The Benelli Super Black Eagle III is a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun with a 28-inch barrel, matte black finish, and 3+1 capacity. It handles 2-3/4", 3", and 3-1/2" shells, which covers the full range of 12-gauge field loads. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Super Black Eagle III 
• Gauge: 12 GA 
• Action: Semi-Automatic 
• Capacity: 3 Rounds (plus 1 in the chamber) 
• Barrel Length: 28 inches 
• Weight: 7 lbs. 
• Finish: Matte Black 
   

Features 

 
The barrel has Benelli's BE.S.T. (Benelli Surface Treatment) proprietary corrosion-resistance treatment, more durable than standard bluing in wet conditions. The ComfortTech stock system uses a series of internal chevrons and a gel recoil pad to reduce felt recoil, which matters over a long day of shooting heavier 3-1/2" waterfowl loads. 
 
Chokes included are Crio (C, IM, F) plus extended Crio (IC, M), five total, covering the common patterns for both field hunting and clay target work. The inertia operating system is Benelli's standard: simple, fewer moving parts, functions reliably across load types without adjustment. 
 

Usage 

 
The 3-1/2" chamber makes the SBE III a go-to for waterfowl hunters who run heavy steel loads for geese or large ducks. The same gun handles lighter upland loads for pheasant without adjustment. At 7 lbs. with a 28-inch barrel, it balances well for sustained wing-shooting. Sport shooters running sporting clays or five-stand will find the choke selection and semi-auto action appropriate, though dedicated competition shooters often run purpose-built competition guns.

The Benelli SBE III gets strong reviews overall, with performance in the field being the main selling point.

Reliability across conditions is the most consistent positive. Owners report it running through rain, mud, and cold without failures on various load types. The ComfortTech stock genuinely reduces felt recoil, which gets called out specifically by hunters who put heavy 3-1/2" steel loads through it repeatedly in a day. The lightweight 7 lb. build and balance are appreciated for carrying through varied terrain. The BE.S.T. barrel treatment holds up well against exposure.

The price is the primary negative in discussions. The SBE III sits at the high end of semi-auto shotgun pricing, and some buyers question whether the premium over less expensive semi-autos is justified for their use case. Finish wear on the matte black comes up occasionally as a long-term concern, though this seems to vary with storage and use conditions. Overall, the consensus for serious waterfowl hunters is that the reliability and 3-1/2" capability justify the cost.