Beretta Semi Autos: Xtrema2 vs Urika? Kick-off?

[uneasy_rider]

I am looking at the Beretta Urika v. Xtrema shotguns for a general use hunting shotgun for quail, dove, and turkey. I like the feel and fit of the Urika and Xtrema. I don't think I would ever shoot 3.5" shells.

What are the differences in these two shotguns?

Is the Kick Off feature on the Xtrema worth the extra money? I have never had a lot of problem with 12 gauge recoil in a semi auto before.

 

[uneasy_rider]

anyone?

 

[Firepower!]

Well if the recoild is not a problem for you then it all depends on your budget.

However, Xtrema2 is the lastest Beretta out there and it is very well made for hunting. I think you will enjoy the reduced recoil. I also do not think that there is that much of a difference in price. Thus, I suggest get the Xtreme2 unless you handle the Urika and like its feel better.

I have A391 Tecknys Gold, and I think it is great. Had I not bought that I would have definately gone for Xtrema2.

 

[Pete409]

Get the Urika. A 3" magnum shell is all you'll ever need, and, if you're like most people, you'll seldom need that.

Far too many people buy the 3.5" Magnum gun "just in case" and then are unhappy with it. The Urika is a far better "all around gun".

If you needed an "all around hammer" for home use, would you buy the 16 ounce carpenter's hammer or an 8 pound sledge hammer?

 

[txgolfer45]

For what you described as intended uses, get the Urika or Urika2.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Urika.

 

[uneasy_rider]

Does anyone have experience with the Kick Off system?

Also, how does the Beretta Urika compare to the Benelli M2?

 

[waterhouse]

As far as I know the main differences between the Xtrema2 and Urika are the 3.5" chamber and the "Aqua" coating.

I own an Xtrema w KO devise, and I've shot it side by side with an Xtrema without the KO system. There is a noticeable difference. If you aren't bothered by recoil, it is a pricey option that you may not need. The regular gun is pretty soft shooting anyway. Some older folk in my family have switched to only shooting with KO systems because they love the light recoil so much, but these guys are duck hunters and shoot a lot, at least for duck hunters.

A couple years ago the only way to get a KO was on the Xtrema. It is now offered on the Urika. I never shoot 3.5" shells, and I have no idea what Aqua Technology actually is, so if the KO had been available on the Urika back then I would have gotten that one.

I don't have an M2, but I do have an M1. I haven't checked the numbers, but the Benelli feels lighter between the hands than the Xtrema, and there is more felt recoil with the Benelli, although I don't find it as bad as many on the internet make it out to be.

 

[diesel83]

I have an AL-391 Urika and love it for Pheasant hunting. My feeling is that field guns should be fancy because sooner or later you will bust brush or take a dive into a ditch you didn't see. I shoot #5's and don't notice the recoil at all, mostly because it shoulders well. The gas system seems to take the sharpness off that I find in the Benelli, though it's more a characteristic of the recoil, not the actual sensation. I think you'd be really happy. Can't speak for the Xtrema in the field.

 

[Pete409]

Does anyone have experience with the Kick Off system?

I'm not very familiar with the Kick Off system, but if it's what I think it is, then it's just a mercury filled tube added to the buttstock....... and possibly some additional weight added to the magazine tube.

Recoil reduction is not rocket science. There is no magic system or method of reducing recoil, but there is the basic system of adding weight to the gun to reduce the felt recoil.

A person doesn't need to spend $100 or more to reduce recoil. They can simply add some weight such as lead shot, lead fishing sinkers, a roll of nickels, or whatever is handy to the buttstock and that will reduce the recoil. Adding weight to the front end of the magazine will also reduce recoil.

IMO, any target gun should weigh a minimum of 8 pounds and have a good recoil pad. A weight of 8.5 to 9 pounds is even better for many people.

 

[waterhouse]

I'm not very familiar with the Kick Off system, but if it's what I think it is, then it's just a mercury filled tube added to the buttstock....... and possibly some additional weight added to the magazine tube.

The kick off devise works with a pair of oil filled hydraulic "recoil absorbers". It works just like any basic recoil pad, spreading the recoil over a longer time, except that it works really well.

Unless you are shooting heavy loads or are very recoil sensitive though, it is probably an unnecessary and costly option, since the 391 is a soft shooter without the KO system.

 

[Dirtypacman]

I have the Xtrema2 and have put over hundred down the barrel in a session without any noticable recoil or shoulder wear at the end of the day.

I would highly recommend this shotgun to anyone.