3-1/2" semi

[300 RUM]

I am looking for a 3-1/2" Semi, The local gun shop has 3 on a very good deal compared to other local shops.

#1 Winchester SX2 all black synthetic 28" $699.00

#2 Berretta Xtrema all black synthetic 28" $849.00

#3 Benelli SBE(I) all black synthetic 28" $995.00

All of these prices are well below his competitors since he "owes me one" for a favor I did that didnt cost me anything.

I have shot a borrowed benelli's alot and have realy liked it mechanically, no problems. But, I seem to not hit quite as many birds as I would like. I have to really cover the target to hit it. I have borrowed 3 all shot the same way

I borrowed a Browning gold 3-1/2" which I believe is the twin of the SX2 and had one mechanical problem but hit 100% of all birds I shot at. The failure was a minor jam the gun didnt look like it was cleaned very well. It "feels" more comfortable than the Benelli

I have never shot the Xtrema I dont know anyone that has one to borrow. It feels very good to handle in the gun store. Feels very well built and looks very well built. This Xtrema "feels" about the same as browning gold.

I know this is like asking whats better coke or pepsi, ford or chev etc. but hey what do you guys think

[fabsroman]

Depends how much you will use the gun. Personally, I think the Beretta and Benelli will hold up better in the long run if you shoot/hunt a lot. However, what does it matter how well a gun holds up if you cannot hit a single thing with it.

With that said, both the Beretta and Benelli have adjustable stocks. A lot of people never adjust them whatsoever because they don't know anything about gun fit and shooting. I have adjusted ever single Beretta and Benelli auto that I own because the average American must have different features than me. I needed less drop on the gun so that the rib came up even and the stock hit my cheek right.

If you want to float the target above the bead, just adjust the stock so that you see some of the top of the rib when you are shooting it. That way, you won't have to cover up the bird when you pull the trigger. Quite honestly, I don't have this problem because there is usually a good amount of sky between the bird and the barrel when I pull the trigger.

Now, let me lay my prejudices out there. I hate/loath Browning. I love Beretta and Benelli. I have shot a Benelli SBE for 7 years now and have nothing bad to say about it. I have been shooting Beretta o/u's for 10+ years now and bought a couple of their autos recently. While I had a couple of cosmetic problems with them, which were fixed after a couple of months with Beretta, I shoot them really well and I really like the way they feel, but I had to adjust all of them so that they fit me.

Unless the gun feels right, you won't hit anything

[skeet]

Have shot all the ones mentioned... Benelli is too expensive..by far and seems to kick a good bit worse than the others. I know it goes against the grain but really don't like the Win SX 2 or the Browning for that matter. Just don't feel right to me. Have an Extrema and it shoots great and I hit well with it(except last Friday..took me 7 shots to get my 2 geese). There is an alternative out there if you don't mind the name. Mossberg...model 935.. I have handled a couple...shot one on geese...and was favorably impressed. If I were going to buy a new 3 1/2" gun right now...that's what I would buy. Never thought I'd hear myself say such a thing either..Almost blasphemy in fact. Check one out. You may be surprised. Should be well under 600 bucks too even in the best camo pattern et al

BTW I redeemed myself the nest day (Saturday) hunting geese...2 for 2. Guess I had a bad day on Friday

[fabsroman]

As far as recoil is concerned, I will agree with Skeet if you are talking about the original Benelli SBE. If you have the chance to buy a Benelli SBE II, the recoil reduction is supposed to be around 70% with the new stock.

If I ever get any money, I will be buying the new Benelli SBE II.

[M.T. Pockets]

One of the guys I hunt with has all three of these shotguns. You never know which he'll bring to the duck slough with him. He likes them all and doesn't really have a favorite, he probably shoots the Benelli the most.

[Bowhunter57]

300 RUM,
Of the 3 shotguns you mentioned I'd select the Beretta.

Have you considered a Russian Baikal MP-153?
With all the features for $325 + tax, it's hard to beat. Chrome lined bore, gas adjustable operation, screw-in chokes, 3 choke tubes, 24", 26" & 28" barrel lengths, wood or synthetic stocks.

I own one and dearly love its' performance. I've shot geese at 55+ yards and they drop like a stone. I purchased a Terror Choke in .675 restriction, a case of 3 1/2" Kent Fast Steel 1 3/8oz. BBBs @ 1550 f.p.s. and have recovered geese that dropped at 55 yards with holes in their backs from complete penetration.

Some "food for thought".
Good luck with your choices!
Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[tjwatty]

I had my hands on the NEW X2 and a new Browning Gold on Wed. They have a new stock and forearm covering that feels like rubber grips. Similar to the inserts on the Beretta but the whole stock and fore-end are covered. Really feels different, I kinda like it. With that said neither fit me as well as the Bennelli and with the improvements in recoil system I lean that way. Mostly because I'm lazy and the Benny is the easiest darn thing I own to clean.
With that said, I'm still not a big supporter of 3.5" loads. But if that's what a person wants then go for it.