I am going to purchase two Super black eagles for ducks and geese. I have some questions in regards to the shotgun:

1. Is it true that they are reliable with 3,5", 3 " ( 76mm), & 2 3/4" (70mm) with all shot charges and brass lengths

2. what barrel length would be suggested? I have shot upland game with 26" or shorter barrels. I think I want the 28" barrels with a 21" barrel if avaliable

3. wood or synthetic, I believe synthetic is the bet for the marsh

I am sorry for such a long post but your comments or experiences will help in my education on Bennelli shotguns

Thanks, Aleko

[ 10-28-2002, 05:19: Message edited by: alekojjensen ]

I have the M1-90 not the SBE. I would agree that 24" would be best length. And the synthetic stock certainly best for waterfowl. I even engraved mine to counter the snide remarks about the plastic. Benellis cycle faster than any auto shotgun.Mine has gotten its share of geese from a canoe on the delaware river.

Never had any problem with my M1super90 no matter what the load. But as Trapper said, a friend of mine had to shoot about a 100 rounds through his benelli before it could handle the lightest loads without failure. As far as I'm concerned these shotguns are worth the money. Hell, they will be going strong long after we are gone!

Aleko:

I have a pair of Benelli Super Black Eagles(SBE). One is a 26" low vent rib(older model) and the other is a 28" high vent rib(newer model). If pinned down I would prefer the 28" high vent rib. To address your questions:

1. Mine and all of my friends SBE's have been reliable with quality steel shot shells intended for hunting purposes whether 2 3/4, 3, or 3 1/2. My guns will not reliable cycle 2 3/4 light target loads.

2. I like a 26" or 28" barrel in the SBE. Slight preference for the 28". The 24" barrel is the shortest offered for the SBE. Balance and swing are the key drivers in this decision. As Trapper points out the receiver is long on the SBE. This is something to consider when deciding barrel length. Best if you could see and handle each length before purchase.

3. Waterfowling conditions can be very harsh. I generally prefer wood stocks, but have gone the black synthetic route for my SBEs. I have heard rare cases of chipping in the cammo models. The black shows wear but does not chip.

In summary, myself and everyone I know thinks highly of the Benelli SBE. Benelli offers mercury recoil reducers that could be beneficial. Also, a stock drop shim kit should come with your SBE's as a standard accessory. These are useful. For any extra choke needs I have used Briley.

Hope this helps.

B

I appreciate Benelli for bringing the SBE out in Left hand. It was a bold move that most others companies would not do. I got mine in 24" with the black stock. The only thing I have found that it doesn't cycle is very light reloads or promotional light game loads. Everything else works great. If you really want firepower, add a magazine extension (same one that a Benelli MI uses). With the extension it holds 6- 3 1/2" shells, 7-3", or 8- 2 3/4".

Aleko,

I have owned the SBE for 3 or 4 years and have used it extensively for ducks, turkeys and doves.I would agree with most of the statements so far.Mine is 26" and is about the same length as my Rem 1100 with 28" barrel, so if you are used to an autoloader with a 26" barrel you probably ought to get the 24". I have had two mechanical problems with mine. Both were resolved at no cost by Benelli-USA. As for reliabilty, if you keep it very clean, it seems to function flawlessly with everything from 3"-1 1/8 up to max 3 1/2" 2 oz . I haven't tried any really light target loads.

As to appearance, get the synthetic stock. In my opinion there is nothing aesthetic about this shotgun. It is pure function and is at home in the swamp.If I didn't use steel shot I probably would not have one in my safe. My normal duck load is 3 1/2" 1 9/16 #2 steel and it works very well. Have fun.

i've had a left handed, 26 inch ,synthetic, super black eagle for about 3 years now. i quit hunting with it about 6 months after i bought it because it jams. I only shoot 3 or 3 1/2 inch steel shells but it doesn't matter. I strip and clean it after each use to no avail. it's cost me several geese and many ducks so i'm back to using my old heavy 870. i won't buy another one.

My M1-90 had some problems when I switched from the 19" smoothbore slug bbl to a fully rifled (24" heavy)bbl.It jammed a few times(alot actually).I got a "Sure-Cycle" stainless steel recoil spring system from SRM Performance Products and it is fantastic.No jams and it seems smoother and,well,just better!Now after the $369 for the bbl,$75 for the forearm,$50 for the drilling and tapping,$40 for the base and rings,$130 for the Sure Cycle and...,well,you get the idea!I forgot about the scope,MAN was that expensive!!! Good thing I only paid $560 for the gun brand new in the box.

My SBE will not reliably cycle any load less than 1 1/4 oz.

I did all of the usual and customary things with the SBE. Still no luck.

Try the Sure Cycle!

I currently own a 24" SBE. It's a great gun for what you describe. I owned a 28" Benelli Super 90 but didn't like the long barrel. I also own 21", 26", and 28" 870s. The 21" is my absolute favorite for upland game. My buddy owned a 21" Super 90 and I thought that gun handled great too. He's since moved to the 24" barrel though. To me, 28" feels too front heavy but I'm a snap shooter, not a swing through shooter. If you like to swing through, a 26" or 28" might be just the ticket.

Russ D
when you pulled the trigger it would make a sound like a spring activating but nothing would happen. i would work the action and it would fire. the primer wasn't dented and the same shell would shoot.