Italian Spoons?

[gt350mike]

Christmas is just around the corner and I'm considering a shotgun for my son but not too sure what to buy. He already has a Remington 1100 which is great for upland birds and clay pigeons, but he needs a little more for duck hunting. Last year he talked about buying a Benelli so he could shoot 3" shells, but he can't seem to ante up when it's time to write the check. He has discovered its cheaper to use my Browning BPS which is fine with me, but he hates to borrow my "stuff" all of the time.

I've started looking at the Benellis and was somewhat surprised to find they offer several different automatics. I've narrowed the choices down to the Super Vinci, Vinci, Super Black Eagle, M2, and the American Series. My goal is to find a shotgun he could take hunting regardless if it was shooting 2 3/4" dove loads or 3" magnums for ducks, but I have no idea what to buy.

I'm leaning toward the M2 or the American Series based mainly on price, but I wanted to get y'all take on the choices.

[aigel]

I would go with the M2 Field. I have eyed a 20 ga for a long time. I may go with the ultra light instead (in 12 ga) and have a good combo duck / upland as well.

G

[JAR0023]

I bought a left hand Super Black Eagle as soon as they came out. That was over ten seasons ago. Without a doubt the simplest, most reliable shotgun I have ever owned. It will be the last one I ever get rid of. Mud, snow, ice, more mud, you name it I've put the SBE through and it has never missed a beat. So many other semis seemed to have their weight out front. The Benellis have their weight more between the hands so to me the mount and swing more like a nice O/U than your typical duck gun.

If all he ever intends to shoot is 3" then go for the M2 or find an older M1 super 90.

-J

[id10t]

While the Benelis and such are nice, for pure utility and variable length shells I'd look at either a Mossberg 500 (2 3/4" or 3" shells) or the 835 if you want to go up to 3 1/2" 12 ga shells.

Or, the equivalent from Remington in hte 870 line, or Winchester 1200/1300.

[targa911S]

My sister busts ducks with her Benelli super black eagle. She loves it.

[badcar]

I have a Benelli Montefeltro for the past 15 years. It has been from duck blinds to upland in South Dakota. It has NEVER failed.

[aigel]

I have a lot of hunting buddies happy with their Benelli autos.

Sorry for highjacking, since all the relevant gun guys are now subscribed to this thread - albeit close to the topic: Anyone here have any experience with the Benelli ultra light? Santa may bring one to my house but I am not sure if I should ask him for the 20 ga vs. 12 ga and what barrel lenght (I think the 12 you can get in 24 vs. 26")?

It'd be nice to have an all around gun (upland + duck), on the other hand, saving some more weight on designated 20 for upland would also be nice.

G

[vash]

didnt Remington come up with a high performing duck gun like the benelli?

i have a Benelli super black, but my stepdad fired it and i never got it back..i may never see that thing..it is with my brother now.

[gt350mike]

The feedback reaffirms my assumptions. When he asked me what to buy, my advice was simple; consider the shotgun to be an investment (it only goes up in value) and get the shotgun you really want. Sorta like getting married…...get the one you want so you’re not busy looking at other shotguns wishing you had got that one instead. The only difference is after you become more established and have extra cash, then you can add to your collection, which I don’t recommend married guys (wives/girlfriends, not spoons).

Can anyone explain the difference between the Vinci, Eagle, M2 and American models? I presume the main difference between the M2 and the Eagle is the max shell size (3" and 3 1/2" respectively), but I know nothing of the Vinci’s or the American.

[JAR0023]

You are right on the M2 vs. SBE. M2 is 3" max and SBE2 is 3.5" max. The SBE has the upper part of the receiver integral to the barrel but the action is essentially the same.

I didn't know what the American was so I looked it up last night. Benelli talks about them being more affordable. Looking at the photos the seem to have simple stocks similar the the original M1/SBE. Maybe they don't crio treat the barrels. Same action, still goes bang.

The Vinci is the newest tech. IIRC they have moved the recoil spring out of the stock and either into the receiver or around the magazine tube. You can break the gun down at the wrist(just behind the receiver). I haven't paid much attention to them since they first came out as I have no intention of upgrading.

When Benelli moved from M1/SBE1 to the M2/SBE2 they enlarged the trigger guard, added the recoil reducing stock, extended the choke length and IIRC crio treat the barrels.

Benelli bore diameter is smaller that normal. It can be tough getting large shot to pattern just right. Plenty of companies making longer chokes for the originals and it worked so Benelli added that feature.

I shoot 3.5" heavy duck and goose loads. I tried the mercury recoil reducer but felt it added too much weight to the rear of the gun. I ended up with an X-Coil recoil pad. About as effective as the mercury reducer without all the weight.

-J

[JAR0023]

Originally Posted by vash

didnt Remington come up with a high performing duck gun like the benelli?

i have a Benelli super black, but my stepdad fired it and i never got it back..i may never see that thing..it is with my brother now.

Remington, a few years ago tried a bottom ejecting semi. If it had worked it would have been sweet. It didn't and dropped out of production quick. They do have a newer gas operated semi that is supposed to cycle 2.75 up to 3.5" shells. I remember seeing them when the ads first appears and thinking it would be a nice gun. I've not seen on in the field.

I'm stepping up my game this year. My Dad gave me a Browning BPS 10ga for my birthday. It'll have a spot next to the SBE in the blind but stay loaded for geese.

-J