RE: Best O/U under $1000
I believe Franchi is seperate from Beretta, although they are part of the Benelli family. The Alcione is an excellent looking gun and very well made. I looked into getting one a while back, but they didn't offer it in 20 ga, unless you got the 2-barrel set. So, already owning a 12 ga O/U -- and not willing to spend over 2-grand for the 2-barrel set -- I opted not to get one. The interchangeable side-plates are beautiful though.