i looking at new shotgun and i was thinking either a A391 urika 2 or the M2. i've done lots of shooting with the a390 and liked it but haven't touch a 391 i'm shure this action works just was well as the A390. i also understand the M2 doesn't run on gas, how well does that work, does if function with trap and goose loads. i won't go for the SBE2 because it's $200 more just to be able to shoot 3.5" shells which i don't use.
A391 or M2
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The Benelli inertia system isn't as accomodating with light loads at the Beretta. Some Benellis run the light loads acceptably but I've spent enough time standing around waiting for Benelli owners to reshoot stations because their guns didn't feed light target loads. My 391 however has worked with 7/8s loads running at 1,200 fps and with the Federal Metro subsonic load. Just like the 390, the Beretta also shoots softer than the Benelli.
But the Benelli is magic in one regard. The price to pay for the Beretta's functioning with all types of shells is the complexity of its gas system. It's no joy to clean. The Benelli meanwhile is about as simple a shotgun mechanism there is. It is easy to clean and take apart and while I haven't dunk tested either gun I think the Benelli would win that contest. The inertia system does however kick a little harder than the gas guns.
It comes down to you and what you do. If you consider yourself a clay target shooter who hunts buy the Beretta. Lighter recoiling, broader range of shells, a shim system to adjust fit make it IMO the best clay target semi-auto on the market and no slouch in a blind.
But if you are a hunter who uses clay targets to tune up his shotgunning for the duck blinds, someone who goes into the rough places in the worst weather and wants a gun that will always work with hunting loads then get the Benelli.
Either way you can't go wrong.
But the Benelli is magic in one regard. The price to pay for the Beretta's functioning with all types of shells is the complexity of its gas system. It's no joy to clean. The Benelli meanwhile is about as simple a shotgun mechanism there is. It is easy to clean and take apart and while I haven't dunk tested either gun I think the Benelli would win that contest. The inertia system does however kick a little harder than the gas guns.
It comes down to you and what you do. If you consider yourself a clay target shooter who hunts buy the Beretta. Lighter recoiling, broader range of shells, a shim system to adjust fit make it IMO the best clay target semi-auto on the market and no slouch in a blind.
But if you are a hunter who uses clay targets to tune up his shotgunning for the duck blinds, someone who goes into the rough places in the worst weather and wants a gun that will always work with hunting loads then get the Benelli.
Either way you can't go wrong.
Semi Auto
Welllllllll, as I jump in and agree and disagree with Claybuster on some issues.
My first Benneli Super 90 digested everything and I remain kicking myself for ever selling that gun. I moved on to two seperate 391 Beretta Sporting in both the Mobil and Optima choke models - they are great guns but just not for me.
I'll stay away from refering to my O/U's but my two 12 gauge semis are the Benelli Super Sport and the M1 Super 90.
It comes down to you and what you do. If you consider yourself a clay target shooter who hunts buy the Beretta. Lighter recoiling, broader range of shells, a shim system to adjust fit make it IMO the best clay target semi-auto on the market and no slouch in a blind.
But if you are a hunter who uses clay targets to tune up his shotgunning for the duck blinds, someone who goes into the rough places in the worst weather and wants a gun that will always work with hunting loads then get the Benelli
The recoil difference in the two guns is virtually non existent for the sporting guns in the Benelli Super Sport and the 391 Beretta. Both guns utilize the same shim adjustment system so that is a non issue. The Benelli takes no back seat to the 391 Sporting on clay targets and in many ways outshines it - definetly a livelier gun in the hands.
My solution was to bite the bullet and buy the Benelli and no regrets. The Super Sport is my go to semi in fine weather for Sporting Clays and when the weather is crappy, and we have our share of rain in the east, the super 90 comes out. The Super 90 is also my woods gun.
At the risk of quoting Claybuster again " It comes down to you and what you do ". I just solved the problem and bought the two semi auto 12 gauge guns that I can do everything with.
In praise of the Benneli and long past the Remington 1100
Welllllllll, as I jump in and agree and disagree with Claybuster on some issues.
My first Benneli Super 90 digested everything and I remain kicking myself for ever selling that gun. I moved on to two seperate 391 Beretta Sporting in both the Mobil and Optima choke models - they are great guns but just not for me.
I'll stay away from refering to my O/U's but my two 12 gauge semis are the Benelli Super Sport and the M1 Super 90.
It comes down to you and what you do. If you consider yourself a clay target shooter who hunts buy the Beretta. Lighter recoiling, broader range of shells, a shim system to adjust fit make it IMO the best clay target semi-auto on the market and no slouch in a blind.
But if you are a hunter who uses clay targets to tune up his shotgunning for the duck blinds, someone who goes into the rough places in the worst weather and wants a gun that will always work with hunting loads then get the Benelli
The recoil difference in the two guns is virtually non existent for the sporting guns in the Benelli Super Sport and the 391 Beretta. Both guns utilize the same shim adjustment system so that is a non issue. The Benelli takes no back seat to the 391 Sporting on clay targets and in many ways outshines it - definetly a livelier gun in the hands.
My solution was to bite the bullet and buy the Benelli and no regrets. The Super Sport is my go to semi in fine weather for Sporting Clays and when the weather is crappy, and we have our share of rain in the east, the super 90 comes out. The Super 90 is also my woods gun.
At the risk of quoting Claybuster again " It comes down to you and what you do ". I just solved the problem and bought the two semi auto 12 gauge guns that I can do everything with.
In praise of the Benneli and long past the Remington 1100
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Different opinions are what makes the world go round. But the question wasn't between the Super Sport and the 391. It was between the M2, a similar gun but not quite the same although closer now that the M2 comes with the ComfortTech stock and shims.
If the objective is to use the gun for clays and hunting the SuperSport isn't a good choice. That shiny receiver and the ported barrels wouldn't be ideal in a duck blind. The Cordoba is an option but that only solves one problem as it also has ported barrels.
I spent a weekend playing with the Super Sport and think there is a lot to recommend it. It does have less felt recoil with the ComfortTech stock than other Benellis but I didn't think it was as soft as my 391 Optima which I was shooting on the same weekend. That could be attributed in part to gun fit as I'd done the stock adjustments to the Beretta to fit me. The Super Sport's LOP measurements of 14" and 14-3/8" are too short for me. The 391 Sporting comes with two pads for 14-1/2 and 14-3/4" LOP and the wooden stock makes it easier to install an aftermarket pad if desired.
The Benelli fed everything I put into it but I was shooting 1-1/8 ounce 3 and 2-3/4 dram loads. Benelli recommends the 1-1/8 ounce 3 dram loads for reliabilty. I didn't get a chance to use some of my own 7/8 ounce loads but I know they feed through the 391.
I agree on the handling although one man's lively is another man's barrel light. I found on quick rabbit targets and fast crossers the Benelli was very good. When things got long I found it not as smooth swinging as my 391 although I was comparing a 28" Benelli to a 30" Beretta.
Other than being happy with my 391, a reason I don't have a Super Sport is the price. I have trouble justifying the extra $700-$800 on the price tag for the Benelli.
Here's a good write up on the Cordoba that you might find interesting.
http://www.nrapublications.org/tar/BCordoba.asp
Benelli
Agreed, my SuperSport is a dedicated clays gun and won't see a duck blind. I'm sure it wouldn't be welcomed there, as you mention, with the silver receiver and ported barrels. On the other hand my M1 Super 90, IMHO , is a great crossover gun for both clays and hunting. Other than the stocks I see no difference in the M1 and M2.
I'm compareing my Benelli experience to your Beretta purely from the sporting side.
Well, I had a hard time getting there dollar wise and justifying it myself but in the end I have what I want and happy with it.
All this being said you really can't go wrong with either the Beretta or the Benelli for clays or hunting. Make the choice - take the plunge and enjoy.
Agreed, my SuperSport is a dedicated clays gun and won't see a duck blind. I'm sure it wouldn't be welcomed there, as you mention, with the silver receiver and ported barrels. On the other hand my M1 Super 90, IMHO , is a great crossover gun for both clays and hunting. Other than the stocks I see no difference in the M1 and M2.
I'm compareing my Benelli experience to your Beretta purely from the sporting side.
Well, I had a hard time getting there dollar wise and justifying it myself but in the end I have what I want and happy with it.
All this being said you really can't go wrong with either the Beretta or the Benelli for clays or hunting. Make the choice - take the plunge and enjoy.
