experience shotgun advice

[v-do]

Im in the market for a new shotgun and i have a few options ive narrowed it down to but open to others as well. I really like the beretta A4000 line and remington versamax line. Ive never shot either so i want some feedback from those who have before i commit and spend that type of money. What the major differences between the veramax and the versamax sportsman? ive heard great things about the sportsman and the $500 difference has me leaning towards the sportsman. What do yall think is the best all around shotgun for hunting everything (mostly waterfowl, turkey, dove, and squirell) looking for a shotgun that is reliable and i can do everything with and that will last me a long time. So from yalls experience with different shotguns what do yall think?? Thanks for the input in advance.

[Smoke68]

If I was handed a versmax for free, I'd have it listed the very next day. Seen one particular one in and out of gunsmith and never would work right. Brand new gun. Maybe it's a lemon, but that kind of experience leaves a deep impression on the perception of a gun's reliability.

[missed mallards]

Browning, beretta, benelli, Winchester

I shoot the SX3. It's been very good to me and I'm sad to say I haven't babied it. Buy which ever fits. Keep it in decent shape, enjoy!

A Remington 870 about the only gun I like from Remington. Seems most of their guns have little quality control these.

[reservoirdawg]

Don't waste your money on the Sportsman.

[420 racin]

I have a Versamax Sportsman in camo and I love it, I haven't had a problem out of it. I had a Baikal that I absolutely loved, unfortunately someone else thought they needed it more than I did, so I replaced it with the Versamax Sportsman and can't complain at all. I'd buy another one today if I needed one.

[v-do]

not downing anybody or anything but everyone that has a vera max sportsman seems to love it and all of the negative things come from people that dont own one and only hear this or that. people that own one all tell me its a great gun and they love it. so im not sure what to think of that gun.

[Smoke68]

not downing anybody or anything but everyone that has a vera max sportsman seems to love it and all of the negative things come from people that dont own one and only hear this or that. people that own one all tell me its a great gun and they love it. so im not sure what to think of that gun.

I understand, and I won't knock you if you try it. I've heard of people who've had Benelli's that would work right. I've never witnessed it though, and by and large I think they are reliable and well made. I remember reading about the versamax design and its use of multiports to scale the energy needed for cycling. My initial thought was, "that's going to screw up any number of ways." Low and behold, the first one I saw was a brand new gun won by my hunting buddy at a DU event. It shot good for one season. After that, trouble.

To each his own.

[JaMak84]

Best purchase I've ever made. Shoots 2.75", 3", and 3.5". Never jams. Takes about 10 minutes to break down and clean. This particular model is getting harder to find, but if you do enough digging online there are some deals on used double guns in good to very good condition. I think I paid $1100 for mine and it looked like it might have had a couple boxes of shells through it. If I had it to do all over, the only thing I would do different is buy one with a wood stock and have it dipped. I hate that damn duratouch coating on the stock and forearm. Go to the store and shoulder as many as possible. Doesn't matter how reliable, tough, or versatile the gun is if you can't hit anything with it. Find the best fitting gun first and narrow your options down from there.

[Smoke68]

^^^ This is excellent advice, particularly the part about avoiding Duratouch if you go the Browning/Winchester route.

[Matt S]

I think the A400 is the best gun on the market. But saying that I also think it's one of the hardest for some people to make it fit them. I have seen people play with shims for hours and still not get the fit they are looking for. I have no experience with the versamax. I like the browning A5 and the silver. The Brownings just fit me.

[v-do]

not downing anybody or anything but everyone that has a vera max sportsman seems to love it and all of the negative things come from people that dont own one and only hear this or that. people that own one all tell me its a great gun and they love it. so im not sure what to think of that gun.

I understand, and I won't knock you if you try it. I've heard of people who've had Benelli's that would work right. I've never witnessed it though, and by and large I think they are reliable and well made. I remember reading about the versamax design and its use of multiports to scale the energy needed for cycling. My initial thought was, "that's going to screw up any number of ways." Low and behold, the first one I saw was a brand new gun won by my hunting buddy at a DU event. It shot good for one season. After that, trouble.

To each his own.

and thats why im kind of iffy about it. Ive heard a lot of good things about the winchester sx3 line and going to take a serious look at that line. i have a benelli vinci right now and its a great reliable gun but just want something new. Ive had it for about 6 years now i guess with no problems at all. Its for sale now. the winchester is a little cheaper than the A4000 also so i might be taking that route after i go look and get the feel for one. i just dont see as many people hunting with it. seems like a great gun all around from what ive heard from people though

[Deltamud77]

SX3. I shoot one and love it.

[RNAIL]

I owned two different beretta sweet. But they did not fit me correctly. Rem 1100. Browning A 5. Browning gold. That is what fits me

[jar0023]

I bought an A400 Xtreme this year after battling shoulder AC joint and rotator cuff issues that started at he end of last year's duck season. This is after shooting a Benelli SBE for fifteen years. I loved the SBE but my 46yo shoulder can't take the beating My dad bought and hunted an A400 last year with success so i followed suit.

I'm extremely pleased with the gun. After some pattern work and fitting and getting used to the gun, I'm shooting bett and killing more ducks this year by far. Maybe it's the new, maybe it's almost non - existent recoil. Either way it's a keeper.

Hard for me to believe anyone can't get the gun to fit. It comes with two different LOP spacers for three options. There are three different lengh recoil pads. The two drop shims give four options. I needed a little more and simply stacked the two shims for a little more drop and cast.

I've had zero malfunctions in about 200 rounds. Skeet early and about a half case of 3" ducks loads. I may break down and clean it after this split.

[mfalkner]

I bought an A400 Xtreme this year..... I may break down and clean it after this split.

And, when you do clean it, it's one of the easiest breakdown and clean autoloaders I've ever messed with.