Shotgun Review: Benelli SBE2, Browning Gold, Beretta Xtrema

I've had the opportunity to shoot a Gold, SBE and Xtrema (all first generation models, so to speak). I own the Xtrema so that will tell you my prefference. The Gold is a POS, I borrowed one to use for geese (save wear on my SKB 885) and it was basically a single shot gun. The gun jammed after one shot every time, I had to literally take it apart to get the hull out. The SBE is light, fast and kicks like a MULE (and that was with 3" shells). There is a reason they re-designed them. AND as you have found they fit different than other guns, I tried every shim trying to get one to fit but it never did. The Xtrema is a great gun. I have had 0 problems in four seasons of use for everything from doves to turkeys. The gun is heavier than the SBE but nothing unmanagable and it swings smoother. The fit on this gun was much better for me than the SBE so I actually hit what I shoot at.

Between the SBE and Xtrema, buy the gun that fits you best. You will not only hit more birds but it will be more comfortable to shoot (less recoil in the wrong spots... ie face).
 
Hey supermag, what about the SBE just didn't fit? Just didn't line up nice? What did you experience, just curious?
 
You know, I was just looking at Beretta's website, given the pictures posted earlier about the Xtrema2 and my unfair review /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I called the gun shop and they said they don't have an Xtrema2 in the shop, and I was likely looking at a Urika, "which is the same, both of them being built off the AL391" (quoted by the salesman...nice eh). My own fault for not verifying the tag when I asked for an Xtrema2, expected an Xtrema2 to be handed to me, and may have been handed a different gun. Lesson learned...doH! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif

From the pictures, they certainly don't look the same...one of my biggest complaints with the gun I held was the bulkier grip...and in the pics on the website, the Urika certainly looks to have a much thicker grip/neck at the stock compared to the Xtrema2. Xtrema2's grip/neck also looks thinner than the Gold (which is what I like), so it's a must that I find one of these guns! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Urika:
AL391_Urika_Hardwoods_S_maxi.jpg


Xtrema2:
J391C26_Max4HD_S_maxi.jpg



Browning Gold:
011146m.jpg


Benelli SBE2:
sbe2Silos.jpg


I'm trying to locate an Xtrema2 somewhere in NJ...not having much luck....
 
Don't ya just love the process of making a choice? That's a large part of the fun of buying a new gun, which one, what chambering, finish, ect... Have fun with it!
 
Heh it is fun, but dropping a brick of cash on the wrong one is definitely not a good feelings! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I'll get to the end of this road sooner or later! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
I did all the research and bought an Extrema 2. I would reccomend it to everybody! I had a Benelli and sold it to get the Beretta. In my mind the Extrema 2 is the world's finest auto loader. I have had a Benelli M1 Super 90, Remington SPS-T Camo Supermag, and wouldn't take both of them for my Beretta!
 
Heh, that's why I need to see one...possibly going to trek up to Gander Mountain in NY on my way to do some predator hunting out there...see if I can get a hold of one.
 
The thing that didn't fit with the SBE and myself was the drop at comb. There is way more drop even with the shims than was comfortable for me. The thing I forgot to mention is that I shot trap competitively for a number of years and like to see a little rib and the bead (sets the birds on top of the bead instead of under it). With the SBE, I couldn't even see the bead with my head down on the stock. This sight picture would have really caused alot of misses for me because I tend to pull my head up anyways.
 
Another tidbit from another forum I frequent, where a discussion started on the various guns...this was in respect to the cost of the guns and the inertia driven vs gas operated recoil systems in the SBE2 and Gold, respectively.

One poster had the following to say...thought it was interesting...

Quote:
I just went over to Browning site to educate myself a bit about the Gold...

Without going very far I can already see a number of reasons why the gun Gold's are cheaper to sell.

1). CASES

SBE...Sold standard with fitted hard travel case.
EXMA..Sold standard with fitted hard travel case
Gold...sold in a card board box....

2). Chokes

SBE...Cryogenically treated, 5 chokes...F,M,IM,IC,C
EXMA...5 chokes...F,M,IM,IC,C
GOLD..3 chokes...F,M,IC....

3. Stock...Cast and LOP adjustment...

SBE...Cast adjustable, Minor LOP adjustable, Major LOP adjustable
EXMA...Cast adjustable, Minor LOP adjustable
GOLD...NONE...

4.Ergonomically shaped butt pad

SBE...yes
EXMA...yes
Gold..no

5.Adjustable DAC...(Drop at Comb)

SBE...yes
EXMA..no
Gold..no

Obviously none of thes features are the be all and end all of the shotgun world...However, it does quickly put into perspective how insignificant the Gas vs. Inertia recoil debate is when considering the bigger picture.


 
You are comparing new models except for the beretta extrema which should of been the xtrema2 which the stock and forend were changed to be more slender.
 
I'd have to disagree and say the Benelli is more of a Dodge and the Beretta is a Chevy. The Benelli is a no nonsense/not flashy work gun plain and simple just like a Dodge. The Beretta is a bit fancier and comfortable but still one heck of a work gun just like Chevy. The Browning is like a Ford because both try to be fancy and still functional and just can't get either done well.
 
I like Fords...

Seriously, after this thread I went to Gander Mtn. and handled every one. To me the most immediate feature was the Duratouch coating on the Browning. The coating on the others sucked. Duratouch makes all the difference to me.

To me the coating is where the rubber meets the road. I don't care how good your Ferrari is if it has WalMart tires.... I won't use it to its full potential.

fred d.
 
I like the Duratouch coating too but it doesn't matter much if you put Pirellis on a Pinto either.

One thing I'm curious about is this...how bad does the Duratouch tear up your cheek? I think it would be hard on you with a cold mist in the air (might tell you when you are keeping your cheek on the stock instead of looking up, until you started to flinch in a shot or two).
 
My Cynergy has the duratouch finish and kicks like a mule.
It doesn't do anything to your cheek, even in the snow. I don't flinch.
BrowningBrushOU.jpg
 
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