[grafsk8er]

just lookin around and saw a couple for sale on the internet. idk much about them but for the prices i saw they seem like phenomenal gus for the money. do you guys know much about them, years made, models, reliability, etc? thanks a lot

[MAKster]

One issue with the early Beretta semiautos like the 300 model is that the gas system is non-compensating. They were set up to only work reliably with either light or heavy loads. If the model you have is set up for hunting loads you might have cycling light target loads. Starting with I believe the 303 model, they used a compensating gas system which was more reliable with all types of shells.

[grafsk8er]

thanks alot, i think i just found my new purchase at the next gun show haha

[ArmedBear]

One issue with the early Beretta semiautos like the 300 model is that the gas system is non-compensating.

Some people, however, love this. The gas system is extremely simple, rock-solid reliable, and really easy to clean. You just have to use the loads that your gun is set up for.

AFAIK the 302 to 303 changes were more to controls. The 302 has a magazine lockout lever that can get hung up on a glove, resulting in a "click" instead of a bang when shooting doubles. The 303 used a different control. I don't believe the Berettas have compensating gas systems until the 390. I could easily be wrong. Double check.

Anyway, some believe the 300 series to be the best autoloaders ever made, if you want to shoot relatively consistent loads. Many are still used for clay shooting. They have the simplicity of the 1100, but without the O-ring and with Beretta internals and stocks, which are a cut above the 1100.

Note also that "relatively consistent" doesn't mean you can't vary your loads at all. Like an 1100, a given gun might shoot anything from low-recoil skeet to handicap trap loads, or high-brass field to 3" steel duck loads, but not both.

[oneounceload]

Friend has several - he used to shoot competitive skeet with them - was an Olympic team alternate - called it the best gas gun ever made. Rugged and reliable - if the price is right, grab it

[grafsk8er]

and other great reasons why i should pick one up. i have a double i use for skeet and field hunting...but i really would love to have a smooth operating semi-auto for shootin clays all day, waterfowl, and just for plain fun w/o leaving my shoulder bruised up after a couple hundred shells.

[axeman_g]

Just got one and once all this snow leaves the area I will be able to get out and put it through a few dozen rounds.

I purchased a 24" English Stock version. I want it to take the place of my A5 Sweet16 so i dont keep on beatingher up. The a303 has perefect balance, does not appear to have much cast to the stock, I am a lefty so sometimes the European guns have some designed in cast for righties that bothers me. It is a lovely gun, easy to disassemble and reassemble. I can not wait to try it out.

I say get it. They are a seriously overlooked gem.