Talk me out of a Beretta 3901

[I_AM_LEGEND]

Just recently took up some clay shooting and I also need a versatile hunting shotgun, mainly small game and turkey, I would like a semi-auto as I have a Mossberg 590 20" for home defense. At first my budget was around $400 but this shotgun will likely get shot a lot and I plan on having it for a while so I figured I might as well drop the extra coin to get something reliable as I know the cheaper semi-autos can be iffy. I've looked at the CZ 912, Mossberg 930 series, Remingtons 11-87's and a few other less popular brands. I can get a 28" Beretta 3901 NIB for $600 and I think this is the best deal in that price range. I'm pretty sure the Beretta is the way to go but what you guys think, any better options in that price range?

 

[Milkmaster]

Your choice is solid. I think you can beat that price as well with a little shopping. I just took my 3901 out for the first time this past weekend. I put 5 boxes through it without a single hiccup. My trap round scores were 21,22,23,21,24. It was spot on once I figured out exactly where to aim it. I am impressed at the value of the 3901 so far. It is also as easy or maybe a little easier to clean than my 1100. Good choice. Stick with it!

 

[RTR_RTR]

Did a lotttt of research on this recently, and I ended up getting an 1187, but only because I got it on black friday for $400 + tax.

I've been very happy with the 1187, but would absolutely go with the 3901 if that big price disparity hadn't been there (based on everything I've read - have not shot it).

$600 from a gun store would be a fair price. Can save a little bit of money ordering from buds + transfer fee, but prob not enough that I wouldn't just get it from the store. Prob $50 with a $25 transfer fee

 

[allaroundhunter]

I love my 3901 "Citizen". I have had it for about 5 years and the only problems I get from it are with Federal birdshot/target loads and Winchester light target loads.

Using Winchester AA and Remington shells I have never had a malfunction, and it is a very soft shooter.

 

[I_AM_LEGEND]

It looks like Bud's don't have the 12 ga 28" model in stock and the 20 ga 26" quote I got from Bud's is $728..... plus a $25 transfer fee. I doubt the 12 ga model would be any cheaper if it were in stock. Everywhere I've looked online has them for $600 and up so I think it's a pretty good deal.

 

[Virginian]

Berettas are good guns, I just prefer the feel and ergonomics of the Remingtons for me. And I don't do plastic, period. There are a lot of good semi autos out there, just pick the one that feels best to you. I would look around and feel some of them before jumping.

 

[oneounceload]

Walmart carries that model in their stores around here - you might see if they do where you live. It is a basic, no frills Beretta and should handle everything easily from light target loads to heavier hunting ones

 

[RTR_RTR]

It looks like Bud's don't have the 12 ga 28" model in stock and the 20 ga 26" quote I got from Bud's is $728..... plus a $25 transfer fee. I doubt the 12 ga model would be any cheaper if it were in stock. Everywhere I've looked online has them for $600 and up so I think it's a pretty good deal.

$570 something was the price I got "quoted" by buds when I was looking around less than 4 months ago. If they're out of stock currently though, I'd almost certainly just jump on what you have available to you for that price (assuming it shoulders well and whatnot)

 

[Teachu2]

I shopped long and hard for an entry-level clays gun, and bought a 3901 from Dick's for $599. Got 10% off for opening a charge account, so it was $539+ tax and transfer.

 

[chas08]

Virginian said;

Berettas are good guns, I just prefer the feel and ergonomics of the Remingtons for me.

This holds true for me also. Make sure you are happy with the fit and feel before you drop six bills or more. Maybe you could try one out before you buy.

 

[Snarlingiron]

Beretta 3901 is the best value in an auto loading shotgun available. Design has been around forever. You will very very rarely hear anything negative about this shotgun. I have 2 390's (same gun as the 3901) with many thousands of rounds through them without a single failure.

Take a look at this thread. Scroll to the bottom and have a look at what Will Fennell has to say about the 390. 175,000+ rounds and still going strong kinda says it all.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Good shotgun. Enjoy....