Have had multiple versions of both though not the latest a400. For volume clays I'd go gas. For occasional clays and any amount of hunting I'd go m2.

 

A300 hands down, light shooting, great pointing, you can hammer any load, and as mentioned overall felt recoil from the gas system will be welcomed if you are doing any normal weekly shooting, 50 or more, and it will add up. I see very few Benelli's being used for large volume shooting. Beretta gas autos on the other hand........they are everywhere.

Having one gun to do everything isn't a bad approach, and you can modify that A300 with the shims to fit you right out of the box.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. That's very helpful! I've seen multiple great reviews for the A300 - seems like a solid gun all around.

Question, is there a modified Beretta barrel you can purchase with a higher vent rib that is compatible with the A300?

 

High rib a400 is the a400 extreme plus.

 

I have an A300 Outlander Sporting that I have shot trap and sporting clays with. It is probably a better sporting gun, but I do OK with it for trap. It is a light weight gun, but recoil is very manageable with target loads. Never had a problem with mine.

 

High rib a400 is the a400 extreme plus.

thanks, birdhunter39. That's a good flag. Not sure if I can afford that gun right now, but will take a look at prices. The A300 is running for $679 at Cabelas.

 

I use a Montefeltro for everything, pheasant, waterfowl, sporting clays and trap. It's the best semi auto I've owned. Try each of your options before you decide though because it's what fits you best that you're going to like and shoot the best.

 

I use a Montefeltro for everything, pheasant, waterfowl, sporting clays and trap. It's the best semi auto I've owned. Try each of your options before you decide though because it's what fits you best that you're going to like and shoot the best.

Eric -- Glad to hear it has done well for you all around. I love the way the Montefeltro looks!

Do you have the 30" Sporting model or the regular 28"? I believe they are about the same weight, correct? I am seeing 7lbs vs. 7.2...not sure how much (if any) difference that will make?

 

I have the 26". The long receiver gives me a longer sighting plane than my O/U and handles really well for me. (Not that you "sight" a shotgun but it just works.)

 

I have a Montefeltro and a field model A300 Outlander. I'd say my Montefeltro is a better upland gun and the Outlander a better target gun. Maybe a toss-up for waterfowl, depending on your preferences. As always, go with whatever fits/feels best.

It is a huge advantage to shoot them before choosing. Try to make that happen!

 

See also the Franchi Affinity.

 

See also the Franchi Affinity.
The Affinity comes with shims for drop and cast too. Mine fits me like a glove and I can shoot it very well because of that.

tp

 

See also the Franchi Affinity.
The Affinity comes with shims for drop and cast too. Mine fits me like a glove and I can shoot it very well because of that.

tp

Thanks, guys! Curious, is this your all around gun or just for hunting? Looking to only buy one, which is why I was leaning on M2, Montefeltro or A300. I know someone with an Affinity 3 that I can try out.

 

See also the Franchi Affinity.
The Affinity comes with shims for drop and cast too. Mine fits me like a glove and I can shoot it very well because of that.

tp

Thanks, guys! Curious, is this your all around gun or just for hunting? Looking to only buy one, which is why I was leaning on M2, Montefeltro or A300. I know someone with an Affinity 3 that I can try out.

Top gun for clays, but mostly a loaner for friends that want to shoot and rainy day Gun to keep my Blaser dry. Bottom gun is One of my upland bird Guns. If you can try one out I'd give it a try. Th fit and finish on the Franchi was actually better than the 2 Montifeltro's I looked at.

 

The fit and finish on the Franchi was actually better than the 2 Montifeltro's I looked at.

And I thought it was just me!
Here's a stock pic of my Mossyoak Bottomland Affinity. Used for all my shooting.

tp

 

+1 for Beretta A300 Outlander Sporting. Great for clays and I might use it as my backup gun in September for dove. Never had an issue with mine.

JD

 

Thanks again for all the information! This has been very helpful in my search. One final question, how does the mounting of a Montefeltro compare to an M2 (or maybe even SBE)? I only ask because I am very interested in a Monte. but can't seem to find one to mount/look at in my area.

I can easily mount and even shoot an M2, so wanted to get a general idea of how much different they would be.

Cabela's somewhat near my house has the A300, M2, and Browning Maxus (which I have recently started researching), so I will test those out.

 

I think the stock dimensions and rib height of the M2 and Monte are identical... I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, the Monte comes with a shim kit (and, IIRC, my synthetic stock model came with a buttpad spacer or two) to help insure you'll get the fit you want.

 

Just my 2 cents since I own both a Benelli M2 and a Beretta A300 Outlander.(not the sporting)

I have shot recreational skeet with both of these shotguns and the Beretta is much softer shooting with 1 1/8 ounce target loads. However both guns will function 100% with 7/8 ounce reloads and both are just pussycats with them. I will say both guns were well broken-in before I started reloading.

I own both guns because both fit me well and I like them, plus the other 7 shotguns I like.

"Head on the target, eyes on the gun" Oh wait... whatever...PULL!!!

 

I would put the SBE in your mix

 

I would put the SBE in your mix

The guns he is looking at are much better choices for sporting clays and occasional hunting, not to mention they are half the price.

 

FWIW. I have a plain Jane A300 with a lot of shells through it. It is a black plastic, sit in the rain, non-stoppable, low recoil, reasonably priced shotgun. I can't get over the value for the money in today's market. My preference is gas operation over recoil. This is based on shooting them at targets and game. As to barrels, all I've ever seen offered by Beretta has been a direct replacement, matte finished, 28 inch. Good luck with your choice no matter what you end up with. Just keep shooting.