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
