The Benelli Super Black Eagle II: Setting the Standard for Semi-Automatic Shotguns

For avid hunters and serious shooting enthusiasts, the choice of a shotgun can define success and enjoyment in the field. When seeking a firearm that delivers uncompromising reliability, unparalleled versatility, and consistent performance in the most demanding conditions, the Benelli Super Black Eagle II (SBE II) stands as a definitive answer. Renowned as the original 3½-inch semi-automatic shotgun, the SBE II quickly established itself as a benchmark in the industry, proving its mettle across a spectrum of hunting scenarios, from the frigid, muddy confines of a duck blind to the challenging terrain of a turkey woods.

Who is the Benelli Super Black Eagle II for, and what challenges does it solve?

The Benelli Super Black Eagle II is meticulously designed for individuals who demand peak performance from their firearms. This includes:

• Serious Waterfowl Hunters: For those who pursue ducks and geese in harsh weather, where reliability is non-negotiable and the ability to cycle diverse magnum loads flawlessly is paramount. The SBE II excels in wet, cold, and dirty environments.
• Dedicated Turkey Hunters: Its capability to handle heavy 3½-inch turkey loads with reduced felt recoil, combined with a dependable action, makes it a top choice for taking down large game birds.
• Versatile Field Sportsmen: Hunters who transition between different game, requiring a single shotgun capable of handling everything from light target loads for practice to heavy magnum shells for big game.
• Shooters Prioritizing Low Maintenance and Durability: The Benelli SBE II’s design philosophy emphasizes simplicity and ruggedness, leading to a shotgun that requires less frequent cleaning and stands up to years of hard use.
• Those Seeking Consistent Shot Patterns: The advanced barrel technology ensures tight, uniform patterns, crucial for effective long-range shooting.

The SBE II solves the critical problem of unreliability often associated with semi-automatic shotguns in adverse conditions. Its design overcomes issues like jamming from carbon buildup, inconsistent cycling with varying ammunition, and excessive recoil that can hinder follow-up shots and shooter comfort.

Unmatched Reliability: The Inertia Driven® System

At the heart of the Super Black Eagle II's legendary status is Benelli's patented Inertia Driven® semi-automatic action. This innovative system is celebrated for its simplicity, robustness, and unmatched reliability. Unlike gas-operated systems that vent gas from the barrel to cycle the action, the Inertia Driven system uses the kinetic energy generated by the recoil of the fired shell.

Here's how it works and why it's superior:

1. Recoil-Powered Operation: As the gun recoils, the bolt body moves rearward independently from the inertia spring and rotating bolt head.
2. Inertia Spring Compression: The inertia spring is compressed by the forward movement of the bolt body relative to the stationary bolt head.
3. Release and Cycle: When the recoil energy diminishes, the compressed spring rapidly expands, driving the bolt assembly rearward. This movement unlocks the bolt, extracts the spent shell, and ejects it.
4. Chambering the Next Round: As the recoil spring then pushes the bolt forward, it picks up a fresh shell from the magazine and chambers it, relocking the bolt.

What are the key advantages of the Inertia Driven system?

• Exceptional Reliability: With fewer moving parts compared to gas systems, there are fewer points of failure. It operates cleanly, without directing combustion gases into the action, significantly reducing carbon buildup and fouling. This means the SBE II keeps running flawlessly even after hundreds of rounds without cleaning, and performs optimally in mud, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
• Unrivaled Cleanliness: Because no powder gases are diverted into the receiver, the action stays remarkably clean. This translates to less time spent on maintenance and more time in the field.
• Handles Diverse Loads: From light target loads to the heaviest 3½-inch magnum turkey and waterfowl ammunition, the Inertia Driven system cycles a vast range of shells without adjustment, making the SBE II incredibly versatile.
• Durability and Longevity: The simplified design means less wear and tear on components, ensuring a longer lifespan for the shotgun.

The Versatility of the 3½-inch Chamber

The Benelli Super Black Eagle II was a pioneer in offering a 3½-inch chamber in a semi-automatic shotgun, a feature that significantly expands its utility. This means the SBE II can comfortably and reliably cycle 2¾-inch, 3-inch, and 3½-inch shells interchangeably, without any adjustments.

Why is this important for hunters?

• Maximum Firepower for Waterfowl: The 3½-inch magnum shells deliver a heavier payload of shot at higher velocities, providing increased range and knockdown power, especially crucial for large geese or high-flying ducks.
• Flexibility for Different Game: Use 2¾-inch loads for doves or clay targets, 3-inch loads for pheasants or medium-range waterfowl, and 3½-inch loads for maximum performance on tough birds like big Canada geese or turkeys.
• Cost-Effectiveness and Practice: The ability to shoot more affordable 2¾-inch target loads allows for extensive practice without breaking the bank, ensuring you're always sharp for hunting season.

Precision Engineering: Crio® Barrel and Choke Tubes

Benelli’s commitment to advanced firearm technology is evident in the Super Black Eagle II's Crio barrel and Crio choke tubes. "Crio" refers to a cryogenic treatment process where the barrel and choke tubes are frozen to extremely low temperatures (around -300°F).

What are the benefits of cryogenically treated barrels and chokes?

• Improved Pattern Consistency: The cryogenic treatment stress-relieves the metal, resulting in a more uniform molecular structure. This leads to a smoother bore and improved concentricity, yielding denser, more consistent, and more uniform shot patterns. This translates to more pellets on target where it counts.
• Reduced Fouling: The smoother bore surface, a result of the cryogenic treatment, accumulates less plastic wad residue and lead/steel shot fouling. This keeps the barrel cleaner for longer, maintaining optimal performance and requiring less frequent cleaning.
• Enhanced Durability: The treatment strengthens the barrel at a molecular level, increasing its resistance to wear and tear, and extending its lifespan.

The SBE II typically comes with a set of Crio choke tubes, allowing hunters to optimize their shot pattern for different ranges and game types. These chokes are designed to work seamlessly with the Crio barrel for maximum effectiveness.

Comfort and Control: The Ergonomic Design

Despite its rugged nature and magnum capabilities, the Benelli Super Black Eagle II prioritizes shooter comfort and control. The black synthetic finish is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's incredibly durable and weather-resistant, able to withstand the harshest elements without corrosion or damage.

Weighing in at approximately 7.2 pounds with an overall length of 49.6 inches (for the 26-inch barrel model), the SBE II strikes an excellent balance, making it comfortable to carry in the field and quick to shoulder. This balance contributes to intuitive handling and faster target acquisition.

Furthermore, the SBE II often incorporated Benelli's Comfortech® or Comfortech® Plus recoil reduction system in its synthetic stock models. This system utilizes chevron-shaped gel inserts that flex and absorb recoil energy, significantly reducing felt recoil by up to 48% (depending on ammunition and model variant). This innovation allows hunters to shoot heavier loads with greater comfort, reducing fatigue and enabling quicker, more accurate follow-up shots. For those spending hours in the blind or needing precise second shots on fast-moving game, this recoil mitigation is a significant advantage.

Real-World Use Cases for the SBE II

• Duck and Goose Hunting: Imagine sitting in a freezing duck blind, rain turning to sleet. Your Benelli SBE II, with its Inertia Driven system, cycles every 3½-inch steel shot magnum reliably, even after being splashed with mud and water. The Crio barrel ensures tight patterns for consistent long-range knockdowns, while the Comfortech stock keeps felt recoil manageable through dozens of heavy loads.
• Spring Turkey Hunting: Creeping through the woods, you need a shotgun that's light enough to carry but powerful enough for a decisive shot. The SBE II handles heavy turkey loads with ease, and its proven reliability means you won't miss an opportunity because of a malfunction.
• Upland Bird Hunting: While primarily known for magnum loads, the SBE II's balance and ability to cycle lighter 2¾-inch loads make it surprisingly capable for pheasants or grouse, offering a versatile option for mixed-bag hunts.
• Sporting Clays Practice: Want to sharpen your skills in the off-season? The SBE II can effortlessly cycle standard clay loads, providing a reliable platform for recreational shooting practice, albeit it's a heavier gun than dedicated clay guns.

Why Choose the Benelli Super Black Eagle II?

• Unquestionable Reliability: It cycles in any condition, with any load, thanks to the Inertia Driven system. This is its core strength and the reason it's trusted by professional guides and serious hunters worldwide.
• Superior Performance: The Crio barrel and choke tubes deliver exceptionally consistent and dense shot patterns, maximizing your effective range and increasing your chances of success.
• Reduced Recoil: Technologies like Comfortech absorb recoil, allowing for more comfortable shooting, faster follow-up shots, and reduced fatigue during long hunting days.
• Extreme Durability: Built to withstand the harshest environments, the SBE II is a workhorse that will perform reliably for decades with minimal maintenance.
• High Resale Value: Benelli shotguns, particularly the Super Black Eagle series, hold their value exceptionally well due to their reputation for quality and performance.
• A Legacy of Excellence: The SBE II is part of a storied line of firearms that have redefined semi-automatic shotgun performance.

The Benelli Super Black Eagle II is more than just a shotgun; it's a dependable partner in the field, engineered to perform when it matters most. For anyone looking to invest in a firearm that sets the standard for reliability and versatility, the SBE II remains an outstanding choice.

Where can you acquire a Benelli Super Black Eagle II?

For those ready to experience the legendary performance of the Benelli Super Black Eagle II, this exceptional firearm, including models like the 12 Gauge 26" Black Synthetic (UPC: 650350101072), is available through trusted retailers such as DEGuns.com. DEGuns offers a comprehensive selection of firearms and accessories, backed by knowledgeable service to help you find the perfect Benelli for your needs.

Benelli Super Black Eagle II Specifications

Feature	Detail
Gauge	12
Action	Inertia Driven Semi-Automatic
Barrel Length	26"
Finish	Black Synthetic
Overall Length	49.6"
Weight	7.2 Pounds
SKU	10107
UPC	650350101072