Okay folks need a little help please!!
I have and mostly know firearms that only send ONE projectile down the barrel!! Not saying I don't own Shotguns, just I haven't gotten bit by the bug like I did with Rifles and Hanguns.
The question I have ask is going to help me on my next purchase!
Which is better: Beretta Xtrema2 vs. Benelli SBE2 w/Comfortech.
I know this is a question that can be as nasty as Ford or Chevy PUtruck.
I would like pros and cons please!! This firearm will be used up in NW Washington for duck and goose hunting. It will be going from field, to fresh water into saltwater.

Thanks to all,
Smedley

Smedley-

FWIW... I hunted ducks a few years ago with a guy that "thought" he had a lot of money, and tried to "show" it. He shot a Benelli SBE. I, on the other hand, being of more meager means, shot a Remington 870.

On numerous occassions, as the ducks were coming in and the shooting started, I'd hear him cussing. After the action was finished, I'd look over to see him fighting to clear a jam. I never said anything, but noticed it happened far too often for my liking, especially for a $1000+ shotgun.

I understand that Benelli has made some changes in recent years (this was maybe five years back that we hunted together), so hopefully they are better now. But watching that gave me a bad taste, enough that I'll never own a Benelli.

Benellis also seem to be favored by those who want to "drop names".

On the other hand, every Beretta that I've used or seen used worked wonderfully.

Not exactly firsthand experience with the specific models that you are considering, but in my mind, Beretta has it all over Benelli.

Thanks Cold Bore!!
My reasoning for these two is for a GOOD, reliable auto loader in newer technology that will get the job done. Just to let ya all know, I have never been one for getting the biggest or newest or so on... I have however always tried to get the best so it will do a great job for years.
And speaking of that if someone out there can swing me into another manufacturer, PLEASE do so. Like I posted, I don't know about scatter guns as far as who builds a good one and who builds a good one that WORKS.

Thanks, Smedley

I would go with Beretta. I sell both and folks love buying the benelli but I have heard and experiences lots of funky things with them. the least if which is that the way the bolt head turns when entering batery. theere is a spot where if you dont let the bolt slam shut, it will hang and you will misfire(mush easier to see than explain) benelli knows about it because on the M4 marine gun with the Argo/inertia system they smoothed out the track that the bold head pin rides within and its much more reliable. All that being said, beretta still makes the finest mass produced shotguns in the world, would arugue that point till tapture. One caveat... dont get the kick-off system on the beretta..noisy, but effective. _baxter

Thanks BaxterB

Smedley,

I can't speak for the second versions of these two but I have owned and shot both original versions. Extrema has it all over the SBE Benelli unless you really, really like heavy recoil and poor functionality.

Jeff

I've shot and owned both, does it tell you anything that I have to Beretta 391's and one 390?
Whoever said it above is absolutely right. The Berettas are the finest mass produced shotguns available, period. Others are good, Beretta is the best.

I have a SBE I and have never had one bit of trouble with it. BaxterB is right though. If the bolt head is not slammed shut the gun will not fire. So, just let it shut. Do not try to ease the bolt down. The SBE is also one of the easiest guns I have ever disassembled and cleaned. Regular cleanings saves alot of problems.

I had the oppurtunity last wekend to go out and shoot a round of clays witha new benelli cordoba with the comfort tech stock. it was a great shot gun functioned perfectly i hit very well with it and the stock was great, but that was one kickin sumbitch. the berettas are everybit as nice and trouble free with about half the recoil, i have a 391 and would not even consider trading it for a benelli.

I borrowed/owned an SBE and traded it in for the first Xtrema. I've had my NEW Xtrema 2 with the Kick off for about 6 months. It's never failed to cycle. Contrary to the above statement to noise, I don't hear anything from the kick off. The action has a sound I hear but usually only when I'm shooting the light stuff, say 1 oz target loads and the like.
As of now, I've shot about 5000 rounds through it, mostly target stuff. I've taken it on a heavy use dove hunt as well as trying out some turkey and goose loads in it. In fact, I shot a round of trap with it using 3.5" 1 9/16 oz loads of #1 steel. (got 21 of 25 )
I alos have a Pintail in the slug version that I'll be getting rid of as soon as I can get a slug barrel for the Xtrema.
all in all, I'd vote for the Xtrema 2 with Kickoff

I worked at a gun store, and have shot and handled both. In my opinion, the Benelli did a better job at reducing felt recoil. I thought that the Beretta was also more of a pain to take apart after a couple of days of duck hunting (I sold it new to a friend).

I hate to throw another choice into the mix, but I think that the best duck gun available today is the Winchester Super X.

Thanks for everything folks!!!!!!!!!!!
Ended up with the Benelli SBE II w/comfortech in MAX4 camo.
A couple of reasons with going with it were, the fact of ease of break down and minimal moving parts. Also the adjustability for fit was a seller for me.
I tried both of them in the store and I would snag the Xtrema as I would go to shoulder.

Smedley

I think you went with the right choice.I have not owned the Xtrema and have heard good things though,but I just dont like the way they feel in my hands in the store.I am not fond of gas operated either,they will carbon up the tube and start hanging up on the buildup,so cleaning often is necessary.The gas guns do generally kick less,but I am not recoil shy,esp when blasting away at ducks!
I am a Benelli man for some time now after I put my A5's away.All the negatives about the Benellis above may be true,but I am a bit suprised to hear it as down here in South Louisiana,we all use the Benell's and love them.My group use's the SBE I's and some use the II's.It seems the I's work a lil better for us,but some may beg to differ.
Let us know how your II does for you and Congrats on it!

I have hunted with a SBE II. Did not care for it one bit. Bought and hunted with an Extreme2 It will shoot only 3 inch shells (or 2 3/4) to point of aim. It will not shoot 3.5 inch shells to point of aim (1 foot left and either 1 foot high or low depending 3.5 inch brand at 40 yards). I am looking for a better make of gun. I will look at the maxus when it comes out in 3.5 and with a wood stock. I am sick of plastic M-16 feeling guns.

Xtrema2 vs SBE II...completely two different animals per my experience owning & hunting w/ both of them. The Xtrema2 is a heavier gas gun, that seems to kick less, esp w/ kick-off. The SBE II kicks a bit more w/ it's inertia system & cleans like a simple dream. Both guns have never jammed on me, though I do clean my guns after every hunt. My choice is clear for geese & cranes: Benelli SBE II. For ducks: Winchester SX3.

#1 = Benelli SBE II
#2 = Winchester SX3
#3 = Beretta Xtrema2
#9 = Remington 870

I have an older SBE and most of the guys I hunt with have Beretta's. I have seen both fail to fire and or jam, just like any other shotgun if you don't keep them clean they will eventually let you know about it. I really like Benelli because they can be broken down so easily, never been a fan of gas guns however I shot a friend new Extemea 2 and it was very nice. The things to keep in mind to me with a SBE is the rails that the bolt slides down needs to be lubed regularly, if you are doing heavy shooting you may want to consider grease. Also the spring inside of the buttstock is what pushes the bolt foward and closes the action, it is haused in a metal tube and needs to be kept clean. This does not have to be done everytime you shoot it unless it gets underwater or some mud gets in the action. However the gun will function better if you clean the spring and tube every so often. Both of these operations can be preformed in a matter of minutes, but if you want to completely access the butt spring you will need a small phillips head screw drvier to remove the recoil pad and a 14m socket to remove the butt stock from the gun. Also this spring like all springs will begin to loose its stregth after its shoot alot, but replacements can be ordered very cheaply. My gun is almost 20 years old I just now replaced the butt spring and hammer spring with new ones from Wolf total price around $12.00 and the action slams closed as hard as a new one.

Yes,I agree on the Benelli's..SO simple and mine are so reliable...I have had many in my years,but have 4 now and just bought the Vinci in Max 4 Camo...I was not going to,but after handling it and reading the torture test,and then breaking it down in the gun shop in SECONDS,I had to have it! Will shoot it shortly!

Own a small bettery of SBEs.....Love'em.


My buddy has a pair of Extremas - loves them...

...Flip a coin is my best advice!

Safarikid, you probably noticed on the Vinci they moved the spring out of the butt and put it right behind the bolt. I looks to me like that system should work very well and sure would be easy to clean. I like the looks of the Vinci from everything I have seen, i bet it's going to be a real winner!

Yes,I saw that,what a simple piece of workmanship! Feels great and Light(the way I like them-my women too for that matter! )
Even the Sub group which holds the trigger assembly breaks down further if needed.
I will do some skeet this weekend and maybe a round os sporting clays too(and sneak some heavy turkey loads through it too )