Price check - Beretta A303 12g magnum

[Rayman1968]

I have a Beretta A303 12 gauge magnum that I bought new in the late 80's. Gun is in like-new condition and has had maybe 30 shells put through it.

No original box, but I have the stock barrel with the 3 choke tubes, and an extra (I think it's 26") barrel with full choke. The gun is NOT a Ducks Unlimited model.

Only blemish would be that the plastic butt plate has a crack in it.

Looking for opinions on a fair price for the gun + extra barrel. Or, should I try to sell the gun and extra barrel separately maybe?

Thanks.

 

[oneounceload]

Look on www.gunsinternational.com under the Beretta section for decent and somewhat normal pricing from retailers and not auctioneers

 

[maxyedor]

They're outstanding guns, but very low value for what they are. Looked at picking up a second one a while ago, and found them to be anywhere from $400-600 as you described yours.

Looking for any guns as a trade? Have a couple I'd trade away to get another a303 in the safe.

 

[oneounceload]

The 303 has become a sleeper of a deal - many consider it to be the best semi Beretta made, so IF the price is right, go for it. The 26"barrel makes it a little less desirable than longer ones, but if it works for you.........................

 

[JAshley73]

I paid $515 for my 86' vintage Ducks Unlimited 12ga A303, with a 3" magnum, 28" Mobil choked barrel. This was last year, and before sales tax. It does have one or two minor nicks in the wood, and only slight wear on the barrel from the forearm.

The nearby Cabelas has 2 identical guns, priced at $1100. I didn't look too closely, but they would have to be in 100% condition to bring that, maybe.

So that should provide some idea of a price window for you. My advice would be to put an add up on this forum, and maybe even ShotgunWorld... It seems the A303's have some very loyal patrons, but you might be better served by knocking the dust off of it, and enjoying it once more...

 

[clang]

The older Beretta Semi Autos have a small and devoted following, but it is usually not reflected in the price of the guns. The AL-1, AL-2, 300, 301, 302, 303 and 304 are all very similar guns and they can be finicky with lighter loads unless they were modified to handle them by drilling out the gas port. Fit and finish were excellent, and some guns have very nice engraving and wood.

It wasn't until the AL390 came out that Beretta added the spring action bleed valve to make a true "shoots anything" gun. Reliability dramatically increased and Beretta's started to get a great reputation for their semi auto shotguns. The AL 391 and later guns supposedly improved on the action, but the AL390 is so good I don't think anyone notices the difference.

Sorry for the diversion. The AL 303 and early Beretta semi autos are great guns, but you have to make sure you have a load that works in them (years ago, people used to say only feed them high brass). This reputation for being finicky, especially with light target loads, really hurt the value of these guns to the general population. The last one I saw with a 26" barrel (an AL-3) went for less than $400, and it was a really nice gun. It did sell quickly, I didn't buy it because it had cast off and I am left handed.