I have a Mossberg 835 with thumbhole stock that I have used successfully for years but I am buying a new shotgun and would like feedback on these two shotguns. Honestly, I don't duck hunt much any more (2-3 times a season) so this will be used mostly for turkey hunting.
A5 hands down. :z-winnersmiley:
Care to elaborate on why?
If I forced to choose one I would go with the Benelli SBE II. It has a proven track record. The "new" Browning A5 is not the same gun as your grandpa's old "Humpback" Browning and has not been around long enough for me to form an opinion one way or the other.
Benelli. But I may be bias as I have one.
Benelli if you are going for a duck gun and turkey. If duck only, I would go with the 3" A5. Price is better.
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I know nothing about the "new" A5.... I do have an old one passed down from my grandfather and never had any issues... With that said I would choose the SBE2 if you are waterfowl hunting because of the ease of cleaning and the inertia system is pretty reliable in cold wet weather....I was goose hunting a few years ago in nasty weather with two guys and they had reputable brand auto loaders...at the end of the morning my sbe2 was the only gun cycling
TTT
Quote from: EasternNChunter on January 21, 2014, 10:39:08 PM
Care to elaborate on why?
We both work about the same way. (No Gas system). The Browning kicks less to me and is a lighter gun. The warranty is better. Plus the Browning has the bigger back Bore in it also. The one I have shoots POA/POI. We will not get into that with the other said gun. :TrainWreck1:
Quote from: 2much2loud on January 22, 2014, 05:37:43 AM
I would choose the SBE2 if you are waterfowl hunting because of the ease of cleaning and the inertia system is pretty reliable in cold wet weather....
A5 is an intertia system too.
I would go with the Browning but I'm biased as well.
I don't think you could go wrong with either one.I would go to a shop and handle both side by side and see which one you like better.Both guns have great points to consider.As Sumtoy points out,the Browning has the backbore barrel which should pattern good.The Sbe patterns good also,but can be a little more work to dial in.The one thing I will add is they're more accessories available for the sbe 2 like steady grips and optic mounts.Just something to consider.I think you will be happy with either one.Good luck!
I do not know if you are stuck on the Browning A5, you might want to look at the Browning Maxus. If you like the Maxus then look at the Winchester SX3 shotgun. Browning makes the Winchester SX3 in Belgium. You will sale a couple of hundreds for the Winchester over the Browning and you have the same gun.
Benelli just due to the history of it and the massive amount of accessories and after market stuff you can get for it
Benelli. 3.5 mags feel like field loads out of this gun. I don't hunt ducks, but it's the only gun I ever use for turkey and with the pattern I have I would be comfortable shooting out to 60 yards. No knock on the browning, but given the choice again, I'd still go with the Benelli.
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I have a Maxus. I sold my sbe2 to get it. However given the two choices you listed I would get the Benelli. I have shot and used a buddies new A5 and it didn't fit me well and I didn't care for it. The Benelli is a great gun, but the Maxus just fit me perfectly and is soft shooting and as sum toy said the Browning are backfbored. I'm not brand loyal and buy guns depending on fit and function, and based on that I'd get the sbe2. If you are open to other choices, then the Maxus would be a frontrunner. Good luck.
I say Beretta A400 just to throw a wrench in it. I have the A391 Xtrema and love it.
3.5" A5 it is. Very happy with my purchase.
I think you made a good choice. I held the two side by side the other day and the A5 is the best feeling shotgun I have ever held in my hands. It's light, the action is silky smooth, and it just shoulders so good that when you go to shoulder it, it seems like the bead is lined up perfectly. Also that finish reminds me of that "in velvet" finish that is on Bowtech bows, which feels amazing. All in all I think you made the right choice.
Quote from: Xcal1ber on January 29, 2014, 10:46:06 PM
I think you made a good choice. I held the two side by side the other day and the A5 is the best feeling shotgun I have ever held in my hands. It's light, the action is silky smooth, and it just shoulders so good that when you go to shoulder it, it seems like the bead is lined up perfectly. Also that finish reminds me of that "in velvet" finish that is on Bowtech bows, which feels amazing. All in all I think you made the right choice.
I have to agree, that's why im getting one two I picked up them all, I just don't like the plastic stocks and when I picked up the A5 hunter I knew she was the one. my tax refund cant get here fast enough!
Would have been my choice as well. Nothing wrong with Benelli at all, but as far as 3.5" feeling like dove loads.... We must have shot two different Benelli's, because the one I shot with 3.5" turkey loads would rattle your teeth! I can't speak for the kick on the new A5, but I will agree it's one of the best feeling shotguns I have ever picked up. I have a 1999 invector plus A5 stalker from the last year they made the old style and love it, but I sure would like to have a new style also because they are quite a bit lighter.
Benelli
Go pick each one up and handle them a bit ,Im sure one will talk to you . ;D
I'd go with the Winchester sx3, i've had benelli's', ( love the way they feel and how they will shoot just about every time under every circumstance) i just couldn't shoot it worth a dang, I've been shooting dove for 43 yrs. now, i shot a benelli for 3 yrs. knowing i was missing birds i wasn't suppose to miss, finally had to admit it was the gun & put her down, have had quite a few of my buddies say the same thing, bought a new A5 last june, heck, it kicked as much as my old A5, i sold it too, I've got an sx3 that i have no complaints about whatsoever.... i'd say check 'em out before you make your final decision.... and the sx3 is cheaper than benelli or browning, but when it comes to price i always think back on what my bossman, ( i worked in a sporting goods store for yrs) used to tell customers, "If you can't afford it you might oughta be working instead of huntin..."
I shoot a SBE II at turkeys... bought an xtrema 2 for duck hunting. With that being said on the SBE the POA/POI is not very good. Expect to buy an after market sight and do some adjusting once you get it on. I will say that I love the pattern my gun throws. Just it dipped in bottomland over the summer so we will she how she does this spring!
Don't hunt duck but I love my SBE 2.
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e163/beagleguy/P5260342.jpg) (http://s39.photobucket.com/user/beagleguy/media/P5260342.jpg.html)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e163/beagleguy/P1070504.jpg) (http://s39.photobucket.com/user/beagleguy/media/P1070504.jpg.html)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e163/beagleguy/PB130067.jpg) (http://s39.photobucket.com/user/beagleguy/media/PB130067.jpg.html)
Would take a look at the Berettta A400 extrema with kick-off. Also Win. SX3, recoil reduction means a lot to me.
Quote from: EasternNChunter on January 29, 2014, 10:35:25 PM
3.5" A5 it is. Very happy with my purchase.
Love the new A5! Great choice!