Hoss50 Report post Posted August 2, 2023 I need a semi auto 12ga that will shoot 3" shells. I have been wanting a new Winchester SX4, but found a Beretta A390 used today for $550 plus tax. I see reviews saying the A390 is the best semi auto 12ga ever and others saying they are just OK. Who has experience? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EarlyBronco Report post Posted August 2, 2023 They are GREAT guns , idk if they’re the BEST but I love mine ! 550$ is a good deal for a wood stock one, is it a 30” barrel? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HyNoon Report post Posted August 2, 2023 Good as long as you don't plan on shooting slugs thru them. The slugs gum up the gas ports with lead and the lead will cut the o ring inside there as well. It is very difficult to clean the lead out of the gas ports. Only ran into that problem with slugs though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted August 2, 2023 Great guns and very reliable. As with any shotgun it's best to shoulder it to see how it aligns with your eye. My older Model 12 and the Beretta's are just right for me but my Benelli not so much. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crazymonkey Report post Posted August 2, 2023 Beretta is a solid shotgun . I've got the al 391 tekneys in 20 gauge . With the wood being so nice I don't think I'll ever take it out in the woods. But they are light and absolutely reliable. I find myself talking the 870 that I bought at 21 out or the win sx3 semi auto. That's a good deal for a wood stocked gun . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoss50 Report post Posted August 2, 2023 1 hour ago, EarlyBronco said: They are GREAT guns , idk if they’re the BEST but I love mine ! 550$ is a good deal for a wood stock one, is it a 30” barrel? It is a 28" synthetic gun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EarlyBronco Report post Posted August 2, 2023 48 minutes ago, Hoss50 said: It is a 28" synthetic gun. Nice 👍 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DUG Report post Posted August 2, 2023 Buy it! Worst case you'll need to put about $120 worth of parts (bolt connector, Hammer straps, etc. Depends how much it's been fired. ColeGuns has parts. ETA: have 390, 391, A400 Xcel and 1301 Comp Pro. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoss50 Report post Posted August 2, 2023 8 minutes ago, DUG said: Buy it! Worst case you'll need to put about $120 worth of parts (bolt connector, Hammer straps, etc. Depends how much it's been fired. ColeGuns has parts. ETA: have 390, 391, A400 Xcel and 1301 Comp Pro. Is the 390 the best of the bunch since it seems you have them all? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted August 2, 2023 For what it's worth, my Versamax has been the best semi I've ever used. Granted my experience is limited, but I absolutely love the thing. Ducks, cranes, turkey, dove. It's handled them all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoss50 Report post Posted August 2, 2023 5 minutes ago, firstcoueswas80 said: For what it's worth, my Versamax has been the best semi I've ever used. Granted my experience is limited, but I absolutely love the thing. Ducks, cranes, turkey, dove. It's handled them all. A coworker has a versamax and loves it. I have my dad's Winchester 1500 semiautomatic which I love, but it is only a 2.75" gun. I need a 3" autoloader for turkey, sandhill, pheasant, etc. I had decided on the Winchester SX4 until I found this used Beretta 390. Now I am torn on what to do. The 390 seems to be a great gun for less than a new SX4, but the SX4 seems nice too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DUG Report post Posted August 3, 2023 21 minutes ago, Hoss50 said: Is the 390 the best of the bunch since it seems you have them all? 391 is the best IMO. My A400 Xcel is a close 2nd. Still, for $550 the 390 is a great deal. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoss50 Report post Posted August 3, 2023 21 minutes ago, DUG said: 391 is the best IMO. My A400 Xcel is a close 2nd. Still, for $550 the 390 is a great deal. I had it narrowed down to the SX4 and A300 both new. Then decided on the SX4, now this 390 is tempting. I really want a nice pretty wood gun for my old school love of wood guns, but the synthetic 390 would be a workhorse. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yotebuster Report post Posted August 3, 2023 2 hours ago, Hoss50 said: I had it narrowed down to the SX4 and A300 both new. Then decided on the SX4, now this 390 is tempting. I really want a nice pretty wood gun for my old school love of wood guns, but the synthetic 390 would be a workhorse. Point them both, they both point much different. I wouldn’t give a half loaf of bread for a SX4 as I can’t shoot them at all but all berettas except the new A400 extreme plus point like a dream for me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yotebuster Report post Posted August 3, 2023 2 hours ago, DUG said: 391 is the best IMO. My A400 Xcel is a close 2nd. Still, for $550 the 390 is a great deal. Best advice. I’ve had over a dozen beretta autos and Inagree with you on this 100%. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites