shell waster

Has anyone done a self-guide Alaska Moose, (ie. Two guys get dropped off by plane, sleep in tents and then get picked up, no guide with you).

The luckiest I have ever seen was when I took a first timer duck hunting. My buddy wasn't doing so good the first day, but he was catching on. The second day a group of six mallards dropped into the spread, my friend opened up and dropped four. That's not too incredible, but three were banded, pretty lucky.

I would go with the feeling better shotgun. As you know the Montefletro can't take 3 1/2" that's the big techinical difference, and if shooting 3 1/2" is important then you might want to consider the SBE II (good luck getting one). I don't think you be will disappointed with either. [ 05-12-2004, 10:09 PM: Message edited by: shell waster ]

Hugh, check-out the bad press on the "SBE II back-ordered" forum. You are not the only one that has had this problem.

I go to Ontario all the time to hunt and people are always asking me questions about getting their guns back and forth. If anyone is interested here are my common tips: 1) Register your guns in the US before you leave with US customs, it takes one minute or two. Stop at the border or go into the customs office at the airport with the make/model/serial, I do not recommend carrying your guns in. This will streamline your return when you can show a US customs form. 2) Contact Canadian Firearms Centre well in advance to receive the proper documents. The have a handy web site or call 1-800-731-4000. 3) Fill out the documents before you arrive at the border, or better yet fax them to Canadian Customs where you are crossing, keep the originals. Canadian customs fax number available on the web last time I checked. Cost is $50 at Canadian border. 4) Have a background check done by your local state police and bring it to the border. Make sure you take picture id. If your going to Ontario make sure you bring a US hunting licence, you'll need it in order to purchase an Ontario licence. 5) Borrower's permit- cost only thirty but must be done month's in advance if you borrowing a gun from an outfitter etc. Makes crossing easier but not using your gun. 6) Airports, good luck, I have never went through an airport but heard it takes up to an hour or more at busy airports (ie Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver). Try to fly into small airport ( Ottawa, Regina, Calagary etc) 7) PAL (Possesion and Acquistion Licence) the ultimate for crossing frequently. Requires going to Canada and taking a test (cost $35), Gander Mountain offered course at one-time and their are some testers that come to the US but costs much, much more. When you pass then you fill out another form, send in $60, months later you get your PAL. Once you have PAL go on-line register your guns at Canadian Firearms Centre (free). They send registration papers in a few weeks. Then when crossing the border you flash your PAL and registration papers and keep on trucking. I have personally have never been checked with the PAL, it makes life easy. PAL good for five years and probably will not have to take test again, just send money. If you have any questions let me know. [ 05-09-2004, 08:42 AM: Message edited by: shell waster ]

LeVel 1 - Du just went over the new Shotguns in there most recent issue, but they did not compare makes.

From what I have read, you cannot get the steady grip with the SBE II. You also cannot put the Comfort Tech stock on a SBE.

26" barrel is easier to handle and has virtually the same velocity and ft lbs. as a 28". As Chessie stated the 28" is easier to swing. Have you shoulder the two different lengths? Find the gun that feels or lines up better. If you have a 28" now there probably will be an adjustment when going to the 26". Enjoy your new gun.

I am still very pleased with my SBE factory tubes on turkeys (all I have ever used). I e-mailed around about different aftermarket chokes etc, and yes, they have advantages, but I still think that intelligent shot selection is the most critical factor. Nothing replaces good scouting and prep work that gets those turkeys, geese, ducks etc. close for the easy the shot (just the way I like it). From your description your set up would be good enough for me, good luck. [ 05-04-2004, 11:00 PM: Message edited by: shell waster ]

The malllard action is still hopping in the tip of the mit michigan. I was out Turkey hunting on Sunday and two drakes were dogging a hen. Put on a nice show and I practiced my follow through as they cruised on by. I have seen a lot of geese. Our water is up from last year,hope it holds. Speaking of vandalised nest, I would like every domestic cat owner to think seriously about the wildlife damage their pets cause in the Spring. Leave the cat in. [ 05-04-2004, 10:37 PM: Message edited by: shell waster ]

Thanks Embassy Marine. It's nice to get an idea of when.

Two words, "EN-JOY".

I ordered an SBE II (26" Max-4D) from my favourite little gunstore, and an hour later I got a call saying they're backordered. Does anyone have any idea how long they are on backorder? I e-mailed Benelli, no response yet. Thanks

I clean my guns after every outing. Nothing looks as ugly as rust pitted firearm. A clean, proper working firearm gives me confidence, that improves my performance. Imagine missing a trophy because your gun jammed? I follow company manuals for oiling etc.

Only time will tell. I also wonder how they will hold up over 10+ years? You might want to move this inquiry to the Benelli section.

I think the Franchi will recoil less. Again, which one shoulders better? A couple-three hundred bucks is peanuts when have a gun that feels right.

I typically use 3 1/2" Federal Heavy High velocity Steel. I am wondering if reloading my own is a more economical option? How about with Hevi-shot is it cheaper? My knowledge of reloading is limited so I would need advice on a good reloader, hulls, wad etc. How reliable are hand loads, cycling in a SBE etc. I shoot a lot of air in waterfowl season and knowing I am saving money might help ease the pain....

Thanks for the tip birddog, you are the master of shotgunning knowledge. Remington does not offer, but I never looked into Environmental/Hevi-shot, in fact I thought they sold out to Remington.

My wife has the Montefelto Short Stock 20 gauge. Any suggestions for geese ammo. Steel shot is really not an option. Her choices are such: Hevi-shot #4, Tungsten Matrix #3, and Tungsten iron #2. All have pro's and cons, velocity, payload etc. I have used Hevi-shot and very familar, but have never used the others. I wish Hevi-shot came in 20 gauge #2. [ 04-17-2004, 08:55 AM: Message edited by: shell waster ]

Terror tubes it is.

Chemo13 I live in Indian River. Chemo13, interesting name, are you in the oncology field? I really want a SBE II but I bought my SBE not too long ago and it's hard to justify the cost. I wouldn't mind doing a side-by-side firing comparison.

Bigj The reason I suggested the SBE II over the SBE is recoil. On 3 1/2" high velocity the SBE is not for the faint hearted. If 3 1/2" are not on the menu then the SBE is a good choice. Most people on this form are pro Benelli, try to find some Franchi owners to get their opinions.

Thanks for the input, I think I will try the limbsaver first. What I really would like to know is how the SBE II handles 3 1/2" recoil. Has anyone heard or tried/compared to an SBE.

Both great choices. the age old question, which one feels better,fit pull etc. The SBE is easier to clean. If you decide on the SBE, I would consider the SBE II. My duck buddy has the Franchi, it has never failed and he swears by it. I have the SBE and would never trade. A tough call.

You know your stuff, may I ask the same question as Remymag why the short barrel? [ 04-08-2004, 08:04 PM: Message edited by: shell waster ]