Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T.

The Super Black Eagle 3 has long been one of the most respected names in the duck blind, and this new A.I. BE.S.T. edition takes it up another notch. With Benelli’s Advanced Impact barrel and choke system, the company claims up to 50% more downrange energy, and the BE.S.T. surface treatment gives it a 25-year warranty against corrosion. It’s light, sleek, and purpose-built for waterfowlers who want premium performance and long-term durability.

• MSRP: $2,999 (20 Gauge) / $3,199 (12 Gauge)
• Operation: Inertia Driven Semi-Auto
• Available Gauges: 12 & 20 Gauge
• Barrel Length Options: 28"
• Chamber Size: 3" (20 Gauge) / 3½" (12 Gauge)
• Weight: Approx. 5 lbs 13 oz (20 Gauge)
• Length of Pull: 14-3/8"
• Chokes: Benelli Crio Advanced Impact Chokes (5” extended design)
• Extras: Oversized bolt handle & release, Comfort Tech 3 recoil system, carbon fiber rib

Ergonomics

In the hands, the A.I. BE.S.T. feels familiar to anyone who’s run an SBE3—but a few upgrades stand out. The tungsten BE.S.T. finish looks sharp and feels premium. The oversized controls make it glove-friendly, and the Comfort Tech 3 stock does its job, soaking up recoil. I noted that the gun feels surprisingly light and shoulders naturally.

Recoil and Reliability

For a sub-six-pound 20 gauge, the recoil is better than I expected. It’s got some pop—straight back into the shoulder—but remains totally manageable thanks to Benelli’s inertia system and stock design.  Chase and I both mentioned how it still felt controllable, even when running doubles. The SBE3’s reliability has always been a high point, and with the BE.S.T. treatment protecting every part from rust, it’s built to handle real-world waterfowl conditions—rain, snow, salt spray, and all.

Want even less recoil? We love the FalconStrike recoil reduction systems.

Breakdown / Quality of Build

Fit and finish are exactly what you’d expect from a premium Benelli. The BE.S.T. surface treatment covers the barrel, receiver, and small parts, protecting against rust and wear with a 25-year warranty. The A.I. barrel and choke combo is where the innovation really shows—lengthened forcing cones and a redesigned choke profile promise tighter, more consistent patterns and increased energy downrange.

Shooting Experience

For me, this shotgun took a few targets to get used to after shooting heavier 30-inch sporting guns earlier that day. The A.I. BE.S.T. is fast and whippy, perfect for quick moving ducks, but it shot a little high for me until I adjusted my point of aim. Chase, on the other hand, felt right at home—proof that gun fit and feel matter. Once dialed in, we both found it lively, quick to point, and fun to run. The red fiber front bead may not be everyone’s favorite, but it’s easy to change if you prefer something subtler.

Final Thoughts

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T. is a premium shotgun through and through. The price tag—around three grand—puts it in serious territory, but you’re paying for innovation, light weight, and long-term protection. The Advanced Impact barrel system is fascinating tech, even if you need to choke down a bit tighter to get the same results. Overall, it’s a tough, sleek, high-performing gun that’s made to last and built for hunters who chase birds no matter the weather.

What do you think about the Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T.? Share your thoughts in the TFL COMMUNITY!

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