Need a New 12ga 3.5" Auto Shotgun

[Kurts86]

Thank you for all the great first hand info!! Looks like Beretta, Benelli, and Franchi are what I need to look at. Wonder if any of them make a 21-23" short turkey barrel??

Beretta doesn’t make an A400 shorter that 26”. The A300 series has some 24” turkey versions and the 1301 comp has a 21” option. The 1301 tactical is 18.5” but threaded for chokes.

Benelli makes the SBE3 in some 24” options but shorter than that you have to go into the M2 comp and tactical family.

 

[WRO]

With the upgrades in ammo the last decade, what do you actually gain with a 3.5 vs 3” in real world advantage besides recoil and added shell costs?

I’ve spent a fair bit of time behind an a400 and really enjoy them.


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[Ivory]

We shoot 3.5'' BBB and BB for geese (about 300rds guestimate) and it's functioning perfect at this point.

Thanks. I might of had a typo in my last post but you mentioned you like the A300 but doesn't the A300 only shoot 3" shells? I can't find where any A300 model says it takes 3.5" loads. I have found where the A400 takes 3.5" loads.

 

[Ivory]

Beretta doesn’t make an A400 shorter that 26”. The A300 series has some 24” turkey versions and the 1301 comp has a 21” option. The 1301 tactical is 18.5” but threaded for chokes.

Benelli makes the SBE3 in some 24” options but shorter than that you have to go into the M2 comp and tactical family.

Thank you. I find it odd that neither Beretta A400 or Benelli SBE3 have a 21-23" barrel in their standard hunting offerings. Maybe more tailored to waterfowl hunters?? Thank you for the info.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

If you want a dedicated turkey gun, the cool kids are using single shot 410s and tss. 3.5" 12 gauge is pretty specific for goose hunting.

 

[Ivory]

With the upgrades in ammo the last decade, what do you actually gain with a 3.5 vs 3” in real world advantage besides recoil and added shell costs?

I’ve spent a fair bit of time behind an a400 and really enjoy them.


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Valid point. Call me a traditionalist Thanks for the info on the A400.

 

[Ivory]

If you want a dedicated turkey gun, the cool kids are using single shot 410s and tss. 3.5" 12 gauge is pretty specific for goose hunting.

I know some of those cool kids with a 410. I'm sticking with my 12's for now.

 

[WRO]

Valid point. Call me a traditionalist Thanks for the info on the A400.

Sounds good, 3” guns from a form factor are preferable to me (weight and size) that being said I hunt with s 70 year old SXS.

For a strictly turkey gun, the old 870 turkey guns are really nice.