Innovation in shotgun shell performance has allowed many hunters to “downsize” their gauge of choice while still providing humane kills, yet giving the shoulder less punishment. If 20 gauge is the new 12 gauge, than 28 gauge is the new 20 gauge. Benelli has not neglected the 28 gauge, adding the chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE3) semi-automatic shotguns in 2022. New for 2025, the company is adding three new 28-ga. SBE3 models tailored specifically to the needs of hunters.
The three new SBE3 28 gauge models use Benelli’s tried-and-true inertia-driven operating system, along with the recoil-reducing Comfort Tech 3 stock with Combtech technology. They are tuned for using 2 3/4” and 3” shells with a two round capacity in their tube magazine and are supplied with flush-mounted Crio cylinder, improved modified and full choke tubes and extended improved cylinder and modified tubes.They weigh in at just at 5.5 lbs.
Optimized for waterfowl hunting with 28” barrels, Model No. 11251 has metal parts finished in Tungsten Cerakote and furniture with a Gore Optifade Timber camouflage pattern, while Model No. 11250 has a Patriot Brown Cerakote finish on the metal and Gore Optifade Marsh camo finish on the furniture. Tailored for the hunter who pursues turkeys or other woodland fowl, Model No. 11253 has a 24” barrel with a Patriot Brown Cerakote metal finish and Mossy Oak Bottomland Original camo on the stock and its receiver is drilled and tapped for adding optics.
All three new 28 gauge SBE3 models have an MSRP of $2,149. For more information, see the company’s website.
