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So I'm going to buy a new semiauto shotgun. I've got a few already (stoeger 3000, remington spr, and a remington model 11) and I want something a little nicer. I've been looking at the new A5, sx3, and the franchi intensity but not limited to those. Anybody own any of these? Or could recommend something else?
All great choices, I'd throw in benelli as well but realistically find what fits and handles well for you and go with it. The ones you listed and as I said benelli are all great semi-auto shotguns.
What purpose? Bird hunting? Clays?
Given that you listed A5, I'm not assuming tactical.
Checkout the Beretta A400 as well. Great bird gun.
If you want something more functional than pretty, and lots of aftermarket, the Versa Max is awesome too.
Also, as Browning's go, I always liked the Maxus more than the A5. Personal preference. But it is worth a look too.
Benelli sbe 2 for hunting.
Thanks for the info. I shoot clays and do some bird hunting pheasant and duck. I'm not really interested in tactical shot guns.
Only bad thing with the Benelli SBE / SBE2 / Super Vinci is that some people have issues shooting the super light clay loads. Seems hit or miss. Some have great luck, others have to run full power loads to get it to cycle.
The Vinci, not being setup to also run the 3.5" super magnums seems a bit more reliable from reports. I heavily considered them, but went a different direction given the reports on the webs. So mine is not a first hand experience.
My sbe eats clay loads for about fifty rounds, after that it requires occasional liberal doses of CLP or wd40 to combat the powder fouling. But I love it.
I LOVE my SBE II 28"
I can run light clay loads, but they have to be the high velocity.
It eats everything else, shoulders well, shoots soft, and I can slay flying feathery stuff with it and I don't consider myself that great with a shotgun. I even shot my first 5-stand shortly after buying it. I didn't completely embarrass myself, and wasn't last for any round, but let's not talk scores.
I looked at a lot of shotguns when I bought.
I prefer the trigger housing and setup on the SBE II over the Super Vinci. The SBE II is a proven design. The SBE has interchangeable barrels.
It helped that a trusted friend uses one for his primary bird gun and highly recommended it. HE shot 19 his first 5-stand round, and then I think a 21. Smart ass said he was rusty.
I recommend anything from Beretta or Benelli. They are both quite a bit lighter than the others you mentioned, all great guns as well though. For long days in the field chasing pheasants every oz. matters. If you hate recoil give a little more attention to the Beretta, being a gas operated gun it will recoil less than a Benelli. Also most of the higher end autos will come with shims/spacers to put between the receiver and stock to adjust the cast/drop so that it fits properly, a huge plus! I personally have competed with both Beretta's and Benelli's at a pretty high level and both are great guns!
P.S. Any 3.5" auto will have the occasional trouble functioning light target loads, no matter what the manufacturers says lol. Some are better than others though.
Love my SBE II it's tough and eats everything I feed it. I have no problems with it. This is a all go to rifle.
I just pick up the beneili ethos need some eye candy. This feel so much better then my SBE II I love it and it looks so sweet. I'm no expert on shotgun but All the brand you mention are all good. I stick with the B's Beneili, Beretta , and Browning that's what I like best for me. Hope this help.