Benelli SBE3 VS. Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus | Shotgun Showdown

[@nhwnhw02]

Bought an A400 Plus a few years ago. It was slightly less than $1600. When shooting heavy 3-1/2 inch turkey "artillery" shells the kick-off system shines. Disassembly for cleaning is very simple.

[@ethanallsopp7385]

I just bought an A400 Xtreme Plus this morning but it was between these two! I immediately loved how it felt in my hands and I think it looks better too. I loved the sleekness, weight, and inertia driven part of the SBE3 but ultimately what got me was the swing, mid bead, and rubber grips of the A400. Can’t wait to take it out!

[@bigschwiggy]

I have the A400 and the SBE3, I haven't used the SBE3 in a couple of years. What did it for me was the non traditional firing positions form ground blinds for geese. The A400 never failed to cycle. where as the SBE3 would fail to cycle on a number of occasions. The kick off paired with the falcon strike recoil pad made the A400 a no brainer.

[@Wingnut1187]

I've been avidly hunting waterfowl for 30 years now and I've seen this same thing with benelli. They also do not seem to like moisture or dirt at all.. Great upland guns.

[@thopkins2271]

Holding/mounting the benelli even slightly wrong can induce malfunctions. I always say that yes, they don’t need cleaned often, but guess what? Neither do quality gas systems like the beretta. Looking filthy and actually needing cleaned to run are two entirely separate things.

[@markrzepkowski2951]

Crazy you say that bought an SBE 3 in 20 last October, I’m about 1200 rounds in with trap and clay courses, never once has it failed to cycle or any kind of malfunction. One of the best if not the best gun I’ve ever purchased, haven’t picked up my 12 since last dove season, it’s all personal preference but Benelli is pretty much king in the shogun world.

[@gamefish451]

@@markrzepkowski2951you gotta try firing from different positions waterfowl hunting, that’s where the issues arise. Otherwise they’re great

[@meghan7547]

@@markrzepkowski2951 Same here, I have the SBE 2, never had it fail to load. But, we are waterfowl hunters, we clean actions at the end of every day to ready for the next morning. All internal parts are wiped with BreakFree. Very simple firearm to maintain.

[@SK-hj8ss]

I bought a new SBE2 20 years ago. Traded in a Remington 1100 for it. Always had problems with the SBE2. Tried to love it. Always jammed. Sent it to the factory several times. This year I finally traded in the SBE2 for an A400 and it's amazing! Never jams. Great feel. Recoil is light. Love the oversized controls. A400 is way better than the SBE.

[@JoshSiewert]

I absolutely love mine have had it for 10 years it is the first generation as the controls are like the Benelli. It has never failed spent two weeks in Canada hunting geese not one failure with 5 cases of shells. I have thousands of rounds through and it still works amazing!

[@Evil_Teddy]

As a Shotgun warranty gunsmith, I can state that the steel on the Benelli is better than the Beretta. As well, on the A400, the bolt carrier is welded on to the bolt and are known to break at the weld. Replacing it is around $400. Just a heads up.

[@dennisreid4428]

I'm an English shooter. I own a Berretta Al391 and also the Benelli Supersport. The Supersport is the English version of the SBE3. Now reasons not to like the Beretta range! the loading port bends over time and causes cartridge jams all the time,I've have friends who've had the same problem with the A400's. Now in England we cannot get a new loading port and end up bending the port back with a screw driver. As to the recoil system. yes the Beretta has the recoil kick off system. Now stand at the side of someone shooting the Benelli and watch the chevrons in the stock compress when they shoot. Yup it has it's own recoil damping system. When I bought the Benelli I didn't clean it for 2 years,the Beretta was pretty much every 2 months. I'd never go back to a gas gun

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

@@dennisreid4428lol I clean my gas operated browning maxus twice a year. Once before trap/skeet season (200rds/week) and once before upland/waterfowl season (50-150 shells/week)

[@bentleyfatheree1616]

I'm the world champion of the world

[@nathanielchoate69]

The steel is better in the Benelli? What do you mean by the steel? And is the bolt carrier problem even really a big deal? Or does it not happen much

[@JLC87420]

So it’s garbage. Who would’ve thought that from a beretta.

[@donaldvest5050]

I've got a SBE3 and had it for four seasons now. When I bought it, it came down to these to guns. The Benelli just felt better in my hands, but after 4 years of use, I'm getting the beretta this year.

[@TX.Kara.]

Wise choice sir!

[@Bbbbsslm]

I have both , I wouldn’t recommend the a400 but hey , maybe you’ll like it maybe try a buddy’s first if you know anyone

[@jm2s144]

I have the A400 and i absolutely love it!

[@fouadghazzaoui5517]

I traded my SBE3 for an A400 extreme plus Mossy oak. Happy as can be... No more shooting high and mule kicks!

[@RuttingDuckTV]

No friggin way, I’ve been looking up thisssss video for months!!! Hoping you’d come out with this!! All morning this morning too!!!😂 thank you!!

[@davidkuhn9313]

Haha ... exactly ... where was this video last year

[@jrowinski82]

Love the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus. I chose this shotgun as a birthday gift for my father and wanted it to have less recoil for him to be more comfortable to shoot.

[@wheeldrift5897]

I bought my A400 XP bc of your vids and trying to make an educated buy. It was hard initially because growing up I would always hear benelli is the best there is but dude I love the A400 so much after a year of ownership. I go to shoots and people see the gun perform and ask what it is. About to buy my gf a 940 pro sporting. Thanks Steve.

[@murrayjackson7211]

Just purchased a Beretta A400 extreme.previous Brownings B2000, A5,Gold hunter and Maxus.I hunt early and late Dec ducks , just tried the Beretta this past weekend with 3-1/2” shells, at 58 years and hunting for over 40 years the A 400 recoil is a VERY nice option, can’t wait to try late season when extreme weather puts it to the test up here in Canada. Great video! For me it was between the big 3 B’s I was going to purchase and the recoil on the Beretta is what really tipped the scales for me Thanks keep it up.

[@JimSRodriguez]

Beretta all day, everyday! Been shooting my Beretta A391 extrema 2 for years now, still smooth as butter.

[@rbell984955]

I have tried to make my Xtreme2 jam not sure about the a400 but also haven’t needed to buy one. I will say the camo and rubber has worn significantly in places but 10’s of 1000’s of rounds will do that!

[@sgtusmc542]

I’ve been shooting the same SBE3 since 2017. I’ve killed multiple turkeys and hundreds of ducks and geese. I have not kept a round count but I’d imagine somewhere around 4000 shells total between target loads and waterfowl loads. It has jammed on me one time. And I believe it was because the charging handle hit my hand went shooting basically upside down from a layout blind. My best friend shoots an A400 and makes fun of my benelli. Both of us shoot our guns extremely well. I just prefer the slenderness and lighter weight of the SBE3. The A400 is just too chonky for me. And I’ve heard about bolts cracking and receivers bending. I really think for anyone it comes down to preference in how it feels in your hands… still don’t know how ergonomics goes to the A400 when it’s a pound heavier and feels like a “2x4” lol

[@LogisticallyMisrepresented]

Well, ergonomic is a personal thing. He explained his like. You described your experience. It's a tough call. You talked well enough about yours that I would buy one and most likely be very happy about it. Thanks.

[@markwilliams1048]

I went with the A400. I didn't like the thin feel to the SBE. Love the Beretta, no regrets at all on that purchase.

[@trevorbrixton5195]

Couldn't agree more with both statements.

[@CATdozerboy12]

As someone who owns these 2 exact guns also. I prefer the Beretta honestly

[@texaswader]

Same here Catdozerboy12. I like the Beretta better too. So much in fact that I just bought an A400 Upland. I shot one, fell in love with it and mine will be at the gun shop tomorrow. It's going to be my dove, quail and clays shotgun. My O/U's just kick too much for me these days.

[@devinhawley2898]

Before you picked the winner, I chose the A400. But then again I bought the A400 after watching your review on it. Also it fit right off the shelf with no adjustments. Love it so much, I bought another one in 20 gauge. Keep up the awesome videos, stay safe, and God Bless.

[@22Platinum]

I have 3 A400’s. Two 12g and one 20g. I also have the SBEIII 20g. Shoot 3” #6’s with all of them. The SBEIII 20 recoil with waterfowl loads isn’t fun when you have shoulder issues. SBEIII hasn’t left my safe in 2 years.

[@leshunter4409]

Definitely a "ford vs. chevy" choice in my opinion. Both are good quality and reputable brands. Boils down to personal preference and feel in your hand. I will say with absolute confidence Benelli shotguns are the least reliable guns I have ever walked a wild pheasant field with. Been hunting in South Dakota for 26 seasons now and that fact has remained constant. Not hating on Benelli. They make a fine gun. They unfortunately become single shot malfunction machines in the pheasant field. They come out of battery while walking and give people that famous "benelli click". This is usually immediately followed by a litany of cuss words........ This includes the newest ones made as well.

[@SleepyJoesDiaper]

I’ve been hunting waterfowl like a madman for 30 years. The inertia bolt recharge is the most reliable action. The first of these shotguns is actually made by Heckler & Koch then Benelli purchased the patent. I shoot a first gen black eagle I purchased retail for $700. It’s been underwater multiple times and never misfired once. I wouldn’t trade my old one for five new ones.

[@randomguy3034]

I was biased. My friend has the SBE3. I have the A400XP Wraith. A friend of mine told me (shotgun inexperienced at the time) that an A400XP would make a fantastic all rounder shotgun. I randomly found the wraith version at a store. Experienced me....still loves it though its a little long for 3 gun. It worked....but it was work. It is still among my favorite shotguns next to the Beretta 1301 comp pro and the Benelli M3 tactical.

[@chrisreifenberger9617]

I have a A400 in 12 & 20. Tried to like the SBE3 a few different times in both 12 & 20 and all of the Benelli’s shot high and left. I’ve since sold all of the Benelli’s and bought more A400s

[@billmilbocker7880]

Every Benelli I have shoots high and left. I built a barrel bender and got my oldest one to shoot true. But I put a .130 bend in and looking at the front bead was impossible so I put it back to shooting high and dead center. Several ppl I know have contacted Benelli w this issue and received a unsatisfactory response.

[@SK-hj8ss]

Same situation. Tried to love my SBEs. Got rid of my SBE for the A400. Much happier with my new A400 compared to my old SBEs.

[@Gunnut10mm]

I have and I think prefer the A400, it points so well, kicks so soft, and it cycles lighter target loads. One big thing I think you should test is how well the 12 gauge autoloaders cycle 1 ounce at 1180 shells and maybe even some super light target loads. That cuts more recoil from target shooting than almost any other feature. I think they are both great and I could totally recommend either shotgun depending on what/how you hunt.

[@chadnolte9134]

I own both. Shoot both well and agree with your scores. However, you need to add one more item; cleaning. The Benelli is way more easier to clean than the Beretta.

[@jeremymatlock2049]

I have the A400 20 gauge and 12 guage.. I switched after years of shooting the 300 extrema ..love beretta shot guns ..

[@adambeck5704]

The Beretta might have come out on top for you, but I'd take the Benelli all day long.

[@454budman]

Ive got the original SBE and have shot thousands of rounds through it for 20 years. They may have come a long way with gas in the last 20 years but being a guide in water fowl and laying in muddy fields ive seen far to many have issues. Havent had to replace anything on it either, nice video tho.

[@rickiecash8155]

After watching countless videos from you I went with the A400 Extreme last year and have absolutely love it and it's a joy to shoot. I almost didn't get it at first because of the 2x 4 feel but it wound up feeling so natural. Thanks for your videos.

[@bucketheadrox]

As a primarily rifle shooter. The sbe3 was kinda wild to me. It's the only one in this video I shot so I'm sire I'm speaking for both firearms. The recoil blew my mind. I didn't habe enough time or rounds to figure it out but I loved it.

[@intellect1732]

the most legendary showdown to hit the channel thanks for all the hard work steve truly you are the undisputed king of shotguns👑

[@johnnyhonda4404]

SBE for life! A400 (Xcel) for serious sporting clays use though. For hunting, the SBE is the way to go.

[@zlachen144]

Would love to see another browning Maxus 2 vs a400 video after having them a while!

[@Mbogz27]

I went back and forth on these and ended up with a Fabarm xlr5 Waterfowler. Best Italian auto loader! Build quality and handling is next level.

[@stevejones1224]

What's kinda silly about buying shotguns is you rarely get a chance to try them out. Some clubs (not all) have rentals but usually limited choices. Unless your buddy has a shotgun that he will let ya try it''s difficult to know if a gun fits you. It's easy to fall in love with a gun behind the counter at the store but if you buy it and can't hit anything with it you now own a 8 lb paperweight. I think your unbiased assessment of the guns you review is spot on and agree with you on most things. Keep the reviews coming!

[@rjo8500]

True. Recently I entered a charity bird even and borrowed a Beretta A300 Outlander. I completely bonded with it and score much better than I had anticipated. Decided sporting clays was something I wanted to pursue. However I wasn’t interested in a 4k O/U. Everyone told me to buy the Beretta A400. But when I handled it and shouldered it at the gun counter there was no immediate attachment. I wish I could’ve shot it and spent time with it as I did with the A300. Long story short, for the same budget I walked out with two A300 Ultimas in two different camo patterns.

[@TrippyOG-xj1mb]

I have beretta A400 Extreme Plus and it’s absolutely amazing I wouldn’t change it for anything smooth shooting and tough as nails

[@josiahwise6160]

This will be my 4th hunting season using an A400, I’ve put ~15,000 rounds through it between hunting and clays. Agree with you on the ergonomics. When I first bought it -after using an interia gun for several years- I did not like the feel of the A400 and initially wanted to sell it. As I shot it more though I really fell in love with it and once I was used to it, I can shoot that a400 better than anything else I’ve used.

[@robertbroxson4582]

I have the Beretta. I had intended on purchasing a different shotgun primarily based on overall appeal and name recognition. Though it is a bit bulky I don’t mind and I’m not disappointed

[@brianayres4566]

I have 3 A400's so, you know how I feel about them. Thanks for a great showdown vid!

[@mikewalsh8318]

GREAT video!!! Perfect for me as I'm just about to "pull the trigger" on buying a new gun and these were my two finalists... I was already leaning heavily toward the A400 and your video locked it for me... THANKS Steve! (BTW - you do a great job with the videos - please keep it up!!!)

[@kevinyoung1447]

Thank you for the video Steve! I own both and love both of them, I bought the SBE3 first in Max 5 but I also love my Beretta shotguns and bought the Xtreme Plus in Bottomlands! I always enjoy your reviews!

[@TargetFocusedLife]

Great to hear you love both. I enjoy both of them as well, but if you could only have one, which one would you go with?

[@kevinyoung1447]

As much as I love my Beretta shotguns I have my personal best sporting clays score with my SBE3😎🤩

[@giovannimartinez2145]

I bought a A400Extreme last year when Cabela’s had a rebate on them. So far I’ve absolutely loved it such an awesome gun

[@slskarosi71]

Me, too. I've shot Benelli for 20 years and love that A400.

[@conwnole]

I really enjoy your shotgun reviews. Your reviews and my research have ultimately led me to order the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus in the OD Green color. Pairing it with a Muller Passing choke and Boss Warchief shells. I’m really looking forward to duck season now! Thanks to you and Joel with SurvivingDuckSeason for helping me with my choice!

[@hissingoose]

i've used both and own an A400 Xtreme Plus, it shoots to point of aim and with hunting loads i find it kicks way less.

[@briant7652]

Thanks, answered all my questions. My friends love the A400 and I'll go with that. Buy once, cry once I guess.

[@DaveThomspon]

I had always been a Benelli shooter (I have a number of them) and really like them. Until I got a SBE111. I spent a season shooting over all the birds. I use a ShotKam and could see where I was shooting. After trying to correct my shooting I sold the 111 and got a 400 Extreme Plus. Love it, it shoots where I point. I do have a Benelli M2 that I really like and it kills ducks no problem. Can’t explain the 111 but it had to go. I shoot a lot of clays off season and am confident when I shoot, but the 111 was off.

[@wolfdenauto3417]

Shims

[@DaveThomspon]

@@wolfdenauto3417 As I said I have a number of Benellis and they all shot perfectly. No matter how I shimmed the SBE lll it shot high. So it is gone. My SBE ll and M2 work great. But I prefer the Beretta.

[@wolfdenauto3417]

@DaveThomspon ooookk...but you made mo mention if changing the shims. Moreover Benelli has absolutely positively a great customer service. Perhaps your gun just had an issue. Either way you do you. It's your money. I just don't like stories in these forums as there is always more to the story. Simple facts is suffice and let people figure it out. But someone always needs to chime in with a story(any gun) that more often than not had a simple remedy but again...we never get the whole story. Glad you found something you like though. That's all that matters

[@DaveThomspon]

@@wolfdenauto3417 no need to mention changing shim when talking to experienced shooters like myself

[@davidkuhn9313]

Last year I was between the SBE3, Magnus II, and the A400 (all 12 gauge). I didn't get to shoot any of them prior to purchase, so I chose the SBE3 due to in hand feel and the BEST coating. I've shot the SBE3 on 5-6 trips now and love it. It wasn't an easy choice and I think I would have been just as happy with the other two. SBE3 BEST: love the durability (salty California areas), love how it shoots. Hate the black BEST color. Magnus II: American brand (kind of), loved the vintage tan camo, gas + Target Focused Life seemed to have this as #1 last year for the grouping A400: didn't like the camo patterns as much, bulkier in hand, However, I met a rep in Yuma for the dove opener last year, he almost had me purchasing on the spot.

[@clintheadley9212]

After watching your videos previous to this showdown I went with the A400! And this solidified the choice…also found a really good sale I couldn’t pass up. Keep up the great content

[@dylananderson6285]

I have been debating these two guns for the last week. The only other gun I've been thinking about is the Affinity 3.5 to save a bit of money.

[@evand12344]

That’s what I have and it’s been great. Probably a bit more recoil then the benelli or beretta.

[@jayscott1380]

Do the Franchi

[@leeturner3143]

Franchi recoil gets old pretty quickly. The Beretta is a soft shooter. Easy answer if you shoot much at all.

[@jayscott1380]

@@leeturner3143 it's not that bad, same as Benelli SBE3. If you're going to buy an inertia gun, go Franchi. I'd opt for the 3 inch over the 3.5. With the tungsten type of shot shell, I don't know why anybody needs 3.5 anymore. As far as gas guns go, I guess Beretta is fine. My biggest issue with them is where they put the safety, it's something I can't use personally.

[@stephaneguerin5667]

The Super Vinci X is also great for the money

[@Ray-jk9gq]

I have a Remington 1100 I am happy had over 42 years still going strong dove season is next week can't wait

[@THERESISTANCE762]

Id love to find an 1100 in 16 gauge with removable choke tubes. I've only ever seen one for sale and I bid it up well over 2500 and still didn't get it

[@mikeanderson9835]

Ditto that Ray… still have mine but shooting A400. Still Wouldn’t hesitate taking my 1100 out in any weather

[@tjrou2005]

I have 10K + on my early A400, I already know the answer. I can remember one FTE out of all of those 2/3rds being target stuff.

[@andrewhensen8638]

I’ve got 15k through my a400 in 2 years. Great shooting gun. Low recoil and reliable. I did have to add a pound of weight to it for myself.

[@kurtricketts1618]

I’ve got 2 A400 a grey excel and a multi target accompanied by an M2 camo. I’d choose the Beretta just on smooth action and the fact I just love them 😂

[@kevinyoung1447]

I own both and love them both! Thank you for the video!

[@utookmynames]

Don’t own either one and happen to live in CA close enough to the delta so I could easily hunt if I want. While at a local gun shop I was able to handle both after watching some videos of yours and luckily “pointability” stuck in my head. I chose a spot on the wall and let each one tell me which was easier to point. Initially I wanted the SBE and now I’m heavily leaving towards the A400. It feels better, and the heavier front makes it a little more predictable I guess one could say.

[@Zeus-ly6od]

I used to have both. They can cycle 2 3/4 dram 1 oz. target loads without problem but not the 24 grams international loads. I sold the A400 a few months ago. By the time I was still cleaning the gas components of the A400, I could clean the SBE3 twice.

[@lukea2806]

A300 Ultima vs M2? I know they are slightly different price ranges but I think the A300 can hold its own

[@christopherhogan656]

I personally have a left handed/left eject M2 in 20 gauge, and really like the weight of it compared to the A300's I've rented at the range (which I don't believe comes with a left eject option).

[@jonah-n8l]

@@christopherhogan656that’s all it does better is weight Nuthing else

[@Shane696]

I haven’t fired the A400, have shot a buddy’s SBE3 and liked it. Both good guns.

[@trentroberdeau1462]

Sbe3 = slow… you can out shoot it

[@maxboo1]

I love my SBE 3. Great gun . The only thing I do not like about it is that the safety can be easily, unintentionally disengaged especially when wearing gloves.

[@mattchilders3123]

Love the Beretta. Bought one and really like it. Almost as much as my Tikka Bolt Gun.

[@texlee84]

Surprise surprise, who would've thought that a target shooter would prefer the heavier, softer shooting, larger profile gas gun that more closely resembles a target gun lol. These are both fantastic guns within the class, the two best really but they aren't really comparable in a lot of ways. The Benelli pulls favor from the coastal and backwoods/flooded timber hunters who hunt in harsher conditions where an intertia gun shines. Ergos are subjective but rarely have I heard a buddy pick the A400 over the SBE3 in terms of ergos. I usually get a new waterfowl gun every 2-3 years and I am now on my third SBE3. I've also had a Super Vinci, a SBE2 and the original HK/Benelli Super 90/M1 before that so I have been on the Benelli train for quite some time now. Amongst our group it's pretty split between these two guns but there's a slight edge to the number of Benelli's in the blind. I accept the harsher recoil and the more muzzle rise of the inertia gun because I favor slimmer ergos, simpler design and function and better reliability in harsher conditions. We hunt the saltwater marshes and flooded rice fields of the Texas coastline and down here the Benelli king. I'd personally love to have both of these guns but I just can't justify that. The Maxus, A5 and XLR5 are all great waterfowl options as well that should get some consideration amongst perspective buyers. It's a shame that Winchester ruined the SX4 because their SX3 was a pretty solid performer at a great price point.

[@janyoung9058]

I have been shooting an SBE2 12 gauge for 19 years and a SBE1 before that. I prefer the lighter front end. I feel like I can get on target faster. Recoil has never bothered me. I don’t know about the SBE3 12g but based on my past experience, I would probably choose it over the Beretta. I also have an SBE3 20 gage which I think is a great super quick handling 20. All references to duck hunting.

[@tomahawk5827]

Have shot them both quite a bit. Can’t go wrong with either. A400 shoots very soft with the kickoff system. But I prefer the SBE3 for the ergonomics, the simple breakdown, and how clean it stays.

[@Marcus_972]

Run both and they’re great but I kinda prefer the Maxus II over either.

[@Blade-mh3mi]

I’m with you. I had both and now shooting the Maxus 2 wicked wing. For me personally, it’s just a better shooting gun.

[@blakebeeler693]

I love the a400 family. Have several. Cole’s will do a trigger job on them for a cheap price and it’s worth every penny. It lightens the trigger break and takes out the slop. And you can call and order one and they will mail you the trigger assembly to just swap out.

[@buckshot279]

I don't quite understand all the love for the Benelli SBE 3 when I believe the best all around field gun Benelli makes is the Ethos Cordoba Be.S.T. The Ethos Cordoba Be.S.T. only comes in a 3" shell version, but I've never really known that to be that big of a deal. I have a couple of the Ethos Cordobas for all around hunting use and they shoot POA=POI, have never jammed, and are incredibly durable with the Be.S.T. coating. In my opinion a better gun than the SBE 3. I also own a Beretta A400 Xcel Sporting, and it is a great gun and a pleasure to shoot.

[@alanhunter4968]

Tried them both and bought the A400. Benelli was too slender in my hand. Liked the feel and reduced recoil of the A400

[@davidmckinney8931]

I’ve had a SB2 for 13 years it’s indestructible mud reeds still shots I can’t say that for friends that I hunt with using the beretta but they do have less recoil but the SB’s handle the dirt and mud way better but I’m getting older and don’t hunt as rough so my next gun will be an SX4 or Beretta but won’t get rid of my black eagle to reliable and you can take its reliability to the bank

[@michaelcope2329]

Keep em both, I have Benelli Vinci and nothing comes close. I've shot SBE 3 and Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus, (that is the gun my son shoots) the Vinci just handles different, I can feel it when I shoot them all in rotation. There is a physical difference I can feel in shooting it compared to the other 2. For reference I"m 6' and 220 lbs.

[@MegaZboo]

I like the super Vinci but as a general public waterfowler I get very few to no opportunities with the dead sky. Never jams as long as you use the oils they give you.

[@Freadom78]

I am looking to purchase a semi. You just made up my mind. Tired of my shoulder being, not in pain but achy after a dove hunt or a shooting session

[@mxlife958]

Beretta the King....👍🏻

[@NicholasVonBusch]

I would love to see you get your hands on a Remington Versa Max shotgun and do a gas semi auto reliability test against the top semi autos. I think a lot of people would be surprised to find out the Versa Max will cycle the lightest 12 gauge rounds on the market. I've shot Winchester AA Low Recoil/Low Noise Target Loads through mine and they cycle with such little recoil you can't believe it even cycled at all. Those shells are built for pump action and break action guns.

[@Mohammed-c8j9b]

I hope you make a video explaining how the high point of impact of the Super Black Eagle 3 rifle can be lowered and shifted to the right, because the Super Black Eagle 3 shoots high and to the left of the target. Thank you for the useful effort you have provided.

[@jameschurch1277]

Have to go with the A400. I like a gas gun, due to recoil absorption. And a bit forward heavy, makes for a nice swinging gun. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@ericloftis1709]

I would pick the SBE 3 only because of the years upon years of abuse I’ve put my SBE 2 through and it never stops working as it should.

[@jimlove1162]

Sba3 all day, reason : shot one for years on ducks and turkeys for probably close to 12 years prior it was the M2 my ultimate favorite and my sons favorite for 5 years I wanted to like theA400 because it looks so cool and i had a awesome deal on one but couldn’t”t get used to the chunky feel especially with how much we walk and wade here in Florida. Just my opinion

[@natephillips3535]

On the TFL shotgun finder under waterfowl guns and if you filter by overall score high to low. The A400 is listed 1st and the SBE3 is listed down in the 18th spot I have always been a fan of Benelli but after shooting an A400. That will be my next waterfowl gun. I do think you are paying $500-700 more than you should for each gun just because of their names.

[@daniellewis8484]

As a gunsmith, I like both these guns a lot, but I’d rather clean an inertia gun over a gas any day🙂

[@stepheno.2730]

An ultrasonic makes quick and light work of the gas piston

[@AHBeeMaa]

Funny how you give the SBE3 a slight edge in the looks department when you comment on it, but then score them both at 8.5. Then in the very next segment of ergonomics, you give the A400 a slight edge and score it 8 and 9.5 in favor of the Beretta. I know you were not likely to pick the SBE3, but you need to let go of your gas gun bias...at least a little bit. I still really enjoy your videos. Keep up the god work.

[@lol-ld3jh]

Gas gun supremacist here as well

[@texaswader]

This was a well thought out and excellent presented video.

[@jimlove1162]

Sba3 all day reason : shot one for years on ducks and turkeys for probably close to 12 years prior it was the M2 my ultimate favorite and my sons favorite for 5 years I wanted to like theA400 because it looks so cool and i had a awesome deal on one but couldn’t”t get used to the chunky feel

[@darrenclements8213]

I had a sbe 3 12g and m2 20g, sbe shot way high finish had worn bad and poa was horribly inconsistent and it jammed, not a lot but more then it should. I called benelli and cs told me to put a huge bead on it and said more or less your problem not ours. M2 was nice but took a hammer to load, very stiff. I sold both bought 12 and 20 a 400 and they are awesome. Benelli in my opinion is not a horrible gun just way to many issues for me, btw good video thank you

[@CanukRocker]

Beretta A400 👍

[@heathtucker3505]

A400 extreme plus, I own one hunt with it hard. Reliable all do no matter the temp. Never had a misfire of any kind. Love how it handles recoil. Shooting 3.5 in shells can hurt when you go snow goose hunting and get into heavy birds. The price is high but you will not need to buy another gun for at least ten years so do the math I say worth it.

[@Azrael-ml6sg]

I have both. They are both great guns. No one will be disappointed with either guns BUT I like the beretta better than benelli even after beretta giving me problem with ejector retaining pin coming off after one year...4 gun smiths failed to fix it so had to send it back to beretta BUT still I love my A400 extreme plus more than SBE3

[@THERESISTANCE762]

Love them both. Id probably go with the Benelli though. But instead i bought an A5 because i wanted a 16 gauge, love it so far!!

[@THERESISTANCE762]

@TargetFocusedLifeReview have you ever done a review on the 1301? I understand it's not really in your wheelhouse, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on them

[@matthewwilliams6997]

I've been waiting for this forever. I bought the beretta 5 days ago for $1496.00 tax included

[@macd557]

Great price, where did you find that?

[@matthewwilliams6997]

@@macd557 Cabelas. 10% off for members plus 200 rebate from Beretta

[@CBR600xF4i]

got mine for $1500 as well, gunprime

[@Jeffreyperez-rp6ow]

Glad to see the show downs back. 😊 We're over due for a Side x Side review Steve. Orion SBS ? Maybe CZ All Terrain over understanding. All terrain series are great for water fowlers !

[@ESikora12]

Let’s see the Fabarms XLR5 waterfowler against the Beretta!

[@philnowack9911]

100% SBE. Pretty much every reason that you liked the A400, is why I don't. LOL..the 2x4 feel, LOP, large handle and button. Perhaps it is because I have shot a 12g SBE since 2001, a 12g M2 for the last 3 years, and just purchased a SBE3 28. They feel right. I looked at the Beretta when getting the 28, and it was fine.. but the Benelli felt comfortable....like home.

[@Jeff_C45]

I have the SBE3, A400 XP, and Maxus 2. I think the best way to compare these two guns is to say the A400 is the best gas waterfowl semi and the SBE3 is the best Inertia Waterfowl semi. I shoot my A400 more because I need a longer LOP and I am a person who likes the weight, bulk of it. If you have a shorter LOP and prefer a slimmer gun you could easily prefer the SBE 3. I have found the A400 to be less picky on target loads. As an aside, Steve you need to clean your A400 as it is not locking back after the last shell. This is either due to a blocked gas port or the carrier is not properly lubricated.

[@kolbybroussard5505]

I chose the a400 for myself and a sbe3 20ga for my 11yo I can say they each have their strengths and weaknesses the a400is definitely the more reliable option in North Dakota temps and I haven’t missed anything yet on a hunt. But the 20ga sbe3 is a laser beam in my sons hands

[@Kolokotrones]

Been a Benelli guy all my life. Still shoot with my SBE and SBE2 guns and wanted to get something new. Logically SBE3 is the next choice however I have heard too many good things about the kick-off stock. However when holding it in store the gun felt heavier. Indeed it is heavier than the SBE3 but not by much. Believe it or not that little difference prevented me from buying it.

[@ThePao19081]

Make a review the A400 upland 12cal

[@mattryan9805]

I have a lefty a400 extreme plus. I love it. Also have a 20 gauge m2 that is awesome. I was too worried about high patterns with the sbe3 and the beretta is completely left handed.

[@jakeplachko6575]

A400 upland video or compared to something similar would be awesome

[@Coolkid33ma]

You should try out the CZ Woodcock. Supposed to be super solid for the price.

[@hperez1085]

I have neither yet, but do have a beretta a300 outlander and it has never failed. This weekend I went dove hunting an a friend let me borrow his SBE3. My only complaint is the control and the release button. It is hard you kinda have to press it either super hard or smack it. I haven’t shot the a400 yet but if it’s anything like my a300 I don’t see myself getting the SBE3.

[@xCS68]

I bought a new a300 ultima in March, have something around 2000 rounds through it with zero issues, mostly target from 7/8oz to 1-1/8oz, with a handful of 3" steel loads. It definitely isn't as nice as the a400, but it was $850 and fits me well. It can be a pain to reassemble if you're not paying attention.

[@outdoorsmanofmichigan3858]

Own a sbe3 great gun. Want to buy an a400 just cant get over the chunky feel this video may have convinced me to try

[@adriannarredondo6044]

I’ve bought 3 SBE3s 28gauge 12gauge and a B.E.ST 12gauge. The only one that has cost me over 2k was my 12gauge SBE3 B.E.ST. Your regular SBE3 should run you $1.7k maybe $1.9k after taxes.

[@timsmith3548]

Do you find that your SBE3 best shoots high?

[@BentonKeith-pn9po]

I saw your review on the A400 and your video made me decide to go with it. I was looking to upgrade from my Remington Versa Max and I had narrowed it down to either an A5 Browning or the A400. I wasn't especially crazy about an inertia gun, and I'm glad I got the Beretta. I've had it for 2 years now. Been on 2 conservation snow goose hunts in Arkansas and this year will make the 2nd year I've taken to Missouri to duck hunt. I dove hunted with it last year as well. Flawless cycling of any type of shell I run through it!