Beretta or Benelli?

[Axis FMJ]

If you don't shoot 3.5 then get an m2

[TacticalCowboy]

The one that fits you.

[Pthomas]

No better shotgun than a m2

[Black Ice]

I'm speaking from my own experience...most folks do not shoot what I consider light dove loads. Any max dram load that the majors put out for dove season are NOT light dove loads and will cycle fine.



I personally don't like autos for dove / whitewing as I do not like to pick up shells and nothing beats an over under for that type. (I shoot a 20+yr old Beretta 682) Autos are made for quail & waterfowl I shoot / collect the early M1's, which I consider the best ever Benelli auto made.



Having said that, more than one outfitter from Mexico & Argentina have told me that the original Beretta 390 was the only gun that could not be destroyed. The gas system is so well balanced that you can only shoot 4 shells with the plug out. It's an awesome weapon.



We can go back and forth but fit is much more important than flavor...my Dad shoots Browning O/U's and I can't hit anything...he is the same with Beretta's. Only gun we both have done well with is his Blazer.

I have a 390 and have cleaned it twice in 15 years. Cvill617 has the same gun for 11 years and has probably never cleaned it lol.

[Baker95]

The real question how much will you abuse it?

If it's going to be babied, get the beretta. Heavier, less recoil.

If you want a gun that can be used as a paddle on the way to the duck blind and still shoot all day, get the Benelli.

100% accurate

[trophy8]

A400. I'd put my a400 extreme against ANY other scattergun. I have always loved beretta. They keep on trucking for me. My extreme has been an excellent hunting gun. I bought the sporting just for clays but wish I could take it hunting without scratching it up. Sure is pretty haha.

[TacticalCowboy]

There's no point in having guns that you're scared to use..

[trophy8]

There's no point in having guns that you're scared to use..

I'm not "scared" really. Smart would be the correct term. Why tear one up? I bought it to shoot clays with. I have several other hunting shotguns. Including an 1100 LT20 that's been shot so much the bluing is wearing off of the bottom of the reciever from loading it. I use my stuff. Trust me lol

[Maxlab]

Beretta for sure.

[BURTONboy]

Never shot the Beretta, but the SBE 2 has never failed to shoot even the lightest load I could find and is not bad at all shooting 3.5" loads. All the while you don't have to make any adjustments for different loads. Not to mention it's the easiest gun i've ever owned to break down and clean and also the lightest shotgun I own.

[Greenheadless]

I have some 7/8oz trainer loads from Fiocchi that will ruin that...my go to dove load is only 1180fps & basically a 20ga 1oz round. If you want to shoot these wimpy 12ga loads in an auto, the gas is a better choice.


I'm a benelli fan but the OP stated 'light' loads...you really can't suggest an SBE for this application. Dove loads that are 3 1/4 dram will not have any issues, but these popular everyday rounds are not considered 'light'.

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Cvill...yes, if you do not have the gun properly mounted it will not cycle consistently. It's inertia driven & the free recoil keeps the spring from compressing completely.

I shoot light 1oz loads out of my SBE II and never had an issue. Only issue I ever had was 12ga 7/8oz international loads, outside of more serious target shooter, I doubt there will ever be an issue.

[Lungbustr]

I'm not "scared" really. Smart would be the correct term. Why tear one up? I bought it to shoot clays with. I have several other hunting shotguns. Including an 1100 LT20 that's been shot so much the bluing is wearing off of the bottom of the reciever from loading it. I use my stuff. Trust me lol

Keep it out of the salt and half arse take care of it and your good to go.

[trophy8]

Keep it out of the salt and half arse take care of it and your good to go.

I have a habit of leaning it against a mesquite out here cuz that's about all there is

[Drop Tine]

I've had my Xtrema II since 2008. Cleaned it twice in 7 years and it has not ever fouled, EVER. I will buy my son a Beretta, as I won't be needing another shotgun obviously. To anyone that wants to use a $1500 shotgun as a boat paddle, well i'll just keep my mouth shut... Both companies make great shotguns. Go to a gun range and try shooting both.

[Wall_Hanger]

You can buy a paddle at Academy for about $5. I'll keep my gun in the case.

I shoot a different model Beretta than you mentioned, 390 Silver Mallard that is no longer made. The gas system is not the same but is very similar to that of the newer Beretta models. One of the guys I duck hunt with shoots a SBE and has had great luck with it but it has had some issues running target loads. I have shot it and its a good gun, just not great enough for me to justify buying one. I hunt more than the average guy and usually clean my gun 1 time a season thoroughly. I almost always break it down after a weekend hunt and wipe everything down to prevent rust but I dont clean the exhaust ports or internals much. Just a good wipe down after salt water exposure. I have only had it fail to feed one trip and that was due to over-oiling the gun. They will gum up and prefer to run pretty dry.

Just my experience.