The numbers are tallied, and the votes are in. Benelli's new Super Black Eagle 3 in 28-gauge claims "Shotgun of the Year" in the 2022 Guns & Ammo of the Year Awards. The award was handed to Benelli by the editors, contributors, and staff of Guns & Ammo based on several criteria, including "possessing innovative features and engineering," having "demonstrated quality and reliability to a degree that met or exceeded its design objective," and offered "the greatest availability and general affordability to the largest audience.”

Building on the growing interest by waterfowlers for sub-gauge shotguns that are lighter and faster handling in close-quarter environments such as flooded timber and by upland hunters looking for increased challenges with a scaled-to-suit platform, the SBE 3 28-gauge answers the call. Twelve distinct models distinguished by barrel length and stock finish comprise the SBE 3 28-gauge shotgun lineup.

Crio®-treated barrels in 26- and 28-inch lengths cycle standard 2-3/4” shells as well as the increasingly popular and powerful 3” shells available from several leading ammo companies. The SBE 3 28-gauge covers every adventure from waterfowl and upland hunting to spring gobbler pursuits and is ideally suited to take advantage of the latest premium shotshell technology. Each gun comes with Crio® chokes in IC and M extended tubes as well as C, IM, and F flush tubes to ensure optimal downrange performance with changing shooting conditions.

As part of the Super Black Eagle 3 family, the SBE 3 28-gauge delivers all the core features that have made this platform the leader among discerning semi-auto shotgun enthusiasts, starting with the proven Benelli Inertia-Driven System. Capable of cycling all loads cleanly and reliably, the Inertia-Driven System is fast, light, and never requires adjustment. Additional features include the Comfort Tech 3 recoil reduction system, upsized bolt handle, enlarged bolt release and safety for confident operation when wearing gloves, adjustable drop and cast for a custom fit, and a fiber-optic front sight for low light hunting conditions. Consumers can choose between six stock finishes: black synthetic, Realtree® Max-5™, GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Marsh, GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Timber, Mossy Oak® Bottomland™, and A-Grade Satin Walnut.

"The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 represents the high-water mark of semi-auto sporting shotgun designs thanks to its reliability, rugged all-weather performance, and exceptional ergonomics," said Tim Joseph, Benelli’s Vice President of Brand Marketing and Product Development. "The all-new 28-gauge SBE 3 models now extend that same proven quality to the exciting and fast-growing sub-gauge movement. Paired with the latest ammunition technology, the SBE 3 28-gauge presents new opportunities for hunters looking for a lighter and faster shotgun platform as well as new challenges in the field. We are excited and honored that the Guns & Ammo staff selected the SBE 3 28-gauge for the 2022 Guns & Ammo Shotgun of the Year award."

For more information on Benelli USA premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.