New Benelli??

[Vomtaylor]

So, please forgive me for my somewhat ignorant question here.. but I wanted to run something by you guys that hopefully have more insight on this subject matter than I do… Ive been itching for a benelli for as long as I can remember. I recently learned about the M2 24” model that would be a great all around gun ie. 3 gun, hunting, sporting, clays etc.

I have a 1100 with a 28” barrel that I love. Im looking for a more all around gun. The 28 barrel is great for what is is, but Id like a little more versatility in the line up. I had a Beretta 1201FP, and Franchai 612VS (Both 18")that I sold (and now regret).

So now the question…. Does the Benelli really warrant the price tag $1400+-? Ive always had the opinion that a shotgun is just a shotgun. Anyone care to chime in?

[DBADRAT]

I don't know how affective the 24 inch barrel will be for clays or hunting, but that is a lot of money to find out.

[kdruff2]

Hopefully this doesn't sound too self interested, because I have one for sale in the market place here for well below $1,400, but 26" is the minimum that you'll want to go with. Most skeet/trap venues will not allow anything shorter than a 26" barrel.

I went through the same type of analysis you did 3-4 mos back, and to justify the cost, the gun had to be versatile (hunting, HD, clays and 3gun) so it could used in almost any scenario. And so I decided on the 26". Was very happy with that decision until I got addicted to shooting clays - hence why it's up for sale.

I could probably manage w a 26" clay shooter but ended up wanting a dedicated clay shotgun.

I can PM you the link, or just search in the market place, but you dont have to pay that kind of price if you go w a lightly used gun. BTW, I failed to mention this earlier, a shotgun is not just a shotgun.

[ucsdryder]

For hunting you want 26-28". Same for clays. I prefer 28". I like the sight plane and the swing.

[Michael_Js]

Hopefully this doesn't sound too self interested, because I have one for sale in the market place here for well below $1,400, but 26" is the minimum that you'll want to go with. Most skeet/trap venues will not allow anything shorter than a 26" barrel.

I went through the same type of analysis you did 3-4 mos back, and to justify the cost, the gun had to be versatile (hunting, HD, clays and 3gun) so it could used in almost any scenario. And so I decided on the 26". Was very happy with that decision until I got addicted to shooting clays - hence why it's up for sale.

I could probably manage w a 26" clay shooter but ended up wanting a dedicated clay shotgun.

I can PM you the link, or just search in the market place, but you dont have to pay that kind of price if you go w a lightly used gun.

Well, I think that depends. I use my Remington 870 Express Magpul with an 18" barrel for trap. Is it the best choice? NO WAY! I was fooled into thinking I could swap a 26" barrel (that I actually bought) when I was going to shoot skeet. Problem was, Remington didn't realize they changed the design, so the longer barrels don't fit now. Anyway, it depends on the venue...

[missiondude]

I think 26" is a good all around gun for 3 gun, sporting clays, trap, and tactical shotgun. It is not the ideal length for any of them, but I find it works out great for me. I have never thought it was too long for 3 gun, and never thought it was too short for sporting clays. I think if you want to get serious about trap you will need a longer gun...

I love my 26" M2, it just runs and runs, and does not beat me up in the process.

BTW, I found my M2 with comfortech stock on Gunbroker NIB for $899 a year and a half ago. There are deals out there if you are patient.

[Wodsworthy]

My M2 is 21 inches. Its a bit loud, but it shoots better than i can shoot it on trap/skeet. I can't imagine the 24 being bad at anything. Or hell. ANY BENELLI BAD AT ANYTHING... except the pocket book

[Dattebayo]

The increase length of the barrel doesn't do anything for you but give you a longer sight plane that may make pointing and swinging the shotgun easier.

Aside from all that, the performance of the shotshells are not really affected, as shotguns run at much lower pressures than rifles.

If you don't have a problem pointing and swinging a smaller shotgun, there is no reason why you cannot break clays just as good as a 28" barrel. Grouping size is more determined by your choke and load vs barrel length.

[Vomtaylor]

Thanks for all the info. I'm going to start the searching. I think a benelli would make a great addition to the line up

[Cagey48]

You might want to check out the new Beretta 1301 Competition, it might be just what you are looking for, look here>> http://www.berettausa.com/products/b...1-competition/

[ERdept]

for clays 30+ inches.

for sport 28