Gun Reviews

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 BE.S.T.

The new finish makes steel impenetrable to saltwater so well that the gunmaker is offering a 25-year warranty on parts treated with its new BE.S.T. coating.

By Joseph Albanese

Updated: January 28, 2020

Benelli introduced it’s Super Black Eagle 3 shotgun now finished with its proprietary BE.S.T. (Benelli Surface Treatment), which is a firearm finishing technology developed by engineers and scientists at the gunmaker’s manufacturing headquarters in Urbino, Italy.

The coating protects steel with a tough and impenetrable armor that stops rust and corrosion—very important for waterfowlers and any other hunters who are in regular contact with water and saltwater in the field.

A competitor's barrel showing the damage from 48 hours of saltwater exposure. A Benelli BE.S.T-treated barrel with no sign of rust or corrosion after 3 months of saltwater exposure.Benelli

How It Works

Diamond-like carbon particles are used to create a multi-layered surface coating that protects against the elements and abrasions. It creates a barrier that protects against rust and corrosion created by moisture - even saltwater.

The BE.S.T. coating is currently available on two models of the Super Black Eagle 3 and two models of the ETHOS shotgun.