Benelli Adds "Advanced Impact" Technology To Popular Shotgun Models

by
posted on March 12, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

While the term “A.I.” has gripped the headlines recently, it means something totally different when applied to the world of shotguns. For famed shotgun maker Benelli, it stands for “Advanced Impact”, a new technology the company claims increases pellet penetration by 50 percent. New for 2025, the company will be offering Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE3) and Ethos semi-automatic shotguns with Advanced Impact technology.

Graphic rendering of Benelli's Advanced Impact technology.
Benelli’s Advanced Impact technology involves a new bore configuration and choke system that results in greater performance downrange. Image courtesy of Benelli.

Advanced Impact (A.I.) technology is a re-countered barrel bore combined with new Advanced Impact Crio choke tubes, which involves cryogenically treating both the barrel and choke tube. Benelli claims the system delivers better velocity, energy and pellet density on target. In the company’s testing, an A.I. barrel delivered 50 percent better penetration than a standard barrel at 30 meters.

Three Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 shotguns, each with a different metal and camouflage finish.
The Super Black Eagle 3 with A.I. technology is available in both 12 gauge and 20 gauge with a variety of finish options. Image courtesy of Benelli.

A.I. technology will be available in six models of the SBE3 and three models of the Ethos. For the SBE3 this includes 12-ga. and 20-ga. models with a Gore Optifade Waterfowl Timber finish on the furniture and matte gray Benelli Surface Treatment (B.E.S.T.) finish on the receiver and barrel [MSRP $3,199 (12-ga.) and $2,999 (20-ga.)] , and models with a flat dark earth Cerakote metal finish and the choice of Mossy Oak Bottomland or Realtree Max-7 finishes on the furniture [MSRP $2,849 (12-ga.) and $2,599 (20-ga.)].   

Right side of a wood-stocked Benelli Ethos shotgun.
The Benelli Ethos Upland is now available in 12 gauge and 20 gauge (pictured) with A.I. technology. Image courtesy of Benelli.

In the Ethos lineup, both the 12-ga. and 20-ga. Upland models have received A.I. updates. Standards Upland features include AA-Grade satin walnut furniture, a 28” ported barrel with the B.E.S.T. finish, and a red fiber optic front sight. Ethos Upland A.I. shotguns have an MSRP of $3,099 for either gauge.   

Right side of the Benelli Performance Shop Ethos Supersport A.I. shotgun.
Introduced last year in a 12-ga. chambering, the Benelli Performance Shop Ethos Supersport A.I. is now available in 20 gauge. Image courtesy of Benelli.

Finally, a 20-ga. chambering has been added to the Performance Shop Ethos Supersport A.I., a competition shotgun with a nickel-finished receiver, carbon-fiber stock finish, and anodized Briley custom parts. It has an MSRP of $2,849. 

For more information, see the company’s website.

Sporting clays shooter aiming a Benelli shotgun toward an orange clay pigeon in flight.
Whether for hunting or competition, Benelli’s A.I. technology is designed to give pellets more energy and a tighter pattern downrange. Image courtesy of Benelli.

Latest

Smith Wesson 940 01
Smith Wesson 940 01

Bringing The 940 Back: Smith & Wesson & Davidson's Revive Classic Revolver

After a 27-year hiatus, the Smith & Wesson Model 940 revolver in 9 mm Luger is finally back, thanks to S&W's partnership with distributor Davidson's, Inc.

Preview: The Life Of Samuel H. Walker

Firearm enthusiasts will recognize the name of Samuel Walker due to his association with Sam Colt.

Gun Of The Week: Bergara BMR-X Steel

In this episode, the American Rifleman staff is on the range with a rimfire rifle that’s designed to excel in competition. This is the Bergara BMR-X Steel, a bolt-action that offers some match-grade features at a price that won’t break the bank.

Robert "Bob" Nosler Passes Away

Robert "Bob" Nosler, chairman of Nosler, Inc., passed away on Sept. 2, 2025, at the age of 79.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 5, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

MRDS: Zenith’s American-Made Roller-Delayed Rifle For The 21st Century

While the roller-delayed blowback mechanism has proven reliable in platforms like the Heckler & Koch G3, Zenith Firearms has taken this innovative operating system and paired it with a modern, AR-style feature set in its MRDS.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.