Best of the Best: Super Black Eagle 3 vs A400 Xtreme Plus
Super Black Eagle 3 vs A400 Xtreme Plus
Our #1 and #2 picks from The 10 Best Waterfowl Shotguns, compared spec-by-spec with clear pros, cons, and a verdict.
Choosing the ultimate waterfowl shotgun can feel like navigating a marsh in a dense fog. Today, we're pitting two titans against each other: the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE3) and the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus. Both are renowned for their reliability in the harshest conditions, capable of cycling a wide range of loads, and designed with the serious duck and goose hunter in mind. The SBE3 is celebrated for its legendary inertia-driven system, known for its clean operation and minimal moving parts. On the other hand, the A400 Xtreme Plus boasts Beretta's advanced gas-operated Blink system, promising ultra-fast cycling and reduced recoil. Your decision will likely hinge on your preference for recoil mitigation versus simplicity of design, and how each gun's ergonomics align with your shooting style. Let's dive into the specifics to help you make an informed choice that will serve you faithfully from the flooded timber to the open fields.
Super Black Eagle 3
Benelli
The inertia gun that defined the category. Runs dirty, cycles everything, and strips in seconds in a blind.
A400 Xtreme Plus
Beretta
Kick-Off recoil system and the softest 3.5-inch shooting anywhere. Beretta's Blink action is the fastest made.
Spec-by-Spec
| Spec | #1 Super Black Eagle 3 | #2 A400 Xtreme Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 7 lbs (12-gauge, 28-inch barrel) | Approx. 7.6 lbs (12-gauge, 28-inch barrel) |
| Capacity/Size | 3+1 (2.75-inch shells), accepts 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells | 4+1 (2.75-inch shells), accepts 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shells |
| Materials | Anodized aluminum receiver, steel barrel, synthetic stock | Aluminum alloy receiver, steel barrel, synthetic stock |
| Price Tier | Premium | Premium |
| Warranty | 5-year mechanical, 10-year on synthetic stocks/forends | 3-year mechanical |
| Best Use | Waterfowl hunting, harsh weather conditions | Waterfowl hunting, clay shooting, all-around hunting |
| Portability | Lighter weight, easier to carry afield | Slightly heavier, but well-balanced |
| Durability | Excellent; inertia system is famously reliable and clean | Excellent; gas system with self-cleaning features |
| Feature Highlights | ComforTech 3 recoil reduction, oversized bolt handle & release, Easy Loading System | Kick-Off Mega recoil reduction, Steelium Plus barrel, Aqua Tech Shield coatings, extended loading port, enlarged controls |
Super Black Eagle 3
Best for: The hunter who values ultimate simplicity, light weight, and unwavering inertia-driven reliability in the harshest conditions.
Pros
- Inertia-driven system is exceptionally clean and reliable in extreme conditions.
- Lighter weight makes it easier to carry for long hunts.
- Known for consistent performance with a wide range of shell loads.
- Quick and easy to field strip for cleaning.
- ComforTech 3 stock significantly reduces felt recoil.
Cons
- Can be more sensitive to light loads if not broken in properly or with specific loads.
- Felt recoil can be slightly more pronounced than gas-operated systems, especially with heavy 3.5-inch shells.
- MSRP often higher than competitors.
A400 Xtreme Plus
Best for: The hunter seeking the softest possible recoil, advanced corrosion protection, and ergonomic enhancements for all-day comfort and performance.
Pros
- Gas-operated Blink system offers very fast cycling and exceptionally soft recoil.
- Kick-Off Mega system provides superior recoil absorption, especially with heavy loads.
- Steelium Plus barrel for improved pattern uniformity and reduced muzzle jump.
- Aqua Tech Shield coatings provide enhanced corrosion resistance.
- Enlarged loading port and controls for easy operation with gloves.
Cons
- Gas system requires more frequent cleaning than an inertia system.
- Slightly heavier, which might be a factor for some hunters.
- Can be more complex to fully disassemble for deep cleaning.
The Verdict
For the dedicated waterfowl hunter, both the Benelli SBE3 and the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus represent top-tier choices, but the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus edges out the Benelli SBE3 as the overall winner for its superior recoil mitigation and enhanced features. The A400's gas-operated system, combined with Kick-Off Mega, delivers an incredibly soft shooting experience, which is a significant advantage when firing multiple 3.5-inch magnum loads in a cold blind. Its advanced corrosion protection and enhanced barrel technology also provide tangible benefits in harsh environments. While the SBE3 is a legendary workhorse, its slightly snappier recoil and simpler feature set place it just behind the A400 for a comprehensive waterfowl package. The Benelli SBE3 remains an outstanding choice for those prioritizing ultra-light weight and minimalist reliability above all else, but the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus offers a more refined and comfortable shooting experience, making it the preferred option for most hunters spending long days in the marsh.