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Shotgun reviews

loosegoose

By loosegoose
in Hunting

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loosegoose Rising Star

loosegoose

Posted
Posted

I'm in the market for a semi-automatic shotgun and was wondering if anyone could give me some advantages/disadvantages between the following, Browning, Beretta, and Benelli. I'm planning on spending $800 to $1000 on a new gun. I currently shoot an A-5 Browning and I think it's time to retire it. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

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bigdog Proficient

bigdog

Posted
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I own a Beretta 391 Sporting and have shot a Browning Gold. Also own 1100's and 11-87's. Of the group I liked the Browning least, mainly just on how it fit meand how I shot with it. Mechanically I think it is fine. I really like the Beretta because I shoot it well. I prefer a trap stock, so I see more barrel than a standard field gun. The Beretta has shims so I could adjust for that and it is lighter than the 11-87. The downside for the Beretta is in the disassembly and cleaning which is a chore, although it did get easier after having done it a few times. Currently the Beretta goes for Upland and the 11-87 is my duck gun.

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huntnfish Veteran

huntnfish

Posted
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I have a Winchester Super X2 and love it. I shot a few of the other semi-autos and liked this one the best. The deciding factor for me to buy this one was the fact that it fit me well. The others just didn't fit right when I brought them up. I would go to the gun shop and see which fits you the best. I have put about 5,000 rounds through mine and it has only jammed once.

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MNice Mentor

MNice

Posted
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I have a 390 beretta and take down is a snap. I really like the gun, mainly because it fits ME. I would not let a brand war decide which gun you buy, but I would buy the one that fits you the best.

Jeff

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hawghunter Contributor

hawghunter

Posted
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All I can tell you is that by no means is it hard to disassemble or clean a Benelli, more of your decision should geared towards the feel of each gun and how it shoulders for you like huntnfish mentioned. If yo pay $1000 you will get a quality gun, if that quality gun is okward in your hands it will be no better than a $250 gun

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gspman Veteran

gspman

Posted
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My vote is hands down the Beretta 391. According to Bruce Buck of the Shotgun Report www.shotgunreport.com the Beretta 391 is the most reliable gas gun and that's why it's the most popular gas gun for sporting clays. It seldom breaks, it doesn't require a lot of babying, and can go a long time between cleanings. It's not the softest shooting gas gun but it's soft enough. The adjustable stock is definitely a plus. One more thing to think of is parts availability if the gun does break.

Bottom line: Try the Beretta, Browning, and Remington, or others on for size and see what fits you best. Then do the research and determine that gun's particular weaknesses and be prepared to deal with them if you get the gun.

Good luck.
gspman

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bigg edd Enthusiast

bigg edd

Posted
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I have a benelli super 90, a bps,and a A5. They are all great guns but my favorite is the benelli because of the ease of cleaning. I can take down (completely), clean, and put the benelli back together before I can get the others apart. I lived and duck hunted the west coast salt water for two years and it required the complete take down and cleaning of the gun every time I went out. I would not have wanted to do this with the other guns two or three times a week. I know salt water is not a factor around here but the ease of cleaning sure made things nice.

[This message has been edited by bigg edd (edited 11-21-2003).]

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SEwalleye Contributor

SEwalleye

Posted
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My two cents:

Stick with the A-5!! That's just the opinion from a guy who hunts with one and his dad and brother own two of them each. They just seem to fit us all well, once again highlighting the importance of what others have said: just pick one that feels right!

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loosegoose Rising Star

loosegoose

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I want to thank everyone for their replies to my post. One more question I have is barrel length. Do you feel there is a big difference between a 26" and 30" barrel as far as reach goes? I know a gun with a shorter barrel will be easier to handle. I currently have a 32" barrel on my A5 and I truly believe in a longer barrel.

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irvingdog Mentor

irvingdog

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Long barrels swing nicely (Waterfowl/Clays) and shorter barrels point nicely (grouse, woodcock). they are also a bit lighter and less cumbersome. Beyond that, I personally don't find a big measurable difference in barrel lengths.

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iffwalleyes Grand Master

iffwalleyes

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Posted

Benelli with out a question. I have a super black eagle and it has fired every time whether I am shooting light target loads or heavy 3 1/2" steel shot. The loading system has never jammed. I am very satified with it. If only Benelli made an autoloader rifle I would be buy one of them too.

------------------
Grip it and Rip it

IFFWalleyes
I Fish For Walleyes
[email protected]

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bigdog Proficient

bigdog

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For barrel length I have 26, 28 and 30 in autoloaders. I prefer a 28 or 30 for duck/pheasant because it swings better. I used to only use a 28" but in the past 5 years have moved more towards the 30.

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huntnfish Veteran

huntnfish

Posted
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Lonegoose, if you feel most confident with a longer barrel, that is what I would get. iffwalleyes, Benelli does make an autoloader rifle. It looks like a very nice gun and from the reviews that I have heard, they seem to be reliable and accurate.

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iffwalleyes Grand Master

iffwalleyes

Posted
Posted

Ok where are you able to find a Benelli autoloader rifle I have never seen one but since you say they do I know what my next gun is going to be.

Alright I did some reseach on this this morning I see that it is a new model. I called Scheels in Fargo and they are selling them for $999. Just might have to get one next year but I wish they made them in a few more calibers. They only have 30-O6 and 300 mag. I love my .270 now but I have thought about a 300 WSM maybe they will come out with somemore choices before next year. I already have a 30-O6 (Piece of junk though) and a 300 is to big for what I need.

------------------
Grip it and Rip it

IFFWalleyes
I Fish For Walleyes
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by iffwalleyes (edited 11-25-2003).]

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The Yeti Proficient

The Yeti

Posted
Posted

I bought a Benelli M1-90 this fall. 12 gauge 28'. I love it! I was torn between this and the super x. But the deciding point here is that the gun fits me really well. They are very easy to take down. I have shot 2/4 and 3'. No issues. nice gun..

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benelli_dude2002 Proficient

benelli_dude2002

Posted
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I was at Streiff's up here at Warroad the other day and finally got to see the new Benelli R1 ( rifle ) Like as mentioned before there is only the 30-06 and the 300 win mag right now. But as far as what I thought about it, well I liked the weight of it just like the shotguns came up nice to the shoulder and lighter than most semi-auto rifles I thought it was. I'm sure Benelli will offer more calibers next year and too would to get one of these rifles but I think I would get another shotgun ( Benelli ) first before anything. I do have a Montefeltro in 12 gauge and I just love it. It cycles the lightest loads available and it can be carried all day because its so light. By the way the price for the Benelli rifle at Streiff's was 949$. I could be wrong about the price because I only took a glance at the tag and I'm pretty sure thats what I saw. Just thought I'd let you know. Good luck in what ever you choose. Brian

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