SBE 2 owners

[kpw212]

I'm looking to buy a new shotgun that's an all around gun. I've read about the SBE 2 being all purpose and need some input from SBE 2 owners. I'm interested in the synthetic version with the comfort tech because I'm looking for the softest recoil going (rotator cuff problem rt shoulder). Any info on the recoil factor will help in my decision, or if you can suggest another gun I'm all ears.

[threeshot]

kpw212,

What types of shooting do you use the shotgun?

Hunting? What types of prey do you hunt and which types of hunts do you perform more than others (therefore shoot the gun the most)?

Clay shooting of any kind? (Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays)

Given your shoulder's condition, have you considered a 20 ga?

For the least recoil, use a gas operated shotguns versus recoil operated shotguns.

Now the bad news, gas operated shotguns are harder to clean versus recoil operated shotguns.

Regards threeshot

[ 10-12-2004, 07:41 PM: Message edited by: threeshot ]

[mjhdo1]

The new ComforTech stock of the SBE2 and M2 makes a big difference, but it is true that gas operated semi-autos will usually have less felt recoil.

Since recoil is important to you, I doubt you would want to shoot 3.5" shells. Therefore, you should consider the M2, which has all of the features of the SBE2 except the ability to shoot 3.5" shells and a mid bead (which you can have added for about $50 at a gunsmith shop).

[kpw212]

Thanks for the input. I do some clay shooting w/ an 870 wingmaster 20ga; been on a few pheasant hunts; also have a 12 ga stoger condor O/U which I don't like due to the shoulder thing. My 12 yr old son wants to go turkey hunting so I'll be doing that one of these days. Would like a 12 ga semi to round out the inventory, plus I share the guns with my 15 yr old. I guess the question is just how complicated a gas operated semi is to clean?

[Drundel]

Gas gun with mercury weight. I like my Benellis but I'm 26 and can take some recoil.

Get a 391 in camo and you'll have a great gun. Its only 3" but hevi-shot and Kent Impact make up for it. And I subspect if you have a torn rotator cuff, you probably can't go some of hte places we do that would give the gun problem.

[tsg912]

May i suggest you look at the Franchi 912 Variomax. It is a gas operated semi-auto very capable of shooting the lightest 2-3/4" up to the heaviest 3.5" shells. It comes with stock extenders (shims) which allow for smaller framed shooters like your sons. The recoil isn't bad at all and I sent mine to a reputable gun smith and had the force cone lengthened. That does a couple things, 1 it reduces FELT recoil not actual recoil so it would probably be ok for you to shoot large shells. 2 it allows for the shot to get aligned before being pushed by the choke, therefore better patterns. Good luck with your decision, it's a tough one. Oh yeah the Franchi is several hundred dollars less than the SBE 1 or 2

[sleepydoc]

11-87 for 31/2 is a great gun with good recoil cheap too relatively speaking. With that rotator though always consider the lightest load you can get and a vest with recoil pad. Stay away from 31/2 though as unless you going for big birds way up high you wont get them any deader.