11-87

 

I've read some of the threads on gas vs auto guns, and still can't seem to come up with any reasons why one is better than the other. I would like a gun which can handle the elements (probably a camo job), 28" barrel. I don't really care to shoot 3 1/2" shells, but I guess the option is good to have. I want to keep the price below $2000.

There is no "better." They all "handle the elements" (unless you are homeless and can't drive). For those that sleep indoors from time to time - - - no issue.

Some people won't clean a gun until it stops working. If that is really the situation, pumps win. The highest volume hunts I've been on, in the worst weather, I've used now no-longer-made Browning B-80s and Beretta 390s.

A heavy gas gun has less recoil. A gas gun needs to have its gas action cleaned, although many gas guns run a really long time being neglected. A Versa Max sure doesn't need much to keep it running. It is good choice.

There is no better, just choices. An SX3 is a good choice, so is a Maxus, so is an M2, so is a Vinci . . . and so is a Mossberg 930 for that matter.

 

If you liked the Benelli check out the Franchi affinity or intensity.

 

I strongly recommend you check out a Mossberg 930. I have a Duck Commander model with a non-ported barrel and think it would be hard to beat as a waterfowl gun. It is also very reasonably priced. I bought mine new on Gunbroker for $400.00! I saw one sell earlier this week for $440.00. I think they are a bargain.

 

Sounds like you have already made up your mind. I don't think the SBE is the best waterfowl gun out there, but I sure like mine. They kick harder, they are expensive, and a bunch of other negatives I can never remember when I'm killing ducks. I also really like 3.5" shells for late season geese... Most people will tell you you don't need them. I can tell you in another week, I'll have my SBE loaded with fed blue box #1 for ducks and 3.5" BB for geese. Might not be everyone's choice, but I have 100% confidence in that combo.

 

I like the versa Max as a dedicated waterfowl gun. I have not had any issues with cycling or failures. I clean it every few outings. Most I've put through it without cleaning is about 500 rounds. Had no issues then. Cleaning it is simple. I can completely break it down, clean it, oil it, and reassemble it in 15 minutes. Maybe I could do that with an SBE2 in 12 minutes, but how big a deal is that really no more often than you have to do it?

I prefer the softer shooting of a gas gun on the heavier side for waterfowl. The versa Max is my favorite so far.

If I were looking for an inertia gun, I like the benelli Vinci a lot.

D

 

Look at the Benelli M2 and also the Franchi Affinity and Intensity.

 

I shoot both the Beretta A300 and Mossberg 930 as my primary waterfowl guns. Both have been prefectly reliable with 2.75" & 3.0" factory and hand loads. They are both much softer shooting the my friends Benelli Cordoba. I am in Florida and have no real need for 3.5" loads.

Both come with stock adjustment shims. The A300 offers more than 1.5 inches of LOP adjustment with spacers, the 930 does not but is set up to fit most people.

Both companies have been dinged on customer service but I have had good experiences with both. My recent experiences with Mossberg CS gave been outstanding.

You can't go wrong with either gun.

 

dk_ace-How do you clean the dual gas piston areas under the barrel that quickly?

 

I had a chance to shoot a friends SBE II, and it seemed to be a really nice shooting gun. It fit me well, and pointed very nicely (bagged my first triple with it!).

I'm not a big Benelli fan but, if I were you, I'd buy an SBE II for the reasons you stated above. Why get anything else if the SBE II fits you, points well for you, and you shoot it that well?

 

SEGunner, you might consider the Benell Vinci or the Super Vinci as both have the same inertia system as the SBE II. I just happen to have an APG camo Super Vinci and a black synthetic Vinci for sale in the semi-auto classified section...both in excellent condition with ulta low round counts...less than 350. If interested feel free to check it out and contact me through email or PM to discuss the details and address any questions.

 

I own a Mossberg 930, and it has become my waterfowl gun. Give it a serious look. For the money you can't beat it. My opinion has always been why spend more when you don't have too?

 

Beretta! Xtreme, it does shoot 3 1/2" shells but also will shoot 7/8 oz loads, at least mine does.
Never had a malfunction including 2 trips to Argentina.

 

Versamax waterfowl pro.

 

The reality is that there likely are far more than one model that will work equally well for your intended use, especially with your budget.

Reliability wise the various auto loading operations are pretty much equals. Each has it own nuances compared to one another but, end up about the same in the wash. Here's a link for a little more information on the different auto loading operations. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=103338&start=20

In the many years of waterfowling, I have my self or someone in my group have had failures and complete reliability in harsh conditions. They have been with all of the auto loading operations. They have all worked after being dunked by accident or on purpose to rinse beach sand out of the action.

There are certain traits a gun must possess to make it on my waterfowling list and stay there. Reliability, build quality, 3 1/2" chamber, choke tubes, ability to go longer periods between cleanings, a magazine cutoff of some type, synthetic stock/forearm, and camo. Other bonus features would be an adjustable stock, neutral balance, over bored barrel, and some type of grip material on or in the stock/forearm. I also prefer the gun to weigh 7 1/2 to 7 3/4 pounds with and over all length around 48" to 50".

With that said there are close to a dozen current productions models on my short list.
They would be the Benelli's SBE II & Super Vinci, Beretta A400 Xtreme, Browning Maxus, Silver, & A5, Franchi Intensity, Remington Versa Max, Winchester SX3.

None of the above traits may be important to you or the next guy. What is important is to find the traits you want and get a model that you like. Take your time and have fun with the process since its not every day that you get to buy a new auto loading shotgun.

 

I have not cleaned my Xtreme in almost 2 years. Takes about 15-20 minutes to clean.
Clean it before your Alberta trip and you will NOT have to clean it up there (unless you drop it in the mud) I always shoot 3 1/2" shells for big Canada geese.
What feels good in a store (ie light gun) may not translate into good shooting.
I do not shoot Benelli guns very well and I've had 5 of them(only 1 left)
Gas guns do reduce felt recoil and are heavier up front which helps me with the follow thru.
If possible, shoot as many of the guns as possible to see if they work for you.
Also, I don't shoot light guns very well. I had a Franchi and couldn't hit crap with it!
Good luck with your search!

 

Used a Mossberg 930 and Franchi Affinity the last couple seasons, no issues, no regrets. I do have my eye on either a Remington Versamax or V3. I don't shoot 3.5 but I'm getting tired of waiting on the V3

 

If you like the Benelli, go for it They are great guns, don't let anyone tell you differently.
I happen to have a Beretta Extrema with Kick off and like it also. My son forgot to clean his extrema after he hunted in the poring rain. He put it back in the case and left it in the back of his truck for about 2 weeks. Guess what, it didn't work. All guns need a modicum of maintanance. Breaking it down and lubing all the moving parts put it back in service.
You have lots of great options.
3.5 inch chambers are not necessary but it sure is nice when you need to borrow shells from your buddy. This is the only reason to have a 3.5 inch chamber.

 

Lots of good advice here. I've owned a Remington 11-87, Benelli SBE II, M2, Browning Gold, Maxus and a Winchester SX3. They all have their vices and virtues and were plenty reliable for waterfowl hunting.

I would pick the shotgun whose features you like the most and if possible shoot it first to see if you can live with it. The whole reliability and cleaning thing is way overrated in my view. Shotguns are machines which need to be properly lubricated and maintained to function within their intended design parameters. All the shotguns I've used could easily handle days of waterfowl hunting without worry. Find a shotgun that feels right to you and you'll have many happy days in the field.

 

Thanks to everyone for all of the great advice! I'm really considering the Franchi Affinity. It seems to have great reviews, has the inertia action, and comes camo dipped. I really don't enjoy shooting 3.5 inch shells, and I seem to actually hit and kill more birds with the 3 inchers anyway. The price of the gun seems good for what you're getting as well. I hope to shoulder one soon to get a feel for it, but I think if it feels right, it might be just what I'm looking for!

 

If you know you can shoot the SBE II well, you may not need to look any further. I shoot a Benelli Cordoba for ducks. I also own a Browning Maxus. I can notice the Maxus is a slightly softer shooting gun when I'm breaking clays, but out in a duck blind, I can't feel the difference. If you won't be shooting 3.5" shells (I don't), and you like the SBE II, take a look at the Benelli M2. It comes in camo and you'll save a few bucks vs the SBE II.

 

I never put much into "whats your opinion" threads, buy the gun that fits YOU best, that's gun fit and cost.

If you like the SBE II, it's a great choice, should give years of good service.

 

Beretta

 

Beretta Xtrema II, It will handle 3-1/2 shells and will "Weather well". 11/87 is good too.

 

Shot a SBEII for a while. Nice gun. Only complaint was the amount of recoil compared to a gas gun.

Went to a Beretta A400 with kick off. Couldn't be happier.