New gun choices

[younggun308]

The new Franchi Affinity line is the best bang for buck if you won't pay for an SBE3. About half the price. 7-year warranty that's excellent.

You needn't get the "waterfowl elite" model, either. They have a "Cerakote" model that has just about all the features of the Waterfowl Elite, except for the lengthened forcing cone. I mean larger controls for gloved hands, drilled and tapped (in case you want optics for turkey season), etc. My dad just picked one up on GunBroker (cheaper than anywhere else on AmmoSeek) and loves it. Get some extended chokes for it. I like Carlson's Delta chokes. Some like the Cremators. Just get something extended so you never deal with a bulged barrel from steel hammering it.

As a side note, all the consternation about Benelli's shooting high is bizarre to me. Get used to floating the bird, and you'll love it. Probably will get more hits from being able to see the bird itself when you pull the trigger. It's not supposed to shoot like a rifle.

 

[TAFKAP]

I've been pretty happy with my Maxus 2 so far. It's chambered for 3-1/2", but I've never tried the first shot with a shell that big.

 

[tickweed]

Dont buy the sbe 3 . buy a m2, only due to poi issues. I shoot an H @ K blackeagle, have two of them. but now hard to find. very expensive. no poi issues with them.

 

[rsimms]

I made another post about buying a new choke tube for my Remington 870, well I have decided to scratch that plan and go for an all-new gun. However, I am having a hard time choosing. I went to Bass Pro set on getting a Benelli M2 20 gauge yesterday and they only had one with a 24-inch barrel. I held it and it felt really good and decided I might as well hold the 12 even though I came in for a 20. Well, it felt even better and now I do not know what to do. The few apprehensions that I have are that I already have a 12 gauge and the M2 does not shoot 3 1/2....not that I have ever needed 3 1/2 it just seems to me that if I were to get another 12 gauge that would be one of the reasons to upgrade. So, from people that have M2s in both 12 and 20 what do you think I should do? I really like the way the Benelli shoulders I just do not know if I can justify the extra money for the SBE for 3 1/2 that I may use once a year in late goose season. Also 26- or 28-inch barrel? The 12 I shouldered was a 26-inch barrel and felt extremely "snappy", but I have only ever shot 28-inch barrels so that makes me cautious. I think anything I tried yesterday I will be happy with I just want to get the right one since it is quite a large purchase.

Don't waste your time shooting 3 1/2. The extra expense isn't worth the ROI (Return on Investment). 28-inch versus 26 is a matter of personal preference. Finally, I've hunted with nearly every brand of shotgun you can name in my 68 years. Currently I am shooting a Franchi Affinity 3 (I won it at a Ducks Unlimited banquet). For however long I live, I will never hunt with another shotgun. Best shooting, most reliable shotgun I've ever carried into the field. But, I know that's a "Ford vs Chevy" kind of debate. I hope you're as happy with whatever you buy as I am with my Franchi.

 

[JBell]

I have a buddy with the franchi and he loves it. His is 20 ga. But quality should transfer up as well.

 

[cbhunter]

Love my franchi affinity so far. I shoot it much better than my versamax

 

[Displaced_Vol]

Affinity owner here too. Couldn't be happier.
I do like some of the benellis and they are a slight improvement in overall quality.
One thing I think the affinity has certainly better than most benellis is the recoil spring is located around the magazine tube, not in the butt stock.

 

[Westtnduckhtr]

As I read through this thread, I decided to offer my experience. Now this comes from owning and shooting all the gauges, except the 16ga. While I am not much of a rifle guy, I am a shotgun aficionado currently owning around 35 of all gauges and actions. I have 5 Benelli's as well as all of its sister related companies such as Beretta, Franchi, and Stoeger.
Pertaining to Benelli, I do have HK as well as current models such as the SBE3, with this said here is what I have learned.

Also, keep in mind I do not shoot competition and my shooting is real life wild birds, Doves, Ducks and Geese.
- My current new SBE3 shoots just like my HK SBE, you can adjust your impact with the included shims, my guns shoot 60/40.
- While I have boxes and boxes of chokes I have found factory chokes, except for my specialized turkey chokes do just fine.
- Waterfowl I shoot mostly IC with some M depending on the day, but mostly shoot IC.
- Waterfowl 12ga. I shoot mostly 3" 4s and 2s for everything.
- While I don't consider myself an "expert" shot, I am better than most of the people I hunt with. I have found that a IC or M choke with the above loads will kill further than the majority of shooters skill level. I see it almost daily. A vast major of my guns are 3.5" but very ever shoot such loads, instead, I feel the longer receiver length fits me better. One example is my pair of Benelli Vincis. I have the Vinci and the Super Vinci, hands down I feel the Super is the better gun, I call mine "Black Death" as it is my go to gun. This gun has hunted Arkansas, Lousiana, North Dakota, Habitat Flats, as well as Nebraska's famed Platte River. It is all about fit, confidence and practice. Don't obsess about brands or what your buddy shoots, pick one and run with it, shoot and shoot. For me it took buying a new duck gun every year to settle on my top few. After a closet FULL I learned my lesson.

 

[AveryPC]

As I read through this thread, I decided to offer my experience. Now this comes from owning and shooting all the gauges, except the 16ga. While I am not much of a rifle guy, I am a shotgun aficionado currently owning around 35 of all gauges and actions. I have 5 Benelli's as well as all of its sister related companies such as Beretta, Franchi, and Stoeger.
Pertaining to Benelli, I do have HK as well as current models such as the SBE3, with this said here is what I have learned.

Also, keep in mind I do not shoot competition and my shooting is real life wild birds, Doves, Ducks and Geese.
- My current new SBE3 shoots just like my HK SBE, you can adjust your impact with the included shims, my guns shoot 60/40.
- While I have boxes and boxes of chokes I have found factory chokes, except for my specialized turkey chokes do just fine.
- Waterfowl I shoot mostly IC with some M depending on the day, but mostly shoot IC.
- Waterfowl 12ga. I shoot mostly 3" 4s and 2s for everything.
- While I don't consider myself an "expert" shot, I am better than most of the people I hunt with. I have found that a IC or M choke with the above loads will kill further than the majority of shooters skill level. I see it almost daily. A vast major of my guns are 3.5" but very ever shoot such loads, instead, I feel the longer receiver length fits me better. One example is my pair of Benelli Vincis. I have the Vinci and the Super Vinci, hands down I feel the Super is the better gun, I call mine "Black Death" as it is my go to gun. This gun has hunted Arkansas, Lousiana, North Dakota, Habitat Flats, as well as Nebraska's famed Platte River. It is all about fit, confidence and practice. Don't obsess about brands or what your buddy shoots, pick one and run with it, shoot and shoot. For me it took buying a new duck gun every year to settle on my top few. After a closet FULL I learned my lesson.

Hmm, I have never thought about the longer receiver. That would not affect LOP right? Forgive my ignorance, but what does the longer receiver affect?

 

[Westtnduckhtr]

My matched pair of Vinci, regular Vinci and Super Vinci both have 28" Barrels, total length difference is the extra 3 1/2" receiver of the Super. Never measured bit it is a noticeable longer gun and swing and points better. I think Vinci's are one of the most unattractive shotguns made, I resisted purchasing one for several years because of the looks. In addition to a better pointing gun,Vincis and Stoegers have a leg up on all the other Benellis because the sping is in the forend on a Stoeger and in the receiver of the Vinci. In turn you do not get water and dirt running down the rear of the receiver into to recoil tube, which was the impetus for the development of the Sure Cycle.

 

[prstide]

My matched pair of Vinci, regular Vinci and Super Vinci both have 28" Barrels, total length difference is the extra 3 1/2" receiver of the Super. Never measured bit it is a noticeable longer gun and swing and points better. I think Vinci's are one of the most unattractive shotguns made, I resisted purchasing one for several years because of the looks. In addition to a better pointing gun,Vincis and Stoegers have a leg up on all the other Benellis because the sping is in the forend on a Stoeger and in the receiver of the Vinci. In turn you do not get water and dirt running down the rear of the receiver into to recoil tube, which was the impetus for the development of the Sure Cycle.

Franchi also has the spring beneath the fore end.

 

[Bgoodman30]

What do you consider short barrel, 24 and under? I hunt with a few people that hunt with 26 inch barrels and do not bust my ears. Right now my 870 has a 28 inch barrel but a pretty long choke so it's more like 30. It's nice if I can get the gun shouldered and swing through but after my first shot I have a hard time getting on a second bird. I was hoping a shorter barrel might help.

I have the 24" barrel M2 20 and 28" 12 Ga M2. I have hunted the 24" barrel in the timber but would not carry it in the blind with others.. Its really just my turkey gun. My 12 GA is worked over by Rob Roberts and its been an awesome duck gun for many years.
My next gun will be a 20 GA M2 or SB3. Although hearing a lot of good things about the Retay?

Also heard they are going to stop making the M2 and make a new model next year.

As for 3 1/2" I would absolutely never own another 3.5" gun they will give you issues.. Also wont cycle low brass 1 oz loads.

 

[Bgoodman30]

My matched pair of Vinci, regular Vinci and Super Vinci both have 28" Barrels, total length difference is the extra 3 1/2" receiver of the Super. Never measured bit it is a noticeable longer gun and swing and points better. I think Vinci's are one of the most unattractive shotguns made, I resisted purchasing one for several years because of the looks. In addition to a better pointing gun,Vincis and Stoegers have a leg up on all the other Benellis because the sping is in the forend on a Stoeger and in the receiver of the Vinci. In turn you do not get water and dirt running down the rear of the receiver into to recoil tube, which was the impetus for the development of the Sure Cycle.

Vincis are awesome.. I sold mine because I never got used to the safety..

 

[Bgoodman30]

What do you consider short barrel, 24 and under? I hunt with a few people that hunt with 26 inch barrels and do not bust my ears. Right now my 870 has a 28 inch barrel but a pretty long choke so it's more like 30. It's nice if I can get the gun shouldered and swing through but after my first shot I have a hard time getting on a second bird. I was hoping a shorter barrel might help.

That 24" barell might be the compact model? That's what mine is. I am not sure they make a 24" that's not compact?

 

[rhill]

Pm sent

 

[Don'tDrinkTinks]

Get the M2. The new model doesn't have the comfort tech stock which is a plus to me.

 

[Tweeter]

Browning A5

 

[AveryPC]

I went ahead and got the M2 in 12 gauge with a 26-inch barrel. I was able to go out and shoot it a few days ago and really enjoyed it. It did jam a few times, but I am hoping this was just the reloads that I was using, or it just needs a little break in.

 

[gasman]

Love my franchi affinity so far. I shoot it much better than my versamax

I second the Franchi Affinity. This is my second year using one. I did have an issue with the ejector spring and pin but got that resolved and business as usual.

 

[losthunter]

My matched pair of Vinci, regular Vinci and Super Vinci both have 28" Barrels, total length difference is the extra 3 1/2" receiver of the Super. Never measured bit it is a noticeable longer gun and swing and points better. I think Vinci's are one of the most unattractive shotguns made, I resisted purchasing one for several years because of the looks. In addition to a better pointing gun,Vincis and Stoegers have a leg up on all the other Benellis because the sping is in the forend on a Stoeger and in the receiver of the Vinci. In turn you do not get water and dirt running down the rear of the receiver into to recoil tube, which was the impetus for the development of the Sure Cycle.

I just got a Stoeger 3500 and really like it. It's a bit heavy but seems to be a solid gun.

 

[Specializedjon]

Don't waste your time shooting 3 1/2. The extra expense isn't worth the ROI (Return on Investment). 28-inch versus 26 is a matter of personal preference. Finally, I've hunted with nearly every brand of shotgun you can name in my 68 years. Currently I am shooting a Franchi Affinity 3 (I won it at a Ducks Unlimited banquet). For however long I live, I will never hunt with another shotgun. Best shooting, most reliable shotgun I've ever carried into the field. But, I know that's a "Ford vs Chevy" kind of debate. I hope you're as happy with whatever you buy as I am with my Franchi.

^^wise endorsement^^

For the record,
Chevy, Coke and only mustard on hot dogs