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Shotgun Advice
Posted on 8/15/25 at 2:00 pm
Posted on 8/15/25 at 2:00 pm
Looking at a Benelli M2 or a Beretta A400 shotgun. 20 gauge, 28 inch barrel, synthetic - black gun is fine - camo not a a must have. I do understand the inertia vs gas proposition here - I have both operating systems in other guns.
I'd appreciate some advice vetted through use of either of these models. Just gonna be a dove gun - dropping down to 20 gauge for recoil and weight purposes. I shoot a lot of dove in SE Alabama - I'm getting to an age where I don't like running 2-3 boxes of shells through a 12 gauge.
I'm having a hard time understanding the price differential aside from the A400 making it's recent comeback outside the Xplor model, which I do not want.
I'd appreciate some advice vetted through use of either of these models. Just gonna be a dove gun - dropping down to 20 gauge for recoil and weight purposes. I shoot a lot of dove in SE Alabama - I'm getting to an age where I don't like running 2-3 boxes of shells through a 12 gauge.
I'm having a hard time understanding the price differential aside from the A400 making it's recent comeback outside the Xplor model, which I do not want.
10
Posted on 8/15/25 at 2:45 pm to BarCo49
I have both in 12 gauge. I prefer shooting the Benelli M2 over the Beretta A400 for better recoil and accuracy.
In my opinion, only thing the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus has going is the tapped receiver. I added a pic rail for red dot or thermal. It now has it's place.
In my opinion, only thing the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus has going is the tapped receiver. I added a pic rail for red dot or thermal. It now has it's place.
Posted on 8/15/25 at 2:49 pm to BarCo49
M2 20 fan here. Great gun. Buy with confidence. Can't speak to the other gun, though.
Posted on 8/15/25 at 2:52 pm to BarCo49
I have a Benelli SBE II that I use exclusively for duck/goose season, Browning Citori w/3.5" chambers I guess I could use for both waterfowl & dove hunting, but I have an older Browning A5 12ga w/2 3/4 chamber only that is specifically my dove gun. I'm convinced that inertia/recoil operated shotguns are more likely to cycle than gas operated. Just my $0.02...
Posted on 8/15/25 at 2:56 pm to BarCo49
I have an A400 12 gauge and love it, I’m sure the 20 would have minimal recoil.
I have the same problem because I can’t decide between an M2 and Franchi affinity 3, but don’t think the M2 is worth it a $400 more.
I have the same problem because I can’t decide between an M2 and Franchi affinity 3, but don’t think the M2 is worth it a $400 more.
Posted on 8/15/25 at 3:43 pm to Chips and Queso
I have the Franchi Affinity 3 in a youth/ladies model for my wife. She loves it - high quality gun for the money. I put a kickeez recoil pad on it for her - I have to say it had some real recoil with hotter dove loads. I generally would expect that from an inertia gun but I was surprised at the recoil for a 20 gauge - I can only attribute that to the inertia bolt and light weight of the shotgun.
I appreciate your take. As for the $400 - you've got me thinking now about trying a full size Franchi.
I appreciate your take. As for the $400 - you've got me thinking now about trying a full size Franchi.
Posted on 8/15/25 at 7:14 pm to meltingman
quote:
Benelli M2 over the Beretta A400 for better recoil and accuracy.
M2 has more recoil than the a400, but it’s probably not a big deal for an adult male out of a 20 gauge.
Posted on 8/16/25 at 7:33 am to BarCo49
I have the over under Beretta silver pigeon 20 gauge . I love it . For doves and teal I find I don't usually get a third shot . Unless its a cripple on the water .
Posted on 8/16/25 at 7:34 am to Theduckhunter
quote:
M2 has more recoil than the a400, but it’s probably not a big deal for an adult male out of a 20 gauge.
I prefer the felt recoil from the M2 inertia system.
Posted on 8/16/25 at 7:37 am to BarCo49
I'm partial to the M2. It's my go to for dove hunting
Posted on 8/16/25 at 8:24 am to RichJ
quote:
Benelli SBE II
Great gun
Posted on 8/16/25 at 8:35 am to Bama and Beer
I made this move last year. I was dead set on going with the m2 black synthetic 28in barrel. My intent was to get that then send of to rob roberts. After looking at every gun shop in the south and not being able to order one I ended up going with the sbe3 it basically had everything I wanted except the lengthen forcing cones.
I couldn’t be happier with it. I haven’t picked up my 12 since then. I love the weight, the feel and the recoil. Theres not a single thing I don’t like about the gun.
I couldn’t be happier with it. I haven’t picked up my 12 since then. I love the weight, the feel and the recoil. Theres not a single thing I don’t like about the gun.
This post was edited on 8/16/25 at 12:15 pm
Posted on 8/16/25 at 8:38 am to BarCo49
I’ve shot a benelli sbe2 for what will be its 18th duck season this year. The gun just keeps going bang even though I put it through absolute hell in my teenage years.
Having said that, if I could go back I’d probably start with a a400. I’ve had to downsize my payload to deal with the kick as I’ve gotten older. You won’t have to worry about that with the a400.
Having said that, if I could go back I’d probably start with a a400. I’ve had to downsize my payload to deal with the kick as I’ve gotten older. You won’t have to worry about that with the a400.
Posted on 8/16/25 at 9:09 am to hall59tiger
Shot beretta's since '96, still have my AL390 for clays. But for ducks, made switch from Xtrema2 then A400 Xtreme to eventually M2, never looked back. Last year also picked up a 20g M2 and wow is it sweet.
Highly recommend the M2 in any gauge. Lot easier to maintain, lot less moving parts.
Not that you can go wrong with either you're considering, they do fit (and feel) very different, so likely will come down to that factor.
Highly recommend the M2 in any gauge. Lot easier to maintain, lot less moving parts.
Not that you can go wrong with either you're considering, they do fit (and feel) very different, so likely will come down to that factor.
Posted on 8/17/25 at 5:41 am to BarCo49
Either one with a Briley extended light modified choke will smoke anything that flies, lead or steel shot.
Posted on 8/17/25 at 6:02 am to BarCo49
I’d just get an A300 in 20 ga.
I’m a huge Beretta fan, and I wanted an A400 badly, so I borrowed one to shoot pigeons at a friend’s farm.
I found it heavy and clunky. Just not for me. Every Beretta I’ve ever shot has fit me like a glove with minimal adjustments. Not that one.
Can’t comment much on Benellis. I’ve shot a 20ga. Montefeltro that pointed well and was nice.
But I’d still go with an A300.
I’m a huge Beretta fan, and I wanted an A400 badly, so I borrowed one to shoot pigeons at a friend’s farm.
I found it heavy and clunky. Just not for me. Every Beretta I’ve ever shot has fit me like a glove with minimal adjustments. Not that one.
Can’t comment much on Benellis. I’ve shot a 20ga. Montefeltro that pointed well and was nice.
But I’d still go with an A300.
Posted on 8/17/25 at 9:03 am to CatSquirrel
FWIW I bought an A300 and ended up trading it for the A400. Wouldn’t cycle AA loads and I didn’t like the cheek slap recoil. A400 is a whole diff animal, little heavier but I like that extra weight.
Posted on 8/17/25 at 9:43 pm to BarCo49
I prefer the Benelli Montefeltro over the M2 in 20g. Little smother in recoil.
Look at 28g SBE3. You will enjoy the guage down.
Look at 28g SBE3. You will enjoy the guage down.
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