Cerakote.

You may have noticed that reference to turkey hunting above and wondered, "With a 28?" Yes! Thanks the outstanding performance of 28-gauge TSS loads for turkey hunting, the 28-gauge is emerging as a valid way to hunt thunder chickens. Benelli has added a 24"-barrel model to its already extensive roster of 28-gauge SBE3 shotguns. Boasting Mossy Oak Bottomland Original camo paired with a Patriot Brown Cerakote treatment on the barrel and receiver, this shotgun hits all the marks for a hard-use, fast-handling hunting shotgun — whether that hunt takes you after spring gobblers, woodland grouse, timber ducks, or doves.

Much of the 28-gauge appeal comes from the soft-shooting nature of these shotshells. Since the SBE3 offers a firm foundation in comfort thanks to its recoil-absorbing ComforTech stock, shim kit for drop and cast adjustment, and ergonomic controls, an SBE3 in this chambering is the easiest-shooting yet most rugged semi-auto shotgun on the market today. MSRP $2,049; BenelliUSA.com.

Latest

Savage Stance Xr Video Lede
Savage Stance Xr Video Lede

New Guns 2025: Savage Arms Stance XR Pistol

Smaller, smoother, and enhanced with safety features, this micropistol is a big winner.

Mossy Oak Announces 2025 Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp

All proceeds from stamp sales go directly to wild turkey conservation projects around the country.

MidwayUSA Named Official Sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

GLOCK, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the Freedom Experience on Saturday, April 26th.

3 Welcome Surprises of Concealed Carry

What the author thought were invisible hurdles to CCW turned out to be welcome surprises ... you may find the same!

Video How-To: Choose the Best Ammunition for Your Gun

It's a bit more complicated than just checking the markings on your gun's barrel. We explain!

Throwback Thursday: Counting Coup (How "Brave" Are You?)

What did American Plains tribes believe brought more pride and honor: ending an enemy, or just humiliating him?

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.