The year 2025 has marked a few trends in the shooting world, one of which is the ongoing "sub-gauge Renaissance" among shotguns. These smaller gauges like the 16-gauge, the 28-gauge, and the .410 bore are injecting a new level of fun and participation for many waterfowl and upland hunters ... while presenting new challenges and tactics for turkey hunters. Benelli's Super Black Eagle 3 series is a terrific exxample of that, with three more 28-gauge models.
To begin, Benelli has expanded the SBE3 28-gauge line with two new color configurations available for 28"-barrel shotguns. The new patterns are waterfowl-focused with GORE OPTIFADE Marsh furniture combined with Patriot Brown Cerakote and GORE OPTIFADE Timber working with a Tungsten Cerakote.
You may have noticed that reference to turkey hunting above and wondered, "With a 28?" Yes! Thanks the outstanding performance of 28-gauge TSS loads for turkey hunting, the 28-gauge is emerging as a valid way to hunt thunder chickens. Benelli has added a 24"-barrel model to its already extensive roster of 28-gauge SBE3 shotguns. Boasting Mossy Oak Bottomland Original camo paired with a Patriot Brown Cerakote treatment on the barrel and receiver, this shotgun hits all the marks for a hard-use, fast-handling hunting shotgun — whether that hunt takes you after spring gobblers, woodland grouse, timber ducks, or doves.
Much of the 28-gauge appeal comes from the soft-shooting nature of these shotshells. Since the SBE3 offers a firm foundation in comfort thanks to its recoil-absorbing ComforTech stock, shim kit for drop and cast adjustment, and ergonomic controls, an SBE3 in this chambering is the easiest-shooting yet most rugged semi-auto shotgun on the market today. MSRP $2,049; BenelliUSA.com.
