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Don't waste your money on 3.5 in shells.They typically cause most of the cycling issues in semi's (OAL) and don't pattern worth a shit. Even on geese, most outfitters and professionals that I know roll with 3in. If you think you need more power, step up to a 10ga. I know that I will probably piss off the Benelli fan boys here but you can't go wrong with a Beretta semi particularly the 391 series. They run like a champ, low maint and soft on the shoulder. There are no gas rings to mess with and have very few moving parts to break on you.They will also cycle anything from 2.75 wall mart low brass to 3in heavy steel. I have three that are primarily used for trap skeet and a LOT of hunting. My oldest 391 has seen well over 20K rounds and has never had a hiccup or part break. You can also get into one for $800 to $900 new or sometimes cheaper on the used market.
No offense to Benelli's but their inertia system recoils just as hard as a damn pump. Gas guns will always be softer on the shoulder and it matters greatly for fast waterfowl follow up shots to me. They also claim that they run cleaner than gas ( probably do) but the two that I owned became jam-o-matics during waterfowl season. The two that I owned also were very load sensitive when it came to non toxic loads as well. They routinely failed to go back into battery in wet conditions and that just wasn't my guns. I have taken out several hundred duck and geese hunters out in the last several years and what I saw became a pattern of issues that caused me to sell my Benelli's. Bought the Beretta's and never looked back. Keep in mind that I can be hard on my equipment as they get a lot of use.
In the end, I suggest that you give what you like a try and then go from there before dropping $1K
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Why? It isn't a big deal. "Opinions vary", and experiences along with taste vary.
While I own tons of nice guns, I also have some very down and dirty super practical guns.
I have over a half dozen 380's, from twin AMTs, 3 Ruger LCPs, and 2 Kel Tec P3ATs. One time at the range, I was running some drills with my Kel Tec P3AT. Thing never jams on me. A guy watching was curious. He was certainly no gun guy. I knew he wanted to try. So, I set him up on the range to try it out. He could hardly get it to run. I could not figure out what all he was doing wrong. He said it was fun. I was highly perplexed. He left, and I tried to make it jam. I ran it loose, upside down, weak hand, but nothing would jam it.
There is a gun people call the "grenade". Generally, that is the nickname for Glocks, specifically those in 40 S&W. I also own ... 1 G23, 3 G22s, a G35, and 2 G27s. While I do own a G17, I will never buy another Glock in just 9mm. My experience is that a 40 S&W Glock will convert to 9mm with just a barrel swap. No mag swap is needed. To my surprise they run great with the 40 mags. While I have not done it, the Glock 40s can supposedly also convert to 357 Sig. Also, people love the G19. I don't. The G19/G23 is the middle size. The bigger ones are more controllable and have a better sight radius while the smaller ones are more compact. So, to me, I get the better ones and don't mess with the middle misfit.
I have a G22 with a light/laser combo on it, nigh sites, and a 2.5 trigger on it... for my mother. Why? In spite of my inclination to have her try all of my other guns, and so many more I borrowed, a Gen3 G22 was the best for her. As it turns out, the best gun for an injured cop is the best gun for my aging and frail mother. She absolutely loves that thing.
No, I don't consider any of my 380s or Glocks to be "nice" guns. They are very down and dirty super practical guns.
While shopping for a Benelli M4 combat shotgun, I saw a customized and tuned M3. It has the full length mag. I had not seen one already set up all the way. It is very unique, without question. I grabbed it. I'll buy a M4 while I am out again sometime. They are pretty common. While they are both $1,500 shotguns or better, neither is really a "prize". Neither will ever be like my Colts, such as the Python or Gold Cup National Match.
Speaking of shotguns. I have several Mossberg 500s. I have 2 set up in complete packages, each with a rifled barrel with scope, a field barrel with choke tubes, and an 18.5" barrel. Either can be set up with the rifled barrel while the other wears a field barrel. Also, since both are completely set up, I can grab either for a trip. I also have a 500 set up with 18.5" barrel and a folding stock, and it stays that way. It is a compact 12 gauge for travel. 500s are very inexpensive. They are nothing about which to brag. But, they are super simple to maintain to the smallest detail. They are another of my very down and dirty super practical guns.
I also have a wonderful DPMS AR15. It has been shot more than any of my other dozen or so ARs, even more than my Colt ARs. It is just a great, tough, light, and a fun gun.
I have some serious fighting guns, like my 380s. (No, my Kahr PM9, $900 gun, does not make a better all round carry gun.) I have some fun stuff. I have some pretty things too.
I mentioned several guns here upon which many would look down. But, my experience tells me these beat many of my more expensive guns. That is just the way it is.
My point is that... "Opinions vary", and experiences along with taste vary. It is good to listen to other people and have an open mind. It is good to check out the issues people have. But, ultimately, one has to go with what they "know".