@@Aaron_outdoors I’ve hunted with a Super Vinci since they came out in 2011. I’ve got a lot of rounds through mine and a lot of abuse duck hunting. I’ve had mine Cerakoted. I have no complaints with it and it’s a great gun - often overlooked. I also have an SBE2. But if I were buying today it would probably be a Retay. I have a Masai Mara 20ga I picked up last year for dove season and I really like it, especially for the price.
@@Aaron_outdoors dude my bad I thought you said Super Vinci, not Nova. I had a Super Nova years ago. Think I’ve had 2 of them actually, one was set up tactical. The looks are kinda take it or leave it but the function is solid. The Comfort Tech works but it would not be a big factor imo. 👍🏻
I'm 73 years old and this is my 57th consecutive Waterfowl Season in Minnesota. I've owned more than 50 shotguns over the years and shot most of them at Waterfowl. This includes all action types, including Muzzle Loading Shotguns, and every currently available Gauge from the .410 Bore to the 10 Gauge. My favorite shotguns are as follows: Tradewinds (Zabala) 10 Gauge 3-1/2" SXS with Nu-Line choke tubes installed, Beretta AL390 Super Trap 12 Gauge 3" (32" Ported Barrel), Browning A-5, 12 Gauge 3" Magnum (28" Hastings Barrel), Browning BPS 3-1/2" 10 Gauge (28" Barrel), and last but not least Mossberg 835 3-1/2" 12 Guage Pump Gun. The 10 Gauge Magnum isn't for everyone, but I've been shooting one for more than 50 years and it works for me! For practice, I would recommend shooting Skeet (12 Gauge and smaller) from the International (Low Gun) position where the gun is shouldered only after you call for the bird. Regards, Mike Piekarski
great comment mr Mike thanks for hunting ! i never grew up with a father figure, never met em so i didn’t get to hunt as a child now im 26 with 5 little ones of my own i want to get started and teach them right away
Nah, franchi affinity 3.5 elite (for the cheaper end) or a Super black eagle III (for the higher end). I still favor my franchi though over my SBE III. I like inertia guns.
Well, my 40 plus year old Ted Williams shotgun from Sears is still going strong. I bought it when I was a kid. I love this gun. This week alone, I have shot a 6 point and 8 point buck at 20 yards. I have to admit that I’ve been looking to get a new one, but I think I already have a good gun! By the way , there is not a spot of rust on my Ted Williams. I do wish I had an adjustable choke, it has an intermediate choked barrel, over all that barrel has been good for many types of hunting, you just have to know it’s limits.
Been hunting Ducks and Geese for over 40 years now, and I think the best shotgun for a person to hunt with, is the one you're most productive with, my first repeating shotgun I purchased back in 1976 was a Remington model 870 WINGMASTER 30" factory full choke barrel, bagged more geese with it than any other shotgun I've owned over the years, but I enjoyed your video Bud 🇺🇸👍
Joel! It’s so good to see you man! I am so excited for this series. Thanks for all the time and effort you have put into this for us. Great info and lots of stuff I had no idea about! Thanks man!
I appreciate you always being objective and bringing in knowledgeable guys who are willing to impart their experience and wisdom too. Looking forward to checking out Steve’s channels.
Hello! I’m a 63 year old shotgun guy from SC Started out with a Stevens 311 then to a 870 Wingmaster Recently acquired a Beretta Outlander Looking forward to your future adventures
Being left handed and left eye dominant there wasn’t a lot of options 12 years ago so I bought the SBE2 and couldn’t have been happier. It fits me like a glove and that was what was the most important thing for me.
I was on the same mission this time last year when I got ready to semiretire my dad’s 12 gauge New Haven 600 pump. My criteria was a semiauto that had capability to fire a 3.5in and screw in chokes. When the dust cleared I learned a 3.5 kicked like 3 mules and didn’t pattern as good as a 3in or even some 2.75in shells. I ended up buying a Girsan MC312 and paired it with a Trulock mid range chokes. It is inertia driven and just at home skeet shooting as it is in a duck blind. It is less than 500 in the black to boot. Keep up the great videos I love watching them. I hope to see more collaborations with FDH!
@@SurvivingDuckSeason I didn’t see anything with bb or 2 shot impressive enough to punish my shoulder vs a 3in. Honestly the most impressive I found was a Boss 2.75 5 shot and Kent teal also in a 5 shot.
I shoot the Winchester 1200, 12 guage. In a youth model because it fits me better. Deer/moose/grouse/turkey/duck. I am looking forward to this series. Thank you Joel.
I bought my first gun when I was 18 it was also the good old 870. I finally saved up and started looking. I ended up landing on the Franchi Affinity 3.5. It was a hard pick between that and the SX4. When I swung the Franchi to my shoulder it just landed in that sweet spot a little nicer. Good work on all the videos. I have been learning a lot. Thank you and keep up the good work!
I shoot the Tri-Star Viper Max, I can say that it was not the shotgun I had in mind but couldn't pass up the deal off a never been shot before shotgun at the price of a used shotgun. I have actually been very happy with both it's performance and reliability and getting a sweet deal sometimes helps! Glad to see you back in videos Joel, I've really been looking forward to this series.
I put off watching these videos as they came out because I'm happy with the gun I've for (also a SX4), but I sure am glad I came back around to checking them out! When I bought my SX4, I was literally seconds away from dropping $1800 on a SBE3. The grip angle was barely too long, but I realized I had to keep readjusting my grip. When I picked up the SX4, I was sold immediately! It was like a good 1911, it felt like it belonged in my hands.
Hi Joel, I own a Mossberg 930 Stoeger M3000, Franchi Affinity 3, Benelli M2. All four 12Ga. shotguns have pros & Con. I guess at this price range there’s no such thing as a perfect shotgun. After a trip back to Franchi for extreme stiff loading. The Affinity turned out to be delightful to shoot. As for the Benelli M2. In my opinion, it’s a disappointment . It patterned severely high left out of the box. Bolt release is the size of a #2 pencil eraser. True words “the shotgun that works for me probably won’t work for you.” Awesome content Joel keep up the great work!!
3 years beating the piss outta my sbe3. Best shotgun ive had ever. Dirty clean wet doesnt matter. Just always works fits and swings like a dream for me
Benelli Ethos I purchased and been the best upland shotgun I had. It is a dependable, easy to carry lite weight shotgun. I used the choke tubes that came with it and after pattern on paper shot shells. Have to say again that this is the best upland shotgun I had owned and I have owned many brands of shotguns. This is what works for me and will vary with different shooters. I also use a Browning Citori for upland if I not going to do a lot of walking because it is heavier. This is also a great shotgun for upland.
Purchased a Retay Masi Mara last year. So far I am pretty impressed with the performance of the shotgun with one season under it's belt. Best part is no "click", you cannot bump it out of battery like some other shotguns. Price is very competitive as well.
You put a lot of work into this and it shows. This is a video every new hunter should watch. Extremely well done. I’ve watched you for years along with the Flyway Collective. Great job.
I have a dozen. Somehow, I always go back to the hand me down Western Field pump. Back looking for a semi-auto that holds up in freezing temps and blizzards
I'm 72 and not quiet as nimble, but I still like to hunt dove, quail, geese, crain, etc. I decided to retire my 40 yr old Browning 2000 and look for something more nimble to make up for my aging losses. Two big considerations, weight and length, length because I do more vehicle riding than walking. I've settled on the Mossberg SA-20 with 22" barrel. It's lighter at 5.5 lbs. and shorter for maneuvering. And if I ding it, maybe it won't hurt my feelings as bad as it would a more expensive ultra light. Took off the scope rail, the ghost ring, and purchased different chokes.
Mr. Strickland, this was a very well thought out video. You articulate very well so people understand with your down to earth approach. I used both the 870 Remington and the model 12 Winchester for many years. In later years like you I went to a semi auto because of less felt recoil. I have been shooting a pair of Beretta Urika's in 12 gauge for the past 20 years. I call them the AK 47 of semi autos. They take a great deal of punishment and keep on going.
Being 74 years old my first shotgun was given to me by my Grandfather and it was a double barrel 16 ga , I loved that gun but my Dad didn’t get along with his Dad and he cut the wooden stock in half. The next one I got was from a Hardware store and it was a 20 ga Double barrel 26 inch barrel which I still have. The next shotgun I had was an Ithaca Model 37 , it became my favorite upland and I have shot more quail, rabbits and chucker than I can even count. The first Winchester I had was a Model 12 with a Sheet and Trap barrel included. The first Automatic was Remington Model 11 that I bought from the LA Sheriff Dept it had the 18 inch riot barrel which I replaced with a 28 inch barrel. When they passed the Law you couldn’t use lead anymore on Waterfowl and when the current Governor Outlawed the use of any lead products normally used in hunting and fishing I left the State when I retired and moved to Carson City Nevada. Being born in Santa Monica Hospital and moving to the San Fernando Valley in 1953 I had a childhood that I can only say was Wonderful, being raised on a farm I always had a garden and raised chickens for the eggs. There was a lot of Orange trees growing everywhere and rabbits and deer back in the 60s along with fishing ponds with catfish and bluegill. In retrospective the Time and Location of my young life couldn’t have been better. Than Vietnam started in 1965 and the loss of Brothers and Friends started to climb. I went to James Monroe High School from 1966-1969 were the deaths of friends and brothers went from 50 to 2400 in those 3 years. I was Drafted April 15 of 1966 but was in a motorcycle accident on the 13th of April with a fractured pelvis. Didn’t mean to get carried away and I apologize for taking your time.
I just bought 3! 1 16ga over under, 1 old John Browning designed Ranger 30 pump in 16ga, and 1 12 Winchester SXP Defender. I bought an extra 26" barrel for the SXP.
I couldnt decide was stuck between 2 choices,and after lots of research, i first bought the sx4 in 12 which i love, and got my 2nd choice in 20 gauge the Franchi affinty 3. Fantastic guns
For waterfowl, I think the most underrated shotgun is the Super Vinci, even if you never shoot a 3.5” shell. The design is extremely well thought out. That being said, I run a shadow grass blades 3” BPS due to budget limitations at the time of purchase . Brother has the SV and it’s incredible.
I have Franchi Affinity Elite 3.5 12 G and Benelli SuperVinci 12 G. Saving SuperVinci for turkey hunts. Also use Franchi Instinct SL 12G O/U for pheasant hunting.
@grasser8277 I own the affinity 3 ,I don't own the sx4. I have shot a lot of shotguns, and I think they are best bang for your buck. I have shot slightly better ones that are twice the price, and I have shot some really nice ones that are cheaper. The cheaper ones that are nice just don't have the aftermarket parts or the best customer service.
@grasser8277 i think you will love it. The only thing to really know is to make sure it is 100% reliable. Look at your bolt. You should see an f on it. That means it's ready to fire. If the rotating bolt isn't closed, it won't fire. Most people call it benelli click. As long as you don't play with the bolt handle after it's closed, that gun will be 100% reliable and last forever if you just maintain once in a while. Congratulations and good hunting.
I got a Remington 870 super mag in camo, but I’ve moved up to a Remington Versa max blindside camo edition. The Versa max is such a great gun with such great recoil control and spread with many shell varieties.
So so glad to see Joel back on the Tube. This series looks incredible, can't wait to see how it pans out. Your knowledge combined with the video skill makes for the best content on youtube!
💯 I’ve shot a lot, A LOT of different waterfowl shotguns including all the ones mentioned in this video but if you are an avid waterfowler A400 is the softest shooting, most reliable BUT if you are a smaller person or smaller handed person it might be a bit clunky in your hand. SX4 is also a great gun.
I bought a Fabarm XLR5 Waterfowler and absolutely love it. Fairly slim and good weight balance on a gas gun. Very soft shooting, cycles everything from light target loads to heaviest 3” shells, rated for overpressure loads even. Probably the simplest piston design I’ve ever seen. Very high quality manufacturing and materials, everything is stainless steel, chromed, or titanium nitrided. The factory chokes are competition quality and throw excellent patterns, and can shoot steel shot up through full choke. I also like the wide blacked out mid hight rib that extends all the way onto the receiver. Just a very well thought out high quality firearm. More people need to know about these. Also I find it interesting you liked the SX4 but not the Maxus II. They’re essentially the same firearm in a nicer package on the Maxus. What did the SX4 have that you liked over the Maxus?
@@Foxfire-traditional so the first 50 or so shots it had a couple jams (as I kinda expected) and it didn't really like the 3.5 inch that I had from a couple years ago because it was still in the first 50 shots bit after that it's shooting so nice and smooth. I've been shooting the hevi steel and it's loving it. I'm switching to apex tss waterfowl this year though. Should do alright tho. I also had the maxus one for 10 years and I'm blown away at the performance of it. The maxus one is hands down my most reliable gun
Love the video! I’m shooting a Beretta A300 outlander and a Mossberg 835 pump ,pheasant and waterfowl. Both running pattern master code black duck chokes.
I am a Benelli gun shooter. Started with the Nova and moved up the line. The last 5 or so seasons, the 12 GA Vinci was my go to gun. Love it and still do. Not happy about the knuckle busting every once in a while, but hey, that reminds me to grip the gun. I had been watching the reports on the new Benelli SBE 20 Ga. as I shoot the 20 Sport for clays and occasional dove and teal. Well, I bought the SBE 20 a couple months ago. I did everything to test fit and feel. Its nice. Right out of the box, I shot 24 of 25 skeet followed by a 23 of 25. I normally average 20 or so w my 12 Cordoba. Looking forward to the season with the 20 SBE I am working on hand loads of TSS and steel for the 20. Looking forward to your video on the various shot combo's
Great video man, really well done. Been looking forward to the series since you first teased it. I'm a big fan, you've inspired a lot of my videos as well.
Have had many shotguns over the years, wife and I are both shooting Franchi Affinitys for the last couple seasons. They've been excellent. Best pattern i've found with kent 2.0 faststeel #2 1/1/4oz and boss 3/5 duplex is pattern master code black duck.
I’ve shot a lot, A LOT of different waterfowl shotguns including all the ones mentioned in this video but if you are an avid waterfowler Berretta A400 is the softest shooting, most reliable BUT if you are a smaller person or smaller handed person it might be a bit clunky in your hand. SX4 is also a great gun.
I’ve been shooting an original maxus for 10 years at ducks and clays. Thousands of rounds through it, and it works great. And the only times it’s had trouble I can count on one hand and it can be attributed to the ammo every time.
My 870 was my first gun and has been my go to shotgun for 20 plus years. I fell in love with my dad’s silver pigeon for pheasant and so I recently picked up an A400 for my first auto. Took it trap shooting and enjoyed it but still love the over under more. I also got to shoot a retay for snows last year and didn’t care for it as much as some others. I’d still like to try a versa max some day.
my dad bought me a 20ga 870 as my first gun and a franchi intensity a few years down the road and loved those guns. When i turned 19, i saved up my money and got a SBE 3, cant wait to see how it performs this duck season
Benelli Vinci. Used and abused for years…never failed to cycle. Dropped in the pond on more than one occasion…pour the water out and kept shooting. Love it.
Excellent video, Joel! It always amazes me how much folks don't know about shotguns!! They will spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars on waders, decoys, calls, etc. Then they buy a gun based on the camo pattern or recommendations of their buddies or the guys on Facebook. I've hunted with several guns over the years, but I keep coming back to my Winchester 1300 pump from 1989. It just seems to hit where I want better than anything else. Best $137 I ever spent!!!!
I have a Winchester 1300 from that era as well. I liked the gun! I cracked the stock and never fixed it because I had that 870 to fall back on. I guess I should fix that thing!
@@SurvivingDuckSeason I've got nearly a dozen 1200s and 1300s, as well as several other shotguns, but that one is my go-to for everything. I've got a 28" winchoke barrel and a cantilevered rifled slug barrel (Illinois is shotgun-only for deer). It's pretty versatile....but I think it's sentimentality that keeps it on my shoulder. Someday, however, when I come into some money that isn't already ear-marked for something else, I just might grab myself one of those SX4s!!! 😃
WOW, what a great video!!! Glad to see you're putting up some videos again Joel. I watch all your videos and all of Steve's as I love his channel also!!! I started out with a Hiawatha 20 pump, then went to 12 gauge Remington 870. Then when Benelli came out with the first SBE in 3.5 inch I got one. That was when lead was banned and we all had to shoot steel. I got the 3.5 inch for shot capacity with the large sized T shot for large geese. That was a deadly round. I shot that gun for years for everything and loved it. Then a few years back my Benelli broke the ejector pin so I needed a backup that could shoot 3.5 inch shells so I purchased a SX4. It is a great gun also but now my son's fiancee shoots it so I purchased a A400 last year and love it also. I love the light recoil of the autoloaders but find the inertia guns will not eject well if they get dirty. I found this out on conservation hunts in South Dakota with all the dirt blowing around so found the piston guns more durable in that regard so now the A400 is my main shotgun for that. I am very interested in your next videos on choke tubes and types of shot. I have used the standard choke tubes that come with the guns and purchased Pattern Master choke tubes. I have patterned every shotgun I own with the different chokes and around 50 different brands, styles, lengths and sizes of shotgun shells. One thing I did find is that each shotgun patterned a bit differently with each choke and different shell. Overall for steel shot the Pattern Master chokes improved the patterns over factory chokes with some being extremely deadly. All my testing is using a 4 foot sheet of paper at 40 yards and pattern density, spread and center of target in a 30" circle. Last year for the first time I used some Boss Bismuth shotgun shells and liked them. I'm very excited to see all of your findings on choke tubes and on the different types of shot. Thanks again for all your Great videos and information, both you Joel and Steve!!!!
I'm looking at either a benelli super black eagle 3 or browning maxus 2 wicked wing. Never had a really nice semi auto shotgun been saving up for a while just want to take the time and make sure it fits me well
Are you looking for a new shotgun? Tell me what you’re considering.
I am looking for a new one. Thinking of going with the beneli super nova
@@Aaron_outdoors I’ve hunted with a Super Vinci since they came out in 2011. I’ve got a lot of rounds through mine and a lot of abuse duck hunting. I’ve had mine Cerakoted. I have no complaints with it and it’s a great gun - often overlooked.
I also have an SBE2. But if I were buying today it would probably be a Retay. I have a Masai Mara 20ga I picked up last year for dove season and I really like it, especially for the price.
@@miklm thanks for the feedback. Does the comfort tech make a big difference?
@@Aaron_outdoors dude my bad I thought you said Super Vinci, not Nova.
I had a Super Nova years ago. Think I’ve had 2 of them actually, one was set up tactical. The looks are kinda take it or leave it but the function is solid. The Comfort Tech works but it would not be a big factor imo. 👍🏻
Franchi affinity elite. Tried several others and I kept finding myself looking at them, bought one and haven’t looked back
I'm 73 years old and this is my 57th consecutive Waterfowl Season in Minnesota. I've owned more than 50 shotguns over the years and shot most of them at Waterfowl. This includes all action types, including Muzzle Loading Shotguns, and every currently available Gauge from the .410 Bore to the 10 Gauge. My favorite shotguns are as follows: Tradewinds (Zabala) 10 Gauge 3-1/2" SXS with Nu-Line choke tubes installed, Beretta AL390 Super Trap 12 Gauge 3" (32" Ported Barrel), Browning A-5, 12 Gauge 3" Magnum (28" Hastings Barrel), Browning BPS 3-1/2" 10 Gauge (28" Barrel), and last but not least Mossberg 835 3-1/2" 12 Guage Pump Gun. The 10 Gauge Magnum isn't for everyone, but I've been shooting one for more than 50 years and it works for me! For practice, I would recommend shooting Skeet (12 Gauge and smaller) from the International (Low Gun) position where the gun is shouldered only after you call for the bird.
Regards,
Mike Piekarski
great comment mr Mike thanks for hunting !
i never grew up with a father figure, never met em so i didn’t get to hunt as a child
now im 26 with 5 little ones of my own i want to get started and teach them right away
I own many shotguns and in my opinion the Beretta A400 extreme plus is the best water fowling shotgun on the market
Beretta A300 Ultima $699.99 (SMKW) is a hell of a deal if the A400 is priced out of your range.
I love my 1301 house gun so i already know id love the a400.
Shot a decent amount of different shotguns, friend bought a400 xtreme plus, has to match, the od green looks wicked
@@gk5891Now it’s $980! And SMKW no longer sells firearms.
Nah, franchi affinity 3.5 elite (for the cheaper end) or a Super black eagle III (for the higher end). I still favor my franchi though over my SBE III. I like inertia guns.
Beretta A400 Xtreme plus. Best shouldering gun I've tried. I use Carlson Delta Waterfowl choke tubes.
The kicks high flyer chokes work well in my a400 also
Well, my 40 plus year old Ted Williams shotgun from Sears is still going strong. I bought it when I was a kid. I love this gun. This week alone, I have shot a 6 point and 8 point buck at 20 yards. I have to admit that I’ve been looking to get a new one, but I think I already have a good gun! By the way , there is not a spot of rust on my Ted Williams. I do wish I had an adjustable choke, it has an intermediate choked barrel, over all that barrel has been good for many types of hunting, you just have to know it’s limits.
Remington 1187 12 guage. My first shotgun was a 12 guage remington 870!
Been hunting Ducks and Geese for over 40 years now, and I think the best shotgun for a person to hunt with, is the one you're most productive with, my first repeating shotgun I purchased back in 1976 was a Remington model 870 WINGMASTER 30" factory full choke barrel, bagged more geese with it than any other shotgun I've owned over the years, but I enjoyed your video Bud 🇺🇸👍
Joel! It’s so good to see you man! I am so excited for this series. Thanks for all the time and effort you have put into this for us. Great info and lots of stuff I had no idea about! Thanks man!
Thanks Jack! I’ve learned so much too! It’s been a lot of fun working on it 👍🏻💪🏻👊🏻
I appreciate you always being objective and bringing in knowledgeable guys who are willing to impart their experience and wisdom too. Looking forward to checking out Steve’s channels.
Love my Mossberg 930 waterfowl. But always loved and had Remington 870 Wingmaster for over 40 years.
Beretta a400 extreme plus hands down.
Hello! I’m a 63 year old shotgun guy from SC
Started out with a Stevens 311 then to a 870 Wingmaster
Recently acquired a Beretta Outlander
Looking forward to your future adventures
I've been shooting Winchester SX guns for over 20 years, and love them. I have the SX3 in 20ga and 12ga, and the SX4 in 12ga.
I bet you can’t stand how the sx4 is cheaper made and not as quality as the sx3 huh
Ive had sx4 since it came out amazing gun but BIG SISTER maxus2 shows why sx4 is little brother 😂 but hands down if u can’t afford maxus2 Sx4 is it!!!
Being left handed and left eye dominant there wasn’t a lot of options 12 years ago so I bought the SBE2 and couldn’t have been happier. It fits me like a glove and that was what was the most important thing for me.
I use an a400 extreme plus. They're a bit gaudy in the hands, but man the thing keeps growing on me.
I was on the same mission this time last year when I got ready to semiretire my dad’s 12 gauge New Haven 600 pump. My criteria was a semiauto that had capability to fire a 3.5in and screw in chokes. When the dust cleared I learned a 3.5 kicked like 3 mules and didn’t pattern as good as a 3in or even some 2.75in shells. I ended up buying a Girsan MC312 and paired it with a Trulock mid range chokes. It is inertia driven and just at home skeet shooting as it is in a duck blind. It is less than 500 in the black to boot. Keep up the great videos I love watching them. I hope to see more collaborations with FDH!
I shot sone 3.5 this year (only for research) Oh man! I can’t make a follow up shot lol.
@@SurvivingDuckSeason I didn’t see anything with bb or 2 shot impressive enough to punish my shoulder vs a 3in. Honestly the most impressive I found was a Boss 2.75 5 shot and Kent teal also in a 5 shot.
I have a 12g beretta a400 extreme plus and I love that gun so much, never have any problems with it and it shoots like a 20g
I shoot a Franchi Affinity 3.5, I have been very pleased with it!
Feels Right.. I was shocked to see how different mine fit me than my SBE. Half the price and I love it 10x as much
Just picked up a Beretta a400 xtreme plus
I shoot the Winchester 1200, 12 guage. In a youth model because it fits me better. Deer/moose/grouse/turkey/duck. I am looking forward to this series. Thank you Joel.
Right on! I have a Remington 870 20ga youth model that I like to shoot too👍🏻it’s all about fit.
About to have my 3rd season with my Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus, very satisfied.
I bought my first gun when I was 18 it was also the good old 870. I finally saved up and started looking. I ended up landing on the Franchi Affinity 3.5. It was a hard pick between that and the SX4. When I swung the Franchi to my shoulder it just landed in that sweet spot a little nicer. Good work on all the videos. I have been learning a lot. Thank you and keep up the good work!
Exact same story in how I chose mine
Looking at the Retay Masai Mari and Franche Affinity 3.5 for duck and goose hunting
I shoot the Tri-Star Viper Max, I can say that it was not the shotgun I had in mind but couldn't pass up the deal off a never been shot before shotgun at the price of a used shotgun. I have actually been very happy with both it's performance and reliability and getting a sweet deal sometimes helps! Glad to see you back in videos Joel, I've really been looking forward to this series.
Loving my Benelli SBE3
I put off watching these videos as they came out because I'm happy with the gun I've for (also a SX4), but I sure am glad I came back around to checking them out!
When I bought my SX4, I was literally seconds away from dropping $1800 on a SBE3. The grip angle was barely too long, but I realized I had to keep readjusting my grip. When I picked up the SX4, I was sold immediately! It was like a good 1911, it felt like it belonged in my hands.
Hi Joel,
I own a Mossberg 930
Stoeger M3000, Franchi Affinity 3, Benelli M2. All four 12Ga. shotguns have pros & Con. I guess at this price range there’s no such thing as a perfect shotgun. After a trip back to Franchi for extreme stiff loading. The Affinity turned out to be delightful to shoot. As for the Benelli M2. In my opinion, it’s a disappointment . It patterned severely high left out of the box. Bolt release is the size of a #2 pencil eraser. True words “the shotgun that works for me probably won’t work for you.” Awesome content Joel keep up the great work!!
I noticed ur higher end shotguns are inertia, you should try the beretta a400a300 and the win sx3 then tell me if you see any cons
My brothers and I all shoot Franchi Affinities! 2 seasons with mine now, and I love it!
3 years beating the piss outta my sbe3. Best shotgun ive had ever. Dirty clean wet doesnt matter. Just always works fits and swings like a dream for me
Same for me. This is my 2nd season hunting w the sbe3 lefty. You can paddle the boat with it and it still won’t let you down!!
Benelli Ethos I purchased and been the best upland shotgun I had. It is a dependable, easy to carry lite weight shotgun. I used the choke tubes that came with it and after pattern on paper shot shells. Have to say again that this is the best upland shotgun I had owned and I have owned many brands of shotguns. This is what works for me and will vary with different shooters.
I also use a Browning Citori for upland if I not going to do a lot of walking because it is heavier. This is also a great shotgun for upland.
Currently hunting waterfowl with a Benelli SBE3.
I am so excited for this series! I love the video quality and information that you gave! I love all of this stuff. Thanks Joel!
Ruger Red Label All Weather amazing gun.
So glad to see another video, I've missed your videos
I use a benelli super black eagle 3 purely because it feels 20x better than any other shotgun I’ve ever held
Browning Gold, has served me very well. I am considering a Maxus II in Wicked Wing in Vintage Tan
I would look for a nib sx3 somewheres before I baught a maxus 2, and I own a gold and love it
Remington 1100 Magnum for myself.. but whatever fits you best
Purchased a Retay Masi Mara last year. So far I am pretty impressed with the performance of the shotgun with one season under it's belt. Best part is no "click", you cannot bump it out of battery like some other shotguns. Price is very competitive as well.
Bps stalker 10 gauge. Total badass.
Amen on the 10 gauge being a badass. Like shooting artillery down range.
The way that you explain things makes it very easy to understand you. Thank you!
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.
my recent duck slayer is a stoeger m3000 but just purchased an sx4 hybrid hunter!
How did you like the m3000? Looking into one
You put a lot of work into this and it shows. This is a video every new hunter should watch. Extremely well done. I’ve watched you for years along with the Flyway Collective. Great job.
Thanks Duck Man!
Looking at the mossburg 940 jmpro
I also shoot a Winchester SX4, I run a carlson cremator long rang choke tube in it and I love that combo!
I have a dozen. Somehow, I always go back to the hand me down Western Field pump. Back looking for a semi-auto that holds up in freezing temps and blizzards
Target focused life did a video on testing guns in freezing temps
I'm 72 and not quiet as nimble, but I still like to hunt dove, quail, geese, crain, etc. I decided to retire my 40 yr old Browning 2000 and look for something more nimble to make up for my aging losses.
Two big considerations, weight and length, length because I do more vehicle riding than walking.
I've settled on the Mossberg SA-20 with 22" barrel. It's lighter at 5.5 lbs. and shorter for maneuvering.
And if I ding it, maybe it won't hurt my feelings as bad as it would a more expensive ultra light.
Took off the scope rail, the ghost ring, and purchased different chokes.
I use a franchi affinity 3
Mr. Strickland, this was a very well thought out video. You articulate very well so people understand with your down to earth approach. I used both the 870 Remington and the model 12 Winchester for many years. In later years like you I went to a semi auto because of less felt recoil. I have been shooting a pair of Beretta Urika's in 12 gauge for the past 20 years. I call them the AK 47 of semi autos. They take a great deal of punishment and keep on going.
Beretta A400 kickoff extreme, hands down
Being 74 years old my first shotgun was given to me by my Grandfather and it was a double barrel 16 ga , I loved that gun but my Dad didn’t get along with his Dad and he cut the wooden stock in half. The next one I got was from a Hardware store and it was a 20 ga Double barrel 26 inch barrel which I still have. The next shotgun I had was an Ithaca Model 37 , it became my favorite upland and I have shot more quail, rabbits and chucker than I can even count. The first Winchester I had was a Model 12 with a Sheet and Trap barrel included. The first Automatic was Remington Model 11 that I bought from the LA Sheriff Dept it had the 18 inch riot barrel which I replaced with a 28 inch barrel. When they passed the Law you couldn’t use lead anymore on Waterfowl and when the current Governor Outlawed the use of any lead products normally used in hunting and fishing I left the State when I retired and moved to Carson City Nevada. Being born in Santa Monica Hospital and moving to the San Fernando Valley in 1953 I had a childhood that I can only say was Wonderful, being raised on a farm I always had a garden and raised chickens for the eggs. There was a lot of Orange trees growing everywhere and rabbits and deer back in the 60s along with fishing ponds with catfish and bluegill. In retrospective the Time and Location of my young life couldn’t have been better. Than Vietnam started in 1965 and the loss of Brothers and Friends started to climb. I went to James Monroe High School from 1966-1969 were the deaths of friends and brothers went from 50 to 2400 in those 3 years. I was Drafted April 15 of 1966 but was in a motorcycle accident on the 13th of April with a fractured pelvis. Didn’t mean to get carried away and I apologize for taking your time.
Just “pulled the trigger” on the Franchi Affinity 3.5 in the Max-7 on sale for $749.
Where that’s a good price
@ sportsman’s warehouse
Ive had a Stoger M3000 for years. Just picked up the Franchi Affinity 3 select. Shoots great, looks great.
Did you try the beretta a400?
I didn’t before buying the Winchester. I have since then. Sweet gun.
I have reviewed the A400 Extreme Plus on the channel. Check it out and let us know what you think.
I just bought 3! 1 16ga over under, 1 old John Browning designed Ranger 30 pump in 16ga, and 1 12 Winchester SXP Defender. I bought an extra 26" barrel for the SXP.
I hunt with 1187 Remington
I couldnt decide was stuck between 2 choices,and after lots of research, i first bought the sx4 in 12 which i love, and got my 2nd choice in 20 gauge the Franchi affinty 3. Fantastic guns
Beretta A400 xtreme plus
Looking at one of these with the 30” how do you like it?
@@bigr71225 it’s awesome look at the videos of me shooting it on my channel its super smooth and feeds anything
SX3 and SX4 both rock, love them both!
Mossberg 940
I have been using a Browning silver and love it. But am thinking about getting a Browning cynergy
I haven’t tried the cynergy.
The Cynergy is a great gun. I reviewed it on my channel, check it out.
For waterfowl, I think the most underrated shotgun is the Super Vinci, even if you never shoot a 3.5” shell. The design is extremely well thought out. That being said, I run a shadow grass blades 3” BPS due to budget limitations at the time of purchase . Brother has the SV and it’s incredible.
WINCHESTER SX4...THE BEST HANDS DOWN..!
Two fellow employees use the Winchester SX4 and love the gun thinking of purchasing one myself.
It’s great
I have Franchi Affinity Elite 3.5 12 G and Benelli SuperVinci 12 G. Saving SuperVinci for turkey hunts. Also use Franchi Instinct SL 12G O/U for pheasant hunting.
Inertia gun =Franchi affinity 3.5 - 12 gauge. Gas gun = winchester sx4 3.5 - 12 gauge.
Inertia = Benelli Montefeltro '23
Gas = Beretta SBE 3
My birthday is in 3 weeks..😂
I am assuming you own an affinity?
@grasser8277 I own the affinity 3 ,I don't own the sx4. I have shot a lot of shotguns, and I think they are best bang for your buck. I have shot slightly better ones that are twice the price, and I have shot some really nice ones that are cheaper. The cheaper ones that are nice just don't have the aftermarket parts or the best customer service.
@justinhuddleston2303 thank you I bought an affinity 3 elite today hopefully I love it
@grasser8277 i think you will love it. The only thing to really know is to make sure it is 100% reliable. Look at your bolt. You should see an f on it. That means it's ready to fire. If the rotating bolt isn't closed, it won't fire. Most people call it benelli click. As long as you don't play with the bolt handle after it's closed, that gun will be 100% reliable and last forever if you just maintain once in a while. Congratulations and good hunting.
I got a Remington 870 super mag in camo, but I’ve moved up to a Remington Versa max blindside camo edition. The Versa max is such a great gun with such great recoil control and spread with many shell varieties.
I wanted ome till i found out they were discontinued foe the v3 wich doesn't even take 3.5
Benelli SBE 3 in 12 &20
So so glad to see Joel back on the Tube. This series looks incredible, can't wait to see how it pans out. Your knowledge combined with the video skill makes for the best content on youtube!
Thanks! We’ve been working on this series full time for months. It’s been a lot of fun to put together.
Beretta A400 is the best out there hands down.
In your opinion.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.
💯 I’ve shot a lot, A LOT of different waterfowl shotguns including all the ones mentioned in this video but if you are an avid waterfowler A400 is the softest shooting, most reliable BUT if you are a smaller person or smaller handed person it might be a bit clunky in your hand. SX4 is also a great gun.
I shoot mossberg 935
Love it. It has not let me down in 3 years
Remington 1100
I bought a Fabarm XLR5 Waterfowler and absolutely love it. Fairly slim and good weight balance on a gas gun. Very soft shooting, cycles everything from light target loads to heaviest 3” shells, rated for overpressure loads even. Probably the simplest piston design I’ve ever seen. Very high quality manufacturing and materials, everything is stainless steel, chromed, or titanium nitrided. The factory chokes are competition quality and throw excellent patterns, and can shoot steel shot up through full choke. I also like the wide blacked out mid hight rib that extends all the way onto the receiver. Just a very well thought out high quality firearm. More people need to know about these.
Also I find it interesting you liked the SX4 but not the Maxus II. They’re essentially the same firearm in a nicer package on the Maxus. What did the SX4 have that you liked over the Maxus?
baikal mp153
I hunt with an old Remington 1100 and a Retay Gordion, love them both, 1100 kicks lighter but is heavy, Retay kicks more but is light.
I did not think at 16 gauge was rare
Not rare, just not the most popular.
I just bought a Browning Maxus 2 wicked wing. I’ve never hunted duck but I’m going this year and excited to break it in!
Hunted my first year last season with my Maxus 2 and so far best auto loading shotgun I've ever used. Keep it clean and they work flawlessly
Beretta a400 x+ is the best shotgun ever made
I'm running a tristar raptor and love it. For the money its a great starter gun and handles multiple loads very well
That’s one I haven’t tried yet.
@@SurvivingDuckSeason it's worth trying especially to showcase to new or more budget minded hunters
I love my stoeger m3000
Me to man, first season with mine and I'm obsessed with it!
I got that maxus 2 and my brother got an sx4, we've been hunting in a couple feet of snow and ice and they are absolutely amazing. Love the guns
@chandlerclarke1670 have you shot SB3? Had any issues with the Maxus besides the normal wear?
@@Foxfire-traditional so the first 50 or so shots it had a couple jams (as I kinda expected) and it didn't really like the 3.5 inch that I had from a couple years ago because it was still in the first 50 shots bit after that it's shooting so nice and smooth. I've been shooting the hevi steel and it's loving it. I'm switching to apex tss waterfowl this year though. Should do alright tho. I also had the maxus one for 10 years and I'm blown away at the performance of it. The maxus one is hands down my most reliable gun
Thank you very much.
Everyone knows it’s the Remington 1100 silly gooses
I like my 11-87, but about the same thing.
That’s my favorite shotgun!!!
Express/Wingmaster.
Love that gun for doves.. my dad has one.. first semi auto I’ve ever shot.
Remington 1187
Love the video! I’m shooting a Beretta A300 outlander and a Mossberg 835 pump ,pheasant and waterfowl. Both running pattern master code black duck chokes.
Amazing how excruciatingly ugly all your shotguns are, so you take an ugly gun and paint it uglier ?
I shoot a Benelli sbe3 12 gauge and love it. My son shoots a franchi affinity 3 12 gauge and he loves it.
I am a Benelli gun shooter. Started with the Nova and moved up the line. The last 5 or so seasons, the 12 GA Vinci was my go to gun. Love it and still do. Not happy about the knuckle busting every once in a while, but hey, that reminds me to grip the gun. I had been watching the reports on the new Benelli SBE 20 Ga. as I shoot the 20 Sport for clays and occasional dove and teal. Well, I bought the SBE 20 a couple months ago. I did everything to test fit and feel. Its nice. Right out of the box, I shot 24 of 25 skeet followed by a 23 of 25. I normally average 20 or so w my 12 Cordoba. Looking forward to the season with the 20 SBE
I am working on hand loads of TSS and steel for the 20. Looking forward to your video on the various shot combo's
I just got a browning maxus 2 I love it so far. Started out with a Remington 1100 huge upgrade
Great video man, really well done. Been looking forward to the series since you first teased it. I'm a big fan, you've inspired a lot of my videos as well.
Thanks George, I appreciate it brother!💪🏻👍🏻👊🏻
Beretta A400 extreme. Love it
First season with my Winchester SXP 28” barrel. Looks clean, cycles nice, and drops birds👍🏻
Have had many shotguns over the years, wife and I are both shooting Franchi Affinitys for the last couple seasons. They've been excellent. Best pattern i've found with kent 2.0 faststeel #2 1/1/4oz and boss 3/5 duplex is pattern master code black duck.
Nice! Thanks for taking the time to pattern your combo. It’s great to know what and where you’re shooting.
After much looking and testing I went with an SX4 last year. So far I’m totally happy
Awesome!
I’ve shot a lot, A LOT of different waterfowl shotguns including all the ones mentioned in this video but if you are an avid waterfowler Berretta A400 is the softest shooting, most reliable BUT if you are a smaller person or smaller handed person it might be a bit clunky in your hand. SX4 is also a great gun.
I’ve been shooting an original maxus for 10 years at ducks and clays. Thousands of rounds through it, and it works great. And the only times it’s had trouble I can count on one hand and it can be attributed to the ammo every time.
Picked up the same sx4 a couple weeks ago and am in love with it. Can’t beat it for the price
My 870 was my first gun and has been my go to shotgun for 20 plus years. I fell in love with my dad’s silver pigeon for pheasant and so I recently picked up an A400 for my first auto. Took it trap shooting and enjoyed it but still love the over under more. I also got to shoot a retay for snows last year and didn’t care for it as much as some others. I’d still like to try a versa max some day.
my dad bought me a 20ga 870 as my first gun and a franchi intensity a few years down the road and loved those guns. When i turned 19, i saved up my money and got a SBE 3, cant wait to see how it performs this duck season
Benelli Vinci. Used and abused for years…never failed to cycle. Dropped in the pond on more than one occasion…pour the water out and kept shooting. Love it.
I don't think they make it anymore or else I'd buy it. I've heard nothing but good things about it
Excellent video, Joel! It always amazes me how much folks don't know about shotguns!! They will spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars on waders, decoys, calls, etc. Then they buy a gun based on the camo pattern or recommendations of their buddies or the guys on Facebook. I've hunted with several guns over the years, but I keep coming back to my Winchester 1300 pump from 1989. It just seems to hit where I want better than anything else. Best $137 I ever spent!!!!
I have a Winchester 1300 from that era as well. I liked the gun! I cracked the stock and never fixed it because I had that 870 to fall back on. I guess I should fix that thing!
@@SurvivingDuckSeason I've got nearly a dozen 1200s and 1300s, as well as several other shotguns, but that one is my go-to for everything. I've got a 28" winchoke barrel and a cantilevered rifled slug barrel (Illinois is shotgun-only for deer). It's pretty versatile....but I think it's sentimentality that keeps it on my shoulder. Someday, however, when I come into some money that isn't already ear-marked for something else, I just might grab myself one of those SX4s!!! 😃
Had most of them, I hunt 70+ days a year, I use the Berretta A400 exclusively, low recoil and absolutely reliable, exspensive but well worth it
That’s awesome, but how do you afford to hunt that much? Am I missing something?
Well my kids are grown I have no wife and I just center my entire life around waterfell and dogs I am dogs plus I live within my means
WOW, what a great video!!! Glad to see you're putting up some videos again Joel. I watch all your videos and all of Steve's as I love his channel also!!! I started out with a Hiawatha 20 pump, then went to 12 gauge Remington 870. Then when Benelli came out with the first SBE in 3.5 inch I got one. That was when lead was banned and we all had to shoot steel. I got the 3.5 inch for shot capacity with the large sized T shot for large geese. That was a deadly round. I shot that gun for years for everything and loved it. Then a few years back my Benelli broke the ejector pin so I needed a backup that could shoot 3.5 inch shells so I purchased a SX4. It is a great gun also but now my son's fiancee shoots it so I purchased a A400 last year and love it also. I love the light recoil of the autoloaders but find the inertia guns will not eject well if they get dirty. I found this out on conservation hunts in South Dakota with all the dirt blowing around so found the piston guns more durable in that regard so now the A400 is my main shotgun for that.
I am very interested in your next videos on choke tubes and types of shot. I have used the standard choke tubes that come with the guns and purchased Pattern Master choke tubes. I have patterned every shotgun I own with the different chokes and around 50 different brands, styles, lengths and sizes of shotgun shells. One thing I did find is that each shotgun patterned a bit differently with each choke and different shell. Overall for steel shot the Pattern Master chokes improved the patterns over factory chokes with some being extremely deadly. All my testing is using a 4 foot sheet of paper at 40 yards and pattern density, spread and center of target in a 30" circle.
Last year for the first time I used some Boss Bismuth shotgun shells and liked them. I'm very excited to see all of your findings on choke tubes and on the different types of shot.
Thanks again for all your Great videos and information, both you Joel and Steve!!!!
Just bought a Retay, Masai Mara 3 inch. Love it so far after patterning . Will let you know after I actually get it on some hunts.
I got the same last year and love it
I'm looking at either a benelli super black eagle 3 or browning maxus 2 wicked wing. Never had a really nice semi auto shotgun been saving up for a while just want to take the time and make sure it fits me well
Get the benelli!
Maxus you cab thank me later.