Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T.

Benelli’s Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T. is a premium, waterfowl-focused semi-auto that pairs Benelli’s new Advanced Impact (A.I.) barrel and long Cryo chokes with the BE.S.T. corrosion-resistant surface treatment (backed by a 25-year warranty). Built around a 28″ A.I. barrel and offered in 12 and 20 gauge, the gun is an upright, light-handling platform (approx. ~5 lb 13 oz for the 20ga and ~7 lb for the 12ga) with a 14-3/8″ length of pull, inertia-driven action, oversized controls, and Benelli’s Comfort Tech 3 stock. Positioning-wise it’s squarely aimed at waterfowlers who want cutting-edge patterning tech and long-term durability in a field-ready package.

On the range the SBE3 A.I. BE.S.T. feels fast and whippy — great for swinging on ducks — and it manages recoil surprisingly well for a sub-six-pound 20 gauge. The Advanced Impact barrel/choke concept is intriguing (Benelli claims big gains in downrange energy), but it may nudge shooters toward tighter choke choices versus traditional tubes; some shooters found it shoots a hair high out of the box. Top pros: lightweight handling, innovative barrel/choke design, premium corrosion protection, and user-friendly oversized controls. Main cons: premium price, potential need to re-think choke selection/patterning, and the tradeoff of a lighter gun bringing a bit more perceived “pop” on follow-ups. Overall: a high-end, durable option for serious waterfowlers who value long-term protection and modern patterning tech.