Shotgun dilemma and an absolute first world problem.

[Daver_II]

So I have a problem I could use a poll or advice to help me decide.

I am in the market for a semi auto shotgun for the purpose of fun competition, trap, and turkey hunting.

I have a 14" benelli supernova the is a fantastic pump gun. And I love benelli quality.

And a hunting supernova would provide the advantage of 3.5" chamber and a lower cost. However it would not be a semi.


So my problem is: I like the benelli M4 pattern.

AND I have options.

1. Buy a used Benelli M4.
PROS
- it's a Benelli M4.
- about as reliable as they come.
CONS
- highest price
- it would be a crime to do a custom kryptek finish.

2. Buy a Turknelli sultan arms
PROS
- reasonabe price
- custom kryptek finish won't take any value away
- money left over for accessories, MRDS, and finish
- less painful if further legal restrictions enacted.
CONS
- Turkish shotgun
- possible reliability or longevity issues
- will not hold value as well as Benelli.

3. Buy a hunting supernova
PROS
- 3.5" hunting options
- kryptek finish will not detract value
CONS
- not semi
- same price point as Turknelli

4. Buy Benelli SBE3
PROS
- beautiful hunting and trap gun.
- high quality and reliability.
CONS
- less ideal for fun run and gun
- high cost


So. I plan to take any responses with a grain of salt. And will probably buy whatever I can arrange as a deal I like.

But am curious to see other opinions.

 

[krausb]

I know you like the M4 pattern but have you given any thought to the Beretta 1301 Tactical? They're selling new for under $1500 and have an 18" barrel with interchangeable chokes... It really is a kick-ass gun for the price. Also has very decent aftermarket support from companies like Aridus Industries, Nordic Components, and Mesa Tactical.

 

[Daver_II]

I know you like the M4 pattern but have you given any thought to the Beretta 1301 Tactical? They're selling new for under $1500 and have an 18" barrel with interchangeable chokes... It really is a kick-ass gun for the price.

I would consider it. Just haven't handled one yet.

 

[North of 7]

I would say either a SBE3 or a Beretta a400 extreme plus.

North

 

[870P]

The M4 is still the most impressive tactical shotgun out there, but the iron sights and handling aren't really suited to all around use IMO.

I'd much rather have a vent rib or rifle sighted Beretta 1300 Comp or Benelli M2 Field for a do-all shotgun.

 

[Mjolnir]

Benelli M2 field? 26-28” barrel for waterfowl/trap, 21” barrel for turkey/3-gun.

 

[Butcherbill]

What about a Versa Max, can be as tactical or not as you like and can handle 3.5” shells.

 

[Bubbafett33]

So I have a problem I could use a poll or advice to help me decide.

I am in the market for a semi auto shotgun for the purpose of fun competition, trap, and turkey hunting.

I have a 14" benelli supernova the is a fantastic pump gun. And I love benelli quality.

And a hunting supernova would provide the advantage of 3.5" chamber and a lower cost. However it would not be a semi.


So my problem is: I like the benelli M4 pattern.

AND I have options.

1. Buy a used Benelli M4.
PROS
- it's a Benelli M4.
- about as reliable as they come.
CONS
- highest price
- it would be a crime to do a custom kryptek finish.

2. Buy a Turknelli sultan arms
PROS
- reasonabe price
- custom kryptek finish won't take any value away
- money left over for accessories, MRDS, and finish
- less painful if further legal restrictions enacted.
CONS
- Turkish shotgun
- possible reliability or longevity issues
- will not hold value as well as Benelli.

3. Buy a hunting supernova
PROS
- 3.5" hunting options
- kryptek finish will not detract value
CONS
- not semi
- same price point as Turknelli

4. Buy Benelli SBE3
PROS
- beautiful hunting and trap gun.
- high quality and reliability.
CONS
- less ideal for fun run and gun
- high cost


So. I plan to take any responses with a grain of salt. And will probably buy whatever I can arrange as a deal I like.

But am curious to see other opinions.

A400 xtreme plus? Beretta and Benelli are sisters...

 

[pazzo]

Owning both I can say without a doubt that I’d take the 1301 Tactical every day of the week over the Benelli M4. Both take 8x 2.75” shells.

 

[enefgee]

I would consider it. Just haven't handled one yet.

You'll be shocked when you do - the 1301 actually feels shorter than 18.5 due to the very light weight, it's actually odd when you pick one up, because they look like they'd weight the same as a Benelli, but when you shoulder and track with it, it's like it loses barrel length. So light.

 

[Steel28]

You will always want M4 if you get any other choice you’ve listed here..

 

[mark222]

The clone may not hold its value as much as a Benelli, but unless you cut it up with a sawzall you'll come out ahead.

 

[Sniffer]

What about a Versa Max, can be as tactical or not as you like and can handle 3.5” shells.

I have a Versamax and a Benelli M4, both are awesome but if I could only keep one it would probably be the M4

 

[Butcherbill]

I have a Versamax and a Benelli M4, both are awesome but if I could only keep one it would probably be the M4

Doesn’t the VM have a vent rib barrel? I would expect that would be better for trap than the sights on the M4, by all accounts the VM is a great gun as well.

 

[1ABNDT]

Owning both I can say without a doubt that I’d take the 1301 Tactical every day of the week over the Benelli M4. Both take 8x 2.75” shells.

The 1301 Tac takes 8? How do make that possible.

 

[1ABNDT]

If your not into the 1301 Tac with the 18.5 barrel, perhaps the 1301 comp in either the 21/24 barrel.

 

[1ABNDT]

The 1301 is a beast! And overlooked by many. Excellent SG for the price point.

[youtube]Z522Qe-4lQw[/youtube]

 

[Bfranklin]

Sbe3.

 

[polskiogorki]

I've had an m4.. very heavy, but reliable,,, decent enough for Turkey hunting, I shot one with mine..
Not great for skeet or trap.. I prefer something with a vent rib / non pistol grip for that. The 1301 tac looks really nice.
I now have a derya mk 12 for fun and turkeys
And use a more traditional gun for clay pigeons.
Pistol grip is more ideal for sitting and waiting for turkeys

 

[Trevor60]

The Beretta pictured above is the Gen 1; The gen 2 has a different bolt release and is threaded for chokes

There is a company Aridus industries that make some great aftermarket products for the 1301. The most upgraded item is swapping the original butt stock with a Magpul SGA using and Aridus adapter. shortens the overall length comfortable to shoot.

Trevor