re: Need recommendation on a new shotgun for my 14-yo son...

Beretta owns Beretta, Benelli, Franchi, and Stoeger.

I don't have any experience with the Stoeger. All the others are great. Santa Claus gave my son the Franchi Affinity compact for Christmas. He's put probably 4 boxes thru it so far and he loves it. I did take the stock recoil pad off and put a slip on limbsaver on it. He's 10 btw. I have an SBE2 and a Super Vinci, love both of those guns.

Browning has the new A-5 which is a copy of the original Auto-5 with the original Benelli SBE inertia action. It's suppose to be a really good gun and several on here have them and recommend them.

Since Remington was bought by the Freedom Group, there is nothing they make now that I'd buy other than some practice ammo.

Wincchester SX3 and Browning Maxus use the same platform. Maxus had some early problems but as far as I know they have been worked out.