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Need Help - Beretta AL390

hambaxter
Can anyone help me with some background on the Beretta AL390? What years was it out (vs. the AL391 - is it an earlier model?)

I don't see it on their Beretta's website (USA), with the exception of a manual I got off their international page.

I own a B-80, and it looks very similar in design with minor exceptions.

How much would a new one (out of the box) be worth. Is mid $500s a good buy for NIB?

How do they perform - anyone with experience with the AL390, please let me know, and if you know the B-80, please compare.

Thanks from KS!
Also read now that there is a AL390 "Wal-Mart" version. What's the best way to know the difference, and is there a performance difference or mainly a craftsmanship concern?

hambaxter@aol.com
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • TRAP55
    The B-80 was made by Beretta for Browning, same as the 300-01-02-03. Those 4 models(and the B-80) were all made within about as many years, with a sucession of minor improvements. The 390 series were an improvement on that, and the 391 is the improvement on that. Put them all side by side and they mostly look the same.
    The AL390 came out in 97 to replace the A-303, and the AL391 replaced that some years later. The B-80 was made from 81-87, and the last ones were in inventory in 91.

    7_2_120.gif
    "Aim small, Miss small"
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  • allechalley
    I have an A390 and have been well pleased with it. Had some problems at first with follow up shot in cold weather. Called Beretta and was told not to use Rem Oil or similiar as it would slow action down. Keep it clean and lubed with Break Free, TriFlo or other teflon based
    lube and you shouldn't have much problem. Seems I bought it back in the early 90's. I think the 391 came out in year 2000 (by Blue Book).
    The 391 had some gas valve refinements, different wood, ect. A little more refined gun to compete better with the likes of Browning Gold and the Bennelli.
    The AL model is a lighter weight version than mine. Depending on the variation model $500 should a good for in box price tho not a "great"
    buy. Look at the 391. Some liked the newer styling, some didn't.
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  • raskil
    Beretta originally came out with a A390 (some time closeto 1992)then the AL390 both of which were either gloss or matte blued and wood stocks. The 390's were then offered in either wood or syn stocks. In the late '90's the 391(urika)was introduced. The Urika was a lighter/slim design.

    The "real" 390 has cross checkering on the rib and has a receiver cut-off mechanism.

    Then came the Wal-mart model 390 which is sold for $525-550 which is matte/syn, does not have cross checkering on the rib, and does not have the receiver/mag cut-off. These are made exclussive for Wal-Mart.

    There is also a 3901 (said 390 pause 1)which I believe is simular to the Wal-Mart contract but has an ugly gray syn stock.

    The "real" 390's I have (one 12ga & one 20ga)have performed flawlessly and would recommend to anyone. Even the Wal-Mart 390's are a good value.

    The 390 seems to be eaiser to disassemble and reassimble than the 391. There are a lot of sporting clay shooters who like the 390 over the 391. The 3901 is the runt of the litter but would perform well for 80% of shooters.

    hope this helps!
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  • hambaxter
    Thanks all for this information about the B-80, A390, AL390/1, and the 3901, which I'm seeing quite a few of but wondered as well. This is great information regarding the 390. I'll look for the "real" 390 for the best value...

    Know of any 20s for sale, send 'em my way!

    Have a great holiday weekend!

    Patrick Baxter
    hambaxter@aol.com
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  • curlybill
    i purchased a 390 from walmart in early 2000..love the gun still shoots great..i use it for doves and sporting clays..no jams except when shooting my friends reloads after 100-150 rounds without cleaning..keep it clean and it will shoot..
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  • laogai
    i've had a 12 ga 390 since about 94 and love it. hunted deer, geese, turkey, quail, pheasant, ducks and dove all extensively. very durable and well made. had trouble cycling in cold weather once after several years; i had a gunsmith really clean it and thereafter had no problems. i'd love a 20 as well!
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