My dad has a super black eagle and he likes it a lot, although it does kick a lot. I've heard nothing but good things about berettas, but as you said, you'll pay for it (IIRC the beretta is cheaper than the super black eagle though). I've heard that Stoegers are good guns as far as reliability is concerned, but that the fit and finish isn't very good.
I would highly recommend the Winchester SX2. I have one (it's my first shotgun) and I like it a lot. About half a dozen other people have fired it and said they couldn't believe the recoil was so soft. It's not a big deal to clean (which I've heard is often an issue with gas guns) and, not that it really matters, but it has the claim to fame of being the fastest cycling shotgun in the world (faster than the benellis). The winchester is also cheaper than the Benelli and Beretta. My field model was $600 from outdoor world. Also, I'm pretty sure you can get the sporting model, which has 2 more chokes, shims for the stock, comes with a second gas piston for lighter loads, and has a couple other extra features, for under $900. The only problem with the Benelli and winchester (and probably the stoeger too) for trap shooting is there aren't any shell catchers available for them. Although I've sent emails back and forth to a guy who's working on one for the winchester (www.tommortonandcompany.com). I have one of his recoil reducers, and it's definitely good quality, so I'll probably also buy the shell catcher when he finishes it. Hope that helps.
I would highly recommend the Winchester SX2. I have one (it's my first shotgun) and I like it a lot. About half a dozen other people have fired it and said they couldn't believe the recoil was so soft. It's not a big deal to clean (which I've heard is often an issue with gas guns) and, not that it really matters, but it has the claim to fame of being the fastest cycling shotgun in the world (faster than the benellis). The winchester is also cheaper than the Benelli and Beretta. My field model was $600 from outdoor world. Also, I'm pretty sure you can get the sporting model, which has 2 more chokes, shims for the stock, comes with a second gas piston for lighter loads, and has a couple other extra features, for under $900. The only problem with the Benelli and winchester (and probably the stoeger too) for trap shooting is there aren't any shell catchers available for them. Although I've sent emails back and forth to a guy who's working on one for the winchester (www.tommortonandcompany.com). I have one of his recoil reducers, and it's definitely good quality, so I'll probably also buy the shell catcher when he finishes it. Hope that helps.
