Hello guys. I have been on the search for a new shotgun for quite awhile now, and I think I have decided to try something new and go with a Benelli. I want a 12 gauge 28" barrel, with a nice wood stock finish. The Ethos looks awesome, just a little bit out of my price range. I was initially pretty set on getting a new Montefeltro, but then I started looking into used Legacy's. Just wanted to hear some input from you guys on what you think would be a better route to take. Has anyone shot both and has a comparison? How does the Legacy compare to the new Ethos? Any input would be appreciated!

I have the legacy 12 gauge and the ethos 12 gauge had the legacy for 11 or 12 years the ethos for about a year.
They are both good guns and shoot well with no problems that I have experienced, a lot of people talk a lot about the benelli click but has never happened to me in either gun. I like the legacy better personal preference, I like the legacy aluminum trigger group better than the ethos composit trigger group and the metal blued upper receiver on the legacy, also like the rib on the legacy better.
I like the looks of the ethos better thats what made me buy it, But I still think the legacy is a better gun. personal feelings only. Steve!

Had both, prefer the Legacy for looks and ease of cleaning. Monte fit a little better but not by much.

Unless you are getting the Montefeltro Silver, the Legacy is a better looking gun.

Be sure to actually handle the guns with different barrel lengths. I generally prefer longish barrels, but handling the Montefeltro with 26 and 28” barrels sold me on the 26”. With shells in the magazine it has wonderful dynamics; the 28” would be too nose heavy.

Don't count out a Franchi Affinity. Nice SA and I like the mechanics of the Franchi better than the Benelli. The mainspring is placed on the mag tube ala 1911 full-length guiderod vs being stuffed in the buttstock where it's a pain to get to for maintenance.
Less $$ than an M2 too.

tp

>>prefer the Legacy for looks and ease of cleaning<<

That alone is worth it to me.

Legacy is a two piece so it makes it much easier to clean. I will never get rid of my Legacy's, by far my favorite autos. They don't make them any longer so you'll have to buy used or get lucky and find a new old stock somewhere. The Monte Silver is a nice gun and I'd choose that over the standard Monte.

I have a Legacy 28, also a Monte 20. The Legacy if a far better looking gun and much easier to clean. Just my opinion

>>Legacy is a two piece so it makes it much easier to clean<<

I'm not sure why they all don't have this feature. I can't really see a downside to it. I've had my Sport ll for 14 years now and it's never been a problem...only an asset.

I think the Sport II was basically a Legacy without the engraving, correct? It's a shame that they replaced these guns with the Ethos that doesn't appear to be nearly as popular or well liked.

>>I think the Sport II was basically a Legacy without the engraving, correct?<<

Yes, that would be correct. And I would agree that the Ethos was a poor replacement!

Have any of you shot any steel shot out of your Legacy or Monte?

All the time when duck hunting, never had a problem with the legacy. Steve!

That's what I figured, thanks for the reply!