Beretta 3901 American?

[Kingcreek]

Any of you fine folks ever SHOT a 3901 American?
I'm looking for first-hand, real world experience. Sorry, but I don't need the I saw, I heard, I drooled etc.
If you also have experience with a 390 and can compare- that's even better!
Here is the deal...
I have a 390 in 12g, I like it a lot, and I really, really want a 20g with similar quailities. I have other shotguns...doubles (SxS and O/U), pumpguns, and other autos (Browning, Winchester, Remington) so I don't want advice on some OTHER "next gun".
I have not been able to locate a 3901 that I can fondle for my own self. Before I order 2 of them, I'm looking for feedback here. BTW, msrp is $900 each and if anybody knows of a good deal???...
Thanks!

 

[RNB65]

The 3901 is essentially the same as the 390. I think they made a change or two to the receiver to reduce manufacturing costs, but otherwise it's the same gun so if you like the 390 you should also like the 3901.

My understanding is that after Beretta dropped the 390 from their product line a few years ago following the introduction of the 391 they found that there was still a big demand for the 390 in the US among clay target shooters. So they shipped the 390 manufacturing equipment to Beretta USA's facility in Maryland and began manufacturing them there under the name 3901 American. They're only available in the US (and maybe Canada). Some folks say the final fit and finish isn't quite as good as the old Italian made 390's, but who cares -- these guns are meant to be used and abused and not put on display as show pieces.

I think they're a terrific deal, one of Beretta's most popular designs priced close to a Remmie 1100. How can you beat that?

 

[pcf]

I have about 500 rounds through my 3901 American, it works like a 390, as far as I can tell.

Fit and finish is as good as a 390, it has a matte blue finish, a couple sharp edges here and there, no recoil pad, no magazine cutoff and it doesn't come with the factory shim kit.

The 20gauge version is much slimmer than the 12 gauge. I think the 12 gauge balances perfectly, the 20 gauge is slightly butt heavy.

Cabelas in Ft Worth had 6 20 gauge 3901s on clearance last weekend for $499 each, you can call the store, I don't know if they will ship firearms.

 

[toivo]

If you can get that Cabela's deal, that sounds like your best option. If not, check this out: Beretta 390 at Auction Arms. I think these are Wal-Mart closeouts that were bought up when they discontinued the 20-gauge. I bought one last year from the same seller, who has had "only a few" for over a year now.

Mine is marked "Made in Italy" all over it: receiver and barrel. The 12-gauges that I've seen say "Made in USA" on the receiver and "Made in Italy" on the barrel.

 

[Kingcreek]

Thanks for the replies!
The prices at Cabela's and the auction seem reasonable, but I'm looking for walnut stocks- the "Statesman" model. (although for 5 bills maybe I should buy one for myself anyway?)
I thought I wanted a 391 but after shooting one, I found I really prefered my 390 Sporting.