jcsabolt2 Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 This should be an easy decision, but I'm having a lot of trouble. I have carried around a Remington 870, Model 12, and 48 for the past 15 years. The old 1950's model 48 is nice, but will only shoot 2-3/4" shells while the M12 is like a boat anchor and I just don't like pump actions anymore. I did a lot of research and desided on the Benelli SBE II, but choked on the price tag of $1200-$1300. I had had to re-evaluate things a bit and am looking for a shotgun I can use for general small game hunting and deer that NEW would be in the $600-$800 range and weigh around 7.5lbs or less. I have researched to some extent the Franchi I-12, Stoeger 2000, Benelli M1 & M2, Beretta 390, 391 Urika and the 3901 American and the Browning Gold. I have handled all but the Stoeger. All of them handled very well, but I liked the Benelli and Beretta the best followed by the Franchi. Any HONEST opinions based on FACT? [ 09-28-2005, 12:00 PM: Message edited by: jcsabolt2 ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudhen Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 "Any HONEST opinions based on FACT?" Implying we are dishonest and inclined to lie..... Go eff yourself..... mudhen - CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcsabolt2 Posted September 28, 2005 Author Share Posted September 28, 2005 Well I see someone has not had their Prozac today. What I meant was that gun owners TEND to have favorites just because that is what they have always used. Kind of like trucks...do you own a Chevy, Ford, Dodge? Why is one better than the other. Using the answer because my Daddy told me Ford sucks is not a factual answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudhen Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 Ok. If I had to pick a semi in the $600-$800 price range, it would have to be a Browning Gold 3". With the rebate coupon or on sale it should be under $800. I own 2 BGH's and both perform well, but need to be run wet with light gun oil. Both pattern steel very well. The I-12 is getting hammered. I put 2 together the other day and was not impressed with the fit & finish. But just like the early M2000's, they may just have a few bugs to be worked out or maybe the light loads just don't work. Even though I'm buying an Xtrema II this year and have shot many, many, Berettas, I still prefer the simplicity of the Benelli inertia system. I've shot the M1 & M2, both are just about perfect in my book. I'd save my money and buy the SBE II though - I've shot the SBE or SBE II since 1990 with no complaints yet....... mudhen - CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcsabolt2 Posted September 28, 2005 Author Share Posted September 28, 2005 Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nodark Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 in my opinion, the M2000 handles similar to an M1 but is a bit lighter, so it seemed to kick a bit more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fattire75 Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 You can buy a M1 12ga for $750 while they last. If not the M1 I would go with the browning gold or the franchi 912. good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 This April I went through the exact same situation. I had saved some money, and was looking to buy a good shotgun, but I was looking in the $500 range. After much research, I finally settled on the Benelli M2 Field. The extra money was worth it, without question. I was able to put the $500 down, and Wells Fargo financed the rest interest free for twelve months. I cannot be more pleased. The SBEII looked like a great idea as well, but I live in Alabama- ducks, dove, turkey, clays, and deer are about all I draw a bead on. Unless you are planning on taking down some geese, a 3" chamber (already considered a Magnum) with a 26" barrel should perform great! Have fun! Buying a gun is almost a fun as shooting it. -Roger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svaurez Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 If you can spend 800 dollars why not just save up a little more and get what you want.Why settle for second best? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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