***DUCK GUN ADVICE***
I am in the market for a semi-auto shotgun to be mainly used as a stand-in/nasty weather duck gun. Earlier this year I purchased a Browning Citori Lighting in Mossy Oak Duck Blind and "Dura-Touch" coating (30in barrel; shoots 3.5" shells). After spending more money than I ever have on a gun, I am not ready to take it into the field on the nastiest days, yet. Obviously being a duck hunter, I need a gun that can take the weather, but I am not an "elitist" waterfowler....I hunt public land....no fancy duck blinds.....more like squat in the mud, jump up and shoot!
I have been thinking about getting a Beretta 390 instead of the Xtrema 2 mostly because of the money. I don't care anything about shooting 3.5" shells. I just want the best gun I can get without dropping another $1000 plus (on a "back-up" gun)!!! Was hoping some of you more experienced wing shooters and GUNSMITHS could inform me a little as to the track record of the 390 and how it would handle these conditions/abuse? Or would I be better served saving up a little more $$$ and getting the Xtrema2 in black synthetic w/o kick-off?
I have been thinking about getting a Beretta 390 instead of the Xtrema 2 mostly because of the money. I don't care anything about shooting 3.5" shells. I just want the best gun I can get without dropping another $1000 plus (on a "back-up" gun)!!! Was hoping some of you more experienced wing shooters and GUNSMITHS could inform me a little as to the track record of the 390 and how it would handle these conditions/abuse? Or would I be better served saving up a little more $$$ and getting the Xtrema2 in black synthetic w/o kick-off?
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olrebel,
Pick up a new or nice used Remington 870 Express with a 30 inch barrel! They take screw in choke tubes, so you can purchase choke tubes for waterfowl hunting and other small game. You should be able to pick up an 870 Express locally or on the auction side of GB at fair prices!
Frank0 -
If you have gone to the trouble and expense of getting a quality camo O/U that handles 3.5" shells, I would think you would use it for its intended purpose. A little banging around and mud stains won't devalue the gun much if any at all. We only go around once in life might as well do it in style!
Of course, any sort of rationalization that leads to a new gun I completely understand0 -
The Beretta 390 or 3901 will do a great job for you. I have had my 390 for years and still works great. Where do you hunt the "quackers"?? 0 -
If you can use a pump, take a look at the Benelli Nova.
In my opinion, I'd use the camo'd Citori since that is what you have. AND That's what it's for!! Be a little careful and you won't hurt it a bit!!
Good luck......0 -
I don't see why you couldn't find a rem 1100 with chokes affordably. The 930 mossberg is another option.
I have never hunted ducks with anything fancy. I have always had standard field guns.
Dead ducks don't care what your gun looks like.
If you really want to abuse a gun I would buy a pump not an auto. Just an opinion though.0 -
Stoeger 2000 0 -
Scrounge up a few extra bucks and get the Xtrema2 WITH Kickoff. I got mine last year and put it through its paces. Last year they had the promotion of buy one w/o kickoff and recieve one free by mail(Mine took 6 wks to come in), or but one with kickoff and recieve a Beretta gear package. 0 -
Ok...I figured that when I posted the question that several readers would begin to instantly throw a list of "the usual suspects" (ie: 1100, 870, Silver/Gold, A5) of great "idiot" proof shotguns at me without thought to the actual question being asked (last two sentences of original post).
1)huntsman53 - I have a Rem 870 Express that I am giving to lil brother for the next few seasons....GREAT GUN....VERY DURABLE....will never say a negative thing about a 870. Just looking for a semi.
2)gearheaddad - don't care for the nova....2 hunting buds have one...don't care for the feel of the gun (personal preference goes to the 870), still a good gun. Just looking for a semi.
3)barzillia - i have three A5s(from grandfathers and dad)....luv the gun, all time fav gun!...all of mine have fixed choke barrels (no steel shot)...still thinking about finding a late 90's MAGNUM model with invector chokes....if I can find one, its mine!
4)mossbergboogie - i wouldn't call my citori a "fancy" gun...not compared to most other quality o/u...all of my stuff is utilitarian...i am curious if the beretta 390 & Xtrema2 can take the usage/abuse that my 870 has over the past 10 years
**duckhunter - I spray and pray in the Mississippi Delta
All of this semi business may turn out to be just another "case of the wants" since it was b/w getting the 390/Xtrema or the Citori/Silver. When/If I do get the semi, before it makes it to the duckhole, it will be sent to Birdsong for treatment! Thanks for the advice everyone, I really do appreciate it!0 -
I have a 391 and also an Extrema. I have done more goose hunting than duck so I appreciate the weight of the Extrema. I have had it drenched and not had any issues with it. My 391 is the gold sporting so it has a nice wood stock and not meant for the blind. Both have worked great for me over many hundred rounds. I would look for a good used Extrema. With the Extrema2 on the market the used Extrema's are not that much more than a 391. If you go with the 391 get the synthetic stock. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by olrebel37
Ok...I figured that when I posted the question that several readers would begin to instantly throw a list of "the usual suspects" (ie: 1100, 870, Silver/Gold, A5) of great "idiot" proof shotguns at me without thought to the actual question being asked (last two sentences of original post).
1)huntsman53 - I have a Rem 870 Express that I am giving to lil brother for the next few seasons....GREAT GUN....VERY DURABLE....will never say a negative thing about a 870. Just looking for a semi.
2)gearheaddad - don't care for the nova....2 hunting buds have one...don't care for the feel of the gun (personal preference goes to the 870), still a good gun. Just looking for a semi.
3)barzillia - i have three A5s(from grandfathers and dad)....luv the gun, all time fav gun!...all of mine have fixed choke barrels (no steel shot)...still thinking about finding a late 90's MAGNUM model with invector chokes....if I can find one, its mine!
4)mossbergboogie - i wouldn't call my citori a "fancy" gun...not compared to most other quality o/u...all of my stuff is utilitarian...i am curious if the beretta 390 & Xtrema2 can take the usage/abuse that my 870 has over the past 10 years
**duckhunter - I spray and pray in the Mississippi Delta
All of this semi business may turn out to be just another "case of the wants" since it was b/w getting the 390/Xtrema or the Citori/Silver. When/If I do get the semi, before it makes it to the duckhole, it will be sent to Birdsong for treatment! Thanks for the advice everyone, I really do appreciate it!
Welcome to GB everyone is going to tell you something different. Like it or not it's what you get.
And by my perception anything over 200 dollars is fancy.0 -
quote:Originally posted by olrebel37
Ok...I figured that when I posted the question that several readers would begin to instantly throw a list of "the usual suspects" (ie: 1100, 870, Silver/Gold, A5) of great "idiot" proof shotguns at me without thought to the actual question being asked (last two sentences of original post).
1)huntsman53 - I have a Rem 870 Express that I am giving to lil brother for the next few seasons....GREAT GUN....VERY DURABLE....will never say a negative thing about a 870. Just looking for a semi.
2)gearheaddad - don't care for the nova....2 hunting buds have one...don't care for the feel of the gun (personal preference goes to the 870), still a good gun. Just looking for a semi.
3)barzillia - i have three A5s(from grandfathers and dad)....luv the gun, all time fav gun!...all of mine have fixed choke barrels (no steel shot)...still thinking about finding a late 90's MAGNUM model with invector chokes....if I can find one, its mine!
4)mossbergboogie - i wouldn't call my citori a "fancy" gun...not compared to most other quality o/u...all of my stuff is utilitarian...i am curious if the beretta 390 & Xtrema2 can take the usage/abuse that my 870 has over the past 10 years
**duckhunter - I spray and pray in the Mississippi Delta
All of this semi business may turn out to be just another "case of the wants" since it was b/w getting the 390/Xtrema or the Citori/Silver. When/If I do get the semi, before it makes it to the duckhole, it will be sent to Birdsong for treatment! Thanks for the advice everyone, I really do appreciate it!
Wow! I really must stop skiming over Thread posts and settle down and really read them!
I recommended the 870 Express because of it's durability and reliability at a fairly low cost! However, now that I know more as to what you want, then I would recommend picking up a nice used Winchester Super X2 or Super X3 in Camo chambered for 2 3/4" and 3" shells! One can be had for less than what you probably think as I purchased my' Super X2 Magnum in Mossy Oak Camo three years ago for $650 but with no box at a local Pawn Shop and my' Super X3 Magnum in the same Camo this spring for $750 from a nearby Seller off of GB. In either, you will get a reliable and durable shotgun that chambers shells lightning fast and talk about a smooth action, they are sweet. The only problem I can see, is that the shotgun chambers and can shoot so fast, that if three ducks come in and you try to take all three but don't move the muzzle fast enough, you might pump the three rounds (legal loading for waterfowl hunting, which I am sure you know) into the first duck![:D]
One other note: Like you, I do not like and will not shoot 3.5 inch shells. Although they will give you some extra range for longer shots, they are overrated and do not pattern worth a damn! I can shoot Turkey targets at 35 to 40 yards with the 3" shells and and put 25 to 35 or more pellets in the vitals but with the 3.5 inch shells, I am lucky to get 15 to 20 at the same distance and it gets worse futher out.
Frank0 -
Check out the Benelli M2 American. From your down and dirty, wet and muddy description you would really appreciate a Benelli when it comes to cleaning. Very easy to disassemble and clean.
Mine have been totally reliable through pretty much every condition you can put one through.0
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