I am in the process of picking out and buying a good all around hunting semi-auto shotgun. After doing much research and window shopping as well as handling many models, I have narrowed my search down to the Benelli and Winchester Super X2. They both seem to be the most reliable and trouble free semi-autos capable of shooting shell sizes up to 3 1/2 inch. Love both guns, but the Benelli is several hundred more than the Winchester and recoil is a little more without the gas operating system. Winchester also has a $50 rebate going on now. This gun will mainly be used for hunting ducks, deer, turkey, etc. as I have another gun that I use for skeets and doves. The Winchester comes with either a 28" or 26" barrel. Which barrel length should I get? Also, does anyone have any other information or opinions on either of these firearms. I am open to all suggestions. Thanks.
Shotgun Selection and Barrel Length Question
- Thread starter bbrown609
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I prefer long barrels, as long as I can get them.
Having owned both shotguns you are thinking about I can tell you that if I was given a brand spanking new Benelli SBE I would not even shoot it, it would go straight down to the store and get traded on a SuperX2 3.5". My SuperX2 is more reliable, more versatile and easier for me to hit things with. If the X2 fits you I say go for it, there is not a better auto loading shotgun out there. If you don't like the X2 go look at the Xtrema from Beretta, it will be several hundred more but might be worth a look.
I put 6-8K rounds through the SBE, and shot it pretty darn good but it never did the trick for me. Add that to the cycling difficulties it had at times and it went down the river without a tear. I have somewhere around 35K through the X2 and am IN LOVE!!!! It is extremely reliable, as good as my 870 is easily, and I shoot the snot out of it.
Having owned both shotguns you are thinking about I can tell you that if I was given a brand spanking new Benelli SBE I would not even shoot it, it would go straight down to the store and get traded on a SuperX2 3.5". My SuperX2 is more reliable, more versatile and easier for me to hit things with. If the X2 fits you I say go for it, there is not a better auto loading shotgun out there. If you don't like the X2 go look at the Xtrema from Beretta, it will be several hundred more but might be worth a look.
I put 6-8K rounds through the SBE, and shot it pretty darn good but it never did the trick for me. Add that to the cycling difficulties it had at times and it went down the river without a tear. I have somewhere around 35K through the X2 and am IN LOVE!!!! It is extremely reliable, as good as my 870 is easily, and I shoot the snot out of it.
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
I've owned neither, and the owners of either one are oft loud in their praise but gotta go with H on this. Gas guns are easier on the owner, and the X-2 will be around for decades.
As for barrel length, it's up to you. Get the one that feels better, 2" difference is not a major change.
As for barrel length, it's up to you. Get the one that feels better, 2" difference is not a major change.
Smoke
Member
I haven't owned either of your choices either.
As for barrel length, I think the best choice varies from gun to gun depending on balance. I have a short SXS that points extremely well with the short barrels. My Citori is longer and needs it due to the added weight over the shorter lighter SXS.
Try to find a gun of your choice with the different barrel lengths and buy the one that points good and feels right.
As for barrel length, I think the best choice varies from gun to gun depending on balance. I have a short SXS that points extremely well with the short barrels. My Citori is longer and needs it due to the added weight over the shorter lighter SXS.
Try to find a gun of your choice with the different barrel lengths and buy the one that points good and feels right.
sm
member
I have to second what HSMITH said, longer bbls for me also.
Smoke reminds us all -gun fit , gun fit gun fit....
Dave with grin ...go with what works, not brand name, or what a person or write up said.
Me and benelli's -we don't get along, they don't hold up. Citoris', SX2's and some shuckers --they make me look good trust me- I need all thehelp I can get...gotta chase the mirror just to shave in the morn...
Smoke reminds us all -gun fit , gun fit gun fit....
Dave with grin ...go with what works, not brand name, or what a person or write up said.
Me and benelli's -we don't get along, they don't hold up. Citoris', SX2's and some shuckers --they make me look good trust me- I need all thehelp I can get...gotta chase the mirror just to shave in the morn...
Kingcreek
Member
I have a SuperX2 - great shotgun, no complaints, handles everthing well.
I like a shorter tube but thats just personal preference.
I think the SX2 represents a great value right now.
I like a shorter tube but thats just personal preference.
I think the SX2 represents a great value right now.
I,ve had a Benelli for years and highly recommend them. As far as velocity, the fast shotgun powders means that you don't gain there with longer barrels. REmember that the long auto receiver means that a 24" auto is the same total length as a 28" o/u. I've used my Benelli for lots of sporting clays and various types of hunting and 24" is all that's needed.
frank c
Member
SX 2
I have a winchester SX 2 3 1/2 inch and a browning gold.Pretty much the same gun.Both guns have preformed flawless for me.I use the SX 2 more then the browning.I just like the way it pulls up to my shoulder.You can,t go wrong with the SX 2. IMHO.frank c
I have a winchester SX 2 3 1/2 inch and a browning gold.Pretty much the same gun.Both guns have preformed flawless for me.I use the SX 2 more then the browning.I just like the way it pulls up to my shoulder.You can,t go wrong with the SX 2. IMHO.frank c
TrapperReady
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HSMITH might pass out at my comment, but I would also advocate the Super X-2. I am very fond of Benellis and have shot thousands of shells through two (M1 20ga and Montefeltro 12ga). Mostly, I've used them on clay targets and a lot of upland birds, with no problems and flawless functioning.
However, if you're looking at the SBE, I've seen folks have trouble cycling lighter target loads (1 1/8oz around 1150fps) with those guns. If you are looking at an all-around do-everything autoloader, then a gas-operated one makes the most sense. The X-2 is mighty nice in that role.
However, if you're looking at the SBE, I've seen folks have trouble cycling lighter target loads (1 1/8oz around 1150fps) with those guns. If you are looking at an all-around do-everything autoloader, then a gas-operated one makes the most sense. The X-2 is mighty nice in that role.
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