Shotgun Review: Benelli SBE2, Browning Gold, Beretta Xtrema
- Thread starter AviD
- Start date
GC
Well-known member
M70, thanks for your clay shooting experiences. I have to question why you wouldn't want the man to buy the shotgun that feels best and fits him the best? He clearly stated the Benelli fit and felt the absolute best of them all. It would seem a clay shooter like yourself would value that. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif
Now, for man manhunting experiences I'll look elsewhere for advise. I agree the average groundpounder doesn't get the best of available equipment. It's the same in my world of Law Enforcement. However, many of the best of the best, the true elite do get the good stuff. And friend, don't fool yourself, they ain't packin' Brownings Golds, Remington 1187, Winchester X2's, ect... Those slings are attatched to Benelli's and that is fact. No BS, just the way it is, like it or not. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Now, for man manhunting experiences I'll look elsewhere for advise. I agree the average groundpounder doesn't get the best of available equipment. It's the same in my world of Law Enforcement. However, many of the best of the best, the true elite do get the good stuff. And friend, don't fool yourself, they ain't packin' Brownings Golds, Remington 1187, Winchester X2's, ect... Those slings are attatched to Benelli's and that is fact. No BS, just the way it is, like it or not. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
GC,
I don't want to start a pissing contest with you as I do value alot of your posts. No harm is meant by mine.
Currently the majoity of the US Military, including the U.S. Marines assigned to the Seventh Fleet, Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST), Third Platoon, use Mosberg M500s. Granted these are not semi-autos but they are not semi autos for a reason. In 1999 Benelli simply won the contract to the US Military for a specified shotgun. The M4 Super 90 was produced by Benelli. In 2000 the Marines recieved the first 400 of these guns. The future of comabat shotguns for the US is the LSS, developed by Colt Arms. In 2004 the special forces in Afghanastan were given these and these are the future, not the Benellis. I don't think the Benelli is a bad gun at all, I'm simply stating that it isn't any better or any worse than other quality guns. As for the span of the Benelli, it has been the shortest of all the US combat shotguns. I am no stranger to law enforcment my friend, I can tell you that our city uses what ever is cheapest. Yours may not, that is good, but that is not the norm. You may laugh at this statment but I have an old Browning Auto 5 that I have shot thousands of rounds through in the dove field, I don't think I could make that thing jamb if I tried. I also have some very nice customs, some of them jamb constatnly. My point is only that some people love to jump on the band wagon because it's Italian made or more to the point, it's not made in America. I think that's foolish.
I don't want to start a pissing contest with you as I do value alot of your posts. No harm is meant by mine.
Currently the majoity of the US Military, including the U.S. Marines assigned to the Seventh Fleet, Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST), Third Platoon, use Mosberg M500s. Granted these are not semi-autos but they are not semi autos for a reason. In 1999 Benelli simply won the contract to the US Military for a specified shotgun. The M4 Super 90 was produced by Benelli. In 2000 the Marines recieved the first 400 of these guns. The future of comabat shotguns for the US is the LSS, developed by Colt Arms. In 2004 the special forces in Afghanastan were given these and these are the future, not the Benellis. I don't think the Benelli is a bad gun at all, I'm simply stating that it isn't any better or any worse than other quality guns. As for the span of the Benelli, it has been the shortest of all the US combat shotguns. I am no stranger to law enforcment my friend, I can tell you that our city uses what ever is cheapest. Yours may not, that is good, but that is not the norm. You may laugh at this statment but I have an old Browning Auto 5 that I have shot thousands of rounds through in the dove field, I don't think I could make that thing jamb if I tried. I also have some very nice customs, some of them jamb constatnly. My point is only that some people love to jump on the band wagon because it's Italian made or more to the point, it's not made in America. I think that's foolish.
GC
Well-known member
I did not take offense and enjoy the discussion. I'm aware of the Mossberg pump shotgun's service in the military right now. I have a friend in the Navy, a former street partner, who is in direct contact with SEAL units. My friend is in the business of getting them where they are going, and, getting them out when they're done working. He sees what they're packing. Right now, as it has been for quite some time, the Benelli is the shotgun. His aircraft took a rocket hit and limped back barely making his base on his second tour to the sand castle. He has a Benelli along with some other fine shooting instruments stowed away inside the aircraft. He tells me of other units begging, borrowing, and "appropriating" (stealing is such a harsh word!) the Benelli's whenever, and where ever, they can get their gritty hands on them. Which isn't often because the guys who have them ain't letting them far from their grasp! When he quit his job with my department and went back in the service I gave him my Benchmade Axis lock knife he'd been coveting with a promise that he return it personally. He's visited twice and brings the knife by each time. Doesn't look the same anymore with some dings and worn places. I sharpen it up for him and expect it'll give him good service. He's a good man and I miss him on the street here.
As you are no stranger to LE, then you should be aware that many of the best "SWAT" type teams on the federal level and within the state, county, and muni's larger agencies do in fact use the Benelli. I've trained with some of these units and after using the Benelli even talked my boss into buying my unit two of them for our special purpose mission of high risk warrant service. Mostly busting meth labs and the bad guys who cook and deal the crap. I've had an on the job shooting and used a Remington 870 to defend myself and stop the threat. I know the value of a good shotgun! Our Patrol guys get the 870 or a Mossberg. Interestingly, I trained with a guy from the Union Pacific Railroad Police who had a Benelli and told me it was the handiest weapon he had for getting around on, and, between the train cars. He had the 14" barrel model. I found that very interesting as they were also issued an H&K MP5. His handgun was a Sig P226. They had some good stuff!
Agree again about LE agencies not buying the best and low balling on equipment. That is the point I was trying to make on the CCW thread that ran here recently. I've been on the weapons selection process as a Firearms and Tactics Instructor and watched as our best recommendation was briefly mulled over by bean counter admin types and politicians. It is a sad thing...
I also have a Browning A5! My dad has one too. I love the old "humpback" and have had good success with it. In fact, that, and an old Remington 870, were my first "serious" hunting shotguns. I killed a lot of gobblers with those, and, started hunting predators way back in the day with these two early 60's model shotguns. But you'll excuse me if I say I don't miss humping that A5 over hill and yon for gobbler or coyote. My Benelli is much lighter and snappier handling, especially at the end of a long day traipsing over the Ozark hills and hollars. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
As you are no stranger to LE, then you should be aware that many of the best "SWAT" type teams on the federal level and within the state, county, and muni's larger agencies do in fact use the Benelli. I've trained with some of these units and after using the Benelli even talked my boss into buying my unit two of them for our special purpose mission of high risk warrant service. Mostly busting meth labs and the bad guys who cook and deal the crap. I've had an on the job shooting and used a Remington 870 to defend myself and stop the threat. I know the value of a good shotgun! Our Patrol guys get the 870 or a Mossberg. Interestingly, I trained with a guy from the Union Pacific Railroad Police who had a Benelli and told me it was the handiest weapon he had for getting around on, and, between the train cars. He had the 14" barrel model. I found that very interesting as they were also issued an H&K MP5. His handgun was a Sig P226. They had some good stuff!
Agree again about LE agencies not buying the best and low balling on equipment. That is the point I was trying to make on the CCW thread that ran here recently. I've been on the weapons selection process as a Firearms and Tactics Instructor and watched as our best recommendation was briefly mulled over by bean counter admin types and politicians. It is a sad thing...
I also have a Browning A5! My dad has one too. I love the old "humpback" and have had good success with it. In fact, that, and an old Remington 870, were my first "serious" hunting shotguns. I killed a lot of gobblers with those, and, started hunting predators way back in the day with these two early 60's model shotguns. But you'll excuse me if I say I don't miss humping that A5 over hill and yon for gobbler or coyote. My Benelli is much lighter and snappier handling, especially at the end of a long day traipsing over the Ozark hills and hollars. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
acefazer
New member
I picked the Beretta 391 Urika. It just felt balanced and fit me well. The forearm is thin and fits my hand well. The weight of the gun also felt more centralized giving me better control. Most other guns I tried felt barrel heavy and overall heavy. That’s just my .02 cents.
I picked the gun because it fit me and that is (I believe) how you should buy yours. Oh yah, no jamms!
I picked the gun because it fit me and that is (I believe) how you should buy yours. Oh yah, no jamms!
GC,
For some reason when your original message came over it did not include the question about fit. Strange. This is what it said.
"M70, thanks for your clay shooting experiences. Now, for man manhunting experiences I'll look elsewhere for advise..."
As you can see, it sounded a bit like you were looking for an argument. You are absulutley right regarding the gun fiting the shooter, there is nothing more important than for a shotgun to fit the shooter. Shooters can adapt with rifles, not so with shotguns. One would think differently but it just isn't the case. I had two of the most beautiful Franchi over under shotguns you've ever seen. I shot and shot those guns as I wanted to love them so bad, but I couldn't hit a garbage can lid at ten yards with those things. As beautiful as they were, they were sold and replaced with others. I've seen guys shoot old broken down shotguns that I would be afraid to pull the triger on, but man can they shoot. I've also shot with allot guys using $15,000 dollar Kolars, and they can't shoot any better than the old man with the 870. So my advice is go back to the store, stand there and shoulder that gun until they run you out, do it with your eyes closed and then open them, what ever gun fits you the best buy it and never look back.
For some reason when your original message came over it did not include the question about fit. Strange. This is what it said.
"M70, thanks for your clay shooting experiences. Now, for man manhunting experiences I'll look elsewhere for advise..."
As you can see, it sounded a bit like you were looking for an argument. You are absulutley right regarding the gun fiting the shooter, there is nothing more important than for a shotgun to fit the shooter. Shooters can adapt with rifles, not so with shotguns. One would think differently but it just isn't the case. I had two of the most beautiful Franchi over under shotguns you've ever seen. I shot and shot those guns as I wanted to love them so bad, but I couldn't hit a garbage can lid at ten yards with those things. As beautiful as they were, they were sold and replaced with others. I've seen guys shoot old broken down shotguns that I would be afraid to pull the triger on, but man can they shoot. I've also shot with allot guys using $15,000 dollar Kolars, and they can't shoot any better than the old man with the 870. So my advice is go back to the store, stand there and shoulder that gun until they run you out, do it with your eyes closed and then open them, what ever gun fits you the best buy it and never look back.
Last edited:
GC
Well-known member
M70,
I edited the original post within seconds of posting it. After posting it and reading it, I too felt it seemed contentious, so wanted to soften it a bit so as not to send that sort of feel. As I did so, the thought about the fit of the gun hit me and I added it. Sorry for the double message, evidently we are both pecking away at the keys at the same time and you caught it before it got reposted.
Regarding fit, as an example I really like the Browning Citori. Except they just do not fit me well in the .20 gauge version. When I throw one up I'm looking completely down the left SIDE of the barrels. Kills me! I ended up with a Weatherby when I went shopping for a .20 gauge O/U. Feels like a magic wand...
I edited the original post within seconds of posting it. After posting it and reading it, I too felt it seemed contentious, so wanted to soften it a bit so as not to send that sort of feel. As I did so, the thought about the fit of the gun hit me and I added it. Sorry for the double message, evidently we are both pecking away at the keys at the same time and you caught it before it got reposted.
Regarding fit, as an example I really like the Browning Citori. Except they just do not fit me well in the .20 gauge version. When I throw one up I'm looking completely down the left SIDE of the barrels. Kills me! I ended up with a Weatherby when I went shopping for a .20 gauge O/U. Feels like a magic wand...
I have 3 browning golds 2 3.5 for ducks and geese 1 for the skeet/sporting clay range The browning does weight more but it will help with recoil and swing thru. I have shot alot with these guns with no problems I think it is more of what YOU like not what you are talked into by salesman or gun smiths If everyboby shot the same thing there would ony be 1 gun company. Browning....
dimecovers3
New member
This thread is interesting to me, but I don't want to hi-jack it. I personally don't need the 3.5 and really liked the way the M-2 looked and felt. Anybody know anything good or bad about it? Is it nothing more than a SBE with a 3 inch chamber?
GC
Well-known member
Quote:
Is it nothing more than a SBE with a 3 inch chamber?
No, the action of the M1 came first and was followed by the SBE. I'm like you, I don't like, or have need for, the "Roman Candle" 3.5" .12 gauge. The 3" does everything I need done. The M2 receiver is shorter than the SBE, slightly lighter, balances better, and is quicker handling. It also has the better reliability record between the two guns. When I hear of valid Benelli complaints 9 times of 10 it's an SBE that is the culprit.
Is it nothing more than a SBE with a 3 inch chamber?
No, the action of the M1 came first and was followed by the SBE. I'm like you, I don't like, or have need for, the "Roman Candle" 3.5" .12 gauge. The 3" does everything I need done. The M2 receiver is shorter than the SBE, slightly lighter, balances better, and is quicker handling. It also has the better reliability record between the two guns. When I hear of valid Benelli complaints 9 times of 10 it's an SBE that is the culprit.
dimecovers3
New member
Quote:
Quote:
Is it nothing more than a SBE with a 3 inch chamber?
No, the action of the M1 came first and was followed by the SBE. I'm like you, I don't like, or have need for, the "Roman Candle" 3.5" .12 gauge. The 3" does everything I need done. The M2 receiver is shorter than the SBE, slightly lighter, balances better, and is quicker handling. It also has the better reliability record between the two guns. When I hear of valid Benelli complaints 9 times of 10 it's an SBE that is the culprit.
Thanks, that was all I needed to hear to pull the trigger on one. I want a 26" and a slug barrel, and maybe a turkey barrel too. Seems it best to get the deer or turkey and buy the regular barrel as they come with pre-drilled reciever for mounts. The 26" does not, best I can tell. Also, noted no option for a factory turkey choke---full only. What's up with that? Aftermarket choke availability?
Quote:
Is it nothing more than a SBE with a 3 inch chamber?
No, the action of the M1 came first and was followed by the SBE. I'm like you, I don't like, or have need for, the "Roman Candle" 3.5" .12 gauge. The 3" does everything I need done. The M2 receiver is shorter than the SBE, slightly lighter, balances better, and is quicker handling. It also has the better reliability record between the two guns. When I hear of valid Benelli complaints 9 times of 10 it's an SBE that is the culprit.
Thanks, that was all I needed to hear to pull the trigger on one. I want a 26" and a slug barrel, and maybe a turkey barrel too. Seems it best to get the deer or turkey and buy the regular barrel as they come with pre-drilled reciever for mounts. The 26" does not, best I can tell. Also, noted no option for a factory turkey choke---full only. What's up with that? Aftermarket choke availability?
dimecovers3
New member
Thanks---sounds like a keeper and very good for a lot of uses. Of all the autoloaders I've felt or owned, it felt the best in the store. Just hope it shoots where I'm looking. Stock shims oughta fix that too.
Squeeze
New member
You have picked 3 fine shotguns. I would think it should
boil down to fit, handiness of controls, and preference
in finishes. I have a Browning Gold 10 Stalker. I love
it. It has worked flawlessly in the dust blown fields
of North Dakota, over the mud of the Mississippi River
bottoms, and in the winter gales of Lake Superior.
A couple of friends have had, or do have, Benelli's.
Some love their guns, and some have moved on to other
shotguns. If you get a good one, in a Beretta, Benelli,
or Browning, you can expect reliable operation, with
proper maintenance. The only Beretta semi-auto I have
had experience with was a miserable excuse for a shotgun.
It was sold for a Remington 11-87 SP, and the owner
is extremely happy with the trade! So get the one
that feels the best, and looks the best, to you, keep
it clean, and you should be a happy scatter gun guy.
Personally I would not own a 3.5 12 gauge, due to
the generally poor patterning, of this too long for
12 gauge round. A 3" 12 gauge is a sweet spot for
patterning, in this bore size. If you think you need
more punch out of the 12 gauge, get some "Hevi-Shot",
with the money that you saved buying the 3" over the
3.5" 12 gauge. If you really want to put more, and
larger, pellets in the air, with dense consistent
patterns, then get a 10 gauge. You will want a gas
operated one, because these cannons do kick. I look
at shotguns like golf clubs. I have a 28 gauge, a 20
gauge(2.75"), a 12 gauge(3"), and a 10 gauge. I pick
the best one for the task at hand. If I wanted a
Home Defense/Combat shotgun, then I would look hard
at the Benelli M4, fitted as a tactical.
Someone did make a good point about service. I have a
number if Beretta firearms, and Beretta/Benelli service
sucks BAD. Browning on the other hand is quick, and
they offer parts directly to customers, as long as they
are not trigger components, or such. My brother traded
a SBE II for a new Browning Gold 10 LW Stalker, and after
running some stout turkey loads through his, he decided to
try an aftermarket choke. The choke threads came out with
the factory choke tube! Browning had it back to him
3 weeks after he shipped it, with a new barrel. They
told him it could be up to 3 months, and he was not happy.
When it showed up in only 3 weeks, he returned to being
a happy Browning customer. I order parts from them
occasionally for shotguns, pistols, and rifles, and only
one time did I have to wait long. It was for a 9mm pistol
barrel, and then they ended up shipping 2 of them which
I got at a deep discount due to their error. So even
when they screw up, they made it right. Beretta/Benelli
service is like hollering into the darkness, hoping someone
will answer.
Squeeze
boil down to fit, handiness of controls, and preference
in finishes. I have a Browning Gold 10 Stalker. I love
it. It has worked flawlessly in the dust blown fields
of North Dakota, over the mud of the Mississippi River
bottoms, and in the winter gales of Lake Superior.
A couple of friends have had, or do have, Benelli's.
Some love their guns, and some have moved on to other
shotguns. If you get a good one, in a Beretta, Benelli,
or Browning, you can expect reliable operation, with
proper maintenance. The only Beretta semi-auto I have
had experience with was a miserable excuse for a shotgun.
It was sold for a Remington 11-87 SP, and the owner
is extremely happy with the trade! So get the one
that feels the best, and looks the best, to you, keep
it clean, and you should be a happy scatter gun guy.
Personally I would not own a 3.5 12 gauge, due to
the generally poor patterning, of this too long for
12 gauge round. A 3" 12 gauge is a sweet spot for
patterning, in this bore size. If you think you need
more punch out of the 12 gauge, get some "Hevi-Shot",
with the money that you saved buying the 3" over the
3.5" 12 gauge. If you really want to put more, and
larger, pellets in the air, with dense consistent
patterns, then get a 10 gauge. You will want a gas
operated one, because these cannons do kick. I look
at shotguns like golf clubs. I have a 28 gauge, a 20
gauge(2.75"), a 12 gauge(3"), and a 10 gauge. I pick
the best one for the task at hand. If I wanted a
Home Defense/Combat shotgun, then I would look hard
at the Benelli M4, fitted as a tactical.
Someone did make a good point about service. I have a
number if Beretta firearms, and Beretta/Benelli service
sucks BAD. Browning on the other hand is quick, and
they offer parts directly to customers, as long as they
are not trigger components, or such. My brother traded
a SBE II for a new Browning Gold 10 LW Stalker, and after
running some stout turkey loads through his, he decided to
try an aftermarket choke. The choke threads came out with
the factory choke tube! Browning had it back to him
3 weeks after he shipped it, with a new barrel. They
told him it could be up to 3 months, and he was not happy.
When it showed up in only 3 weeks, he returned to being
a happy Browning customer. I order parts from them
occasionally for shotguns, pistols, and rifles, and only
one time did I have to wait long. It was for a 9mm pistol
barrel, and then they ended up shipping 2 of them which
I got at a deep discount due to their error. So even
when they screw up, they made it right. Beretta/Benelli
service is like hollering into the darkness, hoping someone
will answer.
Squeeze
Avi really gave the Xtrema a dis, which was a mistake. And dismissing 3.5" shells for shooting predators is a mistake too, GC. I'd never buy another 3" shotgun for hunting, not for geese or predators anyway. If you're stuck with a 3" shotgun, I can always shoot your shells, and you can never shoot mine.
When it comes to predators, Dead Coyote 3" ammo has 50 pellets and the 3.5" has 54, only a modest 8% increase. But 3" #4 buckshot has 41 pellets and the 3.5" has 54, a much bigger difference. February 2, at the Preator Master's hunt. 5:15 pm - 44 yards through thick brush with 3.5" #4 buckshot from an Xtrema 2 KO. Two pellets in this old tomcat did him in. Those were two of the pellets that weren't in your 3" shell.
Avi, the original poster, gave little credit to the Xtrema. It wasn't much of a review. He said it didn't fit. At a gun counter, you can't even load and unload, let alone move, mount, and shoot, the true test of fit. Avi also failed to mention that the Xtrema comes with shims for cast and drop and spacers for lop, and with a little work, will fit anyone as well as any factory gun. Even more shims and spacers are available as accessories.
USMC gave the Xtrema its due. It's a great gun, very modern, excellent recoil control, reliability, and weather-proofing. However, mine needed the chamber mouth chamfered slightly to improve feeding. The Xtrema is also hard on the fingers loading and unloading when moving from location to location, like any other pump or auto. It throws the fired shells 12-15' when ejecting, giving away your hide and requiring policing. I especially dislike sending the shells flying when I'm hunting out of a boat. It also came with only a luminous front site, so it really benefited from the addition of a Tru-Glo at the rear. With those minor mods it was a killer right out of the box. On 1/29/07, this yearling female dropped like a rock when hit at 56 yards with Winchester 3.5" lead #4 buckshot using the factory full choke, also covered by brush, one of the season's longer and more challenging shots.
M70 got it right when he brought up a double. He and I are in a real minority. M70 is one of the only others I've seen at this board who even mentions an O/U. When a new 3.5" Browning Cynergy arrived for Christmas this year, I was not disappointed. It too is easily adjustable for drop and lop. It also has a modern recoil pad, and like the Xtrema, a well-fitted camo plastic stock with rubber inlay grips that have a great feel on a cold day. All the metal surfaces are treated and weather-proofed, nitrided, ceramic'd, camo'd, whatever, and it promises to be not easily corroded. Shooting sea ducks with it will be the real test. It doesn't throw empty hulls until I say so, and then they go straight in my pocket. It loads and unloads between predator stands with or without gloves, without fumbling, without hull wear, without noise, and without pinching a finger. Its action is extremely quiet and reliable. The weight of the barrels forward give it smooth swing on both passing geese and running coyotes. And of course, it's got two chokes and two ammunitions at the flick of a switch. It may kick like a mule, and it cost plenty, but at one check-in I pulled it out to show it off and it was the envy of the coyote crowd for sure. An over-and-under has a lot of advantages - if you can afford them. I doubt you'll find it in very many gunshops for inspection either. It's a gentleman's coyote gun and ought to last a lifetime.
This fat 25# female bobcat was a victim of the 3.5" Browning Cynergy during a club competition on 1/20/07. At only 14 yards, all 54 pellets hit the cat. You're looking at the entry side of a shoulder shot. There was hardly any bleeding and no damage to the fur, pinholes in the hide only. Most of the shot hung up under the skin on the far side and did not exit. A shoulder shot like that with any rifle would have ripped off a leg and ruined a hide.
Reloading is fast and easy with a double. Having the Xtrema's third, fourth, or fifth shot is nice but not necessary. I took a lot of doubles, a triple, and even a quad with an older Beretta O/U this year. Most of them came in minutes apart and not all at once. I keep a few extra shells in my pants, my shirt, and my jacket. I reload whenever. This pair of three-year olds came in about an hour after the cat above, a couple of miles away and also fell to the same load of buckshot.
After a little more than a year reading and posting at PM, I have come to believe a lot of guys have shotguns, and may even carry them once in a while on a predator stand (this is, after all, Predator Masters, not Turkey Masters or Range Masters) but very, very few shoot many coyotes with them. Compared to rifle hunting, setting up in tight cover with a shotgun is a completely different game but can be very productive in the right circumstance.
When it comes to predators, Dead Coyote 3" ammo has 50 pellets and the 3.5" has 54, only a modest 8% increase. But 3" #4 buckshot has 41 pellets and the 3.5" has 54, a much bigger difference. February 2, at the Preator Master's hunt. 5:15 pm - 44 yards through thick brush with 3.5" #4 buckshot from an Xtrema 2 KO. Two pellets in this old tomcat did him in. Those were two of the pellets that weren't in your 3" shell.
Avi, the original poster, gave little credit to the Xtrema. It wasn't much of a review. He said it didn't fit. At a gun counter, you can't even load and unload, let alone move, mount, and shoot, the true test of fit. Avi also failed to mention that the Xtrema comes with shims for cast and drop and spacers for lop, and with a little work, will fit anyone as well as any factory gun. Even more shims and spacers are available as accessories.
USMC gave the Xtrema its due. It's a great gun, very modern, excellent recoil control, reliability, and weather-proofing. However, mine needed the chamber mouth chamfered slightly to improve feeding. The Xtrema is also hard on the fingers loading and unloading when moving from location to location, like any other pump or auto. It throws the fired shells 12-15' when ejecting, giving away your hide and requiring policing. I especially dislike sending the shells flying when I'm hunting out of a boat. It also came with only a luminous front site, so it really benefited from the addition of a Tru-Glo at the rear. With those minor mods it was a killer right out of the box. On 1/29/07, this yearling female dropped like a rock when hit at 56 yards with Winchester 3.5" lead #4 buckshot using the factory full choke, also covered by brush, one of the season's longer and more challenging shots.
M70 got it right when he brought up a double. He and I are in a real minority. M70 is one of the only others I've seen at this board who even mentions an O/U. When a new 3.5" Browning Cynergy arrived for Christmas this year, I was not disappointed. It too is easily adjustable for drop and lop. It also has a modern recoil pad, and like the Xtrema, a well-fitted camo plastic stock with rubber inlay grips that have a great feel on a cold day. All the metal surfaces are treated and weather-proofed, nitrided, ceramic'd, camo'd, whatever, and it promises to be not easily corroded. Shooting sea ducks with it will be the real test. It doesn't throw empty hulls until I say so, and then they go straight in my pocket. It loads and unloads between predator stands with or without gloves, without fumbling, without hull wear, without noise, and without pinching a finger. Its action is extremely quiet and reliable. The weight of the barrels forward give it smooth swing on both passing geese and running coyotes. And of course, it's got two chokes and two ammunitions at the flick of a switch. It may kick like a mule, and it cost plenty, but at one check-in I pulled it out to show it off and it was the envy of the coyote crowd for sure. An over-and-under has a lot of advantages - if you can afford them. I doubt you'll find it in very many gunshops for inspection either. It's a gentleman's coyote gun and ought to last a lifetime.
This fat 25# female bobcat was a victim of the 3.5" Browning Cynergy during a club competition on 1/20/07. At only 14 yards, all 54 pellets hit the cat. You're looking at the entry side of a shoulder shot. There was hardly any bleeding and no damage to the fur, pinholes in the hide only. Most of the shot hung up under the skin on the far side and did not exit. A shoulder shot like that with any rifle would have ripped off a leg and ruined a hide.
Reloading is fast and easy with a double. Having the Xtrema's third, fourth, or fifth shot is nice but not necessary. I took a lot of doubles, a triple, and even a quad with an older Beretta O/U this year. Most of them came in minutes apart and not all at once. I keep a few extra shells in my pants, my shirt, and my jacket. I reload whenever. This pair of three-year olds came in about an hour after the cat above, a couple of miles away and also fell to the same load of buckshot.
After a little more than a year reading and posting at PM, I have come to believe a lot of guys have shotguns, and may even carry them once in a while on a predator stand (this is, after all, Predator Masters, not Turkey Masters or Range Masters) but very, very few shoot many coyotes with them. Compared to rifle hunting, setting up in tight cover with a shotgun is a completely different game but can be very productive in the right circumstance.
AviD
New member
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Avi really gave the Xtrema a dis
I wouldn't say I gave it a dis...I just didn't like it right off the bat, didn't feel good for ME, so I put it down and the review stopped there. I certainly didn't spend much time with it, not enough to know the features or the nuansces of the gun. Why invest more time in the gun if I know right away it doesn't fit ME and isn't what I'm looking for?
I am sure it is a fine shotgun, I have heard much good about it.
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Avi, the original poster, gave little credit to the Xtrema. It wasn't much of a review. He said it didn't fit. At a gun counter, you can't even load and unload, let alone move, mount, and shoot, the true test of fit. Avi also failed to mention that the Xtrema comes with shims for cast and drop and spacers for lop, and with a little work, will fit anyone as well as any factory gun. Even more shims and spacers are available as accessories.
Given this, I am wondering if I was looking at the Xtrema and not the Xtrema2. I didn't see any customization on the stock I was looking at...it was WYSIWYG...and nothing like the one you have pictured above.
I also agree that the true test is being able to load, shoot, move, shoulder/mount each gun...but that simply isn't an option for me at these gun shops...and I don't know anyone that has any of these guns near where I live...so what other option do I have but to go on what is available to me...and that is seeing and "feeling" each one, shouldering them, moving around them in the limited confines of the shop, etc.
I actually went back to the gun shop again today, felt both the Gold and the SBE2 again...I touched the Gold first which is the reverse of the last trip...and it felt good, but again the SBE2 just seemed to shoulder better and feel better for ME...that doesn't say anything about anyone else, just ME. I was able to consistently shoulder the gun with my eyes closed and open them to a perfect alignment and the gun feels great.
BUT...you do have me curious if I am looking at the wrong Xtrema. I will have to make a call tomorrow and verify they have the Xtrema2 and not just the Xtrema.
Again, I wasn't trying to imply ANY gun out there wasn't "good" or "sufficient" or "right", I was just giving some feedback on what my experience was personally, which really has no bearing on anyone else's personal feel or fit.
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After a little more than a year reading and posting at PM, I have come to believe a lot of guys have shotguns, and may even carry them once in a while on a predator stand (this is, after all, Predator Masters, not Turkey Masters or Range Masters) but very, very few shoot many coyotes with them. Compared to rifle hunting, setting up in tight cover with a shotgun is a completely different game but can be very productive in the right circumstance.
This may be the case, but tight cover is the norm here in NJ, and shotguns are all I can hunt with here for any predators (at least in the night season)! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Avi really gave the Xtrema a dis
I wouldn't say I gave it a dis...I just didn't like it right off the bat, didn't feel good for ME, so I put it down and the review stopped there. I certainly didn't spend much time with it, not enough to know the features or the nuansces of the gun. Why invest more time in the gun if I know right away it doesn't fit ME and isn't what I'm looking for?
I am sure it is a fine shotgun, I have heard much good about it.
Quote:
Avi, the original poster, gave little credit to the Xtrema. It wasn't much of a review. He said it didn't fit. At a gun counter, you can't even load and unload, let alone move, mount, and shoot, the true test of fit. Avi also failed to mention that the Xtrema comes with shims for cast and drop and spacers for lop, and with a little work, will fit anyone as well as any factory gun. Even more shims and spacers are available as accessories.
Given this, I am wondering if I was looking at the Xtrema and not the Xtrema2. I didn't see any customization on the stock I was looking at...it was WYSIWYG...and nothing like the one you have pictured above.
I also agree that the true test is being able to load, shoot, move, shoulder/mount each gun...but that simply isn't an option for me at these gun shops...and I don't know anyone that has any of these guns near where I live...so what other option do I have but to go on what is available to me...and that is seeing and "feeling" each one, shouldering them, moving around them in the limited confines of the shop, etc.
I actually went back to the gun shop again today, felt both the Gold and the SBE2 again...I touched the Gold first which is the reverse of the last trip...and it felt good, but again the SBE2 just seemed to shoulder better and feel better for ME...that doesn't say anything about anyone else, just ME. I was able to consistently shoulder the gun with my eyes closed and open them to a perfect alignment and the gun feels great.
BUT...you do have me curious if I am looking at the wrong Xtrema. I will have to make a call tomorrow and verify they have the Xtrema2 and not just the Xtrema.
Again, I wasn't trying to imply ANY gun out there wasn't "good" or "sufficient" or "right", I was just giving some feedback on what my experience was personally, which really has no bearing on anyone else's personal feel or fit.
Quote:
After a little more than a year reading and posting at PM, I have come to believe a lot of guys have shotguns, and may even carry them once in a while on a predator stand (this is, after all, Predator Masters, not Turkey Masters or Range Masters) but very, very few shoot many coyotes with them. Compared to rifle hunting, setting up in tight cover with a shotgun is a completely different game but can be very productive in the right circumstance.
This may be the case, but tight cover is the norm here in NJ, and shotguns are all I can hunt with here for any predators (at least in the night season)! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Hmmm... Interesting thread.
Why did you pick three 3-1/2" shotguns? For what use is any 3-1/2 "best"?
My goose hunting buddies might agree but I'm not so sure. I hunt geese with a 3" pump and I'd claim that a 3" shotgun is much more versatile. Personally, I'd choose something like a Beretta Urika 391 over an Extrema 2 in order to use light field loads. Besides, you pay about $500 for that extra 1/2" of chamber!
However, I think you missed the boat completely. The best inertia (recoil) operated shotgun isn't a Benelli - It's my Browning Auto 5!
Why did you pick three 3-1/2" shotguns? For what use is any 3-1/2 "best"?
My goose hunting buddies might agree but I'm not so sure. I hunt geese with a 3" pump and I'd claim that a 3" shotgun is much more versatile. Personally, I'd choose something like a Beretta Urika 391 over an Extrema 2 in order to use light field loads. Besides, you pay about $500 for that extra 1/2" of chamber!
However, I think you missed the boat completely. The best inertia (recoil) operated shotgun isn't a Benelli - It's my Browning Auto 5!