loosegoose Posted November 20, 2003 Share Posted November 20, 2003 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdog Posted November 20, 2003 Share Posted November 20, 2003 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntnfish Posted November 21, 2003 Share Posted November 21, 2003 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 21, 2003 Share Posted November 21, 2003 Bennelli M1 Super 90 or a Remington 1187------------------Chells Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loosegoose Posted November 21, 2003 Author Share Posted November 21, 2003 I talked to someone that has a Benelli and a Beretta. They told me the disassembly and cleaning of the Beretta is much easier than the Benelli? Is there any truth to that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MNice Posted November 21, 2003 Share Posted November 21, 2003 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawghunter Posted November 21, 2003 Share Posted November 21, 2003 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gspman Posted November 21, 2003 Share Posted November 21, 2003 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigg edd Posted November 22, 2003 Share Posted November 22, 2003 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).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEwalleye Posted November 22, 2003 Share Posted November 22, 2003 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loosegoose Posted November 23, 2003 Author Share Posted November 23, 2003 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irvingdog Posted November 23, 2003 Share Posted November 23, 2003 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iffwalleyes Posted November 23, 2003 Share Posted November 23, 2003 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 itIFFWalleyesI Fish For Walleyes[email protected] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdog Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntnfish Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iffwalleyes Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 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 $999. Just might have to get one next year but I wish they made them in a few more calibers. They only have 30-O6 and 300 mag. I love my .270 now but I have thought about a 300 WSM maybe they will come out with somemore choices before next year. I already have a 30-O6 (Piece of junk though) and a 300 is to big for what I need. ------------------Grip it and Rip itIFFWalleyesI Fish For Walleyes[email protected][This message has been edited by iffwalleyes (edited 11-25-2003).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Yeti Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 I bought a Benelli M1-90 this fall. 12 gauge 28'. I love it! I was torn between this and the super x. But the deciding point here is that the gun fits me really well. They are very easy to take down. I have shot 2/4 and 3'. No issues. nice gun.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benelli_dude2002 Posted December 2, 2003 Share Posted December 2, 2003 I was at Streiff's up here at Warroad the other day and finally got to see the new Benelli R1 ( rifle ) Like as mentioned before there is only the 30-06 and the 300 win mag right now. But as far as what I thought about it, well I liked the weight of it just like the shotguns came up nice to the shoulder and lighter than most semi-auto rifles I thought it was. I'm sure Benelli will offer more calibers next year and too would to get one of these rifles but I think I would get another shotgun ( Benelli ) first before anything. I do have a Montefeltro in 12 gauge and I just love it. It cycles the lightest loads available and it can be carried all day because its so light. By the way the price for the Benelli rifle at Streiff's was 949$. 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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