Benelli M2 or SB3

[codsterm4]

New to waterfowl hunting but always shot clays growing up. I’m looking at getting a new 12 gauge and want a benelli just don’t know which one to get. From what I’ve read the M2 is the most reliable but not sure if I need the SB3 for the 3.5”? Any help or suggestions would be awesome!
Thanks

 

[RockAndSage]

Welcome to the forum, you'll find a ton of good information and good people on here willing to help.

This conversation covered a lot of questions related to a good new shotgun, including discussion of Benellis:

Buy once cry once shotgun for water fowl

Hello, I’m a fair weather bird hunter but I’m trying to get into it more and more. In the past I didn’t go much because I didn’t really know anybody who was into it. My bird hunting season consisted of a goose or 2 and ducks when I happened to catch them while jet boating on creeks. I’ve...

rokslide.com

You might also consider Franchi Affinitys - couldn't be happier with mine.

 

[Wheels]

M2.
With today's options for ammunition, there is no need for 3.5" shells.
I have both the M2 and SBE and have had better reliability with the M2.

 

[fishdart]

I don't ever find myself wanting for 3.5" shells waterfowl hunting.

 

[ETtikka]

I would suggest handling a benelli vs Franchi, many prefer the balance of Franchi

 

[Nine Banger]

M2

 

[Nine Banger]

I don't ever find myself wanting for 3.5" shells waterfowl hunting.

this...

 

[PredatorSlayer]

I second or third or fourth the franchi affinity 3 or 3.5. They are awesome.

 

[randy66]

You can also get the sbe3 in a 3 inch version. I went that route since I don't see the need for 3.5s. After having the M2 and the sbe3, I prefer the sbe3.

 

[KurtR]

Never had a need for 3.5 but when handling both the franchi affinity felt and fit me better

 

[Kurts86]

I would buy an M2 given the choice. No need for 3.5” shells at the cost of less tolerance for target loads.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

Did benelli ever fix the poi issues on the SBE3? We owned a couple and every single one I have shot had a messed up POI. I believe it was due to the stock, and benelli would never own it. It is a known problem. We all sold the SBE3s and went to Franchi without any regrets.

 

[Jack321]

Love both my SBEs. I'll be the odd duck. I love my 3.5" 12ga's. I just bought a Winchester SX4 3.5" for my "backup" over Thanksgiving.

I have a 12ga 3.5" SBE2

I have a 28ga 3" SBE3

My brother has a 3.5" SBE3

I shoot 3.5" almost exclusively unless I'm specifically duck hunting and I like the versatility. Or I'll shoot my 28ga.

My two hunting buddies have 3" M2s and 3.5" SBE2s. They prefer 3" Boss Bismuth. I prefer BBs. I've seen way too many geese get hit only to fly off--and yes, I've watched all the YouTube videos and the gel block examples and the math and kinetic energy. But on the real thing. Gimme BBs. My hunting buddy on Friday shot a goose 3x (and he was the only one shooting) and finally dumped it on the final shot. But each time it got hit with Boss Bismuth. Meanwhile I'm stoning geese at 40+. Earlier this year my dad and I folded two geese. Flying away from us at 60 as they were trying to get out. We walked it off, 60 yds.

You get em in 30 yds, it doesn't matter. We shoot so many geese I don't find a need to shoot anything other than cheap steel for my 12ga and i like the extra 1/4 oz. For my sub-gauges I'll shoot Bismuth for my 20ga and Tungsten for my 28ga.

 

[Gravel Road]

I'm not a dedicated waterfowler, but I love my M2. It's my go-to gun and I shoot it better than any other shotgun. If they made a blued, wood stocked M2 I'd own two!