Benelli Releases its Revolutionary A.I. Barrel

by
posted on January 23, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Benelli AI

To bird hunters who may have thought shotgun technology just couldn’t reach any further Benelli says, “Not so fast.” Actually, the company’s latest technological advancement, what it calls Benelli Advanced Impact, or A.I., does exactly that: it makes a shot column faster.

In 2025, Benelli will release the revolutionary new technology to many shotguns in its Super Black Eagle 3, Ethos and Cordoba lines. Benelli A.I. technology is a new approach to delivering shotgun ballistics by delivering a payload, says the company, “harder, faster and with greater downrange pellet density than traditional shotgun barrels.”

The secret lies in a new ballistic contour developed by Benelli that is integrated into the barrel bore. The new contour combines Benelli’s new Advanced Impact Crio chokes to enhance shot column velocity, which in turn will deliver more energy at the point of impact, as compared to conventional shotgun barrel designs.

Intense ballistic testing by the company has shown a 4 percent increase in velocity and 6 percent increase in energy at a meter beyond the muzzle, compared to a standard shotgun barrel. Combined, the result is up to 50 percent better penetration over payloads delivered by a standard barrel. Also, testing reveals that combining A.I. barrels with A.I. Crio chokes delivers more uniform shot columns. So, greater speed delivers greater energy, which delivers more pellets on target and more downed birds.

In 2025 Advanced Impact technology will be released on several Benelli shotguns including the Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. and the SBE3 A.I. Cerakote, two units that will make the SBE3, already the world standard, a veritable must-have for waterfowlers. Other models to feature Benelli A.I. include the Ethos Upland A.I., Performance Shop Ethos SuperSport A.I., Performance Shop Ethos Sport A.I. and Performance Shop Ethos Cordoba A.I. BE.S.T. (American Hunter’s 2025 Shotgun of the Year).

Advanced Impact is just the latest in a long list of technological innovations brought to market by Benelli engineers to enhance shotgun performance and shooting comfort. It joins a long list of achievements including its world-famous Benelli Intertia Driven system, Comfort Tech recoil reduction and BE.S.T. anti-corrosion coatings. To learn more about Benelli Advanced Impact technology visit BenelliUSA.com.

Latest

SLR Subbrand Feature
SLR Subbrand Feature

New for 2026: Winchester Supreme Long Range

New for 2026, Winchester introduces its Supreme Long Range rifle ammunition line. Centered around the BC MAX projectile, Winchester has designed this ammunition with the consistency needed for longer shots in mind.

EOTech Announces Ultra-Compact Vudu 4-12x36mm

The new-for-2026 EOTech Vudu 4-12x36mm's overall length sits at only 7.1 inches, makes this optic ideal on even the shortest rifle or AR-pistol.

First Look: Hawke Optics Vantage HD Binocular

Hawke Optics has introduced its Vantage HD Binoculars, available in three size options, each with two magnification levels.

Retay USA Expands Gamelander Rifle Series

For 2026, Retay USA announced the expansion of its Gamelander rifle line to include a dedicated series of straight-walled chamberings.

Knight & Hale Reintroduces Moonshiner Alongside New Pot Calls

Knight & Hale Game Calls has announced the return of a fan favorite: The Moonshiner. Alongside this iconic call, Knight & Hale has also introduced a new lineup of pot calls and strikers designed to deliver unmatched realism, durability and versatility in the turkey woods.

First Look: Henry Provider and Protector Rifles

Whoever is behind the Henry Repeating Arms wheel these days needs to be given their own set of keys. The boys in Rice Lake have just announced two new product families of lever-action rifles: Protect and Provide.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.