two subjects: m1 field vs stoeger and montefeltro vs x2

[MJRW]

Subject line says most of it. I am getting close to my purchase and have some questions.

First, what is the difference between that Stoeger 2000 and the Benelli M1 field. Are we talking reliability, fit & finish, and/or brand name differences?

Second, any issues between the Montefeltro and Super X2 worth worrying about? Will that Monte cycle the 7/8 oz loads? Which one has better durability?

 

[HSMITH]

The Monte will probably cycle the more robust of the 7/8oz loads AFTER it has a few hundred through it and you use good form. Don't look for it to cycle anything under international type loads though (7/8oz@1350fps). If you have a real soft shoulder under the stock it will likely choke.

The Benelli action is NOT friendly with light loads or soft shoulders. They rely on enough recoil to operate the action and you being stiff enough to keep the gun from moving backward wasting the energy it needs to cycle. Compromise either and you will have troubles.

Both shotguns are good quality and will last a lifetime.

I have owned both and would very strongly recommend the X2.

 

[TrapperReady]

MJRW - If you check various Benelli-related threads in the archives, you'll find that HSMITH and I usually play point/counterpoint.

FWIW, I've got two Benellis, a 12ga Montefeltro and a 20ga M1 Field, both with many thousands of shells through them. They have been rock-solid performers and I do not find any problem with perceived recoil. IMO, they have less recoil than O/Us or pumps, and only slightly more recoil than a gas-operated auto. In fact, my wife, who is 5'3" and #110 has been using the Montefeltro exclusively for about a year when shooting sporting clays and trap. Perhaps the difference is more pronounced with stout waterfowling loads, but for target loads and ones commonly used for upland birds, the recoil is quite manageable.

As far as cycling lighter loads, the official line from Benelli is that the 12ga can cycle 1 1/8 oz loads. Recently, I've been experimenting with some truly light 7/8oz loads running about 1220fps. So far, it has been working just fine with them. The caveat here is that it is working on my particular gun, which is very well broken-in.

Both Benellis are extremely easy to strip and clean, and despite lots of use, appear almost brand new.

As far as the Super X-2, I've heard nothing but good about them, although I have no personal experience. The one downside (and it is a small one), is that you can't get a clip-on T&S shellcatcher for the X-2. If you end up shooting a large amount of trap with the gun, that can be an inconvenience. There are other ways to do it, but the shellcatchers are extremely convenient.

With either the Benelli or the Winchester, you'd have a very nice gun that's likely to outlast you. It's hard to go wrong with either.

 

[Kestrel]

I'm still waiting on the jury's verdict on the FN AUTO Police Shotgun (Super X2) as a hard duty defense shotgun. It looks promising, but I don't know of any group that has used them.

Steve

 

[MikeK]

The one downside (and it is a small one), is that you can't get a clip-on T&S shellcatcher for the X-2.

I'm in the market for an autoloader. I've been doing a lot of research here and on other sites. One of my top choices is the Winchester SX2. I beleive I read on the shotgunworld forum that the Browning Gold shellcather works on the SX2. Apparantly they are almost identical guns.

Of course I may be confused. If I end up with the SX2 I'll invest $10 to find out.

 

[TrapperReady]

MikeK - That would be good news. If you do get the X2 and try it, please let us know if it works.

 

[nico]

I just ran across this thread today, and I (and my wasted $10) can say pretty confidently that the T&S shellcatcher for the Browning Gold will not work with the SX2 (at least not with a 3" chamber). The one I bought will not allow the action to close when installed. I emailed this guy last summer and he said that he was working on a shell catcher for the SX2, but that the one he had ordered hadn't shown up yet and he didn't know when he'd get it. I guess I'll have to try the rubberband trick until then.

 

[MikeK]

Thanks for the information nico. I did get the X2, but hadn't bought the shellcathcher. Saved me $10.

There is a shoot this Sunday at PGC. A few THR folks will be there.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=62086

 

[MrAcheson]

Well I'll tackle the part of your question since people seem to be silent.

First, what is the difference between that Stoeger 2000 and the Benelli M1 field. Are we talking reliability, fit & finish, and/or brand name differences?

The stoeger uses an action similar to the benelli. I believe both are owned by the same company (beretta). I said similar because, while the stoeger and benelli look similar, they share no common parts. A stoeger looks like a benelli and works like a benelli, but it is not a bargain-finished low-cost version of the benelli.

 

[nico]

mike, I saw that thread and I think my dad and I are gonna try to get out there. Do you use your sx2 for trap? If so, what do you use to catch shells?

 

[MikeK]

nico;

Yes I use it for trap since its the only SG I own. I let mother nature catch them. It doesn't throw them far enough to hit the next shooter. Picking them up is getting to be a pain, but I need the exercise.

Hope to see you there.