FIB

I would look for a used Browning Citori. I recently bought a 1980 fixed choke (imp. cyl on bottom/mod on top) that I would rate a 85-90% gun for $ 425.00. Newer models w/tubes are going for $ 600-1,000 in my neck of the woods.

I have to agree with tucker 301 about the ease of cleaning with the split receiver. I seldom shoot 3.5 inch shells but like the ease of cleaning and the option to use them if I wanted.

Thanks Cody for the generous offer. Unfortunately for me I already ordered one from Brownells. Thanks again...Randy

Thanks Tucker 301.

I just picked up an older SBE (1999) that was missing the original magazine limiting plug (you know the one made out of metal with a flat disk on top and a dowel looking piece of aluminum). I noticed that Benelli evidently isn't making these anymore. Does the plastic model that Benelli now makes work well with an older SBE or should I just order a replacment from Brownell's?

I sometimes wonder if the "hardness" of the primer has something to do with it. I had trouble with my SBE2 last winter FTF when using Fiochhi Gold Pheasant ammo. It was very cold (5-10 degrees F) but I lube my firearms with Breakfree CLP and haven't had other weather related problems.

You did not indicate the condition of the SBE 2 or the barrel length but I have seen them anywhere from $ $1,000-800.00. If you provide more info. I could give a more accurate price.

Thanks to everyone for their responses. I bought the M1...didn't really need it but I thought it was a good buy for the price.

I noticed that all new Benelli's (date marked CC) have the bolt proofmarked. I wonder why this just started?

Thanks c rum for your reply. I thought it was a good deal. My computer at work has software that won't allow me to visit gun sites (it's amazing I can come here). Thanks again...Randy

My local gunshop owner found a NIB M1 Super 90, Timber HD, 24" barrel, date code BS (2002 I think) that he forgot that he had. He knows that I like Benelli's and said that he would sell it to me for $ 699.00. Is this a good deal? I wasn't sure since the new M2's are out and didn't know what new left over M1's are going for. Thanks in advance....Randy

Thanks Tucker310....that is what I thought.

I have a SBE2 w/the camo finish and was wondering how you "clean" it. Do you use soap & water or do you wipe it down w/ an oily rag??? Thanks in advance...Randy

Thanks Tucker 301 for posting the pic for me. I couldn't figure how to do it myself.....Randy

Went pheasant hunting yesterday for a near end of the season hunt. The SBE2 did real well. I got my first triple and a double.http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii192/ecirandy/?action=view&current=IMG_0002.jpg

Thanks Mudken for info. That clears things up a bit. Yes some of the turkey choke tubes get expensive quick! Have a great weekend!...Randy

Thanks Hogwild for the info....I really appreciate it!...Randy

I'm confused. I thought Benelli crio tubes were different from Beretta Optima are they? I saw a turkey choke tube marked Ben crio/Ber Opt.... then I saw a Kicks marked only Ben. Crio. Thanks in advance...Randy

Mudhen and Tucker 301, I can handle the replies and I'm not pissed now. Everyone has their opinions and experiences (good & bad with all firearms regardless of manufacturer). Take Care and good luck...Randy

Mudhen...I have read the owners manual and yes I did press the carrier latch. I only had to use the mallet the first time I took the shell carrier out. I'm NOT trashing Benelli's I just don't think they are the greatest thing on earth like some of you guys. I guess that I should suspect your typical response on a Benelli website. Go over to a Glock website and most of the usual crowd there thinks Glocks are the best, go to the Sig forum the same BS. I'm giving my honest experience with this particular SBE 2. I had problems with an earlier SBE2 with a stiff safety (so did many others). It's obvious though by looking at how many posts you have made that you live on this site and think there the greatest. I hope you have a good life. I don't think I'll post here anymore smarta-- comments from people like you ruin a site.

Matchshot I feel your pain. I too bought a LH SBE2 and felt dissapointment after purchase and use. The forearms are notorious for being too tight. I've had a couple of problems with mine not striking the primer hard enough to fire the shell (I've cleaned all parts of the bolt totally) and having problems putting the trigger group back into the receiver (I had to use a rubber mallet to pound it in). I'm not totally trashing the SBE2. I think the the SBE/SBE2 is best 3.5 inch shotgun on the market. That being said with the introduction of newer "heavy shot" type ammunition I'm not so sure you even need a 3.5 inch 12 gauge. If you feel that you really do buy a 10 gauge. I've taken heat for saying this before but I think the Benelli's in general are way over priced (try selling one at a GM or Cabela's and you will see what I mean LH or RH it doesn't matter). People (myself included) go for all the hype of the ID shhoting system and are willing to pay the big bucks. I still use my SBE2 for waterfowl hunting but revert to my 11/87 or Citori for all other hunting. Take Care....Randy

I don't know too much about the SX3 but I own a SBE2 and have owned previous SBE's and Super 90's. I recommend either buying a used Super 90 (don't know that anyone really needs a 3.5 inch anymore especially w/ heavy shot ammo.) or a used older SBE. SBE2's in my opinion are way overpriced. As I stated earlier I have a SBE2 (had to keep up with the "in crowd") and can't tell any difference in performance btwn it and the older SBE. Good luck..Randy

I'm not trying to raise any tail feathers but OldFlicks comment about "never seen an 11/87 work correctly" is hogwash. For about 10 years I was a self professed "gun nut" I can honestly say that I bought/sold/traded an average of 2 guns a month for 10 years (figure out the math yourself). I was never content with any firearm regardless of manufacturer. There are very few shotguns/rifles/hand guns that I did not own/borrow/use over this time period (except the very high end English stuff). I have had 4 Benelli SBE's of different vintage, 2 M 90's and 1 Monte. I felt that the earlier SBE's (H&K importation) were of higher quality that my newest (JMO). I bought my LH SBE 2 in Feb. of last year. I have a difficult time in removing the forearm from the mag. tube. I have also has issues with light primer strikes as I have posted earlier. The Benelli design has some great points but it also has weaknesses. If you sit the gun down on the recoil pad a little roughly the bolt can come back a little and not fire when needed. Initially I had a difficult time reinstalling my trigger group (had to use a rubber mallet to get it back in place). The synthetic material on my comb doesn't fit in the stock perfectly. Long story short...there is no perfect firearm. I like my SBE2 and use it on crappy days and when I feel the need for the 3.5 inch capability. My 11/87 has NEVER let me down. It also is not a perfect gun. It has it's strength and weaknesses too. I'm a clean fanatic w/ firearms and perhaps that has something to do with my 11/87's record. A number of my Wis. hunting buddies all shoot 1100/11-87's and have not had any problems. To each their own I guess.

I guess I'll be the fly in the soup. I think that Benelli's are great guns but at half the price. I think that they are WAY overpriced. If you try to trade them for something else get ready for a reality shock. I like my LH SBE2 but I have to admit that I shoot my old LH Remington 11/87 better. I also feel that Remington's fit me better and I have never had any problems with my 11/87 functioning. Just my opinion...Randy

Thanks guys for the info. I have also noticed light primer strikes with Remingtion cartridges.