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Alot of the benelli shot guns seem to overlap each other in terms of the semi autos.how do you determine which one is best?

and does it really matter if it will take 3.5 shells?

What do you want to use the shotgun for?

Various types of hunting, skeet, trap, and self defense have different requirements.

I didn't realize how many different models Benelli has.

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3.5-inch shells are pretty much obsolete. They were adopted when lead shot was banned for waterfowl hunting. Now manufacturers produce 2.75-inch non-lead shotshells for that purpose.

- Jim

Well, 3.5" is still used for turkey and geese. Those are the only remaining practical applications I'm aware of for that length of shell.

mainly sporting clays. like the vinci,super black eagle,supersport,cardoba i dont really see the diffrence other then price.

I don't either.

If someone who shoots sporting clays doesn't respond here, you might want to try a general web search.

- Jim

Alot of their models are very similar but it depends on what you're using it for. If it's just for sporting clays then you'll want extended chokes. I don't think, correct me if I'm wrong, that models other than the Super Sport and Sport II don't have extended chokes. Other than the chokes, I can't tell the difference.

I have seen people shoot with super black eagle for sporting clay,he pretty much break every one of the clay hardly miss.He also bird hunt with the same gun so I guess that will be a good choice if you shoot a lot of it and get good at it.The price tag is not cheap for it.

tb7475 wrote:I have seen people shoot with super black eagle for sporting clay,he pretty much break every one of the clay hardly miss.He also bird hunt with the same gun so I guess that will be a good choice if you shoot a lot of it and get good at it.The price tag is not cheap for it.

Yeah, I've seen people shoot sporting clays with Mossberg 500's and do well. The advantage comes when you have extended chokes and can switch them out in a matter of seconds. Sometimes you'll have close up shots that call for a S or IC choke and sometimes you get far shots that need the F. Having two barrells with extended chokes is even better.

I shoot a lot of sporting clays and I've found, in my opinion, that barrel length and weight are the most important when I shoot, instead of whether the gun shoots 3", 3 1/2", or whatever.

I've got an old Beretta A309 ST semi auto that has a 30" barrel and a skeet choke. I shoot 2 3/4" bird shot, either #7 1/2 or #8. You won't be shooting 3" shells at clay targets.... a waste of money and a seriously sore shoulder.

Benelli Super Black Eagle is a fantastic clay gun for sure. Just be sure to get a nice, long barrel - 28" is ok, 30 - 32" is best for me, in my experience.

You can also use any pump gun with a similar setup. I've shot a 12ga Super Nova with a 28" barrel at the clay range and did just fine. I like the semi-auto personally, but pump is fine.

If you can, try a few out at the range. I like heavier shotguns for clays... I can swing them better than the light, aluminum or composite ones. My Beretta is steel and wood.

I have seen many folks out shooting clays with short barrel shotguns, like 18" Mossbergs and Remingtons. Sure it can be done, but it might make your shots a bit harder. The shot has a very different pattern. The upside is it can be used for a good home defense gun after your done at the range.