Gift Shotgun

A buddy took some time off of work to help me put a roof on my lake house. It was a blast and he expects nothing for it. However, he doesn't have a shotgun, I have been blessed to be able buy him one now a few months later, and for the first time in 11 very long years I will be moving close enough to do some grouse and duck hunting with him.

My initial thought was to buy him a Benelli Nove like the ones I bought my Dad and Wife. Then when I was looking for a replacement for my Wife's coach gun I came across the Stoeger 3500.

So what would you do? Stoeger 3500 or Benelli Nova?

My max price is $625 (one months rent for the Lake House). I do love the Nova it is my primary shotgun and I have watched my Dad shoot geese repeatedly at over 100yrds with some 3.5" TT shot. And I can hold those cheap Remington slugs on a 6 inch gong at 100yrds with mine. The Nova sure is an amazing gun. But as this new Stoeger operates with Benelli Inertia system I thought I might try to upgrade my buddy from the get go. I have always wanted a Benelli auto and maybe even their new Vinci. My cousins who don't shoot a Nova shoot Benelli autos.

My Wife had a Stoeger Coach Gun for CAS and it was a great gun. Fit, finish, function was great. I'm going to replace it and get a Uplander for myself.

Just not sure about the M3500. Sure feels great though.

Thanks

I appreciate your ideas. I like the pump, less moving parts...

But that Stoeger action should be fantastic. Anyone have one? Mr T you should ask your buddy to borrow it. I really like the size of the gun compared to the Benelli. It is slim. And of course it's and auto.

I've never had any experience with the Berettas. I've read some about them and am sure they'd work just fine. I'll have to handle one next time I get to a gun shop.

Thanks for the suggestion.

New suggestions.

Guess I've got another gun to take a look at when I'm at the store.