Beretta AL 391 12 GA

[StratORcaster]

Hello. Just got the above shotgun for Pheasant. Shot it for the first time the other day, and damn this thing kicks.... I have shot 2 other 391s that didn't kick much. What's up with this?
I shot 8 shot, federal 2.75 inch shells and got punished. The gun is the same size as my 1187 Remington, so I don't suspect it's a fit issue?
Thanks.

[Ledbetter]

Whoa. I shoot trap with mine and don't think it's as bad as my Rem 1100. What shells were you shooting?

They make a recoil reducer that fits in the buttstock. Visit

https://www.berettausa.com

[Millions-Knives]

The Beretta's supposedly one of the softest shooting shotguns you can buy. I shoot a 391 Teknys for clays and it's incredibly soft. Softer than a 1100/1187 I shot when I started.
If anything keep in mind the lighter the gun the more recoil... mine is HEAVY.

[Millions-Knives]

Also, check out the shells...

Federal makes Game Loads 12 GA 1oz 3 1/4 Dram Lead (About $5 a box) Blue box
Federal standard universal loads (found in value packs) 12 GA 1 1/8oz 3 Dram (these actually shoot softer) Big red box

[colorwolf]

There's many different model of the 391. Do you have the 391 Field or 391 Sport? The difference in weight between the two model would definitely affect perceived recoil

[Thefeeder]

><

"The gun is the same size as my 1187 Remington"


Check length of pull, drop at comb, drop at heel and weight?

May be a simple matter of a different fit on you.

[Sideline Shooter]

You may need a new recoil spring.

[StratORcaster]

You may need a new recoil spring.

even though it's new??

I still have not heard from Beretta. I will recheck the fit. Thanks guys...

[Newshooter]

I shoot the Beretta A391 field gun for clays and it is an incredibly soft shooting gun.

The fit could be the issue.

[hcbr]

Give us more details, what's the model/type, Tell us what loads you're shooting, etc. It could be the ammo, type (sport, field, etc.) or could be options you have like butt pad, or like some of the fellows said, recoil spring might be bunk (i've heard of some DOA parts)

[StratORcaster]

Give us more details, what's the model/type, Tell us what loads you're shooting, etc. It could be the ammo, type (sport, field, etc.) or could be options you have like butt pad, or like some of the fellows said, recoil spring might be bunk (i've heard of some DOA parts)

It is the sport model. Synthetic stock. 28" barrel. Shooting Federal Target loads. 1.25 oz, 8 shot, 2.75 inch.
I put the stock spacer on it. It seems to fit me better. Hope that was it. I may get a limbsaver pad next, if needed. Shooting it today, so I'll let you know.

Thanks.

PS- finally called Beretta, as I have not heard back. Talk to an obnoxious NY women who sounded like she smokes 3 PPD, was clueless and unconcerned.
Talked to their local authorized gun repair place in SOCAL, who was also stumped. Told me the recoil spring just cycles the bolt and is not a factor.
So far not impressed with product or customer lackof service.

[bjl333]

I will have the skeet clinic again soon. Keep an eye open for it.

You can come out during one of those clinic to let us check for fit. Sometimes mounting the gun wrong can feel like getting kicked by a mule!!

[StratORcaster]

Ok. I would like to attend anyhow. Thanks!

[StratORcaster]

Update! I shot the gun this weekend after adding the spacer to the stock. Shot the same load, but winchester this time instead of federal. What a difference! No kick now. Amazing! Whatever it was, I'm happy. Thanks guys!

[tincan]

I have had my 391 field gun for almost 10 years now. It's still the softest shooting shotgun I own.