BENELLI-"Now THAT'S Italian!" You are making a good choice with either one of the two. I look at it this way. Both the SBE and the M1S90 are available in 24, 26, and 28 inch barrel lengths. Both are available in wood, synthetic, or synthetic camo models. The differences between the two are the ability of the SBE to accept a 31/2" shell and the price. Generally the SBE is about $300.00 more. If you are hunting geese, cranes, turkeys or any other large bird buy the SBE and don't look back. If you are not going to shoot large birds or do so rarely buy the M1S90. If I were to look at any other brand of gun it would be the Beretta 391 series including their new extrema 31/2" gun. The Beretta being gas operated may have lighter felt recoil if you are sensitive. Benelli does have a recoil reducer for the SBE/M1S90 guns however. Happy hunting!