Need advice between Browning Gold and Benelli SBE II

[Atlas]

I am in the market for a new semi auto shotgun, 12 gauge 3 1/2 inch and like the fit and feel of both the Browning Gold and the Benelli SBE II.  Both are similar in price.  What are the pluses and minuses of both when compared to each other in terms of recoil, reliability, customer service, etc...  Your advice is much appreciated.  I really can't decide between the 2.

[dukkillr]

I've got an SBE II... actually it's the gun my wife shoots.  I'm not an auto guy, but i've got both the SBE and the SBE II.  They are slick guns.  The recoil is lighter than any of my pumps and they weigh less.  That fancy recoil tech on the SBE II works, sorta.  With the 3 1/2" turkey loads it'll still make your eyes water, but it's far better than my 870. 

The brownings are heavier and seem to be less reliable.  I've guided guys who shoot them and, like all autos, they are fair weather guns.  Figure in dogs, water, freezing temps, and mud, and you'll get misfires and hang-ups. 

The thing I like about the Brownings is their looks.  They're much more attractive than the synthetic benellis.

[Val]

I can't speak to the Browning but I'm very pleased with my SBEll.

[Bullseye]

I had a Browning Gold and could not keep it from jamming.  I finally sold it and bought a Benelli Montefeltro.  The Benelli has always functioned flawlessly.  I would personally never own a gas gun again, they just require to much maintenance for a old pump gun shooter like me.  The gas system always gets so nasty and dirty.  The Benilli is so clean after a few hundred shots it is great.

That is just my opinion.