New Gun

[AF-1984]

I have decided to purchase a new shotgun, primarily for waterfowl. I know the final decision comes down to what feels better, but I thought I might as well ask what others opinions were. I am between a Beretta Extrema 2 and Bennelli SBE 2. Anyone have any problems with either gun? I have also heard the SBE is easier to clean...true or not? Any thoughts are appreciated, Thanks!

[dan z]

the sbe will be easier to clean, benelli says you can shoot it for a couple seasons without even looking down the barrel I ateast to that my gun never gets cleaned and it still kills birds

the sbe is lighter and will have a little kick but the new inertia drive and comfort tech stock help that out.

[koonie]

Both are solid guns. Shoulder them both and pick the one that fits you best.

Neither is difficult to take apart and clean so it's really a non-issue.

Gas operated(Beretta) has less felt recoil but is a little dirtier. Cleaning would be a once per year deal unless you shoot thousands of rounds.

Inertia operated(Benelli) will have a little more felt recoil. Comfort tech stock is just a marketing scam in my opinion. Same with cryo barrel.

Both are great waterfowl guns. I prefer Beretta. Go with what fits you best.

[Huntin&Fishin]

Benelli, Benelli, Benelli!!! I had a gas operated system for a few years and was used to cleaning it often, so when I traded my gun in for a SBE2 I used it and when I was going to clean it, It was already clean. I beleive you could go a 2 years without cleaning it, but Im not going to do that. It' dosen't have a bad kick, I haven't even felt it. It's a nice gun. And spend $100 more to get the camo. When you go up to the counter at the store, ask them what they would recomend for a semi auto, 9 times out of 10 they will say the benelli's. Great, Great, gun!! and fast too. Don't forget about the Criro Barrel and choke system, where they freeze them to 350 below Zero to smooth the metal molecules for tighter and denser paterns. Order your self a FREE benelli DVD and you will be convinced like the other millions and you WILL NOT regret it.

[SJU70]

"Don't forget about the Criro Barrel and choke system, where they freeze them to 350 below Zero to smooth the metal molecules for tighter and denser paterns."

I guess its true what they say about there being one born every minute, can't you achieve tighter and denser patterns with a fuller choke? It seems to be if you stick it in the deep freeze you would get the same effect.

Like any gun, the SBE can jam, i was shooting one when it happened. They are made by the same company. Beretta owns them all, and truth be told its a kind of like Chevy and GMC with which guns better, they're both pretty darn good. Everyone gets all in a tizzy about benelli, and it deserves its reputation but that isn't to say that there Beretta shooters aren't just as happy.

[berfish]

AF, I was in your situation a couple months ago. I asked the same question on a bunch of different internet forums. What gun to get? I pretty much got the same answers. Personally I would go with feel and fit of the gun...that is the most important. A lot of people say that...and for good reason. The SBEII allows you to change the drop of the stock for a more custom fit(That is a plus) Something I would caution is, looking for info on products online can be very helpful, but a lot of the time the internet brings out the negative opinions and it doesnt put into perspective all of the people who have had no problems.

I have hunting friends that have both the SBEII and the Extrema I. The one friend with the SBEII had an Extrema before but it jammed up on him...so he went with the SBEII. His brother and dad both have SBEI's so he was familiar with Benelli. Then the friend with the Extrema 1 loves his. I have hunted with him in very cold weather and it still could cycle. Although it went a little slower than normal, but my 870 was jamming and it took all of my power to pump it. I cant comment on the Extrema II w/KO....never shot it. Sounds like a sweet gun.

At any rate....go with what feels the best as they are both good guns. I went with the SBEII and I like it. I love the fit and feel. It seems like a very simple machine when you take it apart. I like that when I clean it and if something does go wrong it should be easy to tell what it is. I don't know why I even cleaned it because it wasnt dirty at all after 50 3.5"ers and about 200 trap loads. The only thing I am a little surprised at is the 3.5" loads really kicked my butt. I shot an 870 forever and I had never shot a 3.5" shell before. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it felt like I had gotten into a car accident the next day when I got up from bed. I was pretty sore on my shoulder, and neck even. I told that to the friend who has the SBEII and he laughed. Reasons for the butt kicking that day: t-shirt, hadn't shot in a year, 50 shots in 10 minutes, not stopping because the gun was freaking awesome.

That pretty much sums up my knowledge. Hope it helps. I just hope there are some ducks around this year so I can actually use my new gun.

[tomfromblaine]

I cant comment on a SBEII as I was outside last year at a D.U. banquet when my number was called to win one but I do have a beretta and all I can say is when I stand and shoot and swing and shoot it just feels right. and its not particular as to what shells I shoot either it patterns well with anything i've tried but I only shoot 3" shells 3.5's maybe differnt. hope this helps.

[jvjohnson]

Take a look at the winchester SX3. I was in the same situation you are about 3 months agao shot all of them befor i baught one and really like the SX3 in my opinion it is in the same class as the extrema 2 and SBE 2.