[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