Saiga 12, Benelli M1 or M2 for 3 Gun?

[nogaroheli]

I've been eyeing Benellis recently and thinking of setting one up for 3 Gun. I've ruled out the M4 or anything with ghost sights. The M1 is cheaper of the Benellis. The M2 may be lighter and recoil less (from what I've read) but is more expensive. And then there's the Saiga 12, about M1 price.

So, out of those three which would you choose and why? Thanks!

[rtr]

If you want to shoot open division get a Saiga. If you want to shoot in limited or tactical optics get an M2.

[Great-Kazoo]

I went from M1 with bead to M1 with ghost, what a difference. For my needs it really helped.

[nogaroheli]

RTR, not being in Open is what has me considering shotguns other than the Saiga (I already have the Saiga too). What makes you pick the M2 over the M1?

Kazoo, I suppose I should try them back to back, but ghosts always seem trickier for me to be good with. I'm happy to hear it helped you though!

[MarkCO]

There are three shotguns that are really best for 3Gun, the M2, M3000 and the VersaMax. There are trade-offs and dollars to be considered with each one.

All of that said, you owe to yourself to get to the range with all three and understand them, shoot them and pick the best one. I don't care what pistol or rifle you have, I can pick them up and shoot 95% of my skill level if they run 100%. With a shotgun that does not fit or feel right, I might only be able to shoot 75% of my skillset. The shotgun is so important to good scores in 3Gun and there is more than just the platform to consider. Ghosts are fine for some things, but not the speed of 3Gun.

[nogaroheli]

MarcCO, That's insight I had hoped to find. The fit issue makes sense, I've experienced it with bird guns but hadn't realized a poor fitting shotgun would have a bigger effect than pistols and rifles. I'll have to see if I can give all three a spin at some point. Thanks for the wisdom!

[cstone]

Has anyone ever shot a TAC12 from Firebird? Seems like a better version of the 1919. Box magazines on shotguns seem like you may be introducing another weakness to a weapon. Tube magazines seem to be pretty effective on shotguns.

[MarkCO]

I have shot the Firebirds. Best open shotgun on the market.

[CareyH]

Have you ever shot a 3 gun match? I would take what ever you have and get out and do it! I see a lot of people worrying about what gear they should get or what upgrades they "need" before they try a match. If you are missing something just ask. There is a match 10 mins east of Colorado springs in January, the 10th I believe. You should round up what you have and come out!

PM me if you need something.