Roost em 1st:

Before your buddy wastes his money, see what shells he is using. The Benelli manual recommends using 1 1/8 oz. minimum. I have shot most all factory shells through my SBE and have never had a failure w/1 1/8 oz. loads. However, some of the 1 oz. and a lot of the 7/8 oz. are unreliable. I would have to say that his problem probably lies with too light a shot charge.

To answer your question...they're good guns but do yourself a favor and look at the Beretta Xtrema. I've shot both and been around both for years. Owned a 390 for years w/o any troubles...I now own the Xtrema. It's still new so I haven't put too many rounds through it. It's a pleasure to shoot...even the heavy 3 1/2 loads. My good friend put two cases through his last year w/o cleaning it and not one hang up.

Guys around here say the Xtrema cycles the lighter loads more consistently than the SBE. The SBE owners say they're finicky about the lighter loads....when shooting doves or clay pigeons, etc. Plus...the SBEs are more expensive $$ around here. Out of all my waterfowling buddies all own either the Xtrema, SBE, or Browning Gold...most owning the Berettas.

Any of the three would make a fine choice.

IMO the SBE is the nicest auto out there, I want one, but for now my NOVA works just fine.