good all around auto shotgun

[lunker651]

I don't really know about other auto shotguns. Browning is all I shoot, ever since my uncle intoduce me to it. I have an Auto-5 12 gauge and it's a great gun the only thing bad about it, is that they don't make them anymore. Never had a jam problem. Shot over 2,000- 3,000 shells and still going. I clean the gun everytime after I used it. I use my gun for bird, deer hunting and clay shooting. They do say Browning is the best there is. Thinking about buying the gold field stalker model this year but not really sure, cause my auto-5 is still going strong. I Have the SA-22 too. I used it for squirrel, but that's another suject.

[gspman]

The Beretta AL391 is the most used gas auto amongst the pro sporting clays shooters. The reason is because it's the most reliable and it's a soft shooter. I don't know if they make one in a 3.5" but if you want a gas auto that's the one I'd get if it fit you well. My guess is it wouldn't be as reliable with low base loads though.

If you want a recoil operated gun the Benelli is the way to go.

I had a Benelli Montefeltro and now own a Beretta 391. The Benelli IMHO is built for midgets. The stock is way too short for me. It's the complaint most gun writers have about it as well. The Beretta is better for me but I still put a recoil boot on it to add more length. I'm 6-4 with a longish neck so I need more length of pull than the average person.

I've used the AL-391 at skeet, sporting, trap, upland, duck, and deer. It's never jammed on me and I've used it in some pretty inclement weather. I clean it maybe once a year and use Break Free CLP in between cleanings to keep the gas cylinder wet.

I have to ask why a 3.5??? I just don't understand the allure of the 3.5" 12 gauge. It seems to me the only thing that get's hit hard with that is your shoulder & face & wallet. Is a 3" magnum that much of a disadvantage. I find that hard to believe but to each his own.

gspman

[CodyDawg]

My Beretta 390, the predecessor to the 391, just passed 10,000 rounds without a jam. Also, they have no problems shooting low base. I have heard and seen a lot of Benelli SBE shooters have problems with low base, but not Beretta shooters. Also, remember that the Beretta comes with stock shims to adjust the fit for the user. Any other gun requires a hack saw.

[gspman]

Benelli has stock shims too.

[caseymcq]

The Beretta A391 Extrema is a 3.5"

[Bassboy1645]

If u want an auto i take it ur using it for waterfowl? Why not get an old reliable the 870 express? They come in a variety of finsihes, 3.5" chamber if you wish. A choke system u have to buy( the only downfall), and u can easily get slug barrels and accesories like scopes and slings put on them. They are super reliable and un less u beat it up bad it will not break on you. It will not jam even if u go awhile with out cleaning it. Once theyre broken in and smooth, they can be as fast an as accurate as an auto in the hands of a skilled shooter. these are remingtons but unlike the 1100 its is way more reliable. It is arugably americas most common seen and coomon game taking gun out there. And at 299 bucks for just the gun or 320 somting for a deer barrel with it u cant beat the price!!!!!!!!!!!