Semi-auto shotgun decision

[croue]

OK,
I'm buying a new semi-auto shotgun to supplement my 30+ year old 870 Pump.
I guess I want to be 'like the cool kids' out hunting.

I have held the Benellie SBE II and really liked it. I have a recommendation to go and look at the Winchester SX-3 as well.

Plan to head to Bass Pro later today to do just that. I wasn't really aware of the SX-3 prior to this recommendation. But I like what I've read so far, and I like the lower price.

Anyone care to talk me out of either? I plan to use it for upland and waterfowl. And the waterfowl will be in the salty bay mud and marshes mostly. So i like the idea of a completely camo-ed gun both for the camouflage and the overall protection from the salt water factors.

A lot of folks really like the way the shot when they tried the SX-3. Any dissent?

C

[pennstater]

No dissent. But, maybe another one to consider. Mossberg 930 S/A. I just bought one and waiting on the ten day. Nothing but positive reviews and the price was right. You can check them out at "slickguns.com" or "budsgunshop.com". Probably perfect for what you want to do. Can't wait to get mine.

[croue]

No dissent. But, maybe another one to consider. Mossberg 930 S/A. I just bought one and waiting on the ten day. Nothing but positive reviews and the price was right. You can check them out at "slickguns.com" or "budsgunshop.com". Probably perfect for what you want to do. Can't wait to get mine.

Thanks, I'll check that one out as well.
C

[bug_eyedmonster]

I currently shoot a SBEII for ducks and geese, and love it. My hunting partner, other the other hand, shoots, a Beretta A400 and would not trade it for a brick of gold. I think everyone has their own fit/feel, and once you find it, you'll know. Be sure to bring the gun up, swing it (safely) side to side, and get an idea of how it will feel with and without jackets and such. Best of luck to your hunt for a new shotgun!

Jerry

[lewdogg21]

Your going to hear a lot of opinions. I bought a SX3 last year for 2 reasons:

1) The two guys that I know that hunt ducks/geese the most, 1 of which is a full time guide, the other hunts geese for weeks and weeks on end both shoot them b/c they are reliable and don't have to be cleaned much
2) My father sold his SBE's, and other shotguns to have (2) SX3's b/c he loves them for the same reasons as the guys in 1).


Consequently mine had a problem and got sent back to Winchester so murphys law was laughing his *** off but I did shoot a SBE 1 and sold it for this so I'm hoping that was an anomaly.

This is all coming from a life long duck hunter, not somebody who shoots skeet a lot or just hunts ducks 1x a year.

P.S. I too like the cheaper cost as I got a camo sx3 with 28" barrel (I prefer 26") for $899 vs. SBE II's are stupid expensive.

Also if you fall in love with wood stocked A5's (New style) check out my sig.

[fuzz415]

i have a remington 11-87 that i have used for bird hunting.

for clays i have shot benelli ethos, vincii, and a m2.

benelli's for clays were awesome super light and well balanced. i like my shotgun for hunting, but then again its mine. i went with the 11-87 mostly with price and craftsmanship. it was between the Remington and mossberg semi auto.

i have heard really good things about the berreta semi auto in camo. a friend of mine swears by this for waterfowl. i guess the camo coating is really good for the gun when it comes to water abuse.

[Sandro]

Here are results of similar search i just concluded.
Maybe it can help you in your decision.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1208250

___________-

[Newshooter]

I am 100% all in for the Beretta A400 for hunting. Soft shooter, cycles all types of loads and very reliable. I shot the SBE and it didn't fit and it felt like my fillings were rattled loose.

As with any shotgun, fit is paramount. If possible, try before you buy.

[hunterb]

...
As with any shotgun, fit is paramount. If possible, try before you buy.

^^^^
This

[croue]

Here are results of similar search i just concluded.
Maybe it can help you in your decision.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1208250

___________-

Thanks Sandro,

Lots of good input there. I was at Bass Pro and held the Benelli SBE-classic and the Winchester SX3. I put them to my shoulder from field ready several times. At first, I felt like I tended to pull the Winchester up high on my shoulder compared to the Benelli. But I did it several more times, and definitely changed. Made me wonder:
How exactly do you best test the fit between different shotguns best in the store?
Am I just so used to my old 870 (had it for more than 30 years, shoot many, any thousands of rounds from it) that I'd need to get used to a new stock a little bit any ways?
How much allowance should I give for 'getting the feel' of it vs. I threw it up the first time and it hit the right spot exactly?
I shoot a 3" pump with magnum BB loads now - so recoil is probably not a 'thing' for me.
I'll make the counter guy show me the Beretta and the Maxus as well.


I'll have a chance to shoot a friends SBE-II at some clays after July vacation season is over. Does anyone know if the clays range in Morgan Hill rents some of these semi-auto shotguns mentioned? I'm happy to spend rental money to get this right.

My price point definitely can handle the SBE-II. Next time maybe step it up for an over/under, but right now I want one I can abuse in the field and not cry about.

Thanks for the help!

C

[CaptnCaveman]

Coyote Valley Clays does have tester/rentals. If you buy it, they take the rental cost off of the price...at least that was the case last year when I was looking to get a gun for my wife. They're price was actually better than BassPro, if I remember correctly.

Call them and ask, the number there is 408-778-3600.

Edit: Not sure if they would change the shims to make it fit you better, so keep that in mind when you shoulder some of these newer guns. They are somewhat adjustable.

For fit: If you mount it with your eyes closed, and open you eye. Your sight picture should be right on without adjusting or moving your head.

[therealnickb]

There's a sbe for sale on this forum...

[Sandro]

Thanks Sandro,
How exactly do you best test the fit between different shotguns best in the store?

Hm, if i knew.... I just shouldered them all. A400 and Maxus both felt good. IMO Maxus was much softer shooter and has much better features for hunting and got my nod.
Besides, all synthetic stocks have shims, so i can make minor adjustments should i need it.

[snowdog650]

Beretta A400 deserves a very hard look.