AboutSteven L. Ashe Expertise Hunting firearms and how to choose what you need. How to build a reasonably priced custom rifle. What calibers must you have to hunt anywhere. How to train bird dogs. How and where to hunt. How to find good guides. How to view and enjoy hunting as a sport.
Experience
Past/Present clients Worked with a number of novice bird dog people who went on to win championship status with their dogs.
i am paul writing from the island republic of malta......here hunting consists only of turtle doves, quails, skylarks, starlings and song thrushes. However I have decided to purchase a new shotgun which most probably will be my last one. My first choice was a benelli but now I am veering to an all rounder functioning by gas. Can you help me here? Which according to you fits our country's hunting birds and is simultaneously gas operated. I am divided between the Winchester SX3 and the Beretta 391. Please help me choose.
Sincerely hoping to hear from you soon i thank you in advance.
Regards.
Paul
Malta
ANSWER: Hello Paul, from sunny Florida, USA!
I have hunted quail, dove, ducks, geese, pheasant and grouse, all with the same Remington 1100 shotgun and two barrels. I use a 30 full choke for ducks, geese and pheasant and an Improve Cylinder barrel for the smaller birds and while hunting behind bird dogs.
I do not like Winchester, because they have changed to much and who knows if their replacement parts will be available in a few years?
Beretta has a good name, but I am unfamiliar with the model 391.
My first choice in the gas operated semi-automatic shotgun would be the current Remington model. Remington makes a very good shotgun and they seem to be solid, in terms of remaining in business. They are good to work with, when you need parts.
If I can look into any other details, let me know and I will try to help you.
Best regards,
Steven L. Ashe
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dear Steven,
but what remington model are you suggesting please?.....can you kindly research anything about the AL 391 Urika 2 Classic semi automatic shotgun please?
Answer Paul, the Remington Model 1100 has proven itself by being around for over forty years now. I don't think that any other gas operated shotgun can claim to have survived and is still being made, after 40 years! I find on the internet that the price for the Remington Premier Sporting Shotgun, is $1110.00
The AL 391 Urika 2 Classic, is $1135.00. Therefore they are likely very close in price, in Malta also.
Were I you, I would find firearms dealers who carry these guns and try both in your hands, to find out which one is best for you! Nothing is better than having the real thing in your hands. You will be able to see how the gun comes up and how it points for you. You should be able to mount the gun with your eyes closed and when you open your eyes, the gun is aligned with your eye. If not, then the gun does not fit you. Your gun should come up and mount naturally and fit your arm length and body style. Any gun that does not do that for you will not be a great bird killing gun for you. Fit is all important. Fit is definitely more important than is brand name and model designation. Find the gun you like that FITS YOU! That is my best advise.
Good luck in your search,
Steven
