I sold my 930 after 800 rounds and lots of FTF, FTE, ect. to purchase a V3. The 930 is a decent shotgun but the V3 has a much more modern and efficient gas and recoil system, genius really. My V3 hasn't had a hiccup shooting a little bit of everything.

 

First of all welcome to shotgun world ,I think your logic is perfect.try to get your hands on as many guns that interest you and shoot them,I have a V3 and shoot it lights out,You are on the right tract,Have patience and good luck.

 

As you are trying things out, don't overlook a decent double for ducks, done people like them, done don't.

I'm one of the ones who likes them [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

 

I've been debating whether or not to buy a V3 now for over a year. My problem is that whenever I get one in my hands, I usually grab a Benelli off the rack as well to compare... to me the build quality is just that much better and the M2/SBE2/Vinci fit me like a glove. They are so fast to the shoulder and so slim in the forend. From what I've read, yes, the V3 is a great gun and a soft shooter, but don't compare it to a benelli.

Joe

 

For fit I prefer the Winchester SX3. It's a great shooting gun, very easy to break down and reassemble.
The advice to try other guns is great advice. Pick up and shoulder an SX...I suspect that you will buy one after you do.

Every now and then someone will ask me about buying a Subaru..(we live in snow country, the AWD system in Subaru is all time, simillar to Audi)...my response is always the same, friends don't let friends buy Subaru's.... Aside from the $100 Mberg I picked up for my son (to use as a canoe paddle and occasional duck gun) I'd consider them to be a Subaru...I'd not recommend one over a Winchester, Remington, Browning, broom stick.... :wink:

 

I just have to add that I've shot my green Duck Commander 930 quite a bit and never had a malfunction of any kind. Love it.

 

I do not have experience with the mossberg, however i do with the remington v3. The V3 was capable of handling 7/8 oz reloads out of the box without a hiccup. I like the gas system in that it can endure much more time between cleanings (compared to the gold).The recoil pad is very soft and absorbs the recoil really well. It is a great gun for the price. However, if you do decide to get the V3 READ THE OWNERS MANUAL! When reassembling the bolt. Do not push it all the way back without reinserting the bolt handle. It will get stuck. If the browning gold fits you well, it may be worth looking for one in 12 gauge or the browning silver. Just my .02

 

My inclination is to go with the gun that fits me the best

That's rarely a bad approach. I have killed a lot of ducks with the V3 and that's my preference, easily.

 

Well I certainly appreciate all of the feedback and I'm open to more before I make my final decision. I must say I've never really considered a double for ducks (or dove for that matter) since I very often use that third shot! I have always wanted one for quail but I only go 3 or 4 times a year so it's hard for me to justify the price of a decent double for that. I appreciate the suggestion though.

I was leaning toward the V3 over the 930 before I asked the question and most of what you all have said has reinforced that. I hadn't really considered a browning Gold or silver or a Winchester I guess I wanted something different than what I have had forever but if they fit me the best I probably should consider them.

I did see one dissent who said The Benelli guns were in another class. I did want to follow up on that. Is that a consensus? I guess what I am asking is do the people on this forum generally believe that the Remington V3 is a good gun for its price range but not in the same class as the more expensive Benellis or do you generally believe it is equal or better regardless of price? Thanks again!

 

one dissent who said The Benelli guns were in another class. I did want to follow up on that. Is that a consensus?

No, not at all.

 

Remington V3 vs Mossberg 930?

Both are crap. Having been the unfortunate purchaser of past Mossberg products, and watching a friend have nothing but problems with his brand new V3, I wouldn't waste a cent on either.

 

one dissent who said The Benelli guns were in another class. I did want to follow up on that. Is that a consensus?

No, not at all.

I agree with Randy, Benelli is not the end all be all. The inertia system is very reliable, but I wanted gas operated for my auto loaders.

I owned a 930, but had a warranty issue with it and it never worked well when I got it back, so I decided to trade it in on V3. I just picked up my V3 today. The 930 felt award and heavy with an older gas system. The new V3 system is really igneous as well. I disassembled my V3 and wiped all the shipping gunk out. It seemed much better made than my old 930. Plus the versaport sytem is not difficult to clean.

My vote is V3.

 

V3 is definitely not a bad gun for the money. I think you can get a black V3 for around $650-$700 right now depending where you shop. BUT, all I'm saying is that when I pick up a Benelli (or Browning, Beretta, Fabarm) you can tell they are a higher quality firearm. Period. Will all of them go bang? Yes. Will a Chevy Cruz get you to work and back? Yes, but so would a Cadillac. ..

Joe

 

V3 is definitely not a bad gun for the money. I think you can get a black V3 for around $650-$700 right now depending where you shop. BUT, all I'm saying is that when I pick up a Benelli (or Browning, Beretta, Fabarm) you can tell they are a higher quality firearm. Period.

Joe

I sure cannot, at least not all of the time. When yet another Browning comes in with a ridiculously heavy trigger and choke tubes that just plain don't work as promised or marked, how is that "higher quality" compared to a V3 that does have a far better trigger, the roller trigger, and Briley choke tubes-- with a Full choke that is made from a far stronger alloy that is steel-rated as a result? That isn't higher quality at all, it is an obvious downgrade from a V3.

The non-existent Browning warranty and the erratic Beretta / Browning customer service is also a loud downgrade from Remington. There is nothing "quality" about cheap plastic parts, visible mold lines, and plastic film pictures of wood applied to cratewood: not where I come from, anyway. Some of the pricier brands should be embarrassed that they use very poor quality triggers, recoil pads, and choke tubes compared to a significantly less costly V3.

In the case of Fabarm, yes, I agree, Fabarm autos are a clear notch up in machining and finish from most everything out there, including the V3. There are no high-grade V3's, though, they are all at very affordable price points .

 

V3 is definitely not a bad gun for the money. I think you can get a black V3 for around $650-$700 right now depending where you shop. BUT, all I'm saying is that when I pick up a Benelli (or Browning, Beretta, Fabarm) you can tell they are a higher quality firearm. Period. Will all of them go bang? Yes. Will a Chevy Cruz get you to work and back? Yes, but so would a Cadillac. ..

Joe

Just picked up my Camo V3 for $615 shipped from Bud's. I don't think you can find a better deal than that in a new autoloader.

 

V3 is definitely not a bad gun for the money. I think you can get a black V3 for around $650-$700 right now depending where you shop. BUT, all I'm saying is that when I pick up a Benelli (or Browning, Beretta, Fabarm) you can tell they are a higher quality firearm. Period. Will all of them go bang? Yes. Will a Chevy Cruz get you to work and back? Yes, but so would a Cadillac. ..

Joe

Just picked up my Camo V3 for $615 shipped from Bud's. I don't think you can find a better deal than that in a new autoloader.

I'll 100% agree with you there, that's a crazy good price.

Joe

 

Well I went out today just to shoulder the guns I have talked about and I must say every single one of them shouldered great. I'm not sure if because I'm a roughly average sized guy that is the reason why, but i was looking down the barrel of everyone I pulled up. I liked the feel of the M2 over the Vinci for sure and the V3 over the 930. 930 was the only one that was noticeably heavier to me. The rest seemed about the same. I'm without a doubt a 26 inch barrel guy. It's what I've had on my gold hunter and longer just seemed awkward to me. Hopefully be able to shoot them soon. I guess that is where the rubber meets the road.

I saw someone mentioned Fabarm as an option. I have heard good things about their LS4 but I've always thought of that as more of an upland gun. Not really for waterfowl which is what I am looking for. I haven't heard anything about their waterfowl model, other than I looked at it on their website and the camp pattern is god awful. Any thoughts on it? Might as well consider all of my options.

 

Well I went out today just to shoulder the guns I have talked about and I must say every single one of them shouldered great. I'm not sure if because I'm a roughly average sized guy that is the reason why, but i was looking down the barrel of everyone I pulled up. I liked the feel of the M2 over the Vinci for sure and the V3 over the 930. 930 was the only one that was noticeably heavier to me. The rest seemed about the same. I'm without a doubt a 26 inch barrel guy. It's what I've had on my gold hunter and longer just seemed awkward to me. Hopefully be able to shoot them soon. I guess that is where the rubber meets the road.

I saw someone mentioned Fabarm as an option. I have heard good things about their LS4 but I've always thought of that as more of an upland gun. Not really for waterfowl which is what I am looking for. I haven't heard anything about their waterfowl model, other than I looked at it on their website and the camp pattern is god awful. Any thoughts on it? Might as well consider all of my options.

I have both those Fabarm models and really like them. The waterfowler is what I use for dove and ducks and has been well worth the money. I am opposite of you and like the camouflage primarily because it is just different. Hold the XLR5 waterfowler and you will buy it.

 

See viewtopic.php?t=434608 .

A Fabarm is not down at the price point of the V3 or Mossberg 930 and won't be. Not the same category of gun at all, by price point.

 

Especially when the black V3 is $541 from Buds... that's unbelievable.

At the end of it all though what I will say, is that for me, the few times I end up spending less on something, I regret it and buy the more expensive item anyway. Buy what you like best, regardless of price (within reason of course...) the first time and enjoy it!

Joe

 

I just have to add that I've shot my green Duck Commander 930 quite a bit and never had a malfunction of any kind. Love it.

I have and shoot the same 930. I have not had any negative issues with that SG. Granted, I probably don't shoot as mush as some here, but, do have about 1500-1600 shells thru it, all your normal upland loads. Nary a problem. It fits me just fine, I can swing and get on target fine, so the 930 works very well for me. Nothing wrong with those V3's tho. They seem like a very good gun.

 

I still haven't decided on my new gun yet, but I have picked up and shouldered many guns now and have narrowed down by feel and fit to the Remington V3, Benelli M2, and Benelli Vinci. I like the feel in my hands of the M2 the best, while the Vinci and M2 both shoulder slightly better than the V3. All 3 guns feel and fit my well, but I am going this weekend to shoot them all (or at least the M2 and V3, still trying to line up the Vinci). I'm leaning towards the M2, but I plan on firing a significant number of 3 inch 1 1/4 oz Kent Fasteel loads that I plan on shooting in the Duck blind this fall to see if I prefer shooting the gas gun. It would also save me a lot of money but I do like the feel and fit of the M2 a little better.

I did have some questions about the Vinci. I've been reading some reviews online, including a few by Randy, and it appears when the Vinci came out it was better regarded than it is now. Is that accurate? It came out and apparently the price at that time was higher than the M2, and now the MSRP are about the same. I read a couple of limited editions sales fell flat and the Ethos didn't use the supposedly new revolutionary inline inertia system the Vinci used. I'm just curious if people can compare the Vinci to the M2. Is there any real difference from a performance standpoint? If I like the fit and feel of the M2 better, would anyone recommend even considering the Vinci?

 

I had a 930 for about a year, and it was totally reliable with anything other than very light skeet loads (1oz/1150fps) and even then only hiccuped occasionally.

I did end up selling it though mostly because of the weight. Just got tired of hauling it around. Also wasn't a fan of the ported barrel.

 

I'm interested to see how you compare the V3 and M2 when you shoot them. I haven't shot an M2 in a while but I do have a V3. For me, M2 really destroyed my thumb while loading, has that cartridge release lever that I found annoying and unnecessary, and seemed harsher shooting. I'm not sure how you narrowed it down to these two but they seem on complete opposite ends of spectrum both in price and function.

 

Well I'll tell you how I narrowed them down. Originally I was looking at the V3 vs. the Mossberg 930. They are similarly priced guns. Both had good reviews, although the V3 better, but the 930 seemed to have more of a track record at this point being a longer running model. In doing my research, which focused on 3 inch chambered autoloaders that would be good waterfowl guns, I also saw a lot of praise for Benelli guns. Not universal of course, but I have found no gun that has universal praise. I knew at that time I might be getting a nice raise at work, which has since come to fruition so that opened up my budget a bit to realistically consider the higher priced Benelli guns. When I went out and shouldered the guns, mounted them to my cheek, I am naturally looking right down the barrel of that M2. Pretty much the same with the Vinci. I liked the feel of the M2 better than anything else I shouldered. If I had to choose today it would be the M2. Since this will probably be the only gun I purchase for a while, I'm taking my time, trying to get as much information as I can, and of course that includes shooting the guns. My intention is to shoot the same loads I plan to shoot for waterfowl hunting and see what my opinion is after that.

When you say they are different in function, are you just talking about the gas operated vs. inertia operated? Or something else? Also, how do you like your V3?