What's the best hunting shotgun?

[sharpshooter]

Hey guys,
In your own opinion, what is the best semi-auto shotgun for duck hunting? I'm looking for a good gun that I'll have forever as well as pass on to my kids. I'm looking at the Browning Gold, Beretta AL391 URIKA , and the Benelli Super Black Eagle. Any hand's on experience you can share? I want durability and reliability. 3" or 3 1/2". No Jamming. Any suggestions?

[Delta Duck]

For just your 3rd post that's not a bad can of WORMS to open.

I've got the Beretta 3.5 and the SBE. In my personal opinion, There is not a shotgun on the market that will perform like my SBE. I have not had one ounce of trouble. I have heard of alot of people that have had problems. The SBE is one of those guns that you either love or you hate.
The SBE I have I would put it up against any shotgun made. I've got a Super 90 also.

You lov'em or you hate'em!!

[GulfCoast]

I hate to disagree with my friend Delta Duck, but I have had 2 sbe's, and would not let another one waste space in my safe. Get a Beretta 391 and forget about it. I have had very good luck with the BGH, also.

[mallardchaser]

I have a friend who got the new Beretta 3.5 this year and really likes it. I have a sbe, I like it too. I have another buddy who has a 390 and a 391, he likes them too, but they did jam on him several times one weekend. I'm sure from lack of cleaning. He ended up with only a single shot..
I think they're all good guns these day's.

[backwater]

I agree with GC...buy the Beretta. For the money it's the best buy...it won't let you down. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[mack]

yea, go ahead and get a berretta they are about as good as a super black eagle.

[mississippi_duc_htr]

signature says it all. I got a 1200 that is 24 years old never had a bit of trouble and have a 1300 now that has outshot several remingtons and bennellis or the people behind them anyway. Neither one has ever let me down hehehehehehe!!!!!!!Shoot a full choke steel tube in it and you cant go wrong on the ducks...... [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

[walt333ms]

have had beretta's 3-inch since they were sold by browning....beretta did not renew the agreement after 10 years...now they sell them under their own name....now have both..

if a gun holds up with me....duck...dove hunting...very little cleaning, breaking ice, thow in the bottom of the boat...shoot high brass, low mixed at doves...ect...
shoot 30 inch at all game...skeet...sporting clays,....

you cant break this gun...cause they all have given perfect service...in ice, wet, or shooting skeet till the barrel melts...

have not understood why anyone needs 3.5 inch
is it an ego thing...or just not a real good shot...lol...(maybe turkey's at 40-60 yards)

take care
uncle walt and sam

[tunica du4u]

Another SBE vote. The one use is over 8 years old, has been cleaned 2 or 3 times and Delta Duck, Redhead and probaly a few others on here will tell you how hard I am on a gun. It has probaly had 250-300 CASES of shells shot thru it, rode in the bottom of the boat, truck, argo and Ranger, broke ice, bathed in mud and paddled the boat. It wore the black finish off after 2-3 years and I sent it off had a military parkerization and have almost wore it shiny again. It has never mis-fired. It did fail to throw a hull one time after shooting 3 cases of shells at 1 time at the Duck flush. Had a new extractor built out of titanium installed by the gunsmith and has never gave another problem.Bought 2 and put up. 1 for my 4 year old when he's bigger and 1 if I ever needed a spare. Later traded for a new pair of them in case I ever wore one out. As you can see I'm Benelli poor. [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[JackHass]

I have the Beretta Urika, Al 391. I have had if for two seasons and it is awesome. I have never had one problem out of it. Sometimes the operator malfunctions though! I highly recommend it; it's easy to break down too for an automatic. Go getcha one man! I think I paid about $670 tax and all for mine in the off season.

[sharpshooter]

That's great info guys, I think I'm sold on the Beretta. Sounds like the SBE is comparable, though.

[Delta Duck]

Uncle Walt
The reason I shoot 3.5 is because I can!!

Sharpshooter, you will be happy with the 391, I would like to shootsporting clays with a 391. I just can't see spending the money when that super 90 I shoot does well.

Good Luck!!

[ March 03, 2002: Message edited by: Delta Duck ]

[Doc & Nash]

I went from a 870 to a berreta 390 this year and have been very pleased, I looked at and even shot the SBE and was just not pleased with it for the money. I do not think you could go wrong by chosing the one that feels the best to you, every one is different. And for me the Berreta seemed to fit me better, It kinda feels like my ol 870. just shoots faster and easier to keep on target.

[Unkljohn]

Beretta,beretta,beretta!!!! Can't go wrong with a beretta. I've got a Walmart 390 that I love, thinking about buying a present for myself soon, maybe an Extrema!!! [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]
JT

[Model12]

Beretta, Beretta, Beretta....