Price vs Value Dilemma

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I'm considering either a 20ga Beretta 391 or an 11-87 20ga. Upland Special.

The Beretta is about a 1/2 pound lighter and I've heard nothing but good things.

The 11-87 is still lively in my hands and very compact---BUT I've been seeing negative posts on the 11-87 here and at TFL.

But the big difference for me is the Beretta is $200 more.

The cost of the Beretta around here is $800---for that kind of money--I'm thinking maybe I just save $200 more and get a 20ga Red Label.

Will the $600 11-87 give me that much trouble??---OR do I just suck it up and go for the more expensive model??

I currently have a 12ga. Nova---and I'm looking for something smaller that I don't have to shuck.

Thanks

Decisions decisions decisions

 

[Will Fennell]

I'm biased, but....

In my experience, the BERETTA 391 is $200 more gun than the Rem. 11/87.

If you step up to a O/U, look around before yousettle on a Red Label.....there are certainly more, and better made, options out there.

Best Regards,

Will Fennell
TEAM BERETTA

 

[HSMITH]

I agree that the Beretta is $200 more shotgun. I shot one recently (391 20ga) with a 26" barrel and it was REALLY nice. I would buy one in a heartbeat.

Another one to consider is a Gold hunter 20ga, I have one that has been flawless. Over 12K rounds through it without a hitch, and it is a pheasant SLAYER!!!! The birds just don't have a chance. I like the Gold better than the 391, but only because I have so much experience with it. I really think they are on equal footing as far as handling and reliability go. The Gold will cycle lighter loads than the 391, but few guys go as far down with the loads as I do.

I have a 12ga Red Label Sporting Clays, it is easily worth every penny I paid for it to me, but to others it isn't. Resale on a Red Label is dismal, if you buy one I hope you like it as you will lose your hinder if you sell it. Mine has a lot more shells through it than most will ever even approach and has never had a problem of any kind. I have a little over 70K rounds through mine. It fit me better than anything else under $2500 which was twice my budget, so I bought it. I don't regret it.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Of the two, OBG, I think I'd go with the 391.

But, if a 20 gauge auto was something I couldn't live without, I'd think about the Franchi AL-48.

A 20 gauge auto is an upland gun to me, and this is nearly perfect.

It's blowback operated like the A-5, weighs much less than the other autos, and is reliable and simple in operation.AL-48 owners are a vocal bunch, and no discouraging words come from them.

HTH....

 

[Kingcreek]

I have a 20g 11-87 upland special. Have had NO problems with it at all. Its a fun little gun on the skeet range and a good bird hammer in the field. I thought my wife would shoot it but she doesn't like it. She went back to her Browning Micro-lightning.
I would be willing to sell the 11-87 to you but I have to tell you I'll put the money towards a 20g 391.

 

[HSMITH]

Forgot to add that I have played with a Benelli Montefeltro 20ga too. Did not like it, it would not cycle anything under an ounce at 1150. Was so light it was really whippy too. Felt good, shot where I was looking, and is really light for carry. Poor cycling and poor dynamics for me make it out of the question for me. Sold that puppy with less than 3000 rounds through it, VERY unusual for me.

 

[Kahr carrier]

Beretta.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Well---I wound up with something not quite lighter but it is an auto.

Put a Beretta 391 Syn/stock(rubber inserts) 12ga. with 26in barrel on lay-a-way last night. Dealer is trying to move the older stock--so had the synthetic 391's marked at $749----thinking I did OK---hopefully??

Thanks.