11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

Are the benellis worth the extra money??? I love the 11-87 but it is much heavier. Given the choice which would you rather have?????

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

SBE, clean or dirty, they work.

Doug

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I own a SBE II, I feel they are worth the money. Super easy to clean and never had a problem cycling a shells(2000+).

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

Boy that's like comparing a Hyundai too a Mercedes!!!

The 11-87 has stocks, trigger assembly and an end that "goes boom". The similarities end there however...


RA

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

Totemkopf,

Someone was trying to tell me that the SBE II has some ejection problems when using 2 3/4" shells. Obviously you don't feel this is an issue, but I'm wondering if you had to do something in order to avoid having any problems.

Thanks,

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

rotflmao funny but true

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I will come to the aid of the 11-87.
Is it a better gun? Lets say it does its job and so far flawlessly for me I really like it I have no problem with the weight its not heavy at all it might be heavier then some but lighter then some too. I would not blow the extra money on a Bennellis unless you have got your heart set on it. I'll take my 11-87 over a Bennellis any day you and keep some cash in my pocket.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I have an 11-87 that is serving me well. If I could have afforded it at the time I would have bought the SBE.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I've sold Benelli's and Remingtons since well before the 11-87 or the SBEs were around. I can tell you that in the long run it is actually CHEAPER to buy the Benelli than it is the Remington. I have a few 1100s and one 11-87, they are heirlooms and for that reason I will keep them. BUTIMHO the only decent shotgun Remington ever made was/is the 870 Wingmaster and Special Purpose. You can take all the Express and Sportsman series 11-87s and 870s and go stir paint or mix concrete with them as far as I am concerned. I also have a Benelli Super 90 Montefeltro (12ga) that is MAGICAL in the dove field, there has NEVER been a Remington that shoots or feels like that little gun...

Good luck with whatever you choose tho,
RA

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I've always been a fan of Remington and I too own many. I also own a Benelli Super Sport. I agree that the Rem's require more maintenance than the Benelli does, but in all fairness, the Benelli was twice the cost. Also, Benelli techs will tell you that there can be some issue with reliablity with 2 3/4" shells in their 3 1/2" guns. The lighter shells can cause some issues. Both are great guns.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

Mustard,
Ihave shot over 2000 2-3/4" shells thru my SBE II and have never had one jam. I have done nothing to my gun but apply a little grease to the bolt.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I'll make a wager..go up to 100 11-87 owners and offer to trade them a SBE for their shotgun. I am betting 99.0% take you up on it.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I'll take the Benelli in trade for my Browning Gold. Then I'll sell it and buy 2 3" Golds. See below. I copied this from my response to the same question in the waterfowl section. Seems this is where the action is. IMPORTANT: This is how I feel about it. I know and respect the fact that there are countless others that feel exactly opposite and there is no way I could discredit that.

I've had them both. The Benelli is absolutely a dream to clean. That is the best thing about the gun IMO. I had an older SBE. I did not like the fact that it jammed so frequently. It is the shotgun of preference in my area and most people love them. To me, it cost too much for the performance or lack there of. I have been around others that jam also. Prior to the Benelli I had an 11-87. In was a great gun, but a piece broke in the receiver and I had it fixed by my local gunsmith. I sold it because I wanted a Benelli. That was quite a few years ago and over that time, the part that broke off in the 11-87 was the only such instance my gunsmith said he has seen.

Having said that, I have had a Browning Gold 3 1/2" Stalker for the last several years and I wouldn't trade it for any other. My brother also has the exact gun except with MOSG camo. I bought my son a 3" Gold Stalker for this last Christmas/B'day. These guns have performed flawless. I bought my son's brand new Gold off Gunbroker for $680. $50 for shipping/handling/ffl and at the time a $100 rebate for a final price of $630. That is an awesome gun for the money. I know you have to wade through a ton of overpriced stuff on GB, but if you are patient and lucky you can make a good deal.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I own my own SBE and wouldn't trade it for anything. I also use a Benelli Super 90 ( basically the same gun, just not the hunting version )at work and can't even guess how many rounds of slug and buckshot I've put through it. I've also shot lots of light hunting loads through my personalone and never had a problem withextraction of the shell. The only round the work gun doesn't like to extract are bean bag rounds or CS gas roundsbecause the low recoil won't operate the inertia system properly; so you just have to do it manually which is no big deal. Keep that thing oiled and it will shoot forever!

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

the ability to cycle 2 and 3/4 shells is very important to me.. I just wanted to make sure that the SBE II will do that. I love the remington but the benelli just points better and is much lighter w/less recoil. I love the balance of the SBE II and would prefer to own one but the price is becoming an obstacle and if it doesn't cycle the low brass shells then I would be happy to go w/ a gas operated gun such as the 11-87 or the browning gold. In your experience i know the SBE I won't cycle low brass but i have heard the SBE II will. Just curious for your input

THANKS<
CHASELTON

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

Chaselton,

What are you seeing as a price point? I've only spoken to one gun shop, but looked at gunbroker.com as well. I'm seeing in the $ 1,300 - $ 1,450 range (adv hd camo model).

Also, do you think there is a significant difference between a 26" and 28" barrel for duck, canada and snow goose hunting?

Cheers,

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

Not sure where your buying your golds from but I see them in the high 800 to mid 900 range. In Fact my local Gander mountain has some SBE's that are priced right at that price range(last years model) and recently I was offered brand new camo versions at 850(marks outdoors,birmingham alabama this years model). Not taking anything away from the Gold but the SBE is a better shotgun..has IMHO much better handling and is easier to clean. Proof of the pudding is the dove operations in Argentina pretty much the only semi seen and what the owners use and recommendare SBE's because they can take the beating.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I actually did the switch from 28" to 26" and then to 24" barrels. I use my M1 Super 90, and my M2 with just as good if not better success on high flyers than my buddies shooting 3 1/2" SBEs with 28" barrels.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

Whoever is having cycling problems with an SBE or SBE 2 is not cleaning their weapon properly. I have cleaned many SBEs for my hunters that were "single shots" and once I got done with them, they never malfunctioned again. The problem I see with them not cycling low brass shells is due to people oiling the crap out of them when they clean them. Run the gun dry or just a drop of oil, and it will not screw up.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I would suggest that those seeking info go to the Benelli website and read the forum there. You should be able to get some valuable info. I have not been on there in probably a year, so I don't know how the discussions are going now, but when I was reading it there were people complaining and people lovin. There was much talk about proper cleaning, oiling, etc. with different opinions. One other discussion point when people were having problems was suggested that they weren't "shouldering" the gun properly. I have hunted with people that swear their SBE does not jam, but I have seen them jam in the field. The excuse I heard was, "Well, it isn't cleaned properly right now." Sorry, for a gun that expensive, it better go bang every time even if isn't cleaned or oiled just perfectly.

I am not trying to bash the SBE because like I said, I know many, many guys that use them and absolutely love them. I can't knock that at all. It is undisputable that they are absolutely the easiest to clean/maintain. If you do have to sell it, you will probably get a good price for your used one if you take care of it.

Quote from oldelkhunter, "Not sure where your buying your golds from but I see them in the high 800 to mid 900 range. In Fact my local Gander mountain has some SBE's that are priced right at that price range(last years model) and recently I was offered brand new camo versions at 850(marks outdoors,birmingham alabama this years model). Not taking anything away from the Gold but the SBE is a better shotgun..has IMHO much better handling and is easier to clean. Proof of the pudding is the dove operations in Argentina pretty much the only semi seen and what the owners use and recommendare SBE's because they can take the beating."

So you are saying where you are at a Gold Stalker sells for the same as a camo SBE???? That has not been my experience. In my post above I said that I got my son's gun off Gunbroker and gave the price. As for dove hunting in Argentina, I don't know anything about it and don't ever plan on doing it. Doubt most of the plain folks in the US will ever have the opportunity.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

Nope but the opportunity is there if you shop carefully and no Golds don't sell for 1/2 price of a Benelli either. The Dove hunt in Argentina was brought up because no where in the world is a gun shot so frequently for long intervals and benellis not golds not remingtons not berettas are the shotgun of choice. I personally have never seen any Benelli jam so group me inwith the non believers. If you want an SBE for 850 in camo call Marks outdoors in Birmingham Alabama ..they have a website . They may still have some left

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I have to agree with OEH. The Argentine Dove Shoot is the test for ANY shotgun. You have a personal loader next to you at all times, when your gun is empty, you are handed another loaded gun. This goes on for hours. Gun of choice, SBE.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

$850 is an awesome price. I really haven't looked at them online, but here in SE Washington State I don't think you could touch one for $1200. I know if a person was buying one here for that price and ended up not liking it, they could probably get every penny back out of it. Within the last 5 years I have sold two of the older SBE's (one mine and one my dad's) here locally, both for $800 cash and within 2 days of being advertised. They were both black composite and in excellent shape.

Again, I would suggest those considering buying a new gun do 2 things. Read the Benelli Forum and talk to as many gunsmiths you can to see what problems with the different shotguns they see come into their shop.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

Bottom line they are both very good shotguns and the best in their class in my opinion.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

The SBE is far better in the terms of quality over the 11-87. Not only is the SBE a ton lighter it also balances better for me with more weight towards the stock. The 11-87 has a barrel heavy balance for me. The SBE has more features like shims to adjust the stock and an automatic magazine cutoff. The SBE is easier to clean and stays cleaner a lot longer than the 11-87. I'll assume you are talking about the 3 1/2" 11-87. In this case neither will cycle lighter loads very well. None of the five or six SBE's that I know will cycle 1oz loads reliably. Not a big deal as a 3 1/2" model is geared for waterfowling where bigger loads are used.
The Inertia design is simple and clever but, has its uniuque flaws as well. The fact that the the US milatary uses a gas operated Benelli should tell you something.
You're more than likely to come across a Benelli M1/M2 or Montefeltro (both in 12 and 20 gauge) in Argentina than a SBE for doves. The Beretta AL391 is pretty popular down there as well.

Other good choices for a waterfowl shotgun besides the SBE's would include the Beretta Xtrema's, Browning Gold 3 1/2" and Silver 3 1/2", Franchi 912, and Winchester SX2 3 1/2". I like the SBE so much, I almost bought one but opted for a Gold 3 1/2" instead. There is also a SBE and SX2 3 1/2" owned in my group of buddies as well.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

This is the second time someone has referred to the Franchi 912. I looked on their website and am unable to find this product. I do see a I-12. Is this the same gun? There is also a 712. Let me know.

Thanks,

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

They are different models. The I-12 is a 3" Inertia operated model. The 712 is a 3" gas operated model. The 912 is a 3 1/2" gas operated model. The 912 is discontinued for 06'. There are still new912's on dealers racks. The 912, 712, and 612 all share the same gas system design. The Beretta Xtrema's are designed after this system.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I have had 1187's, golds, and 935's, and have had the opportunity to shoot the benellis. All fine guns. In fact, I was very impressed with the 935 for the price. It seems when you get a 935, its either brokeor works great. Not my first choice, but very nice.

I would like to have a benelli for goose/duck hunting. Most hunters don't need one. I bet 95% of turkey or upland game hunters won't need the feartures a benelli offers.

I duck hunt in the cheasapeake bay with 2ft waves of brackess water and 10-20F temps. This is where I bet the benelli can shine. But I have managed to do the same thing with 1187's and and my multiple golds. If it gets too much below 10F I don't go out in the bay.

If you have the budget and like to say, you got the best, then I say buy a benelli, but if you are really putting a hurtin on your family's budget, get a 1187, and if you can find a good gold for 450 to 500, then the quality feels so much better.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

Interesting comment...

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I like to say I got the best. Sometimes. I like to feel, that there's no reason to covet for something else or feel dissatisfied with my purchase. Don't everyone?

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

What in your opinion makes it the best?

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

Well, I am still partial to browning golds.Golds is great quality, feels great, shoots very fast. I can pound off 3 shots like crazy with a gold. The 1187 wasn't near as smooth. The action was rougher, and seemed to need a recoil spring that could brake a mans finger. Of course wood on an 1187 is not the greatest. I was raised on Auto-5's and kinda partial to them and browning belgiums. Also as a serious waterfowler the speed feed of the gold is very desirable. It is the little things that matter to me as I know the same for you.

But I do have one friend who doesn't take good care of his 10ga gold or any of his guns, that had jammings with his 10ga gold. But hasn't with his bennelli. He's hardcare duck hunter as it gets. I bet he spends 30-40 days on the water duck/goose hunting. And who knows how many shots he pounds out. And usually never cleans his gun believe it or not until after the season. He is the defintition of torture tests for guns. So his blued guns are pitted. But he could care less.He hunts the same bay water I do and it doens't get much more brutal than our hunting due to the salt 5F to 30F temps, and 2ft waves in a jon boat. I myself clean my guns ever trip. Never been an issue for me.

I have taken a bennellis apart and like the smooth feeling of the action and lug and parts in general. You know as well as I do OEH, when you put something in your hands and you feel like this is nice.I don't like the recoil of the inertia action compared to gas. Gas beats it every time.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I am impressed by the way they build their guns. It's about the most automated plant I have ever seen for any product anywhere. They do a lot of hand fitting though when subassemblies are put together. The italians are getting quite good at CNC and hand assembly and getting the best of both worlds in a finished products. They feel great in my hands and shoot even better..tough combo to beat.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

The Browning Gold 10 is a whole different gun than the Gold 12 and 20 gauges. Parts between the 10 and 12/20 are not very similar at all.

Benelli's have a combination of machined and stamped parts like most other current semi auto's. The new models now even have plastic trigger groups. Quality wise the Benelli'sare not on the same on the same planet as the Browning Auto-5, but then again no semi auto shotgun is. The Benelli line of semi auto's is quite nice, but so is Beretta's and Brownings.

RE: 11-87 or Benelli SBE II????
 

I have played with a lot of shotguns and as far as I am concerned there is no smoother bolt operation than the Benelli's. I have an SBE II with comfortech and I have shot 2 3/4" light low brass loads up to slugs and 3 1/2" Hevi-shot and Impact loads and never once has it jamed or failed to function. I can go from 3" steel the first shot to a 3 1/2" hevi-shot the second and the bolt still goes back far enough to chamber the longer shell. If I had to do it over again I would get the same gun. My father and a friend have them also and their guns have never failed them either.

Is the Benelli SBE 11 worth it?
 

Benelli use to say "Performance worth the Price". Got a hat that says so to!.

I have just completed my 5th hunting season shooting my SBE 11. After the first season, I had to send it back for some service work. I encountered two problems. First the bolt would not always move all the way forward, and not seat itself properly. As a result, it would not fire. They fixed that problem. What they did - I don't know. The second problem persists to this day. If you do not have the gun securely snugged to your shoulder, it will not cycle properly. The spent casing will get caught in the ejection port. This seems to happen mostly when shooting passing shots nearly straight overhead, where sometime the gun may slip off my shoulder. My speculation is that for the inertia driven recoil mechanism to function properly, it must have (X) amount of resistance to cycle the round. Other than that I like the shotgun. I continue to use it primarly, because I like the weight and the way it handles. And I paid a bucket of money for it, so I feel obligated to use it. Sorry Benelli, but I have inadvertenly steered several prospective buyers to other guns. OBTW, Federal's Blackcloud shotshells will cause that gun to jam in as few as 10-15 rounds. That is one dirty shotshell.

Lastly, the recoil pad is prone to being knocked off. Solution - glue it on. Or, purchase the smaller recoild pad. But that costs more than my first shot gun at $129.00.

In all fairness to Benelli, I believe it is a superbly engineered gun - maybe too finely engineered. I hunt in some demanding places which may exceed the engineering specifications. If Benelli were to offer me my money back - I would probably decline. It has it quirks, but I know what they are!

Holy Resurrected threads Batman...

Hopefully whichever one he bought got traded in on a Beretta 391.

11-87 ALL THE WAY!!!!! i hav an 11-87 and im 12 the weight doesnt bother me at all. carry it through the woods and fields all day long and dont get sore. im net a big fan of the benneli's because they are a little to fancy for my taste. my 11-87 is beastly goth the sportsman supermag in mossyoak breakup

I'm not sure if one is better then the other, and I'm not sure if I can justified the differance in price. When I was in the market for a semi-auto years ago (deer hunting only) I couldn't afford the Benelli, so I went to the 11-87, the only issue I had with it was the rubber O ring, I replaced it and it has served me well. Shot placement is key. I'm in the hunt for a 20ga 1100 with a slug barrel.

The choice is yours and only yours, shoulder both at the same time and see which one fits you better