Beretta A400 vs Benelli SBE3

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kt55

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I've been looking at getting my first semi-auto shotgun and not sure whether or not I should stick to gas or interia. I plan on using it mainly for hunting waterfowl, but I would also be using it for clays and maybe the odd slug for deer hunting. I've done a lot of research and I can't seem to find a clear winner. I think I'm leaning towards the beretta A400 xtreme, as well I heard that some people are complaining the SBE3 is shooting high... not sure if this is true.

Does anyone have experience with either or? I'd love to hear you feedback
 
I have never used the sbe3 but have 7 years of hard use on the sbe2 never had a failure even in -40deg lake hunting . The A400 is nice and will be softer shooting . But gas guns have more moving parts and are more complicated and lets you down more often
 
My a391 extrema 2 also has 7 years under its belt and has performed great as well. Included a few 60+ days seasons and withstood many new years day hunting on a half frozen river. It has a gas piston comparing to the sbe, but it lacks a recoil spring in the stock, so an even trade.
 
I shot a Beretta 390 for a long time.They are great.I shoot a Vinci now when duck hunting and a Legacy 20 gauge upland when not using the O/U 687.The Vinci is great anywhere.
390 swings great,but Benelli autos swing even better.Benellis are easier to clean and need little cleaning.The Vinci is ugly on outside but very smart inside.It has recoil spring inline with bolt and located in the action, not in Butt stock.The Vinci shoots nice and comes up very fast,and with the comfort stock feels fine even with 3" duck loads.The SBE II is nice too- I don't own one,but have shot it.
I would stay away from SBE III until issues with high shooting is resolved( no one is sure if it is the new softer stock flexing too much or other point of aim issues )- no such issues with the earlier guns that I am aware off.
I did have issues with the action spring rusting after many seasons on the 390...I hunt in BC where it rains often during duck season.
That can't happen on the Vinci.
 
Shot an extrema 2 for 7 years no issues then on a snow goose hunt in Sask. had a few hiccups. The guide tore it apart in seconds rotated the mag spring put it back together voila good to go. So SBE2 were on sale bought one to try out and now it is my go to gun.Recoil is more no doubt but pointing and tracking as well as weight more than makes up for it.IMHO.also tried some of those Remington 1700fps in the beretta didn't like them Benelli eats through them like candy..
 
I have owned an A400 and a SBE2 , but not a SBE3. The A-400 was much softer shooting, and the A400 was more reliable with target loads. I sold both, because the SX-3 fit me better, so I shot better with it.
 
Don't mean to hijack the thread but SJ has a great point it "fits" better.I have shot competitively for years and know about fit and it is the single biggest driver for new or old shotguns .Benelli "fits" me better not that it is a superior gun but all works.Had a browning gold that shot to pieces was a great gun tried the new silver nope not the same.The Benelli auto impressed me so much I bought the 828 and am happy with that as well.try them out if possible at least hoist a few ,the one that's right is out there IMHO
 
stubblejumper said:
I have owned an A400 and a SBE2 , but not a SBE3. The A-400 was much softer shooting, and the A400 was more reliable with target loads. I sold both, because the SX-3 fit me better, so I shot better with it.
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Totally agreed. They both work for the purpose and keep in mind this is not a more money = better gun situation.
 
Both are excellent. Benelli fits me better so that's what I shoot. I also prefer my spent gasess sent downrange instead of cycling an action. But at the end of the day buy the gun that fits you best and bring your hunting coat when you try them on.
 
There's lots of aspects to this as in length of pull, shotgun cast etc. all the high end guns that are being mentioned are adjustable so each one can be taylored to fit the individual shooter. Fit for me personally is when you shoulder the gun and don't have to hunt for the sight as you point at your target. Gun should come up naturally and acquire the target every time without thinking about it. I shoot a Beretta A350 and this gun fit me the best out of all the ones I shouldered. The next in line after the beretta was a Franchi Affinity. I may still go buy one of those now as it felt super good and fit well too.
 
I'm currently shooting an SX3 but will be passing it to my son and will probably get a SBE3, been looking at both. I much prefer a slimmer shotgun, the A400 is very chunky. I don't shoot much clays just waterfowl and pheasant so a soft shooting gun isn't high on the priority list. The Benelli is a bit lighter as well which is nice for long walks hunting upland.
The Black Eagle II is on clearance in most shops which some people actually prefer.
 
I just picked up an a400 xtreme unico a month ago. It's the softest shooting 12 gauge I've ever used (softer than my buddy's versamax and smoother), fits me perfect. Has cycled everything from 2 3/4" 7/8 oz dove loads (which apparently most semis have trouble with) to 3 1/2" goose loads.
 
scott_r said:
I'm currently shooting an SX3 but will be passing it to my son and will probably get a SBE3, been looking at both. I much prefer a slimmer shotgun, the A400 is very chunky. I don't shoot much clays just waterfowl and pheasant so a soft shooting gun isn't high on the priority list. The Benelli is a bit lighter as well which is nice for long walks hunting upland.
The Black Eagle II is on clearance in most shops which some people actually prefer.
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I liked the chunkiness of the A400, the SBE3 felt like a toy or a 20 ga. Im 6'2"-250 lb though, might have something to do with it. Just picked up an A400 Extreme Unico in Max-5, going to be a looong week waiting for her.
 
justfishin said:
I liked the chunkiness of the A400, the SBE3 felt like a toy or a 20 ga. Im 6'2"-250 lb though, might have something to do with it. Just picked up an A400 Extreme Unico in Max-5, going to be a looong week waiting for her.
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You’ll love it. Had mine for 5 years, hunting and clay shooting. 100% reliable.
 
I shoot alot of skeet as well as waterfowl. I chose the a400 for its reliability to cycle a wide range of loads. 3/4 oz loads to 2oz it cycles them all. I have the xplor with the bronzey colored action and it is nice and light for carrying and very soft shooting when i hand it to new shooters on the skeet field
For hunting from my kayak i use an older beretta a303
 
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