re: Benelli M2 or Beretta A400

SX3 has to be a top 3 gun of mine also. Won one at an banquet years ago, sold it, and then a few months ago i bought another because I missed how it shoots too much.

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If you plan to do a lot of shooting the A400 is definitely the softer recoiling gun. I've run hundreds of shells through my A400 in a day shooting clays and the gas piston had hardly any fouling on it. Utterly reliable, swings like the barrel is 4" shorter than it is,

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This. ^^^^

I've never shot the M2, so don't put too much weight on my opinion. But I typically shoot 5-6 cases of shells (sporting clays) thru my A400 before I bother to clean it.

I have two of them - one for the kids to shoot. If both were to disappear tomorrow, I'd go buy two more. I wouldn't even stop and consider anything else.

I don't have the opportunity to do much duck hunting, but have carried the 400 twice on duck hunts. It kills ducks just fine.

Before the A400's came out, I shot Beretta 391's. Excellent shotguns, but the 400 weighs less. The 400's and the 391's have shims that let you adjust the cast (left & right) and "drop" (not sure that's the right term). Picking one up in a gun store may not tell you if it fits well -- especially if you're left handed (they are delivered with a right hand shim installed).

Anyway .... the 400's are expensive, but they hold their value well. I think they're worth it compared to the cost of other shotguns.

Exactly right. I have no dog in the hunt and own all of the major brands. I like the SX3 better than them all.

Those guns have a following in Arkansas. Lots of guys running those guns day in and out guiding in Arkansas.

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mainly when I shouldered an A400 it didn't sit as well for me as the Benelli.

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I’ve been trying to decide between the two for a couple of months. I’ve finally decided on the SBEIII for this reason.

Feel like I'm fully qualified to address the OP's request:

Have always been beretta fan boy, bought my first 390 in '96 and still shoot it for clays and doves. Have owned the Xtrema2 then eventually sold for the A400 Xtreme. Realized I'm just not shooting 3.5" shells much any more and went ahead and dipped my toe in the inertia realm, bought an M2 three seasons ago, but kept the A400 on standby in event the new gig went south.

Poor A400 never left the closet and finally brought myself to sell it to someone who will use it last fall.

I make usually 30 regular season hunts a season and 8 teal season hunts. To me the M2 is more like a tool than a fancy gun, even though it's by no means cost friendly. It just works and love the simpler action, crisper feel on firing and less parts to maintain/lubricate.

It's an absolute waterfowler's workhorse, so long as you're not full-on ruhtard and think you've got to be shooting 3.5's. Good luck this season, you can't go wrong either way, the above is just my experience with them.

Thanks for the input. Just talked to a friend of mine that owns a sporting clays range and has an outdoor show so he pretty much shoots guns for a living. He has several new Beretta 390 silver mallard editions and swears it’s the best gun Beretta has ever made. Can get one never fired for $800. Only problem is it’s wood with satin finish and I am pretty rough on guns. Guess I’m going to shoot them all and see what feels the best.

These are both fantastic shotguns. I’m a lefty. I have an A-400 XPLOR that’s gorgeous and shoots incredibly well. That said, I wouldn’t take a Ferrari off-road. The M2 is a workhorse. Both cycle every time but that M2 does it filthy. Pick whichever you shoot best. You can’t make a wrong choice here.

The benelli is entirely more ergonomic. The beretta is better for heavy recoiling loads. For ducks, beretta all day erry day. For clays and doves, m2.

All of my group that duck hunts quit shooting 3.5” loads. These new loads are so good there’s no need for it. It was beating me to death and knocking me off the birds trying to follow up with the 2nd shot