RE: Beretta or Benelli
i would go with a benelli simply because of its inertia recoil system, ie less working parts equals better longevity. i considered the franchi before i bought my sbe and in my opinion the benelli is of superior craftsmanship, althought the franchi is a nice gun.
the only problem i have incurred with my sbe is it doesnt like to cycle light 2 3/4 loads.