Beretta 1201 (Benelli M1 action) vs. Beretta 390 (older gas action)

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ss1980

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I have an opportunity this weekend to choose one of these -- Beretta 1201 (Benelli M1 action) vs. Beretta 390 (older gas action).

Which one should I choose? Any issues with any? Things I should look at before buying?

Application will be (1) sporting clays; (2) duck and goose hunting in ON.

Thank you for your input :yingyang:
 
Thank you for your input. How does it handle the light target loads? I've heard the inertia driven mechanisms are not as well positioned to deal with them compared with gas-operated. I'm talking 1 oz, 7/8 oz loads at its lowest end.

fishslinger said:
I owned a 1201 for years and it was very reliable and low maintenance to clean, its only down fall was heavy recoil do to its light weight and recoil action.
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If light loads are required then the 390 is the better choice between those two. I owned a 390 for a few years and it handled light loads very well although not quite as well as my 391.
 
I have a 391, Federal blue box 1 oz don't have enough poop behind them to cycle properly. I load 1 1/8 with 17.5gr of 700x, which are still pretty light, and they work perfectly.
 
Claybuster said:
If light loads are required then the 390 is the better choice between those two. I owned a 390 for a few years and it handled light loads very well although not quite as well as my 391.
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Yes, I thought so too. I had a Stoeger before that's inertia driven just like Benelli and it failed to cycle light loads. Also doesn't work if you put a soft recoil pad on it.
mwjones said:
I have a 391, Federal blue box 1 oz don't have enough poop behind them to cycle properly. I load 1 1/8 with 17.5gr of 700x, which are still pretty light, and they work perfectly.
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I handled 391 at the club and it failed light 1 oz loads indeed. 390 is cheaper, so I was thinking of getting a 390 if the gas action is similar.
 
I own both and if your priority is Sporting clays, 390 all they way. Better trigger and the 390 stock can be adjusted with shims for a good fit. My 1201 does cycle light one ounce loads fine, but it will hangup with three inch loads that do not have a nice round finishing crimp.
 
Wow! Good to know. Thank you so much for your input. 390 it is, I guess.

westward said:
I own both and if your priority is Sporting clays, 390 all they way. Better trigger and the 390 stock can be adjusted with shims for a good fit. My 1201 does cycle light one ounce loads fine, but it will hangup with three inch loads that do not have a nice round finishing crimp.
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Brought my 390 to the range. 25/25! :) Ejected 1 oz #9 loads with confidence without a hiccup. Brought it home for cleaning, action is almost clean. Self-cleaning worked as advertised :)
This one is a keeper.
 
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