Author Topic: SBE II vs Xtrema 2 (Read 1381 times)

Dave from MN · « **on:** October 23, 2005, 05:15:43 PM »

Gentlemen,

I am interested in purchasing a new 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun for bird hunting (pheasants to turkey to geese). I have narrowed the options to Benelli's SBE II and Beretta's Xtrema 2. While I have not shot either firearm, I have shouldered both, and the SBE II "felt" better (fit, weight, sight plane, etc.). Unfortunately, I have heard/read some horror stories about the SBE II (heavy recoil, problems with jamming when using 2.75 loads, service nightmares with the manufacturer, unreliability after about 2000 rounds, etc.). On the other hand, although the Xtrema 2 didn't have the positive "feel" of the SBE II, I have read/heard nothing but praise for the firearm (reliability, shootability, comfort, etc.) - bearing in mind that it has had limited time in the market. I also understand that Beretta has done some impressive engineering around recoil reduction - perhaps more that Benelli has been able to accomplish with their ComfortTech system?

OK, having said all of that, I would appreciate hearing from those of you who own, and have some experience with, one or both of these shotguns. Please share the good as well as the bad. I know that I can count on you guys for the straight scoop. Thanks in advance for your insights.

Dave from MN

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2005, 06:03:47 PM »

Sure hope you never need customer service cuz according to the folks posting over on the company site they sure don't have any. I'd go read there before I spend money on them.

dukkillr · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2005, 11:51:30 AM »

I've got an BSEII that The Woman shoots. It's a nice gun to carry and I've had absolutely no problems with it. It will, eventually, hang-up on 2 3/4" shells because that's what autos do. Regardless of what anyone tells you, they do not make an auto that's a reliable as a pump, it's simply not possible. That being said, for nice weather upland/sport shooting the SBE or SBE II would be great choices. The recoil system in the SBEII really is nice (I've got an SBE too and the SBEII is certainly easier to shoot). I've never used the customer service or had any problems with either gun.

varmit_master · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2005, 07:28:28 PM »

Hi GB is right about Benelli. Hope you never have to send it back under war. And have to deal with Customer sev. I had a New Benelli they had it at the factory long than i had it at my house. Came back the same way it went in NOT fixed. :evil: I had the gun around a week sent it back for repairs they kelp it over 3 months and return it not fixed. NEVER will own another Benelli. VM

Val · « **Reply #4 on:** October 27, 2005, 03:19:57 AM »

I have a Benelli SBEll and I like it. It has the recoil reduction system in it and it kicks less than my Browning Citori. Benelli will tell you it may not recycle with light target loads. It does fine with my 1200 fps, 1 1/8 shot target loads but I have had problems with the cheapo 1 oz Federal dove loads from Walmart that I used to by before I started rolling my own. It is a nice light field gun and I like it very much.