I am thinking of buying either a Fanchi Affinity 3 Sporting (better warranty) or an Beretta A400 Xplore Action. I know there are significant differences (especially price) but they both seem to fit well, although better with the A400 (lighter too). I only plan to use it for clays, non-competitively. I have an o/u but I find I am getting a little wimpy and so I want softer recoil. Is it worth the cost difference for the a400?
What to buy?
- Thread starter buzz43t
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Falconflyer
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If recoil is an issue then you may consider getting the A400 with the hydraulic recoil reducer in it. I've never tried one out so I can't say whether they actually work or not but Beretta claims up to 70% reduction in felt rcoil.
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My wife shoots an A400 Xplor in 20ga. Much softer recoil than a 12 but at a full 1lb lighter than my 20ga SX3 it has more felt recoil and muzzle jump than my SX3 20...but it is still much less than a 12ga and of course will function with a lighter load. You may find a 20 ga to your liking. I know I sure enjoy shooting mine much more than my 12 ga guns(trap guns). I don't even own a 12ga hunting gun any more because like you I like reduced recoil. Maybe somebody at the range you frequent has one you could try? Reliability wise her gun is a fantastic gun.
My wife bought me a Beretta A400 Xcel a few years back and it is the softest shooting shotgun I own, hands down. In 4 years I haven't had a single hiccup with it. I can't speak to the other shotgun you mentioned, but the 400 series gets a vote from me
The Beretta will be softer shooting than the Franchi.
Beretta uses a gas system vs the Inertia system of the Franchi/Benelli.
Inertia systems in general hit harder, but if it fits better, than that's the better choice.
You can also get the Kick-Off recoil reducer for the Beretta, 2 varieties, the wood stock versions have the system at the rear and looks like a big butt pad, the synthetic stocks are just behind the grip. I prefer the latter, I find the former slides on my beard.
Have fun, let us know what you come home with.
Beretta uses a gas system vs the Inertia system of the Franchi/Benelli.
Inertia systems in general hit harder, but if it fits better, than that's the better choice.
You can also get the Kick-Off recoil reducer for the Beretta, 2 varieties, the wood stock versions have the system at the rear and looks like a big butt pad, the synthetic stocks are just behind the grip. I prefer the latter, I find the former slides on my beard.
Have fun, let us know what you come home with.
