I've been using my 870 with an extension for a while now.  I'm at the point where getting an autoloading shotgun will definitely reduce my times.  I'm not amazing yet but I'm much better :)

So, I found a used benelli SBE I (not II) with a wood stock for $650.  I would get an extension and work any other upgrades as needed.

I also have new m3000's available locally for $499, and I've found parts online to upgrade easily as well.

I can also get a franchi affinity for about $600.

I've felt them all, and the franchi and benelli definitely feel 'nicer' in the hand but all fit my body well.  I'm not really concerned with aesthetics

My question is should i jump on the benelli SBE? Or would I be better off going with another gun? I haven't heard a lot about the older SBE-I's and how they would work in 3 gun...hey have a 3.5" chamber and the loading port is nice and large to suit.  I don't know how they shoot or how reliable they are.


The m3000's seem like a great value, but I'm not sure how it'd stack up against the franchi or sbe.



Thanks for your input!

There are quite a few guys shooting Stoegers. It helps the are a few companies making parts for them. I shoot with a few guys that have Stoegers and they like them. I never see SBE I or the Franchi at matches. There are a few pros shooting the Stoeger.

The Franchi  Affinity is hugely overlooked.  It's Benelli's idea of what a Stoeger M3000 should be, and is more compatible in terms of parts you'd want to replace for 3-gun with M2 parts so the built-in aftermarket is bigger.

Check out my video on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3w0auqskDI