Winchester SX3 longbeard vs Benelli steady grip

[mike103]

So I am selling off several of my 870's and 1100's that just sit in the safe. I have already began to buy a few more expensive shotguns that I will use rather than several less expensive shotguns than are not used.

To this end I am looking at the Benelli SBE with the steady grip vs the Winchester SX3 with the pistol grip. Recoil operated vs gas operated.

Anyone have any experience with these guns?

Thanks, Mike.

[kcrebel]

I got the SX3 Longbeard XR with pistol grip.  It shoots and points great.  Topped it with a Nikon Turkey Pro scope. Patterned best with Kicks 680 choke tube using Longbeard XR 3.5" #6. 
Have zero complaints with it so far. 
I can't speak to the Benelli but I know many guys that run them so that in it's own way speaks for itself.  I would go to a gun shop and handle both back to back if possible.  In my experience one gun will always feel better in hand than the other.  Mentally that is going to go a long way in how a gun performs for you. 

[mike103]

Thanks for the report. None of my local shops have the pistol grip models in stock. I really would like to handle them.

I'm leaning to the Winchester because of the gas system but as you say lots of guys shoot Benelli's. Duck hunting is huge on Long Island and the Benelli's are popular.

Thanks, Mike.

[Sealbilly]

I have a SBE and I hunt with 2 guys that have SX3s.  I love them both.  They are both really top shelf guns and both have been extremely reliable in cold wet and dirty conditions.  The SX3 will have a little bit less felt recoil and the SBE is very user friendly if you need to strip it down in the field like if you get something in the action like a stick or mud.  The back bored barrels seem to be a little less picky.

Good luck hope you find a shooter.

[mike103]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

I'm beginning to lean to the SBE.

Thanks, Mike.

[RiverRoost]

I have the Sx3 Longbeard and it's awesome. The pistol grip really steadies the gun and points it unbelievably. The action on the sx3 is lightening fast and and the recoil is hardly felt with my nitros when shooting at a turkey( I know all guns are that way bc of the adrenaline tho). The longbeard is my second sx3 and with every penny. The cantilever rail really helps kinda "channel" your sight through the rear dove tail sight. The rear dove sight will also flip downplay w the barrel so that it doesn't get busted off during travel and it's hard enough to flip that it's not an issue with it getting flipped down during a hunt accidentally. Also, the longbeard comes w 3 different sizes of butt pads and 3 different cheek pads which can be interchanged to your fitting. This is one of the biggest advantages of this gun. My dad has the benelli w pistol grip and it fits ok but nothing near as good as the longbeard. GO WITH THE LONGBEARD AND YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!  I PROMISE!

[taketheshot]

I have the Sx3 Longbeard and it's awesome. The pistol grip really steadies the gun and points it unbelievably. The action on the sx3 is lightening fast and and the recoil is hardly felt with my nitros when shooting at a turkey( I know all guns are that way bc of the adrenaline tho). The longbeard is my second sx3 and with every penny. The cantilever rail really helps kinda "channel" your sight through the rear dove tail sight. The rear dove sight will also flip downplay w the barrel so that it doesn't get busted off during travel and it's hard enough to flip that it's not an issue with it getting flipped down during a hunt accidentally. Also, the longbeard comes w 3 different sizes of butt pads and 3 different cheek pads which can be interchanged to your fitting. This is one of the biggest advantages of this gun. My dad has the benelli w pistol grip and it fits ok but nothing near as good as the longbeard. GO WITH THE LONGBEARD AND YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!  I PROMISE!

Thanks for the read. I used to own a Benelli Supernova with pistol grip that I used for turkey. I had an aftermarket comb riser kit but never really felt "right". I have been on the fence about picking up an sx3 LB. I think I'll grab one in a month or two.

[allaboutshooting]

For the most part, I'm not a big fan of those specialized stocks. I've shot them and they are fine but I'm just more accustomed to traditional stocks on shotguns.

I do own both the Benelli SBE, as well as several others and I own the Winchester SX3. They are quite different shotguns in every way but both are reliable and perform to very high standards. They will both pattern exceptionally well, properly choked and chokes are abundant for both.

Theoretically, the Benelli should go longer without being cleaned and I've shot several models for months without cleaning anything except the bore. The same is however true of the SX3. The gas system certainly gets dirty but it keeps on going.

I have a mercury recoil reducer in my SBE and it's really a softer shooting gun than the SX3.

Both of those guns feel right to me. They come to the shoulder easily and feel correct when I hold them. They also balance well in the hand when I carry them.

If I had to make a choice however, it would be the SBE.

Thanks,
Clark

[mike103]

First thanks again for taking the time out and giving such great reports.

But boy you guys are making this hard. I'm just as confused as when I started. I'm mostly a gas gun guy but I hear from so many guys that love their Benelli's. I love a pistol style grip when turkey hunting.

I'm selling several shotguns that are just taking up safe space and I want to buy the best dedicated turkey shotgun. I just wish my local gun shop had these in stock to handle.

Thanks again and keep the reports coming.

[walk20]

Stoeger turkey m3500 with steady grip

[Dr Juice]

I would go to your closest Cabelas or Bass Pro Shop to handle the both of them to make the decision. You need no regrets when you make such a hefty investment. Just my $.02. Good luck.