Post by: steeleywhopper on November 13, 2022, 08:24:54 AM
Can anyone steer me towards a bullet proof Semi Auto that won't turn into a single shot on a cold day?
Post by: boneaddict on November 13, 2022, 08:48:15 AM
Post by: mountainman on November 13, 2022, 09:58:54 AM
Post by: follow maggie on November 13, 2022, 05:20:20 PM
Post by: bear on November 13, 2022, 05:34:04 PM
Post by: wadu1 on November 13, 2022, 05:45:32 PM
Post by: Wingin it on November 14, 2022, 08:43:51 AM
Post by: h2ofowlr on November 14, 2022, 08:51:15 AM
I run all Benelli's. Easy to clean and tear down. Inertia system is pretty simple vs. a gas system. My current SBE2 that I run probably has close to 10k rounds through it and just shy of 3k birds with it. It will go to Rob Roberts in the off season for an overhaul.
Post by: Chesterdog on November 14, 2022, 09:37:16 AM
Although some might say I'm biased towards Winchester... I named my dogs "Winnie" and "Chester" if that tells you something.
Post by: mboyle0828 on November 14, 2022, 09:46:02 AM
Post by: pickardjw on November 14, 2022, 09:47:12 AM
Post by: h2ofowlr on November 14, 2022, 10:28:29 AM
The Stoeger M3500 is a cheaper option and clone of the Benelli SBE. Inertia driven system. I’ve heard it occasionally struggles with the 2 3/4 shells because the spring is stiff enough for the 3 1/2 shells. I went with the M3000 for that reason, no need to shoot 3 1/2 for me. If that’s more within your budget it’s a good option. Haven’t had a single failure with mine.Not a clone by any means. M3500 has the recoil spring on the mag tube which is a cheaper build. Benelli has it in the stock. Bolts are completely different as well and disassembly is different. You will also noticed a lighter barrel on the M3500 and not cryo treated like the M2, SBE2, SBE3. A lot less expensive components on the M3500 along with being built in Turkey. Probably fine for the average hunter. I have had to fix several in the field for people as they don't spend the time learning how to disassemble them and properly clean them. I maybe a harsher critic than most as I spend close to 100 days a season in the field using them. I see what works, doesn't work and what works well. Biggest key to you picking a gun is find one that shoulders well. Fits you well. If it doesn't fit you well, you will have to learn how to shoot it well with time at the range or you won't shoot it well. A good fitting shotgun helps you shoot better. Practice and range time make you a better shot hands down.
Post by: C-Money on November 14, 2022, 11:23:51 AM
Post by: sjhgraysage on November 21, 2022, 06:27:13 PM
Benelli if the budget can handle it. SBE
Post by: ctwiggs1 on November 21, 2022, 06:48:00 PM
The Stoeger M3500 is a cheaper option and clone of the Benelli SBE. Inertia driven system. I’ve heard it occasionally struggles with the 2 3/4 shells because the spring is stiff enough for the 3 1/2 shells. I went with the M3000 for that reason, no need to shoot 3 1/2 for me. If that’s more within your budget it’s a good option. Haven’t had a single failure with mine.Not a clone by any means. M3500 has the recoil spring on the mag tube which is a cheaper build. Benelli has it in the stock. Bolts are completely different as well and disassembly is different. You will also noticed a lighter barrel on the M3500 and not cryo treated like the M2, SBE2, SBE3. A lot less expensive components on the M3500 along with being built in Turkey. Probably fine for the average hunter. I have had to fix several in the field for people as they don't spend the time learning how to disassemble them and properly clean them. I maybe a harsher critic than most as I spend close to 100 days a season in the field using them. I see what works, doesn't work and what works well. Biggest key to you picking a gun is find one that shoulders well. Fits you well. If it doesn't fit you well, you will have to learn how to shoot it well with time at the range or you won't shoot it well. A good fitting shotgun helps you shoot better. Practice and range time make you a better shot hands down.
100% to everything here. Except I don’t get 100 days in the field 😢
I went in thinking I was buying a Benelli and came out with a Franchi because it shouldered better for me. At the end of the day that takes the cake. It hasn’t disappointed me yet. Does that mean a Franchi will be best for you? Nope. Pick these things up and see what you like, then learn to care for them.
Post by: HooknoseHunter on November 21, 2022, 07:40:08 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on November 23, 2022, 04:07:24 PM
Post by: brew on November 23, 2022, 04:41:53 PM
Most of the guys I hunt with run Benelli SBE2 or SBE3. The ones that aren't running those run the Beretta A400. I see a few folks running the Maxus or A-5. A step down from the above mentioned would be a Winchester SX3/SX4 or a Franchi.yup...SBEII...awesome gun. Great to have the shims that came with it to point where I see...super easy to tear down
I run all Benelli's. Easy to clean and tear down. Inertia system is pretty simple vs. a gas system. My current SBE2 that I run probably has close to 10k rounds through it and just shy of 3k birds with it. It will go to Rob Roberts in the off season for an overhaul.
Post by: simondude on November 23, 2022, 06:24:30 PM
Post by: b23 on November 23, 2022, 07:35:06 PM
I have the Beretta A400 extreme plus and it has been flawless - geese, ducks and Turkey
Just bought one of these today for my daughter. Cabela's has the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus TrueTimber Prairie Camo on sale right now for $200 off. https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/beretta-a400-xtreme-plus-semi-auto-shotgun-in-truetimber-prairie
I have a Beretta AL2 I've had for a longgg time that has been a workhorse without giving me a single issue and I've run everything through it from trap loads to heavy shot. My old dentist had an AL2 identical to mine and he ran tons of steel shot through his and last I knew, it was still going strong.
Post by: Mulie87 on November 23, 2022, 09:19:41 PM
Post by: 10mmg on November 23, 2022, 11:18:33 PM
There are lots of good choices out there. A gun that fits you is the most important thing. Browning, Beretta, Benelli, Winchester, Franchi are all good choices. I love my Versamax but Remington doesn’t make it, anymore.:yeah: