Time to Upgrade my semi

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Barnard308

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So guys I have been using my Stoeger M3500 12g for the last few years, it has been nothing but reliable and never fails me, I probably have 10,000 rounds plus through it without a hiccup. But the time has come to up grade a bit. So I am looking for a 12 gauge, 3" chamber, semi-auto, 30" barrel, ported barrel, changeable chokes (external) around $2000.00 and the choices I came up with are as follows:

Benelli Cordoba or Sport 2

Browning Maxus or Silver Sporting

Winchester Super X3 or SX3

Now I know that not all of these meet everything I listed some are 2-3/4 chamber but I like the style and look so may have to sacrifice. I will mostly be busting clays so the 3" is not a deal breaker but I like having the option for 3" there if I want it. So what I am wondering do any of you shot gunners have hands on experience with any of these listed and if so please tell me about them good or bad. If I over looked one that you think I should look at please share, but I am not interested in Remington. And yes before I get flamed I will be shouldering and handling anyone of these before I buy and if I am lucky shooting them too.
 
I've shot all three of these makes. The Browning and the Winchester are built on the same action and are quite similar. The gun that will be closest to what you have now is the Benelli because your Stoeger is a Benelli design made under license in Turkey.

Because the Browning/Winchester is a gas gun it was slightly softer shooting. I preferred the handling dynamics of the Benelli. I came very close to buying a Cordoba but couldn't justify it because I have a perfectly good Beretta 391.

You might also consider the Beretta A400 Xcel if you can tolerate the bright blue receiver and the absence of barrel porting.
 
Try out for fit. It must fit to shoot well. I just upgraded my waterfowl gun to a Benelli Black Eagle ll. I liked the Win. but the BE was a better fit. Seems to be some low millage used autos for sale out there. Prices for new are all over the map, price them out and save 100s. When you know how much you can get a new one for, it is easy to see if the used is a good deal. (not all are) Good luck.
 
I don't think any of the guns you listed are much of an upgrade. In my opinion you have to go A400 or Fabarm for it to be an upgrade.
 
I just went through this exercise and I ended up with a Browning Maxus Sporting Carbon Fibre. My son tried it and now I have to buy another one !!!! We use it exclusively for clays and it hasn't disappointed us .
 
A400 Explor Action. I bought one last fall for busting clay. It came with the gun pod on it that keeps a running round count. Seems that you have to clean them after about 2200 round or they start to act up and don't want to feed the second shell. Almost 6000 through it so far and I like it so much I would also consider buying one in 20 ga and 28 ga.
 
I have enjoyed very much shooting my Beretta Semi while busting clays - I've handled all three shotguns which you mentioned and I would place the Beretta ahead of them in my consideration. The fit of the shotgun plays an important part so you would have to shoulder all of them to determine which one fits your hand and shoulder best as well as length of pull, etc...

Good luck - sounds like either choice you make will be a nice upgrade and should make you happy.
 
Gun fit is the single most important factor when deciding to purchase. But of the guns you listed, I would recommend eith of the Browning's. Both guns are ultra reliable and although the silver has the same internals as the SX3, the aesthetics are of a much higher quality on the Browning
 
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