Yet another shotgun question...

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drrxnupe

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Feb 15, 2009
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Nashville, TN & Oxford, MS
As this season comes to a close, I think it is about time for me to invest in another waterfowl gun. My 935 has done excellent over the last 5 or 6 years since I started waterfowl hunting. It's had no problems but as I get more serious about the sport, it's time to up it a notch with a high end shotgun. Decided to start my research today and went to Gander to hold an SX3, SBE II, Super Vinci, A300, A400, Stoeger M3500, Maxus, and A5. I was pretty much sold on the SBE II before I walked in the store just because everybody swears by them. But after holding the A5, my opinion took an About Face. The A5 IMO felt so much more balanced than any of the others. It was almost a done deal and I just about walked out a new A5 owner. But I realized that I have a year before next season so what's the rush.

That said...let's hear the reasons why I shouldn't get an A5. Any A5 owners willing to give an unbiased review?
 
Let me ask this, if your current gun does everything you want and has not caused any problems, then why the need for a "Higher end gun"?
I will be the first to tell you to get what feels the best to you. It more than likely will also be what shoots the best for you.
I hunt with a few guys that have the new A5. The first one to buy it can't hit the broad side of a barn with it. He bought cause it was the "new thing". The 2nd guy bought his cause he shot the 1st guy gun and loved the way it felt. He is deadly with it.
 
I just went through the same thing and was down to the sbe2, sx3, Stoeger m3500, and a300. Ended up with the sbe2 and was supposed to have hunted with it this weekend but for reasons I'll share later didn't. A close second was the sx3 because its noticeably lighter than any of them and swings well. The a5 is a very nice gun and I don't have any experience with the new ones but I have two (12 & 16) that were my grandfather's. I don't duck hunt with them because they only shoot 2 3/4" shells but do use the 12 for doves and love it. I think I've shot the 16 once.
 
First off, the new A5's have nothing in common with the old ones except the name. I like browning guns. Own a few and their O/U's are what I shot exclusively for skeet and sporting clays. With that said, I do not own a new A5 but know 3 guys who have them. None of them like the gun. They have had some functioning issues but the common theme with all of them is they DO NOT like cold weather. Theirs may be exceptions but I find it odd all three are single shots when it gets below 25 degrees.
The problem with benelli's is they shoulder and feel great but I'm yet to own one that functioned with the performance I thought a $1500+ shotgun should have. They have their following though but I wouldn't own another one if it was given to me. Me personally, from experience, I do not like an inertia gun. Gas driven has been 10x's more reliable than the inertia guns (the new A5 is inertia also)
My list would be the Beretta A400, the SX3 or a browning Maxus.
 
rukiddin":hyvvnegd said:
First off, the new A5's have nothing in common with the old ones except the name. I like browning guns. Own a few and their O/U's are what I shot exclusively for skeet and sporting clays. With that said, I do not own a new A5 but know 3 guys who have them. None of them like the gun. They have had some functioning issues but the common theme with all of them is they DO NOT like cold weather. Theirs may be exceptions but I find it odd all three are single shots when it gets below 25 degrees.
The problem with benelli's is they shoulder and feel great but I'm yet to own one that functioned with the performance I thought a $1500+ shotgun should have. They have their following though but I wouldn't own another one if it was given to me. Me personally, from experience, I do not like an inertia gun. Gas driven has been 10x's more reliable than the inertia guns (the new A5 is inertia also)
My list would be the Beretta A400, the SX3 or a browning Maxus.
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I've seen the complete opposite ive seen sooo many gas driven guns just lock up I've yet to see an inertia driven gun mess up. Doves ducks ckay shooting anything. I know a bunch with both the sbe2 and a5 and you couldn't buy them from them if you wanted to. I love the inertia system but they do kick a little more. The only legitimate gas gun I've seen day in and day out is the sx3 doesn't seem you can kill them. But I've seen a bunch of Berettas and Remington's mess up along. A whole lot more then a benenlli or the a5 the browning maxxis I've only seen one mess up and was fixed in like 30 seconds.
 
The reason I want to upgrade my shotgun is the same reason why golfers upgrade their clubs after they move beyond beginners stage. All clubs hit balls but Callaways are engineered to give you a "psychologically" different feel. I've grown very passionate about waterfowl hunting and I want to move beyond beginners stage with a premium shotgun.

I do understand that the new A5 and the old A5 are extremely different, only sharing the trademark humpback stock. I shouldered it not expecting it to feel like my uncle's old Sweet 16, but it still felt pretty darn good.
 
I don't have any idea about the A5 but I do know it is a really nice light gun. I do have a Remington Versa Max and love it. It will cycle anything you put in it and it points good for me.
 
Remington742":1s99qzgj said:
I don't have any idea about the A5 but I do know it is a really nice light gun. I do have a Remington Versa Max and love it. It will cycle anything you put in it and it points good for me.
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This.
I would buy another in a heart beat.
 
I have shot A5's since I could shoot. It is the only shotgun that feels right to me. I have one of the new ones and love it so far. It is 1/4 the weight of an original one and I have not had a single malfunction yet. Even hunted with it in the snow on Friday and shot quite a few shells. I would look at ordering from Mack's prairie wings in Arkansas. No tax, free shipping, and was cheaper than I could find elsewhere. It was at the ffl the next day after ordering.
 
deerhunter10":1qv3414z said:
rukiddin":1qv3414z said:
First off, the new A5's have nothing in common with the old ones except the name. I like browning guns. Own a few and their O/U's are what I shot exclusively for skeet and sporting clays. With that said, I do not own a new A5 but know 3 guys who have them. None of them like the gun. They have had some functioning issues but the common theme with all of them is they DO NOT like cold weather. Theirs may be exceptions but I find it odd all three are single shots when it gets below 25 degrees.
The problem with benelli's is they shoulder and feel great but I'm yet to own one that functioned with the performance I thought a $1500+ shotgun should have. They have their following though but I wouldn't own another one if it was given to me. Me personally, from experience, I do not like an inertia gun. Gas driven has been 10x's more reliable than the inertia guns (the new A5 is inertia also)
My list would be the Beretta A400, the SX3 or a browning Maxus.
Click to expand...

I've seen the complete opposite ive seen sooo many gas driven guns just lock up I've yet to see an inertia driven gun mess up. Doves ducks ckay shooting anything. I know a bunch with both the sbe2 and a5 and you couldn't buy them from them if you wanted to. I love the inertia system but they do kick a little more. The only legitimate gas gun I've seen day in and day out is the sx3 doesn't seem you can kill them. But I've seen a bunch of Berettas and Remington's mess up along. A whole lot more then a benenlli or the a5 the browning maxxis I've only seen one mess up and was fixed in like 30 seconds.
Click to expand...

Yep. It could just be a odd coincidence. I have an sx3 in a 20 gaug and a A400 in 28 gauge. Both are about as fine a shooting shotguns as you can get. I've just been screwed bad over benelli's and their customer service so it may take a lifetime to get over it. lol. And after seeing the new A5's fail repeatedly, it'll take a lot of convincing for me to buy one. My next gun is a SX3 in 12 gauge.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. There's a reason why your competition clay shooters shoot beretta's...........
 
Not all shoot Berettas lol I've had the complete opposite of you bad experiences with Berettas and good with benellis. Just a matter of opinion I would personally pick which one fits you and buy it and go shoot. Just like a bow.
 
I got a A5 last year and love it!! Has performed flawlessly shooting skeet, dove and ducks. Hunted with it this past weekend and the Temps were in the low 20's and I didn't have a single problem out of it.
I knew as soon as I picked one up at a du banquet I had to get one. And you can get it in the best camo made, bottomland.
 
I bought an A5 last year. I sold it this year and bought an SBE II.

I like them both and could be happy with either. I couldn't afford an SBE last year. I was able to sell my A5 for a good price this year and found a deal in an SBE so I "traded up".

Both are absolutely great guns. People can tell you their pros and cons, but ultimately you should go with your gut and buy the one YOU like the most.


My only concern with the A5 is how the Duratouch would hold up over time. The factory black finish on the barrel also seemed weak. Mine was scratched off in a couple of places and I took pretty darn good care of that gun.
 
I have an A5 and a Maxus. I like them both and haven't had any issues with either.

I bought the Maxus for 800 bucks on sale, then made an offer on an A5 brand new that I couldn't believe the guy took. I wouldn't have either if I didn't get lucky.
 
benellivol":30al1qjr said:
I have an A5 and a Maxus. I like them both and haven't had any issues with either.

I bought the Maxus for 800 bucks on sale, then made an offer on an A5 brand new that I couldn't believe the guy took. I wouldn't have either if I didn't get lucky.
Click to expand...

Which is your absolute favorite?
 
drrxnupe":2psj67zu said:
Thanks guys for all the insight. I have plenty of time to do my research and decide. Will be shopping around for good deals. I hope post-duck season sales will start shortly.
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When you decide what you want call Whittaker Guns. They are located in Kentucky and is where I bought my sbe II. They shipped it the same day and was at my FFL the next day. Roost1 told me about them and glad he did because they had the best prices of anybody else I'd checked. Their website won't give you any info so just call and tell them what you're interested in. Cost me $12 to ship, $13 insurance and no tax.
 
2 full seasons in the books with my a400 and yet to have the first misfire. (Plenty of cheap 2&3/4's mixed in there when it's not duck season). I also love how crazy easy it is to clean.
 
Another post up for Whittakers for selections and service. Have bought a few from them. Unless you have to have 3 1/2", the benelli M2 is a great option. and less than the SBE
 
Ended up ordering an A5 in Bottomlands from an online retailer for $1299 and $100 rebate. Can't wait til it gets here. I have a few questions about chokes and ammo...will start another post.
 
drrxnupe":x00v5buy said:
Ended up ordering an A5 in Bottomlands from an online retailer for $1299 and $100 rebate. Can't wait til it gets here. I have a few questions about chokes and ammo...will start another post.
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Congrats! Don't have a new A5 but two that were my grandfather's. Love those humpbacks.
 

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