Beretta models vs Benelli model shotguns

[axeman_g]

All,
I am looking to spend my Economic Stimulus check on a new shotgun. I am looking for information on higher end semi autos.

This will be mainly a target gun, then a hunting arm when I wich to keep the wear down on my A5. I like lighter, faster guns guns and have a deeper LOP then some.
Please tell me the diffirences between the beretta models, Urika, Xtrema, Teknys and 3901s?

How about the diferences between the Benelli models... M2, Montefeltro etc etc

How about which brand is better?

 

[PJR]

Forget the Xtrema. With 3-1/2" chambers it's not a target gun.

The Urika and Teknys are the same gun except the later has a little more bling. I prefer the Urika.

The 3901 is an American-made version of the 390 which was the predecessor to the 391.

All of the Berettas are gas operated which means they handle a wider range of loads, are more complex to clean and noticeable softer shooting.

The Benellis are recoil operated which means they are simpler actions and easier to clean, kick a little harder and may not function with very light loads (e.g. 7/8 ounce.)

If longer LOP is required Beretta is probably better. The Urika comes with two recoil pads with the longer giving 14-3/4" LOP. The Benellis tend to be a little shorter toping out around 14-3/8.

So my advice is the Beretta 391 Sporting. I recommend this gun because it has a longer LOP, less bling and is softer shooter than the Benelli.

I also own one and like it very much. That might have a lot to do with it too.

 

[TX1911fan]

It really just depends on what fits you. I prefer the Benellis because they are lighter and sleeker and I have smaller hands. Plus, most of my shotgun use is hunting upland birds, so saving a pound or two is a good thing. I don't think recoil will be an issue if you are used to shotguns.

I prefer the look of the Montefeltro Silver, but when I mounted it, its rib was just too low for me. I am going for either an Ultralight or Supersport in 20 gauge.

 

[ArmedBear]

The newer 391's in 20 are under 6 lbs. also.

most of my shotgun use is hunting upland birds, so saving a pound or two is a good thing.

Agree with you there! Sure, you can carry around an 8 lb. gun all day, but you won't be as quick with it after an hour or two.

 

[Pete409]

Good review, PJR. You summed up very well what could have taken several thousand words to describe.

Axeman, if this is going to be mainly a target gun, believe me, you don't want a "light" gun. Gun weight is your friend when it comes to target shooting. The weight soaks up recoil like a sponge and generally helps smooth the swing which is necessary for good shooting.

In a 12 gauge, I would not even consider anything less than 7.5 pounds and even that is light. You can easily add weight to a gun. About 8.5 pounds is much better.

 

[axeman_g]

Recoil does not bother me a bit. I shoot A5s and sxs at targets all the time. I have a new BPS. but I can not get used to the weight and feel. It fits me very well, but I dont enjoy taking it out and shooting it. I have put 500rds through it and I can not shoot over a 20 at trap. I shoot my sweet sixteen and avg 22. I do not like using the A5 for extended times at the trap range because 16g is too expensive, and the gun is treasured to much to use with that intensity. Plus I point shoot it since it is so small and light, 24" mod barrel, LOP is 13.5, way to short but it works in hunting situations. I would like to work on my technigue for targets and this little gun just is not built for that.

Should I go pick up a Stoeger 2000 to see if I like the benelli design?

 

[TX1911fan]

I have a Stoeger 2000 and love it. My buddy has a Benelli Super Black Eagle and I don't notice much difference between the two, other than fit and finish. It truly is the poor mans Benelli.

 

[berettashotgun]

The chinese drug money ain't gonna quite get a "top end" Italian auto.
That said, a used Extrema actually might be in your price range, I picked one up LNIB $675.
Phooey to all those who say it isn't a target shotgun.
I will agree the Extrema isn't a WORLD CLASS COMPETITION SHOTGUN.
Stock fitting and rib/barrel work alone will cost as much as the base gun. Then chokes come into play, better have a sponsor for ammo:banghead:
The Extrema is a damn good, soft recoiling, reliable shotgun. I just don't shoot mine much, got like 30-50 rounds thru it in 6-7 years.
Had a few SBE's and despised the amount of recoil I paid for. each time. Neither reside 'round here anymore.
Now with all that said, a shotgun has to fit YOU, your shoulder, arm and neck length , wallet secondly.
I'd get what fits. the rest is trivial. Like me shooting a Winchester 1400 as good a a professionally fit beretta 303.
Beretta 390st used is a very good starting point, finding a 303 will be the trick.
Target shotgun doesn't include the word Benelli.

 

[10 Ring Tao]

You'll have to do your own reading and homework on the differences between models like the rest of us.

As for beretta vs benelli, berettas are gas operated and benellis are recoil operated.

I favor berettas because a gas operated semi will always be MUCH lighter with the felt recoil than a recoil operated semi. This is a Good Thing when you're shooting high round counts as in the clay games.

The reason benellis are so expensive, is because of all the recoil reducing bells and whistles they have to put on their guns to make them comfortable to shoot for most shooters.

Having owned both, I also favor berettas because of the infamous 'Benelli Click'. The inertia drive of the benelli demands a high level of fit and finish of the lugs on the bolt and the corresponding parts on the barrel. If any little thing prevents the bolt from rotating into place and going into battery, when you pull the trigger the hammer will fall, but the round won't go off, and you get a nice resonant Click.

My berettas have also been more tolerant of lighter target loads, because the recoil operation of the benelli requires more oompf to cycle properly than the gas guns.

But as always, get out, make friends in your area (the hometown sections of glocktalk and ar15.com), and try out both on the range. Decide what you like most based on how it feels actually shooting it.

 

[MAKster]

If you're considering 20 gauge don't buy the Beretta 391. The gun weighs less than 6 pounds and has a harsh recoil. Far more recoil than the 12 gauge version.

 

[jmr40]

Have had the Beretta 390 for years and have never ahd the first problem. Great gun and I do not think you would go wrong with the newer 391.

Found a great deal a couple of years ago on a used Benelli M1 at $600, I do not think I could have made myself pay double that for a new one. I have learned to like both guns a lot.

If I were going to primarily shoot clay's I would lean toward the Beretta because of the heavier weight and recoil reducing gas system. For a hunter I like the lighter Benelli. I really think both will be reliable.

 

[waterhouse]

If you're considering 20 gauge don't buy the Beretta 391. The gun weighs less than 6 pounds and has a harsh recoil. Far more recoil than the 12 gauge version.

Having shot 20s from both brands, the Beretta is still a softer shooting gun than the Benelli. I don't have any problems with recoil, but shot side by side the difference is apparent.

 

[fecmech]

My vote would go for the 3901 first or the 391. I'm a lazy clay shooter who treats his 390 like many treat their OU's in that I don't clean it much. I generally run about 2K thru it befor it hiccups and requires a cleaning. To date the gun has 55000+ rds thru it and runs fine. I change out the recoil spring every 10K and spray some lube in the action every now and then to keep it going. Like the Timex watch and the Energizer bunny!

 

[oneounceload]

Since you said targets were the first priority, a 390 or 391 will do the job and be softer on your shoulder....Benelli's are lighter and do not use a gas-operated system, but a recoil one...long story short, more recoil, both actual due to lighter gun and perceived due to recoil vs. gas operated

If you're going to shoot a box of shells at a time, that is one thing, but if you are going to get into clays, (and once you get hooked on sporting clays you will), the gas gun is the way to go.....depending on your finances, you might look at a used Beretta that hasn't been abused..a 303, 390, or 391 will do the job just fine..........you will want to TRY them at a club before you buy..no matter which you choose, try it first to make sure it fits and you like it....

 

[sumpnz]

What kind of prices are you guys seeing for new and used 391's. It seems hard to find a new 20ga 391 for under $950. And used are seemingly hard to find anywhere.

 

[FEG]

At the risk of repeating myself too many times in one day, I'd also look at the Franchi AL 48 if you want 20 ga.

In 12 ga., it's all a matter of fit for me. The Berettas have many advantages over the Benellis, as mentioned above. However, I can hit with an off the shelf Benelli. I would have to tweak many of the Berettas, based on my experiences shooting other peoples' guns. (I've owned several Benellis and Franchis, but never a Beretta.)

Benellis all use the same recoil operated system ("inertia driven"), so most of the differences between models are cosmetic or superficial. The Montefeltro model is supposedly designed for heavy shooting and abuse, so I ended up with that one.

Whatever you do, don't watch the Benelli promotional DVD first. I think it may be the most effective brainwashing tool yet developed.

 

[10 Ring Tao]

What kind of prices are you guys seeing for new and used 391's. It seems hard to find a new 20ga 391 for under $950. And used are seemingly hard to find anywhere.

First off, I wouldn't buy new- Let someone else eat the depreciation of buying a new gun. Second, since I was just shopping last week, I know you can get new 20ga 3901's for less than $700, and subsequently, the 3901 series or a used 390 is my suggestion for anyone looking to spend less than $1k on a beretta.

Whatever you do, don't watch the Benelli promotional DVD first. I think it may be the most effective brainwashing tool yet developed.

Hahaha...so true.

This is why I ended up with an inertia driven gun as part of the collection in the first place, and subsequently learned to dislike/hate all but the very top of the line benellis (with the most recoil reducing features and the finest fit and finish of the action to have the least chance of recurrent 'Benelli Clicks').

 

[45crittergitter]

f you're considering 20 gauge don't buy the Beretta 391. The gun weighs less than 6 pounds and has a harsh recoil. Far more recoil than the 12 gauge version.

My arthritic wife, who is very recoil sensitive, says hers doesn't kick much. I know it doesn't kick nearly as much as any 12 gauge I've ever fired. It's my first choice recommendation for anyone recoil sensitive or who perhaps is small and doesn't want to try to swing an 8# gun.

The reason benellis are so expensive, is because of all the recoil reducing bells and whistles they have to put on their guns to make them comfortable to shoot for most shooters.

Except for the newer models with the ComforTech system, I'm unaware of any unusual anti recoil features on any of my Benellis. However, they were already expensive and don't kick any worse than anything else I've fired. Would you enlighten us?