Which one do you think is better and why? I am needing a semi-auto shotgun, not interested in alternatives...I have narrowed it down to these two, but am stuck!

Anyone have any experience or input on either one?

I don't have any experience with the Benelli but I have shot the Xtrema II and absolutely love it.

Did you shoot the one with the recoil reduction system?

Don't know, this was a couple of years ago.

I used to own an AL391 Teknys, and the only reason I sold it is because of the AR craze last fall. I just have a real love affair with Beretta semi-autos.

Basically, IMO, if you want a tactical semi then go with a Benelli.

If you are planning on bird hunting or sporting clays, go with Beretta (although the Benelli Supersport does look nice ).

Wait a minute, is recoil the main reason why you are having a tough time picking between the two?

No, the recoil isn't the biggest issue, but it may help make up my mind. The Benelli Vinci is a Waterfowl gun, not tactical...I have a Benelli M1, so the tactical aspect is already taken care of. I am just wanting a reliable, good waterfowl shotgun that isn't hard on the shoulder after a day of shooting and repeating that day for a couple weeks.

Gotcha, I realized that the Vinci is not a tactical model, I was just throwing out my opinions on the brands. When I think Benelli I think of tactical shotguns. When I think of Beretta I think of shooting outdoors (yea you can call me a Beretta kool-aide drinker ).

My personal opinion is that recoil would not be an issue for you with the Xtrema, and if it is, you can always sell the gun to me later.

Just for S&G's have you had any experience with the Browning Maxus? Just curious more than anything.

I have been wanting a Beretta Extrema II since they were released, but the Vinci has also caught my eye...looks weird, but supposed to work nice.

Do you remember how many shells can the Extrema hold in the tube?

I am also a Beretta Kool-Aid drinker...so I won't be pointing any fingers on that!

No I don't remember because I was on the skeet field and you never load more than two.

I have shot the Browning Gold and Humpback shotguns, but I have never heard of the Maxus.

I would go with the Benelli, The reason inertia driven not gas. I have a super black eagle that is awesome.

I looked at both and liked the feel of the Vinci, so I bought the Camo Vinci with the 26" barrel. Came with a hard case, 5 chokes and a couple replacement parts.

I also picked up a soft case and a sling for it. The shotgun feels great, lighter than heck and points very nice. It can also break down and put back together very quickly.

I will post pictures when I get home this weekend.

Congrats James! Now we can get into Beretta vs. Benelli arguments!

Home this weekend? Are you in Anchorage or something?

Damn, I was going to vote for the Beretta. I'm hooked on any scattergun from them. I love mine and have shot all four of my stepfathers guns. All are top notch.


I am expecting a range report, James and a pic of a few pattern boards

I am sure they are about the same in quality Dan, it's all in the guy behind the gun...so looks like the Benelli wins! j/k

I am in Anchorage, attending a Training...fun, not only that I just found out I get to come back a week after I get home too!



I liked both, the Benelli just felt more at home when I shouldered it. I guess I can save up for another shotgun...I'm sure that will fly with my wife!

I will get pictures posted soon after I get home, I have to go out shooting a couple ARs

It is this one in Advantage Max 4 HD

http://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/benelli_vinci.php

the unbiased response
if its a target gun get a beretta all the way.
if its a hunting gun get the benelli.

the reason i say this is because the beretta is a lot smoother. it cycles like a dream.

i could be wrong but the benelli your looking at is inertia driver. if your shooting 100 rounds of clays
you will notice a difference between the gas driven beretta. its just a smoother gun.

now if your hunting, i may look more at inertia because its easier to clean.

my biased review
benelli...hahahahhaha yeah right

ok heres my reason why:
if your hunting you can get a browning silver hunter or a remington 1100 (yes im comparing remington to a benelli)
for less than the benelli. if your hunting your not shooting the gun like a target gun and not as often. on the rare occasion i do shoot birds (which isnt often ive only been 5-6x) i take my browning bps pump. it brings the skill back into it. the only thing benelli has is that it is easier to clean.

if its a clays gun get a beretta. beretta all the way. i use a remington 1187 left handed ejection for clays. 26" barrel with carlsons chokes. the only reason i got remington is because its lefty ejection and how often do you find that. the beretta is gonna cycle better, its gonna have less re-coil.

if your heartset on the feel of the benelli but want to save some money get a franci. they are identical in feel, not as polished and smooth of a gun but you can save $200-$300

My cousin has a Berretta and its pretty nice. I'm sure both would be great shotguns tho.

Did you read the entire post? I have already made my choice on the "hahahahahaha yeah right" Benelli. It is in Waterfowl Camo, which I pointed out, so that should be clue number one that it is for Waterfowl Hunting.

I already have a Beretta 686 for "clay shooting"

I have every single shotgun you recommend with the exception of the Beretta, which looks like it is a wonderful gun. But if you would have read the post in it's entirety you would have found that the Vinci felt better for me, remember that all guns are subjective to each and everyone's one style of shooting...including but not limited to body size.

I do not think the Franci are even close in feel to the new Benelli Vinci, besides...I would much rather go with an established proven company whenever I have a choice.

Maybe I'll get my son a Beretta sometime and I will be able to give an review on both...but for the time being, I saved $300 by going with the Vince, so that is a case of shells for me that I would not have had otherwise.

The 1100 and 1187 of mine are also great shooting shotguns, but are not the guns I would want to bring out for a week of hunting with minimal cleaning and protection from the elements, these newer designed guns and coatings address issues from previous auto loaders...I'm sure a better, lighter and faster shooter is just around the corner.

I didn't know you have a 686. Dang those Beretta over-unders are nice! Once again, I am filled with jealousy over your extensive collection.

Franchi's are actually pretty nice shotguns in my eyes. They don't have a the popularity that Benelli and Beretta have, but they are a good alternative if you are looking to save a couple bucks, IMO.

That being said, if I have an unlimited budget, I would roll with a Beretta first.

The Franchis are nice, but the Vinci has a different feel that is unique to it. I also looked at the Browning Maxus, looks like a nice shotgun also....dang.

I know this is just anecdotal, but we had a bad experience with Franchi. My stepfather bought SIX Franchi's of various models for a group Christmas gift one year. All six damn guns either broke or had such bad flaws that they had to be returned that week. A cracked receiver, two jammed bolts, a bad extractor, a wobbly stock that couldn't be tightened and two loose forearms. Got some Brownings out of the deal as a result

It's too bad, because Franchi has a permanant taint for me now. The free Browning was a nice treat, though