what should I buy... looking for a new auto-loader

Hmmm well this is the facts straight from Winchester site:

Sx3: (all FN guns built to the same specs)
Drop at Comb 1 3/4"
Drop at Heel 2"

And from franchi:

Drop at Heel: Adjustable 2″ to 2-1/2″
Drop at Comb: 1-1/2"

Sorry I had the drop at Comb backward. But not the drop at heel. I found I could never get the heel into the pocket of my shoulder with the Sx3.


The franchi fits identical to my Winchester 1300 that fits me perfect right out of the box.
 
Winchested said:
Hmmm well this is the facts straight from Winchester site:

Sx3: (all FN guns built to the same specs)
Drop at Comb 1 3/4"
Drop at Heel 2"

And from franchi:

Drop at Heel: Adjustable 2″ to 2-1/2″
Drop at Comb: 1-1/2"

Sorry I had the drop at Comb backward. But not the drop at heel. I found I could never get the heel into the pocket of my shoulder with the Sx3.


The franchi fits identical to my Winchester 1300 that fits me perfect right out of the box.
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I have shouldered a few Franchi shotguns, and none had enough drop at comb out of the box, whereas the SX-3 was a perfect fit.
 
My maxus fits me very nice, and it has run like a champ so far. If you have ever shouldered a Remington 870, for reference that shotgun fits me very well also. That is what has me looking pretty closely at a rem v3 right now. Apparently they fit like an 870.
 
As mentioned above, the versa max is a great choice. Waterfowl versions are available that have rubber inserts for grip Nickle coated barrels and internal parts. They will not rust and can go a long time between cleanings. They are also the softest shooting guns period. I also had a Benelli super Vinci. Great gun but noticeably more recoil with every type of round.

If you don't need 3.5" then the V3 has had great reviews, is very inexpensive and is also a soft shooter with the new versa port gas system. Hit YouTube and the google search to find out more.

I sold my beretta 391 and super Vinci once I tried the 2 Remington's.
Let us know what you do
Cheers
 
Hold the SX3 before you buy it, to me it honestly felt cheap and poorly made. But that's one mans opinion. As for the recoil. When I went from gas to inertia in my SBE2 there is a difference you may not notice it too much while shooting target loading messing around. But once I got into the heavy duck loads there was definitely a difference. That being said seeing how much cleaner the inertia is over the gas won it for me.
 
Winchester jones is right. It's all up to you. I went through the same battle. I opted for the new Remington V3 & versa max and sold my super Vinci. I'd rather spend the extra 5 minutes cleaning the gun and have a lot less recoil. That being said they recommend a full cleaning after 5000 rounds. Most guys that use them don't clean them until the end of the season. And will say they fire everything without a failure to feed no matter how light the load. My super Vinci wasn't a fan of 1oz loads.
That being said the super Vinci was beautiful but even after a day at the skeet/trap field I'd feel it...Not at all with the Remingtons.
 
winchesterjones said:
Hold the SX3 before you buy it, to me it honestly felt cheap and poorly made. But that's one mans opinion. As for the recoil. When I went from gas to inertia in my SBE2 there is a difference you may not notice it too much while shooting target loading messing around. But once I got into the heavy duck loads there was definitely a difference. That being said seeing how much cleaner the inertia is over the gas won it for me.
Click to expand...


I have shot clean rounds of skeet with my SX-3 with no issues in feeding, either with target loads or with 3" waterfowl loads while hunting. I much prefer the feel of my SX-3 to that of my SBE2. I sold my SBE2 and my A400, and I still own an SX-3.
 
stubblejumper said:
I have shot clean rounds of skeet with my SX-3 with no issues in feeding, either with target loads or with 3" waterfowl loads while hunting. I much prefer the feel of my SX-3 to that of my SBE2. I sold my SBE2 and my A400, and I still own an SX-3.
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I don't doubt that any of these gun mentioned will cycle beautifully, it just comes down to preference and personal opinion at the end of the day.
 
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For me, the SBE II seemed to fit the best. As wiser people than me have stated, you want to find something that fits. My local Canadian Tire had a sale a couple of weeks ago and they had the SBE II in Optifade camo on for 1499 + tax, so pretty close to your budget if you can find it on sale.
 
If I may chime in. I personnally have a Benelli Vinci that I bought here on the EE in LNIB condition and I am quite happy with it. It cycles light target loads without problem, and can handle 3 inch magnum shells.

I had e Beretta A390 before, but I prefer the Benelli's design and fit.
 
I will be another vote for an SX3. I have had one for a couple years now and I think it has a solid place on my do not sell list. It fits me great and is very soft recoiling and fast to shoot. I also just picked up and SX2 rifled slug barrel that fits it perfectly. I am now set for all my shotgunning needs.

I really liked the shim kit that came with the SX3 as has been posted. It really does allow for a nice fitting shotgun. All I did was add some cast and I was off to the races, so to speak.

Good luck with your search.
 
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