I’m in the market for a new shotgun. Looking at Benelli sbe3 and beretta a400 Xtreme plus. I’ve held the Benelli and I do really like it. I’ve heard a lot about to pattern issue with them and I’m a little concerned. Problem I’m having is I can’t find a beretta anywhere nearby. I’d like to shoulder one and check it out before I make my decision. Anyone have any info or suggestions? Basically want an all around gun for small game, hogs and birds, also thinking a gas gun may cycle better on all ranges of shells. Appreciate the help.

Give a Browning Maxus a look too if you see one in the store, light enough for upland but really soaks up recoil on 3.5" shells too. I was between an A400 and the Maxus, Maxus just felt more natural for me and it's been a trusty companion ever since. You'll know you have the right gun for you when you shoulder it.

The Benelli inertia system shoots anything I put in it. Gas guns I’ve owned, not so much.

A400 is the way

Scheels is a one stop to feel them all

It’s not for cool kids but for nearly half the price of the three B’s, I’ve been extremely impressed with my SX4. Maybe it just fits me well, but I shoot it better than any other shotgun I’ve had. Also it runs light dove love to heavy 3.5” duck loads with ease.

I would not say Benellis have a pattern issue. What I would say is their point of aim is pretty different than the other brands, or at least they used to be. I haven't shot a SBE3 yet.

I'm a Browning guy, they just fit me better so I've always used them. And I'm a pretty decent shot with them. When I pick up a Benelli, I can't hit a thing. But for folks who are used to shooting Benellis, they're just fine. I'm sure if I practiced with one I'd get it figured out and be just fine with one, too.

Where do you live? You didn't put it in your profile.

I like the Benelli's, they just fit me better than the Berreta's.

welcome to the Forum BTW.

I just bought an A400 with the kickoff system as my new goose/crane gun. I'm an O/U person but I got tired of taking the beating from the 3 inch mags and went with an auto. I shot it surprisingly well considering I haven't shouldered an auto in the last 30+ years. Before I went on the hunt I ran a box of light dove loads through it, and used about another box of 3 inchers on the hunt. Zero issues so far.

Funny you say that, I have a SBE II and the gun will not digest Kent shells. Hevi shot, Remm's, Winchesters no prob. Hates Kents.

I would not hesitate to buy an SBE though, I love mine.

Thanks for the replies. After a ton of hours of searching the internet and driving to put hands on them I went with the Browning Maxus 2. Felt the best overall for me and had some features I liked.

Can't go wrong there. I do love the way they feel. Enjoy !

It's a known fact that the inertia systems don't handle the light loads like the gas guns do...not even mentioning the recoil difference. That is the reason on the clay fields you'll see gas to inertia 10:1 or even more.

OP - Congrats on your Maxus...great gun. I have a buddy who can tear up an anvil and that gun lasted over a decade in his hands...it's a great testament to how well they are built.