Seeking advice on gas vs. inertia

[ArmyAviator]

My Dad bought me a REM 870 Wingmaster in 1982....I still have it and use it exclusively for all...doves, squirrels, ducks. I shoot lotsa dove...looking into a autoloader...can any of you weigh in on what to consider when considering a gas like a Beretta 390....or Benelli's new inertia M2. Is recoil essentially the difference? Will these autoloaders indeed handle field loads and magnums 2 1/2 or 3 inch....with no adjustment???

 

[HSMITH]

The inertial systems are more sensitive to ammo than the gas guns are. They also have more felt recoil.

I don't know anything about the M2 but I have had a couple other Benelli's and sent them down the road. I prefer the SuperX2 and the Beretta 390/391 of the current available self loading shotguns.

 

[trapguy]

the beretta's are truly a great gun, i have shot everything from 7/8 oz. to 11/2 oz. and never had a problem

 

[TrapperReady]

I've shot a Benelli Montefeltro a lot. I really liked it when I shot it, and have never had any problems with it cycling anything, from 7/8 oz light target loads to heavier 1 1/4 oz hunting loads. Nothing to adjust, and it has been flawless through many thousands of shells. At some point a couple years ago, my wife decided it was hers.

Some time after that, I got a Beretta 391. I like it, although recently I've had a number of problems feeding some of the cheaper value-pack Winchester and Federal shells. It functions perfectly with Remington STS and Winchester AA target shells, and my reloads using those shells.

A couple weeks ago, I lent the Benelli to a friend and we shot some sporting clays, 5-stand and Crazy Quail. After putting a couple hundred shells through the Beretta, I tried one round of CQ (10 targets) with the Benelli.

WOW!

It was quite a difference. When I was shooting the Benelli all the time, the recoil didn't seem bad. Now that I've gotten accustomed to the gas-system, the inertia-system felt horrid. I'm not convinced it had much more recoil (if any), but it was sharper with almost a two-stage feel. In contrast, the Beretta simply has a single smooth push.

I still like the Benelli (especially the ease of maintenance), but for shooting high volume, I'd probably have to give the nod to the 391.

 

[HSMITH]

LOL. We all knew you would come around Trapper, you're too sharp a guy NOT to!!!!

It sure is an eye opener to shoot them back to back, of course for me with 3.5" shells it was a complete no brainer......

 

[TrapperReady]

HSMITH -

I still think the Benellis are well-made guns. I also know that I can shoot them very, very well. However, that recoil impulse would take a little getting used to again.

Now... if I could get a Beretta 391 that cleaned up as nicely as a Benelli, I'd be completely happy.

 

[HSMITH]

Trapper, I too think they are well made and I shoot the snot out of them. They move and balance well for sure. The sound of the action working and the recoil impulse both irritated me though. The action sounds 'crunchy' and the recoil impulse is like a double hit. Mine also had lock-times you could measure on a sun dial. Had mine worked as slick as yours do I probably would have stayed with them.....

My man, you are ready for a SuperX2, cleans up as easily as a Benelli if not easier, and runs like a swiss watch. They are just as smooth as a 390/391 too. No tools to take down or assemble, no small parts other than the bolt handle. Got a friend with one you could test drive?

 

[sm]

Prefer Gas

Agree with HSMITH, on inertia - The Recoil, the action, and noise irritated me.
Gas guns - I too like the SX2 and prefer / recommend it - "partial " to its name sake tho".

 

[TrapperReady]

HSMITH - A Super X-2 is on the short list. In fact, I'm going to try some duck and goose hunting this fall... and if I like it as much as I think I will, then one will probably follow me home.

When I got the Beretta, I had seriously considered the Super X-2, as it fit very well. The two things that made me choose the Beretta was that I could easily obtain a shell-catcher for it (critical for me for trap), and that the inside of the Winchester's receiver looked like a monkey with a rasp had attacked it.

 

[HSMITH]

LOL, again the Trapper has brought up a good point. Parts of my X2 reciever are a little less than smooth but it runs like you wouldn't believe. A shell catcher is another solid point for a trap shooter, are they out for the X2 yet?.

Beware, duck and goose hunting has caught some of us unaware and cost THOUSANDS of dollars in boats, guns, deke's, dogs, trips, and other gear. Best to avoid it all together unless you are prepared for a life changing experience, it got in my blood and there is no cure. I am hooked for life.

Up here 3.5" X2's are going for $625 or so now, cheaper than they ever have been. It seems like the pipeline is full now and that is the reason for the price decrease. For the last 3 or 4 years you had to buy one when you saw it.

My X2 caused 5 shotguns to have to move out because they were simply not needed or desired anymore, and retired 3 more that I just don't have the heart to boot out. It brought me down to 5 shotguns and no desire for any others. A finer field shotgun I have not held, and I have had more than a few along the way.

 

[ENC]

I have a 1187 Light Countour

This gun has flat out been flawless ever since I have had it. It has shot thousands of rounds and never hiccuped on anything.

By the way it is a gas gun.