re: Shotgun Recommendation

I shot an SBE for 20 years, I guess. Can't count the rounds through it. Other than replacing the spring in the stock, I've never done anything to it.

Never thought I'd find a shotgun I liked better. But a couple of years back, I needed a couple of extra shotguns for important (but unprepared) guests who came hunting with me.

So I bought a Beretta and a Vinci. I tried them both out when I got them.

I love the Vinci so much that I've replaced my SBE with it. I love how it shoots and it's a breeze to clean. Great gun.

If you look at my answers on this I am consistent w/ recommending a B gun, the next piece of advice is find a gun that fits you.
Many years ago I wanted a SBE, had my heart set on it then an uncle bought one and I tried it but it didn’t fit me well. Then I tried a beretta 391 and haven’t looked back. I see a number of Brownings around as well and they seem like good guns
Some have recommended a Franchi or Stoeger and they seem to be good guns but don’t have the track record of B guns.
I know some like rems but I had a very bad experience w/ an 1187 and while versamaxes are a better gun I don’t think they can compare w/ a B gun.
I looked thru the thread and no one mentioned finding a gun that fits you and that is key so take some time and try a cpl of different models, shoot at some clays if you can and pick the one that works best for you. Price difference between the models isn’t that much and a good gun will last for decades so price really shouldn’t be an issue.
The good news is I don’t think we have ever had a better selection of semis available.


Barrel length I like 28 or 30" they have a better swing than shorter barrels. I shot a 26 for years but once I went to a longer barrel I haven't gone back