[Kestrel]

I'm considering a Win SX2 in 3.5". (just because I'm intoxicated by shotguns...). I would probably dabble with this gun for clays and hunting. In the chance that I might ever use it for duck/geese/turkey, I'm thinking 3.5".

I've heard good things about the SX2s. Are there any problems with the 3.5" variety? I'll probably get the synthetic version. Any reason for the wood? I'm thinking 28" for the barrel (maybe erroneously assuming it would be better for 3.5" than the 26"?)?

I would appreciate any comments or advice anyone has to offer.

(By the way, if anyone can compare it to the Beretta 391 Extrema 3.5, that would be great. I already have a couple of 3" 391 Urikas...)

Thanks,
Steve

[HSMITH]

I have an X2 3.5" and have had it for quite some time. I have shot mine extensively on clay targets and birds. As far as I am concerned there is no equal to it on the market. Mine is dead reliable and shoots where I am looking. I shoot 1 ounce reloads mostly in it, and all the way up through the 2 ounce high velocity loads. It eats them all without hesitation.

Get the longer barrel, it is easier to shoot but there is no ballistic advantage of any sort.

3.5" is ONLY used with steel shot and turkey loads for me. 2 3/4" shells will do anything else that needs done and often times do it as well or better than the longer loads can with less cost and recoil. If I could use lead shot the old 2 3/4" Model 12 would probably be my primary 12 gauge hunting gun even for waterfowl and my 20 gauge would get the rest of the hunting activity.

I have only handled the 391 Xtrema, and it feels GOOD in my hands just like all the Berettas have since the old 303's. I shoot the 3-series guns quite well and I am sure this one would be good too. Early on there in the Xtrema production there were quite a few problems with regulation of the guns, they were shooting several feet off of POA at 40 yards and Beretta did a poor job of fixing it often telling customers that it was "in spec" even. There are a lot of guys out there with hard feelings about that and if I had been treated that way I certainly would have them too. I stopped following the problems and have had no interest in the Xtrema at all for a while now so I don't know if the problems all worked out or not. My only personal experience with Beretta customer service was a cracked stock on a 687 that they replaced in about 2 months, about a month and a half too long but it matched perfectly and was a year inside of Browning time frames at the time.

[Kingcreek]

my synthetic SX2 is my primary waterfowl tool but I have used it for some pheasant hunting and some skeet and sporting clays. function and reliability has been perfectly flawless. mine is tubed 26" which is what I prefer. with the longer reciever the 26" is approx same overall length as the 28" 390 auto I usually shoot for clays. I have used some 3.5" for geese but am using 3" hevi-shot more and more. I like the idea that I can shoot any 12g shell I grab in the blind.
I looked at the Xtrema but couldn't see a reason to pay the cost diff between the SX2 and the beretta.
buy a SX2 and shoot it alot- you won't be disappointed.
I would love to pick up a SuperX or SX2 with a walnut stock someday.

[mnrivrat]

OK ! So I'm feeling a little spunky, but you did ask !!

Wood is pretty good for building houses and it makes a dandy fire to keep you warm -- I see no reason for wood on a shotgun however when synthetics are so much more durable. :neener:

[Kestrel]

If I'm probably not going to shoot 3.5" in it, is there any drawback to getting the 3.5" gun? (My shop has 3.5, but no 3" in stock). Will the 3.5 shoot everything the 3" will?

Thanks,
Steve

[Dave McCracken]

No drawback.

The 3.5" shotgun will shoot all 12 gauge shells from 3.5 down to 2". Yes, there is a 2" shell.

The opposite is NOT true. Using shells longer than the chamber is neither safe nor fun.

[Kestrel]

As for shooting everything the 3" model will, I meant, will it cycle everything as reliably? Will the 3" model be more reliable with 2-3/4" lighter game loads than the 3.5" model?

Thanks again,
Steve

[HSMITH]

With game loads? No, the 3.5" gun will eat them with amazing reliability.

[TNT]

I have the SX2 walnut field gun and it has been nothing but reliable. I would highly recommend the SX2.