New For 2023: Benelli Super Black Eagle BE.S.T. 28 Gauge

by
posted on January 24, 2023
** 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. **
Benelli SBE 3 BEST

Since 1993, Benelli’s Super Black Eagle (SBE) shotgun line has been a favorite among waterfowlers, and three decades later, the award-winning SBE hardly needs introduction. For 2023, Benelli announced that it has expanded the lineup of SBE 3 shotguns to provide subgauge shooters with a 28-ga. offering. The new SBE 3 will feature the Benelli Surface Treatment (BE.S.T.).

The sub-gauge craze is running hot, with more hunters choosing the reduced recoil, lighter weight, enhanced maneuverability and the challenge of taking to the fields and marshes with small-bore shotguns. Because of the added interest, the new SBE 3 BE.S.T. in 28-gauge wears a black synthetic buttstock and fore-end and comes with a shim kit to adjust drop and cast, along with a custom-fit case for transport protection. It weighs 5.5 lbs. and comes with a 26” Crio-treated barrel. The longer, 28” version weighs slightly more at 5.6 lbs., empty. A low-profile carbon-fiber sighting rib tops the barrel.

Benelli’s field-proven BE.S.T. is a hybrid Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) treatment that provides second-to-none protection against corrosion and abrasion. That is a must for sub-gauge fans hunting in the rough stuff. Combine BE.S.T. with features like the Crio flush and extended choke tubes, Crio-treated barrels, the ComforTech 3 recoil mitigating stock, and the energy-absorbing CombTech cheek piece, and shooters get a shotgun loaded with Benelli’s best technologies. MSRP is $2,099. For more details, visit BenelliUSA.com.

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.