Busted Beretta, considering a new gun

[chucky52]

Just got back from a Ks CSA pheasant hunt, shooting heavy dove loads in #6 shot. My AL390 split the rear stock. Wow! never had anything like that happen before! I want one shotgun, light for pheasant hunting, walking a lot which will also take a turkey with a 3" shell. I didn't expect this and wasn't considering shotguns. I'd like for the next shotgun to last longer than me. Any good ideas?

[dukkillr]

If you're looking light and indestructible and won't shoot a pump I think you're only good choice is the Benelli SBE or SBE II. 

BTW, where were you hunting, I didn't think our Pheasant season opened for another week?

[Questor]

I personally wouldn't give up on the gun. It's got to be some kind of defect in the stock. There are plenty of shotguns like that getting a lot of use, so it seems like an anomaly. If you contact Beretta and explain the problem, they may replace the stock if you insist it's a defect.

[chucky52]

Contolled shooting area about an hour west of Wichita, Bluestem something. They gotta website. I have lost confidence in this gun, a split stock from dove loads??? Everyone I know has a Remington something or other and no problems.

[chucky52]

In considering a new shotgun, I'm wondering about a side by side. I don't know much about them; but, a light 12 ga seems viable if I can shoot it.

[dukkillr]

There are several posts under the shotguns thread about people's preferences.  I don't like side by sides... to me it too much stuff in my line of sight.  Maybe if I shot one every day I'd get over it, but that seems unlikely.  The balance of an OU is great and they have a certain class in the field but then I start thinking about all the damage I've done on that 3rd shot...  If you're into an auto, I think the Benelli is the best product.  Next on my list would be the Winchester but I have no experience with the new one... just the X2.  I'm always a bit nervous buying a product from a company that produced the 1200 and 1300.  Next would be the Remington 11-87 and then the 1100.  There are several recent posts where myself and others discuss pumps if you decide you'd rather go that route (my personal choice). 

[Questor]

Chucky52:

I had a side by side and strongly disliked it. It's awkward to carry. I think the bad carrying qualities contributed to making them obsolete. A nice over-under is a thing of great joy, though. I prefer it above all other shotgun types.  I think the Berettas are the best of the commonly available ones.

[chucky52]

Maybe it's back to a pump. I have a 37 year old Wingmaster. I just got tired of shucking shells and the Wingmaster seems a bit heavy.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I grew up on SxS's---love em-----they are a joy to carry-------maybe you just didn't have a "properly" made SxS?

My current Beretta SxS is a 6.5lb 12ga----lightweight to carry all day and lightning quick.


Your auto almost sounds like the stock wasn't tightened down all the way---so even dove loads cracked the stock---if you liked the gun---I'd try another stock.

[Brithunter]

Hi All,

     Sorry but this quote just cracked me up:-

Chucky52:

I had a side by side and strongly disliked it. It's awkward to carry. I think the bad carrying qualities contributed to making them obsolete. A nice over-under is a thing of great joy, though. I prefer it above all other shotgun types.  I think the Berettas are the best of the commonly available ones.

     May I suggest that you think about the ways of carrying a SxS. They are easy and comfortable to carry and yes I do use one. It's an older non ejector gun with 30" barrels and 2 1/2" chambers made by Cogswell & Harrison. Also have a Russian Baikel O/U which is OK. Once I get the Auto Five converted I will see what that is like to use and carry.

    Sorry to hear about the broken stock.

[chucky52]

I came here for advice and got some of everything. Somebody likes everything. Anyone know of a good source for a replacement stock? They're expensive!

[Brithunter]

Well sorry but any good stocker can make you a replacement stock to fit both you and your gun, of course the makers  should also be able to provide a replacement. That does not matter where you are in the world either, but in the US you also have other options but not being in the US you will have to find either another American will have to help or you will have to search it yourself.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I'd hit Beretta up for a free one---claiming the original was defective---before you go spending any money.

Its worth a try and the worse they can say is no.


http://www.thecountryshed.com/beretta_shotgun_stocks1.htm


Might be kinda ugly---but the composite stocks are quite a bit cheaper than the wood stock option.