Beretta and Browning questions

[mjs_408]

I am in the market for a new trap and field gun. At the moment I am looking at the Beretta al391 teknys or the Browning Gold "Golden Clays" Sporting Clays edition. I want to know what people thought of the two, other options in this class, ie autoloaders that will be good for field (iowa pheasant) and trap/skeet/sporting clays. Thoughts coments from people who have shot or just have general expearance. I have shot both a gold hunter and a 390. I cant decide, please help.

Browning
Beretta

 

[TrapperReady]

Can't speak to the Browning, but I've got a Beretta 391 Urika Sporting that is my primary clay games gun. It's been great. With some value-pack ammo, Federal and Winchester, it's been a little picky, but with AAs or STS hulls, it's performed perfectly.

The gun dampens recoil nicely, and you get a variety of shims and a couple recoil pads to help make it fit. I've found that maintenance is far easier if you keep the gas piston wet with FP-10 or a similar lube. Detail cleaning takes a while, but doesn't need to be done very often. I often go 500 shells without doing anything, and over 1000 with only adding a wiping it down a bit and cleaning the chamber. I may be able to go longer, but this has worked well and only takes a couple minutes.

Mine has the 30" barrels and extended choke tubes. While I've used it for upland hunting a few times, it weighs a bit more than I'd like. Fortunately, I've got a small selection and will often go with a lighter 20ga or 16ga, or even a Benelli 12ga (which is light compared to most autos).

 

[Dave McCracken]

I shoot with folks who own these, more 391s than Golds. All seem quite happy with their choices.

391s somtimes break hammer struts. The shim system means better fitting shotguns more easily.

Neither has a great trigger right from the box, both are amenable to being cleaned up.

In your shoes, I'd get the one that feels best.

 

[HSMITH]

The only other autoloader I would suggest looking at is the Winchester SuperX2. Not quite there in the 'frills' department with the other two but a fantastic shotgun. The higher rib also suits me much better. The Winchester fits me a little better and feels 'right' otherwise I might resort to scientific measures (coin toss/draw straws/etc) to choose between these three shotguns, all are very good shotguns.

 

[ilmonster]

Have shot both and owned a 391. Both are reliable, good for clay games, and a little on the heavy side for hunting, but with that said, go with the one that fits you best. I think they both have the shim adjustable stocks. Good luck!

 

[M Jager]

Short answer- both are great
I shoot a 390 super sporting. I love it, everybody that shoots it love it. Even die hard over under fans like it and shoot it well.
I've shot a 391 parrel target and a gold sporting. They each performed well. Like dave said, buy the only you shoot best.
I clean my 390 ever 1500 rounds or so whether it needs it or not if that means anything to you.
Matt

 

[mjs_408]

Another question about the Tenkys, can you get one without the ugly plastic wrap thats supposed to look like burl and feels like ????. My little bros 390 had nice wood on it for only being 700 bucks. I would think that wood on a 1300 dollar gun would be just as nice, but instead they wrap it with a plastic sleeve

 

[nico]

Another vote to check out the SX2. I have a field model (the sporting model comes with 2 more chokes, a 30" barrel, and has shims for the stock) and like it a lot. It's been used exclusively for trap shooting with no problems.
From what I've read, the SX2 and Gold are basically the same gun functionally with the browning having slightly better fit and finish and a slightly higher price.

 

[AZGlock21]

391 Gold Sporting hands down. I have been shooting 390, 391 and 682's for years and the 390/391's are about the best autoloaders out there.