Shotgun Buying
 

I have been looking at shotguns for a while. My favorites are Beretta AL391 and Benelli Montefeltro, Legacy. Just wondering what one is more worth my money. One that will hold up not jam and be a pain and the butt. I would use it for upland hunting and some skeet, sporting clays. Let me know what your thoughts. Any input would be great.

RE: Shotgun Buying
 

SKB 505.....

RE: Shotgun Buying
 

I'm a Benelli guy. I love mine! Can't go wrong with one. I have never known anyone that has not likede theirs, but I'm sure their is someone;)

RE: Shotgun Buying
 

Both are good guns, buy the one that fits you best. If you're looking to shoot a lot with it, particularly Skeet and Sporting, the 391 has the edge as it'll be slightly softer shooter (gas instead of recoil operated), and there will be a lot more aftermarket parts available to you. The Benelli's aren't well thought of in the clay sports circles, mostly due to light weight (most clay shooters want a heavier gun that will smooth out there swing), and partly due to more felt recoil than a gas gun. But I think both are about as bulletproof as auto's get (the Benelli Super Black Eagle is another story though), and will serve you well. For my money I like the 391 better (so I bought one). But, there's nothing wrong with the SKB either if you can be swayed to a stackbarrel (if so look at the Beretta's too).

Gordon

RE: Shotgun Buying
 

Gordon, FYI, the Benelli is actually an inertia operated system, different that the long recoil of say an old A-5. The inertia system is awesome. I am not a fan of the SBE's, but I don't shoot 3.5" shells so I don't need one and my M1 does everything. 3" mag steel to lite trap loads w/o a problem!

RE: Shotgun Buying
 

I’ve had a Beretta semi-auto 12 ga. for years and love it. Hunted in all types of weather from the extreme cold to very hot and have never had any problems with it. I’ve hunted from sharp tails , ducks to Canada geese and had no problem with the different loads.Never had the opportunity to handle or shoot a Benelli so I can’t comment on the gun but have no regrets with my Beretta..

RE: Shotgun Buying
 

I own a Benelli Super 90 and a Beretta Urika 391. FOR ME, the Beretta handles better, is better balanced, and because it is gas operated is a softer shooting gun. Both are quality guns and as most know Beretta owns Benelli.

What ever product you buy, it is imperative that it fits you otherwise you will never be satisfied.

RE: Shotgun Buying
 

Between the 2, I would lean towards the 391. As clay target shooter,I can go through 10,000's of rounds a year, thus I shoot loads that are on the lighter side ie. 1oz@1050 fps. I have 2 Bereta 391's and 3 M682's that I use.Without any modifications, the 391's will cycle them with ease. I have tried 3 different Beneli's and none of them would cycle my light target loads, though they do advertise them as doing so. I have to mention that these are real light(comparable to a 410), so much is that I had to have my 682 inertia triggers changed over release mechanicals.

As said before, finding aftermarket items for the 391 is easy, not so with the Benelli. I do hear kudu's for the Benelli's as great waterfoul guns.


just some thoughts, doubleA

RE: Shotgun Buying
 

Sorry, evidently I failed the marketing portion of the test :D it is a rotating head recoil operated action though isn't it, rather than the straight blowback design of the A5 as you pointed out.

Gordon

RE: Shotgun Buying
 

Thanks for the help I will most likely be buying the 391

RE: Shotgun Buying
 

The way I understand it, (and I haven't been wrong today:D, well maybe once) Their is a really strong spring that is "engaged" by the firing of the shot and the initial recoil. This leaves a "gap" for lack of a better word that allow the lugs to disengage. The inertia of the spring then pushes open the bolt and compresses the "return" spring. I'm sure the "terms" are incorrect but they are descriptive;)

The Benelli claims to be faster than any other auto shotgun!