ORIGINAL: retrieverman
My first question to anyone wanting a SBE is: are you REALLY going to shoot 3.5" shells? If the answer is no or maybe sometime, I would go with a Super 90. From the large group of people that I know that have SBE guns, VERY FEW shoot 3.5" shells, and the ones that do admit that there is not really enough difference in 3 to 3.5" to justify the price. I have goose hunted with alot of guys that shoot 3.5" shells, and at the end of the day, my body count is as high or higher shooting 3" shells out of my Super 90.
The SBE is a great gun for shooting heavy ammo, but if you intend to shoot light loads, it can be finicky. I have a cousin that has a SBE that will shoot anything, but my former boss had one that would not cycle 1 1/8 oz ammo consistently.
My son just bought a SBE against my advice, but he bought his used and got a great deal on it. At the price he paid, he won't loose money if he doesn't like it.
I couldn't agree more! If your shooting turkeys alot and need 3.5" shells get one, if your shooting geese and your sky busting get a 10 gauge. A 3.5" 12 gauge shell has no advantages worth the difference in price over 3" shells. It does have a little longer shot string, but not enough to make a difference.