Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

So I decided today on buying a 26" Benelli SBE3 as my do all new shotgun. Told the salesman that's what I wanted and he said great choice what are you gonna do with it, I told him turkey for sure, dove for sure, and clay shooting just for fun between seasons for sure, and that I'd also throw in some ducks and quail as well. He stopped me and said are you gonna shoot much 3.5 shells and I said probably not as I think I'll use 3" for turkey and ducks and some light low brass cheap loads for clays and dove and quail. He stopped me right there and said son I'll be totally honest with you you don't want this gun at all, these benellis especially the 3.5" chamber models are not gonna like and not gonna cycle those 2.75 light loads when you wanna play in the clay field or shoot quail. You might consider an M2 but I don't have one in stock. I'll be honest I was bummed because that SBE3 was the by far and away best fitting shotgun I've ever held in my life bar none. I came home and googled it and sure enough every forum I went to maybe 2 out of 3 people said the sbe guns are finicky and they just don't always shoot light target loads. So I'm here now asking you all what your thoughts are on this. Do I need to steer clear of the SBE3? Should I look at a 12 gauge M2 field? I know it's jeut a gun and silly but I'm like extremely bummed by this. I've never touched a m2 so it may feel just as good to me but geez.

If the gun is going to be used primarily for turkey and ducks then I say go for it.  But, the M2 feels very similar to me.  I don't think you would be disappointed in an M2.  Another option is to buy the sbe3, and pick up a nice used  Wingmaster or something similar and use that for doves and fun shooting.   :funnyturkey: 

I had 2 SBE2's neither gun would cycle fully with light 1oz and 1 1/8 oz target loads. Although they were great for hunting ducks, geese and Turkey. If your looking for a do it all shot gun in my experience the SBE2 is not the gun for that.

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I have never once had my SBE2 not cycle any load that I have put in it.  I shoot 1-1/8 oz shot for doves - And I've shot over 4 cases of them in the AA and over a case of the cheaper stuff on sale from walmart without a single issue.  Same with the M2.  Go get that SBE3 and shoot it!

I'm starting to think it varies gun to gun really and it's just you never know if your sbe will be a lucky one or not. I'm not sure it's a $1700 risk I wanna take. Starting to wonder if I should look at only 3" chamber Benelli or try to make myself like one of the gas guns.

Quote from: BobWalters on January 31, 2018, 10:38:56 AM
I'm starting to think it varies gun to gun really and it's just you never know if your sbe will be a lucky one or not. I'm not sure it's a $1700 risk I wanna take. Starting to wonder if I should look at only 3" chamber Benelli or try to make myself like one of the gas guns.

If you're not going to shoot a 3.5" shell then I'd go with the M2.  Same bore diameter as the SBE's.

Remington V3 is a nice gun...is already drilled and tapped and choke selection is endless.  Plus...Made inUSA, lifetime warranty and much less expensive.  You can probably buy two guns for the price of the sbe3.

Don't get me wrong, the Benelli is another class of gun in my opinion and for me worth the extra cost, but the v3 is a viable option.  For me, if I wanted a 3" gun, I would get an M2, V3, Beretta A300 or Winchester sx3 in that order...good luck

Quote from: taylorjones20 on January 31, 2018, 09:12:14 AM
I have never once had my SBE2 not cycle any load that I have put in it.  I shoot 1-1/8 oz shot for doves - And I've shot over 4 cases of them in the AA and over a case of the cheaper stuff on sale from walmart without a single issue.  Same with the M2.  Go get that SBE3 and shoot it!

Same here. Never had a single cycle issue out of any loads


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I own 2 Benelli SBEs and with certain light loads they will not cycle but it's only certain light loads.  To remedy that whenever I shoot doves I just make sure I don't buy 1 oz loads.  Really a simple remedy for me.   Cost me a few extra bucks but thats it.


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Have you held a franchi?
The new affinity 3, or 3.5 is half the price and feels unbelievable.

I had a sbe3 soon as they came out last year. It shot way high and to the left I got discouraged and sold it, a ff3 would fix that though.

I currently own a sbe2 25th anniversary that's a turkey Gun and a new franchi 2 20 gauge that's a turkey Gun.

My first sbe2 and sbe3 didn't matter what you put in it, you could put the cheap Walmart dove load in it and she would shuck em 10 ft.

To each there own, now my Weatherby SA-459 12 guage would not shuck the 23/4 shells with the heavy collar on it. Buy what you want but I never had a problem, I just think an 1800.00 Gun should shoot where you point it and I hope my 25th anniversary does. My first sbe2 was dead on but that sbe3 was a pile of junk as far as shooting poa/poi

Also a browning wicked wing a5 would be sweet get it drilled and tapped or just leave it alone.


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I think I'm going to try the M2 and Vinci because truthfully I don't ever expect to use a 3.5" shell and I don't wanna fall in that percentage, whatever it may be, that buys a 3.5 Benelli and it won't fire my dove or quail loads reliably. I feel comfortable honestly going to the duck / turkey blind with 3" max, and I have heard that an M2 will fit almost identical to an SBE2. What are the opinions on the chances that I buy a 3" m2 or vinci and it handle reliably the lighter 1oz 1290 velocity Remington game load?

It will shoot em just as good as the sbe2 and sbe3 will.


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With the M2 you won't have an issue and yes it does feel very similar to an sbe.  The sbe is hit or miss even though some here have not had issues, myself included with my sbe2. But why take a chance when in all likelihood you won't shoot 3.5 anyway.   My buddy does have problems with lighter loads in his.

Quote from: BobWalters on January 30, 2018, 11:57:13 PM
So I decided today on buying a 26" Benelli SBE3 as my do all new shotgun. Told the salesman that's what I wanted and he said great choice what are you gonna do with it, I told him turkey for sure, dove for sure, and clay shooting just for fun between seasons for sure, and that I'd also throw in some ducks and quail as well. He stopped me and said are you gonna shoot much 3.5 shells and I said probably not as I think I'll use 3" for turkey and ducks and some light low brass cheap loads for clays and dove and quail. He stopped me right there and said son I'll be totally honest with you you don't want this gun at all, these benellis especially the 3.5" chamber models are not gonna like and not gonna cycle those 2.75 light loads when you wanna play in the clay field or shoot quail. You might consider an M2 but I don't have one in stock. I'll be honest I was bummed because that SBE3 was the by far and away best fitting shotgun I've ever held in my life bar none. I came home and googled it and sure enough every forum I went to maybe 2 out of 3 people said the sbe guns are finicky and they just don't always shoot light target loads. So I'm here now asking you all what your thoughts are on this. Do I need to steer clear of the SBE3? Should I look at a 12 gauge M2 field? I know it's jeut a gun and silly but I'm like extremely bummed by this. I've never touched a m2 so it may feel just as good to me but geez.

If you're not sure if you'll ever want a 3.5" get the 3.5" and have it so you don't regret it. I have a SBE3 and love it. It's my turkey gun and everything gun as well. I don't shoot 3.5" anymore and I've put 150 or so rounds through it with  about 20 being 3.5" 40 being 3" and the rest were target load 2 3/4. I've read people talking about the cycling of the lighter shells but I've also read that if you break it in with 3.5" shells then you're good to go. Also, if you do happen to have an issue benelli will pay both way shipping to have it shipped to them to fix it.  I can't speak to poa b/c I use a ff3.


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My M2 doesn't like light loads.  Neither does my SV or M1S90.    They all hit high.  I still like my 'Nelli's the best.  I don't bother with shooting skeet.  Lightest loads I shoot are Rio 1350 at dove birds.  No problems atol.

Both my Benelli's (SBEII and M2 20) shoot pretty much perfect, if anything maybe 60/40. Never had issues cycling light loads either. If I was buying another and had no intentions of shooting 3 1/2" loads, I would not hesitate to just go with the M2. I feel like they handle pretty much identical.

Quote from: BigPimpin on February 01, 2018, 05:39:31 AM
My M2 doesn't like light loads.  Neither does my SV or M1S90.    They all hit high.  I still like my 'Nelli's the best.  I don't bother with shooting skeet.  Lightest loads I shoot are Rio 1350 at dove birds.  No problems atol.

Doesn't like light loads because they hit high or because they have cycle issues? Or both?

Another reason guys have trouble with a sbe2 cycling light loads Is because there snapping the trigger before the gun in shouldered not allowing the stock to be against anything solid, causing the inertia system not to work properly. Kinda like limp wristing a hand gun. I suppose this is why I have never had a problem with any benelli or franchi.

Every product has a negative review and it's funny because all you always hear is the negative.




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Quote from: BottomLand54 on February 01, 2018, 12:15:30 PM
Another reason guys have trouble with a sbe2 cycling light loads Is because there snapping the trigger before the gun in shouldered not allowing the stock to be against anything solid, causing the inertia system not to work properly. Kinda like limp wristing a hand gun. I suppose this is why I have never had a problem with any benelli or franchi.

Every product has a negative review and it's funny because all you always hear is the negative.




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Great comment! I agree

Personally I think the M2 feels much different then the SBE. The spring and action are not as crisp to me, the top of the receiver doesn't come off like the SBE making cleaning a big harder to name a few. Again it's your gun but I went with the SBE even though I don't shoot 3.5 Incase I ever decide to and the long term resell is better


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So went to the gun store today and tried out 6 different shotguns with both 26 and 28 barrels. I had a store associate helping me and we were both in agreement that the Benelli M2 with 26" barrel was the perfect fit as far as off the shelf fit goes. I decided I wanted it in the realtree apg camo pattern as well which is product code 11108. Here in lies my maybe problem / concern. There was one in stock at the dealer, well I'm not quite financially ready to buy yet as when my shotgun journey started I was planning and hoping to just spend about $700 on either a V3 or A300 and the Benelli new runs 1200, but out of them all right off the shelf the Benelli feels amazing in every way shape and form. Yes guns come with shims and can be adjusted, but with the Benelli fitting so we'll just as is it's the one I want just not financially ready to double my expense yet. I came home to price check online dealers and it is sold out practically everywhere. Has the m2 or atleast the m2 in realtree apg being phased out or discontinued? I still see it on benellis website, however it's kinda concerning that it's sold out unavailable most places and that my dealer only has one left.

They havnt got the new orders yet they are mailing them out as we speak. Benelli fills its orders after shot shot most of the time. So that being said that is probaly a last years m2 which doesn't matter, except the fact that you need to get a little cheaper in my opinion. Also was it already drilled and tapped on top of the barrel/receiver?


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I think all current M2 are drilled and tapped...will the gun store allow lay away?  Great choice btw.

Just an option but buy black and have it dipped or cerekoted in what you want. The aftermarket dips are better quality and usually even cheaper. That's what I did with my SBE2 and couldn't be happier


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Quote from: BottomLand54 on February 03, 2018, 07:35:02 AM
They havnt got the new orders yet they are mailing them out as we speak. Benelli fills its orders after shot shot most of the time. So that being said that is probaly a last years m2 which doesn't matter, except the fact that you need to get a little cheaper in my opinion. Also was it already drilled and tapped on top of the barrel/receiver?


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It is not drilled and tapped, which doesn't matter to me as I wouldn't be putting any optics on it anyway. It's my understanding, which could be incorrect, that the m2 field steady grip models with 24" barrel is the only field model that comes ready for optics. This one is the regular model #11108 26" barrel

They usually have plastic plugs that are barely visible, see below:

Off Benelli website:

Additional Specifications

Magazine Capacity: 3+1

Chokes: Crio® C, Crio® IC, Crio® M, Crio® IM, Crio® F

Type of Sights: Red-Bar Front

Length of Pull: 14-3/8?

Drop at Heel: 2-3/8"

Drop at Comb: 1-3/8?

Minimum Recommended Load: 3-dram, 1-1/8 oz. loads

Receiver drilled and tapped for 93A Weaver base.

Quote from: CrustyRusty on February 03, 2018, 06:07:40 PM
They usually have plastic plugs that are barely visible, see below:

Off Benelli website:

Additional Specifications

Magazine Capacity: 3+1

Chokes: Crio® C, Crio® IC, Crio® M, Crio® IM, Crio® F

Type of Sights: Red-Bar Front

Length of Pull: 14-3/8?

Drop at Heel: 2-3/8"

Drop at Comb: 1-3/8?

Minimum Recommended Load: 3-dram, 1-1/8 oz. loads

Receiver drilled and tapped for 93A Weaver base.

They weren't there. Must be an older model or something. It's listed as an 11108 Benelli 12 gauge 26" barrel realtree apg. Doesn't matter to me though as I never would have used them anyway

Quote from: BobWalters on February 03, 2018, 07:29:45 PM

Quote from: CrustyRusty on February 03, 2018, 06:07:40 PM
They usually have plastic plugs that are barely visible, see below:

Off Benelli website:

Additional Specifications

Magazine Capacity: 3+1

Chokes: Crio C, Crio IC, Crio M, Crio IM, Crio F

Type of Sights: Red-Bar Front

Length of Pull: 14-3/8?

Drop at Heel: 2-3/8"

Drop at Comb: 1-3/8?

Minimum Recommended Load: 3-dram, 1-1/8 oz. loads

Receiver drilled and tapped for 93A Weaver base.

They weren't there. Must be an older model or something. It's listed as an 11108 Benelli 12 gauge 26" barrel realtree apg. Doesn't matter to me though as I never would have used them anyway

I'd offer 950 otd or 1000.00 or get a brand new one that's drilled and tapped to me it's worth it if later on you want to use an optic. Just my honest opinion I have never ever paid map pricing on a benelli or franchi even after taxes and or a transfer fee. They are great guns. But the older guns were not drilled and tapped I think all new m2 and sbe2s and sbe 3s are drilled and tapped and all the new franchi 3s and 3.5s are drilled and tapped. Franchi for some reason has better camo dip I don't know why that is. Benelli does struggle on their dipping process. I love there guns though.


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Quote from: BottomLand54 on February 03, 2018, 11:25:20 PM

Quote from: BobWalters on February 03, 2018, 07:29:45 PM

Quote from: CrustyRusty on February 03, 2018, 06:07:40 PM
They usually have plastic plugs that are barely visible, see below:

Off Benelli website:

Additional Specifications

Magazine Capacity: 3+1

Chokes: Crio C, Crio IC, Crio M, Crio IM, Crio F

Type of Sights: Red-Bar Front

Length of Pull: 14-3/8?

Drop at Heel: 2-3/8"

Drop at Comb: 1-3/8?

Minimum Recommended Load: 3-dram, 1-1/8 oz. loads

Receiver drilled and tapped for 93A Weaver base.

They weren't there. Must be an older model or something. It's listed as an 11108 Benelli 12 gauge 26" barrel realtree apg. Doesn't matter to me though as I never would have used them anyway

I'd offer 950 otd or 1000.00 or get a brand new one that's drilled and tapped to me it's worth it if later on you want to use an optic. Just my honest opinion I have never ever paid map pricing on a benelli or franchi even after taxes and or a transfer fee. They are great guns. But the older guns were not drilled and tapped I think all new m2 and sbe2s and sbe 3s are drilled and tapped and all the new franchi 3s and 3.5s are drilled and tapped. Franchi for some reason has better camo dip I don't know why that is. Benelli does struggle on their dipping process. I love there guns though.


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What about the chokes that come with it? Are they good or junk or does it vary person to person and shell to shell? Just wondering if I'm gonna have to add chokes to the budget or if the crio chokes will work well? Wonder how old this gun is to be brand new yet not drilled and tapped? It's listed as an 11108 which is the same current number on benellis website.

Crio chokes are good. They are flush chokes, which there is nothing wrong with that. If you are going to shoot tss you may want to try the factory crio full choke.

Allot guys do complain about poa/poi however if they would put there factory full choke in the gun will shoot close the center most of the time. The benellis have a tight bore construction and sometimes going to placing aftermarket extended chokes it messes with the poa/poi I always recommend shooting the factory full first with it and see what it does. Guys buy sbe2, and sbe3 and go to the river or pond and smoke ducks with factory modified chokes. We are blessed to have all the choke manufactures we do.

I am running a sumtoy .665 out of my sbe2 however I havnt shot Gun yet it is brand new. I am running a red dot, however I do hope the Gun shoots dead on.

My Franchi Affinity 3 20 gauge I am also running a sumtoy 562.5 in it and have not shot it yet either it's brand new.

I found out of my last sbe2 that the Indian creek .665 worked best but out of sbe3 it didn't matter what you shot it needed a red dot it was just that Gun, however with factory choke it shot closer to poa/poi.

Try to factory full crio and then go from there. Listen there was a guy near me on armslist who had a brand new steady grip apg m2 in case for 800.00 there is a place somewhere online that had them for sale for 900.00 free shipping. Also they were already drilled and tapped.


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I'd like to have a really good poi and choke for dove/quail (always used old guns with non screw in ic barrels which I never patterned them), a good turkey choke, and a good steel rated waterfowl choke. Whether any of these crio flush Benelli fit the bill idk, but I kinda hope they do cause one less expense.

Benelli crio chokes are excellent chokes. And you get 5 with a sbe2 or sbe3 and extended chokes with the 25th anniversary 2 hey man if you can compromise and use a 28" Barrel you can find some deal on some sbe2s


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The reason I was so set on 26 is it just felt the best in my hands and it's right between a 24 that a lot of people around here anyway like for turkey and a 28 for waterfowl. I looked at a used sbe2 with a 28 on Saturday. Not sure how old it was but man that thing had been enjoyed. Camo was flat wore out on it. Lots and lots and lots of black showing through on all the wear areas like the forearm. Still had $850 on it.

Another quick question I know it's debated whether benellis will fire target loads some do some don't, we've been back and forth on it in this post. My question is will the Winchester AA super sport 2 3/4 shell 3 1/4 dram 1300 velocity 1 1/8oz be strong or "hot" enough to follow's benellis in book recommendation for the first 3-4 boxes of shells being "standard hunting cartridges" or should I look to something stronger just to be safe and insure that I won't be one of those with cycling issues with light target loads? Again not looking for a debate whether benellis need breaking in or whether they will fire light loads just going by the book with the gun will those shells be enough for breaking in or do I need something heavier and hotter?

I think those loads should cycle just fine. I have a Vinci, and it cycles everything I've ever put in it, including some pretty light loads. An m2 should have no problems as well. the crio chokes pattern pretty good,  the improved cylinder or mod works well for doves and ducks. For turkey you may want to go to an aftermarket choke, depending on what ammo and what range you want to shoot. A 26" barrel m2 would be a very versatile gun that will provide years of enjoyment.

It will shoot 2.5 inch shells if you put em in it.

If you get a lemon ship it back and they will fix it or send you a brand new gun. I have a brand new never shot sbe2 if you live close to me I will let your shoot it first and we will fill it up with cheap Walmart dove loads and let you hammer em.

Bob where do you live?


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I bought the SBE2 in Black and love it. However, a Benelli blued receiver will rust on you very quickly so don't leave it wet for an extended period. The dipped guns seem to have the camo finish rub off easily too and I don't like the look of worn off camo.

Just wanting to go by the book with this one and run 3-4 hotter boxes of loads through it to make sure it breaks in properly. I know some here say Benelli will cycle everything but I do know people personally and I know people through online forums that have cycling issues with this guns and I'm doing what I can to avoid it by following the book perfectly before I use any light load shells.

Quote from: BobWalters on February 05, 2018, 10:38:01 AM
Just wanting to go by the book with this one and run 3-4 hotter boxes of loads through it to make sure it breaks in properly. I know some here say Benelli will cycle everything but I do know people personally and I know people through online forums that have cycling issues with this guns and I'm doing what I can to avoid it by following the book perfectly before I use any light load shells.

That is what I did. I took it as an opportunity to pattern test different brands of turkey loads and in the meantime "broke in" the benelli


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I load it up and shoot it


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How often does everyone remove and clean / oil the recoil spring and tube in the stock? Not sure about the sbe models but the M2 everyone is talking needing a vice and a heat gun to get the nut loose to even get the spring out. I have no vice or heat gun. Should I clean that on a new gun like I would the rest of the gun to get the factory stuff off of it or?