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Inertia vs. Gas Operating

hambaxter
Two main topics here...

First, you thought on Inertia vs. Gas Operation...

Second, Beretta vs. Benelli - may relate to question #1.

Last, what's the Benelli comparable to the Beretta AL391? I'm looking for a 3" 20ga...any recommendations would be much appreciated.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • bambihunter
    The inertia system is SLIGHTLY more finicky in my experience. What I mean by that is you can't shoot the very lightest loads, at least in my 3.5" chambered Benelli Super Black Eagle. However, I can use ANY 1 1/8 oz. field loads (even the el-cheapo's) all the way to the 3.5" mags with NO adjustments and the best part is the inertia system doesn't hardly get dirty and can be completely cleaned in minutes (I mean to the point that it looks unfired inside - try that with any gas gun).
    Also, I've had an occasional problem with gas guns in real cold or inclimate weather.
    If you only need a 3" chamber instead of the 3.5", I'd bet you wouldn't have the 1 1/8 oz restriction my SBE has. I do like the capability to shoot the longer shells even though I've only shot a couple of boxes of them in the ~13 years I've had my SBE.

    I have said it before, and it is the honest truth, my Benelli Super Black Eagle will honestly be the very last gun I would sell. It is so versatile I can use it for ALL of my hunting needs, I could even get a slug barrel for it, as well as use it for all my wingshooting needs. Heck, a person could even get a short barrel and use it for home defense if desired. In fact, I have liked the Benelli so much, that the ONLY repeatable shotguns I own is the Benelli SBE and a Remington 1100 .410 for my wife.

    In closing, the Beretta is a very fine firearm. I've got several Beretta's for various things, and have shot my friends Beretta shotguns a lot just to see which one I like better.

    If you're anywhere near Oklahoma City, OK, I'll gladly take ya to the skeet range and let you test out my SBE...
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  • Mooseyard
    I have to agree with Bambi. I shoot clays with a guy who has a beretta, and a bunch of guys with Benellis. Everyweek one of the guys has trouble with a Benelli jamming, the guy with the Beretta never cleans the gun, and never has a hiccup. Go with the Beretta. Of course if you want a gun that you know will not jam, then get a double barrel[:D]

    "My faith, my country and my family will guide me; nothing more, nothing less" -Gen. Tommy Franks
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  • bobski
    the more people buy semi auto euro/italian guns, the more they think they are great. i personally can attest to the quality, but recoil on italian guns is bone jarring. basic law of science, less weight, more recoil.
    heavy american guns, (where semi autos were first devised) still are easier on the shoulder.

    former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, former navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction. NRA certified instructor.
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  • hambaxter
    Thanks Bambi, Moose, and Bob,

    I've seen the same overall performance you've reported with my B-80. The thing takes some serious abuse - was once dropped in 3' of flooded cattails, was picked up, poured out, and it shot fine for the rest of the day. If you keep them clean around the exhaust port and chamber, and occasionally take out the "innerds" to clean, the thing just keeps going.

    I'll admit that I'm not 100% satisfied in the cold. I try to get mine as "dry" as possible with as little lube as possible, and it seems to perform ok that way.

    I've never shot an intertia system, but it sounds like if you don't baby them or shoot light loads, they'll go forever, run cleaner, and perhaps perform better in the cold.

    I considered a SBE MANY times, but was a bit scared away at the sight of the price tag on the new ones.

    BTW...

    I noticed that someone was posting two (2) B-80s - both with 2 barrels each, for $1000 starting. If I wasn't just looking for a 20, I'd consider it.

    Thanks all, and have a great holiday weekend!
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  • victorlvlb
    Okay I don't shoot light loads.I do shoot cheap dove loads. My Benelli Super Black Eagle has not had a problem so far. I'm on the small side 5'9" 160#. The kick does not bother me yet. I'm over 60. Its a breeze to clean. Buy what fits you best.Its your money use it to please yourself.[:D][:D][:D]

    Psalm 109:8
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  • springer1
    I see you want a 20ga
    Go for the benelli m1 field super 90 camo
    Feed it any light game load to a 3" mag
    Very light and a great recoil pad
    Go swing one at a gun shop
    You will fall in love
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  • danski26
    I have had my montifeltro for 7 years now and I have not taken my 1100 out since. In the cold, freezing rain and snow of the duck blind my benelli has never malfunctioned. I shoot light trap loads with no malfunctions also. I will not go back to a gas gun!

    0311 semper fi
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  • bambihunter
    Incidentally, I also thought I'd mention...
    Normally when the Benelli SBE's don't feed the real light loads, it doesn't jam, what it does is eject the empty but the bolt doesn't go back far enough to pull a shell from the mag so it then closes on an empty chamber.
    I think Mooseyard misunderstood me, mine is 100% reliable for over 10 years. When my SBE was first imported into the US (by Hecker Koch), there was no mention of not being able to shoot light loads so I did. Now, the manual specificially states requiring 1 1/8 oz...

    It is a chunk of change for either model, but when you consider how versatile they are, as well as the fact that for most hunters it will simply replace all other scatterguns for hunting...
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  • Crawdog
    In early 1999, US AARDEC (Army Armmament Research and Development Center), awarded the contract for XM1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun to Heckler&Koch USA, who is the importer. It is the Benelli M4/Super 90, and has been issued to the US Marine Corps. This is a gas operated semi-automatic shotgun. That should say something as to the inertia vs gas operation argument.
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  • bobski
    murphies law...
    "your gun was built by the lowest bidder."
    [;)]

    b-80's had a receiver flaw. tended to crack near the loading ports. be careful.

    former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, former navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction. NRA certified instructor.
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