Would you buy this shotgun?

[Bull Elk]

NEW in the box, never fired Beretta AL390 Silver Mallard camo 12 gauge 28 inch barrel for $500? It's really new and unfired. New it sold for about $850.

Or

A slightly used Browning B80 12 gauge 28 inch barrel for $450? Gun is in approximately 95% overall condition.

[BigDogatPlay]

The B80 has been out of production for 25 years. The innards / operation would have to be solid, but since it's a knock off of the Beretta 303 design it's a fairly good bet. The price is not really out of line for what it is IMO.

The A390, I am not into camo but that's a fine price for a really great platform.

[compulsivegunbuyer]

I have a 303. I have hardly used it, but it is a nice shooting gun, and the same gun as the B80. The big down side with the 303/B80 gas system is it's non compensating. The hotter the ammo, the faster the bolt comes back. The 3" chambered guns will not reliably eject 2 3/4" shells, as the gas ports are smaller. If you want to shoot 2 3/4" shells, make sure it has a 2 3/4" chambered barrel. If the B80 is an Invector Choke barrel, $450 is ok. If it's fixed choke, $350 would be more in line. The 390 gas system is compensating, and a little more ammo forgiving. Both shotguns are out of production for a while now, and parts are not cheap. Out of the two, I would buy the 390.

[bjl333]

I have a 303. I have hardly used it, but it is a nice shooting gun, and the same gun as the B80. The big down side is the 303/B80 gas system is it's non compensating. The hotter the ammo, the faster the bolt comes back. The 3" chambered guns will not reliably eject 2 3/4" shells, as the gas ports are smaller. If you want to shoot 2 3/4" shells, make sure it has a 2 3/4" chambered barrel. If the B80 is an Invector Choke barrel, $450 is ok. If it's fixed choke, $350 would be more in line. The 390 gas system is compensating, and a little more ammo forgiving. Both shotguns are out of production for a while now, and parts are not cheap. Out of the two, I would buy the 390.

Ditto on the 390. They get dirty a little faster then the 391s but for 5 bills its a solid gun for the price. See if you could wiggle it down a little more!

[erik_26]

I vote Beretta.

Let us know how it works out for you.

[bjl333]

I vote Beretta.

Let us know how it works out for you.

Technically both are Berettas, since Beretta built the B-80 (303)!!

[erik_26]

Technically both are Berettas, since Beretta built the B-80 (303)!!

lol... good point.

I saw A390 and that was pretty much it. I jumped the gun.


Realistically, if the OP has a bigger budget, the A400 would be the way to go.

Or even a well kept used A391 (which was reviewed by one as 'so good, Beretta will never make an A392.' Hence the jump straight to A400.)


Recap (save or spend more to get) A400, followed by A391 and if you are dead set on the A390 vs. the B-80, go with the A390.

[bjl333]

lol... good point.

I saw A390 and that was pretty much it. I jumped the gun.

I really like the 390 also. I competed with one in my 12ga and doubles event for about a year. Its a tie between the 390 and 1100 as my fav comp 12ga gun!!