Sporting semi 12 ga.... Experience and comments appreciated

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SUSSEX

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I am getting ready to invest in a semi shotgun, above average, and I almost in an excited moment purchased an A 400 sporting with blue anodizing. Told myself sleep on it and research. Now more confused I am reaching out and asking for experiences and opinions from the members here. To be honest I am a Benelli user and fan but I want to make an educated decision. Any info would help.
Thanks, Brad
 
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I've put a few hundred rounds through an A400 Sporting and I'd own one if I didn't already have a Beretta 391 that I'm happy with. I may yet get an A400 just because. The 32" version is very impressive.

But if you are a Benelli lover then you might want to consider the Super Sport or its less fancy twin the Cordoba. I've shot a borrowed Cordoba extensively and like it but not as much as the Berettas. I also don't like the Benellis because the barrels are ported.

The best way to decide is if you can shoot them. Second best is to compare them together at a gun store. Either way you'll end up with a very good shotgun.
 
I have a A400 color field xplor so same action but not the identical gun. Its a clay destroyer. Easy to clean and has run absolutely flawless. Also have a Vinci and its been excellent but I don't shoot it as well. In the end when you get to this price point they all seem to function well. Realistically if your buying a B gun you can't go wrong. IMHO
 
I had a used Excel in my hands a few weeks ago and almost bought it. However, a brand new A400 Explor Action looked and felt (to me) a little better. The Excel was heavier than the Explor Action and the Excel had a wider rib and I believe extended chokes. Didn't hurt that the brand new Explor Action was $300 cheaper than the used Excel. In fact it was cheaper taxes in, out the door than the used Excel before taxes. I haven't shot it yet, so I will have to see how it goes on Sunday.

I have been shooting my father's SBE lately, but you need to shoot 3 dram loads out of it to get it to cycle. Hopefully the Explor will cycle 1 oz loads.
 
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I am all about the A400..... again just trying not to be impulsive.... What would you say is a fair round count for one of these A 400 used? Should 3000 rounds through one of these scare me? I am not a high volume shooter..... yet.
 
I don't like the 'enhanced' wood or the recoil system on the A400, but have shot a couple of the versions including the sporting and they worked very well. The SX3 is a nice gun also, as is the Browning Maxus, but I recently settled on the Benelli Super Sport and have been very pleased.
 
SUSSEX said:
I am all about the A400..... again just trying not to be impulsive.... What would you say is a fair round count for one of these A 400 used? Should 3000 rounds through one of these scare me? I am not a high volume shooter..... yet.
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For a target gun 3,000 rounds is just nicely broken in.

There is an private shooting club in Ontario that has a couple of A400s available to its members to be used for instruction and loaner guns for guests. These are a couple of years old, have had many of thousands of rounds put through them and not always properly maintained. I shoot both of them last summer and the were 100 per cent.
 
If it helps any, I shot 100/100 in registered ATA with my 32" A400 Xcel. As someone mentioned above, the gun crushes clays. And you can shoot 400 shots and not even feel it on your shoulder with the kick-off.
 
adamg said:
If it helps any, I shot 100/100 in registered ATA with my 32" A400 Xcel. As someone mentioned above, the gun crushes clays. And you can shoot 400 shots and not even feel it on your shoulder with the kick-off.
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Great score! I'm itching for a 32" A400. Shot one over the summer and it swung like it was on rails.

The Kick-Off is another matter. If at all possible try one before you buy one. People either love them or hate them. I'm in the second category.
 
I had owned the A400 Xcel Sporting for a couple years. Found it to be an excellent semi-auto for the pupose it has been designed. For range use, I much prefer the Beretta semi over a Benelli. Eventually sold the shotgun.....can't seem to hold on to a semi or pump for any extensive period.

As recommended, best to compare both brands if possible either at the range or a store.
 
Thanks for the offer Houndog. Its official I settled on an A 400, excel, blue, pod, kick off etc.... can't wait for it to arrive.... Thanks for the info everyone!
 
Just a follow up, Like the sporting so much I got the Unico max 4 as well, awesome top shelf, best by far, Liked my Benelli's but way more happy with the Beretta's
 
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