[CoRoMo]

Vote

[ArmedBear]

Really do like my Berettae (390 synthetic 20 Gauge and walnut 391 Urika 12 Gauge). That "self-cleaning" gas system definitely stays cleaner than I've experienced before, though of course you have to wipe it out sooner or later. Later, IME.:) Both Beretta semiautos I have started their lives with me in the same way: the first time I ever pulled their triggers, clays were dusted. Sold another gun to buy each one, and didn't regret it in the least.

AFAIK the Gold is no longer made in 12 Gauge, though there are a few on the used market and maybe some on clearance racks for good prices. The one I hefted before getting the Urika was a Gold Stalker, and let me tell you, that was one god-awful heavy, oddly-balanced sluggard of a gun. It probably would be great for long shots on geese, as long as you had a sling to carry it out to your blind, but it sure didn't feel like a bird gun to me.

The new SX3s seem pretty darn nice, too. However, I haven't been able to try them, just handle them at the store. Like other Winchester stuff, it seems that, lately, they make a model for about 3 days, then change it, sometimes a great deal. Not sure what's going on over there, though I do like everything I've seen of the new line, so it seems they're going in the right direction, unlike a certain company that starts with an R and ends with mechanical problems.

But why 12?:)

[CoRoMo]

Why 12??? Why not?:)

Actually, I guess it's because I don't already own a single 20ga. gun. Only 12ga.
I've never even put a thought toward getting a 20.

[MCgunner]

How much is the Beretta 390/391? Someone said the safety on that gun is easily reversible for use lefties. I think ArmedBear might have mentioned that in another thread. That is a feature I'd prefer, though the SX3 is a fine functioning shotgun otherwise, was my vote.

Why the 12? Well, to answer that, it just all depends on what you're shooting. If you're mostly shooting passing birds like ducks and doves, 12 makes a lot of sense. 20s are lighter, quicker, make for a better upland/quail choice IMHO, but I own more 12s than anything else because I mostly hunt waterfowl. I like a 20 on doves, too, if they're not long passing shots. It handles better on those little farts, dodging and darting and comin' in fast and quick. But, I've killed a lot of dove with a 12 in the past.

Actually, I'm glad I've got both choices. The little 20 is a sweet gun to shoot and deadly quick on fast shots. If you ain't got a 20, you need one. I ain't got a 28 and I think I might need one. :D

[JohnBT]

I like the SX-3 and the Berettas too.

Winchester made an SX-2 Light that had 3" chambers and only weighed 6# 14 ounces IIRC.

Here's one that sold for $650.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=139137719

[ArmedBear]

I've never even put a thought toward getting a 20.

And that is a very common mistake. Swing a 20 Gauge 391 Urika 2 to find out why it's a big mistake.:)

How much is the Beretta 390/391?

I got a NIB "Wal-Mart 390" in 20 Gauge from Cabela's for $520 because it was missing the manual and a walnut 12 Gauge 391 Urika for $800 from Sports Authority on clearance. The almost-identical Urika 2 is out, and they wanted $1000 for that in walnut, $850 in synthetic, which is nicer than it sounds, with overmolded gripping surfaces. You CAN spend 2 grand on a 391 if you really want to, but you don't have to.

Sold an old Enfield and an 1100 so far. Going to look in the closet for more to sell...

The hunting and other opportunities here have changed my tastes a lot. I no longer have a lot of interest in accumulating old guns; I'd rather have one gun that I really like to use.:)

[CoRoMo]

I'd rather have one gun that I really like to use.

Ain't that the truth.

For me to buy a 20, I'd need more convincing. I'll check 'em out though.

[berettashotgun]

I'd rather have a 28ga 391 than ANY other AFFORDABLE shotgun.

[ArmedBear]

I haven't been able to find a 28 Gauge 391 for an affordable price. Or any price.

Where do you get a 28?

[ArmedBear]

This is a Philistine.

http://community.imaginefx.com/fxpose/johnny_shumates_portfolio/images/17891/original.aspx

He only shoots a 12 Gauge.:D

[CoRoMo]

Okay, okay, okay. I said I'd check out a 20.:p

Who likes calf fries??

[ArmedBear]

What are calf fries?

Rocky Mountain Oysters?

[oneounceload]

I haven't been able to find a 28 Gauge 391 for an affordable price. Or any price.

Where do you get a 28?

It only exists in the mind of many who wish Beretta would make one.....personally, I think they are missing out on a really neat niche market - folks who shoot their 12's and can't afford a decent O/U, would buy them - at least IMO

[ArmedBear]

I don't think that Beretta sells enough 20s to go with 28 also. That, and the gas gun doesn't recoil much in 20.

It's too bad, but Americans seem to be stuck on 12 Gauge. The 391 is a whole different gun in 20, and worth getting in 20, even if you've got the 12 already...

WRT affording an O/U, I don't think that has so much to do with semiauto sales once you pass the $1000 mark, but I could be wrong. I have a 20 Gauge O/U, and like it, but still got the 20 Gauge 390 because I wanted a synthetic mountain gun.

That's another thing... Beretta doesn't like to make 20s in synthetic. I like wood, myself, but, just recently, I've seen two Berettas that are used for chukar hunting and ended up with walnut stocks broken at the wrist. Grudgingly, I have to say, modern, strong plastic sure has its place.:)

[TomADC]

I have a SKB 28ga I like to shoot it if I'm in a slump helps me think about the targets better sweet litttle gun to shoot. I also like my old BC Miruko 20 ga skeet gun, I have 5 O/U's right now the reason I don't shoot the semi auto's anymore, my Beretta 390 20 ga Silver Mallard hasn't had 4 boxes thru it, been sittting in the safe.
I highly recommend a 20ga even over the 28 due mainly to the cost of 28 ga ammo.

[ArmedBear]

I think that 28 is pretty much a reloader's round.

That's not a bad thing, but I'm busy with other things. My Mec is covered up in the closet right now.

20 Gauge bulk packs let me have fun without breaking the bank or spending time reloading shotshells, and I don't worry that the hulls get filled with mud or dirt in the field, either.:D

[CoRoMo]

What are calf fries?

Rocky Mountain Oysters?

Yep. calf fries = rocky mountain oysters
Called them calf fries while growing up having to 'harvest' them.

[ArmedBear]

I haven't had many, but they're surprisingly good.:)

The Eagle Rocky Mountain Oyster Feed (ostensibly the largest such festival in the world) is down the road from me. Next year, I'm going to go. It rained this year so I lost my motivation.

[CoRoMo]

Try cutting them out, peeling them, washing them, then batter and fry them. They taste different when you do all that.

Anyway, I've had my eyes on a Beretta for well over a year now. I just keep spending my gun money on other rifles and handguns. Here in about a month, I'll finally have the Urika I've been waiting for.

[mds2004]

I have the SX3 and I love it. Found a 3.5" for $600 from a guy in CO with 200 rounds fired. I was worried about it being unreliable with lighter loads but all is well. Ive only shot as low as 1 7/8 Walmart special but thats the lowest I will ever shoot. Never one malfunction. I love this gun.

Look around with patience. You will be able to find good deals out there.

[oneounceload]

I think that 28 is pretty much a reloader's round.


That depends on how much you shoot and how big your wallet is....:D

I love my 1100 in 28 - at around 8+ pounds (with the 8 oz mag cap), the recoil is a breeze

For chukar in them thar hills, the Franchi at 5.5 is nice.....there isn't an upland bird that the 28 can't do a proper job on

[MCgunner]

I've got a real oyster reef in the bay about 500 yards from my front porch. Why would I wanna eat mountain ones? :p

[oneounceload]

I've got a real oyster reef in the bay about 500 yards from my front porch. Why would I wanna eat mountain ones?

For the same reason the answer to this question is.......

"why does a dog lick his balls? Because he can"...... :D

[52grain]

Look into the Browning Silver, it's in your price range. The Gold is only available in 10 gauge unless you managed to find one on a clearance rack or used.

[f4t9r]

Beretta 390/391
Great guns and the urika gets my vote in the poll

[Snarlingiron]

I've got a real oyster reef in the bay about 500 yards from my front porch. Why would I wanna eat mountain ones?

They ain't mutually exclusive you know.

This is an area where Armedbear and I are in total agreement. I have 2 390's. One is an older model with nice wood, 30" barrel, and the other is the "Walmart gun". I just wouldn't take for either one.

A buddy of mine has 2 391's. He just picked up a "Walmart" 20 ga. Guess what you can't pry his hands off of? That's right, the "El Cheapo" 20 ga.

Great, Great guns!

When I bought my 390 I posted a thread. Will Fennell responded that he had one that he shot in competition to the tune of 175,000 rounds. Still working, just moved on to something else.