Benelli vs Beretta

7006 Views 16 Replies 10 Participants Last post by m2fun, Oct 14, 2003

Smokey

Discussion Starter · Sep 23, 2002

I need a push...the beretta A391 extrema or benelli super black eagle. Most of it will be used turkey hunting (3" shells max, some chokes even pattern best with 2 3/4) some dove hunting (what there is left of it) and some sporting clays. I know the recoil vs gas argument and I realize that the benelli cost a little more but I want the best gun for the money.

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cD Tanthalas

· #2 · Sep 25, 2002

i haven't fired the A391, but i had an excellent time with the Benelli, found it very desirable, easy to adjust to, and it performed flawlessly for hundreds of rounds

fahertyps

· #3 · Sep 30, 2002

I am also researching these two guns. I had one dealer tell me that the A391 was easier on the shoulder/upper body because of the reduced recoil. Not sure how the Benelli Recoil Reducer actually dampens the impact. His opinion was that if recoil is not a big issue, to go with the SBE. Does anyone have experience with either of these guns in cold weather climates (eg, duck hunting)?

Rick618

· #4 · Oct 8, 2002

The 3.5 in the Benelli may not handle the lighter 2.75 loads, just a problem some of them have even after a breaking in period. IF you are going to go multi use, I think that the 391 is a better choice, simply due to the reduced recoil and better trigger. With the SBE, the multiple shots on a clays course will wear on you unless you also add a recoil reducing pad. The reducer works by adding weight, 11 0z and by the damping effect of the mercury. Yes it works.You want a waterfowling piece?, the Benelli takes the lead. I have shot mine in gale conditions on the east coast, in saltwater at 30 degrees. Never missed a beat, limited on eiders all 3 days. I prefer the M90, it is the 3" and has a bit shorter sight picture.I would have no problems with either one and enjoy shooting them both. There is a fine line between a hobby and insanity.

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Bird Hunter

· #5 · Jan 29, 2003

if your only going to shoot 3" shells you could save yourself about 300 bucks and not buy either. the 391 extrema and the SBE are specialized 3 1/2 guns. you can get a 391 urika or a benelli m1 or montefelltro for much cheaper. i take it you would won't a camo pattern for turkey hunting. beretta also makes a model called the es100 pintail that is recoil operated like the benelli but a couple of hundred dollars less expensive. but if i were not going to shoot 3 1/2 shells then i would not buy ether of those guns, but if you want to i personally would go with the Beretta.

G

· #6 · Oct 7, 2003

I have both guns and this is my experience.

When i go into the field it is with my SBE. It will shoot 7/8 oz loads all day long with no trouble. The reason i like it for hunting is that i hunt in harsh conditions. Cold, ice, and lots of rain. I have never had a hickup from this gun. I only use 7/8 oz if im just messing around. The only draw back is recoil. When hunting you will not notice it but if you shoot lots of clays you will!
As for the beretta i shoot 200-300 clays per week. I have had about 2 1oz loads fail to load but that is about 2 in 5000 but i have still yet to clean it. The recoil is much mor tolerable than than the SBE when shooting clays.

If i had to decide on one, i would go SBE if i hunted more and the Beretta if i Shot more clays.

Just my 2 Cents worth!

G

· #7 · Oct 7, 2003

I have had a benelli M1 field, which shoots up to 3" shells, for several years and greatly enjoy shooting it. I usually shoot light target loads such as the 1oz AA light target load whenever shooting any kind of clays as well as dove hunting, and have never had a shell not cycle that I can remember. The lighter loads are very pleasant to shoot and are quite effective on doves and clays. I have also used this gun duck hunting in below freezing temperatures and benelli had worked perfectly. As far as recoil I actually think this gun seems to kick less than my 20 gauge beretta over/under, when shooting the light loads, because of the heavier recoil pad and slightly greater weight of the M1. I have also taken at least five turkeys with this gun shooting various turkey loads up to 1 3/4 oz loads and have found this to be an excellent gun for turkey as well. I have the camo finish and 24" barrel. I really love the 24" barrels as I feel this balances the gun perfectly and gives it a lively feel without being too quick, although that is just my opinion. I love dove hunting with this gun and would highly recommend it.

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soreshoulder

· #8 · Oct 7, 2003

Silver said:
I have had about 2 1oz loads fail to load but that is about 2 in 5000 but i have still yet to clean it.

Another testimonial to the uncanny ability of a 391 to shoot thousands of shells reliably without a cleaning job.

Amazing in a gas gun.

Mike

Don't try this with your 1100s and 1187s Rem-Heads; you know they'll quit on you like a janitor that just won the lottery! :wink:

pigeonhunter

· #9 · Oct 7, 2003

Berettas are far better guns. benelli super black eagles will not shoot anything lighter hyper velocity 1 oz loads no matter what anybody says. I shot with a guy in sporting clays tournament and he shooting 1 oz loads and the gun woud rarley cycle and he had to go back to the clubhouse and purchase 1 1/8 oz loads and about every 20 shots had a hiccup.this is the bottom line benellis are field guns but berettas will do it all my 391 urika will even shoot 7/8 reduced recoil loads.If you will just be hunting with some target shooting go with a benelli but if you hunt hard and shoot a lot of targets go with a beretta either way you'll be happy.

G

· #10 · Oct 9, 2003

If you are not going to shoot any larger than a 3" shell I don't see any reason you should get a SBE. You should consider the benelli M1 or the montefeltro. They are cheaper than the SBE and unlike the SBE they will cycle light recoil target loads that are 1oz or some 7/8 oz loads. I know several people who have these shotguns and they shoot light loads no problem. The SBE will not cycle the lighter loads as several people have mentioned, because it is made to shoot the much larger 3 1/2" shells. If you have no intention of shooting such large shells there is no reason to pay 300 dollars more for a SBE.

G

· #11 · Oct 9, 2003

If you are not going to shoot any larger than a 3" shell I don't see any reason you should get a SBE. You should consider the benelli M1 or the montefeltro. They are cheaper than the SBE and unlike the SBE they will cycle light recoil target loads that are 1oz or some 7/8 oz loads. I know several people who have these shotguns and they shoot light loads no problem. The SBE will not cycle the lighter loads as several people have mentioned, because it is made to shoot the much larger 3 1/2" shells. If you have no intention of shooting such large shells there is no reason to pay 300 dollars more for a SBE.

stiletto raggio

· #12 · Oct 9, 2003

I had the pleasure to shoot 50 of the first 100 rounds through a friend's SBE a little over a week ago. No problems of any kind, with light trap loads, single loaded or from the magazine. Benellis are light, trim, and tight, but they are not target guns. If you want a gun that will do anything, I would go with Benelli every time, althoguh I agree, get a Super 90 and save yourself some cash.

G

· #13 · Oct 10, 2003

A super 90 and extrema are about the same price. I have both. The 90 feels alot lighter than the extrema, but that extrema swings good and fits the side of my jaw alittle better. Both guns work great. Looks like the 90 will be used for the lighter work rabbits and such. Although I did get my teal and early geese this year with the 90.

G

· #14 · Oct 10, 2003

I don't think you can go too far wrong with either gun, so maybe you should go with the one that fits you best.

One thing I do know is, my 391 won't go 5000 rounds and function properly without a cleaning. The gas guns require more cleaning and it takes longer to clean them.

Good luck in your choice.

BTW, a Rem.1100 will tell you it is time for a cleaning when it fails to eject shells. However, you don't have to send it back to Beretta and have the magazine tube cap rod cut, so you can get the fore-end cap off and clean the gun.

soreshoulder

· #15 · Oct 10, 2003

Anonymous said:
One thing I do know is, my 391 won't go 5000 rounds and function properly without a cleaning. The gas guns require more cleaning and it takes longer to clean them.

So how long have you gone without cleaning it when it failed to function properly?

Mike

Michael Hall

· #16 · Oct 10, 2003

I've got a 391 Xtrema and love it. I started it off on 2.75" light target loads and haven't had a problem with a jammed shell to date. It's never failed to cycle. The other reason I wanted it was that I can fire hot loads in it, 3.5" and shorter. It's also easy to clean, it may not break down like an M-16, but it's easier to clean than one. Though nothing beats my Savage 12ga crack open for ease of maintenance.

However I do agree that if you aren't going to use the 3.5" you're paying too much.

m2fun

· #17 · Oct 14, 2003

Always an interesting comparison.

I love my Xtremas. Great build quality, consistent performance, perfect field or range gun, absorbs even the hefty 3.5" loads with ease. Cleaning is straightforward, sling mount could be improved and they are not light. Cycles form 3.5" to 2 3/4" 7/8 oz. loads (after breaking in).

SBE - lighter than the Xtrema, action is heavier, center balance point with the recoil operation, simple field to field strip, uses mobile chokes. The wood stock looks better than the synthetic. Not a 100% cycle any load gun (check the www for sure cycle spring kits), this varies from gun to gun. High vent rib design.

Both are good choices, all comes down to fit. The

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