While the term “A.I.” has gripped the headlines recently, it means something totally different when applied to the world of shotguns. For famed shotgun maker Benelli, it stands for “Advanced Impact”, a new technology the company claims increases pellet penetration by 50 percent. New for 2025, the company will be offering Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE3) and Ethos semi-automatic shotguns with Advanced Impact technology.
Advanced Impact (A.I.) technology is a re-countered barrel bore combined with new Advanced Impact Crio choke tubes, which involves cryogenically treating both the barrel and choke tube. Benelli claims the system delivers better velocity, energy and pellet density on target. In the company’s testing, an A.I. barrel delivered 50 percent better penetration than a standard barrel at 30 meters.
A.I. technology will be available in six models of the SBE3 and three models of the Ethos. For the SBE3 this includes 12-ga. and 20-ga. models with a Gore Optifade Waterfowl Timber finish on the furniture and matte gray Benelli Surface Treatment (B.E.S.T.) finish on the receiver and barrel [MSRP $3,199 (12-ga.) and $2,999 (20-ga.)] , and models with a flat dark earth Cerakote metal finish and the choice of Mossy Oak Bottomland or Realtree Max-7 finishes on the furniture [MSRP $2,849 (12-ga.) and $2,599 (20-ga.)].
In the Ethos lineup, both the 12-ga. and 20-ga. Upland models have received A.I. updates. Standards Upland features include AA-Grade satin walnut furniture, a 28” ported barrel with the B.E.S.T. finish, and a red fiber optic front sight. Ethos Upland A.I. shotguns have an MSRP of $3,099 for either gauge.
Finally, a 20-ga. chambering has been added to the Performance Shop Ethos Supersport A.I., a competition shotgun with a nickel-finished receiver, carbon-fiber stock finish, and anodized Briley custom parts. It has an MSRP of $2,849.
For more information, see the company’s website.
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