New for 2024: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Compact Shotguns

It's a Super Black Eagle for those of us who soar on shorter wings.

by
posted on January 23, 2024
** 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 Iii Compact

It's always a little frustrating for short-statured shooters when a wonderful new shotgun hits the market, but it won't work for us without some serious gunsmithing. For 30 years, the Benelli Super Black Eagle has dominated the scattergun scene among in-the-know wingshooters ... but it worked best out of the box for those whose wings spread to 5'9" or so. As NRA Family readers already know, fit is absolutely critical for shotguns. That's why we're excited for Benelli's SBE 3 Compact, a new-for-2024, sized-down Super Black Eagle for those of us with shorter wingspans.

To be certain, this is not a complete re-imagining of the SBE 3. Its internals follow the same design that made the SBE 3 the perennial leader in hunting shotguns. What it is, is a shotgun that is shorter and lighter for improved handling, better fit and a more comfortable shooting experience. for shooting and hunting enthusiasts with a shorter length of pull.

To begin, the SBE 3 Compact — boasting a 26" barrel — has an overall length of 46¼". That is 3¼" and 1¼" shorter than the standard SBE 3 28- and 26-inch barrel models, respectively. This shorter overall length comes courtesy of a reduced-length buttstock, which shortens the length-of-pull (LOP) to 13⅛". Weight is also decreased with the SBE 3 Compact, thanks to the more compact stock and 26-inch maximum barrel length.

The SBE 3 Compact shotguns are available in 12- (6.7 lbs.), 20- (5.7 lbs.), and 28-gauge (5.4 lbs.), and chambered for 2¾" and 3" shotshells. All models come with a black synthetic stock and standard features that include Benelli’s Inertia Driven system, extended (IC, M) and flush (C, IM, F) Crio chokes, Crio-treated barrels, Comfort Tech 3 recoil pads, Combtech pads, drop and cast shim kit, and a custom-fitted hard case. MSRP for all models is $1949. BenelliUSA.com.

Latest

Savage Proof Testing Lede
Savage Proof Testing Lede

What Is "Proof Testing"? Savage Arms Demonstrates

When a company tells you their firearms have been "proof tested," here's what they mean ... and how it's done!

What the "21-Foot Rule" Means for Self-Defense

In a defensive situation, things can happen very quickly. How fast? This fast.

NRA Family Columnist Serena Juchnowski Partners with SIGHTRON

Competitive shooter and outdoor writer Juchnowski won our writing contest 11 years ago, and she's just getting started.

Video Review: Kimber KDS9c

Many double-stack 1911-style pistols are a bit hard to conceal ... but not this one!

3 CCW Ideas for Active Lifestyles

Hiking, biking and horseback riding ... with the right concealed-carry setup, safety and comfort go hand-in-hand.

First Impressions: Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE Rifle Series

Created for suppressed shooting, these four 5.56 NATO rifles look sharp and shoot with scalpel precision.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.