Can anyone comment on the reliability of this gun? I have been looking for a semi auto and have ruled out the Vinci and the Maxus due to fit. The SBEII fits pretty well, but a little more than I want to spend.

Franchi is supposed to have a little better quality control then Stoegar, however, on another forum, it is reported their sales are way down. Beretta is their parent company and I do not know what may happen to them in the future.

Have you considered the Benelli M2? Its only a couple hundred dollars more, and Benelli is as strong as ever.

http://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/benelli_american_series.php

It has also been commented that the reason Franchi sales were down is because Beretta sees the I12 as a threat to their higher priced Beretta/Benelli products. The proof seems to be in, when have you seen Franchi advertised lately?

Hey hopedale. Thanks for the link. Franchi is offering a rebate on their I-12. What is funny to me is that the difference in price between the SBEII and the SBEII "american" series is about $300. The only difference is the Comfortech tech stock? This is the same for the M2. Is that stock really worth $300?

new one for sale in the classifieds

http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/u...chi_i_12#UNREAD

I shoot a max4 I12. The gun is great. I had alittle trouble with the botl handle flying out but Benelli sent me a new bolt and handle and its killing ducks.

I would like to dispute that last claim

Franchi and Stoeger both have issues with throwing charging handles. I have a M2000 that does it although it has been a great gun for me, no misfires yet.... They are just hit or miss on getting a reliable one most of the time which is why I love mine but have a hard time recommending them to others.

I just went through the new gun process for my son. I was considering the M2000 and I-12 also, until I found the Beretta 3901 for $250 less than the I-12. No brainer there, he has a Beretta. Also, Dick's Sporting Goods here in the DFW area has the M2000 Camo for $399 until the 20th.

Charging handle is a $12 part. I would stay away from the M2000. Search for my I-12 review from last year.

I hunted with two guys a few weeks back that both had M2000s and they both complained that they did not cycle properly in dove season. They said that Duck loads worked better.

I like NWS' approach, getting the 3901 for less.

Only had for a few months but no complaints so far.

I don't think so. I've shot Treebass' Stoeger M2000, which is the same gun as the I-12 and Benelli M2, IMO, and kick is not bad at all.

There, fixed that...

Say it ain't so???

The ol' 870 must have known I was talking about replacing her. She put down a wad of gaddies this morning. After all the input and guidance which I really appreciate,
I think the Benelli M2 will be the winner. It fits me well and seems to have everything I need. I am looking forward to joining the ranks of the semi autos! Now my shooting is going to go to crap.

Ya gotta do what ya can with the hand you're dealt. I don't blame him at all. In fact, he did ask as the first group came in, "Are we shootin' spoonies"?

I said "Hell yeah!" - didn't have to twist his arm...

Actually, Guy was the spoonie hen assassin. I take credit for the teal and lone mallard that was shot...

You sound a little anti spoonie. Better watch it those Centex boys are gonna pull your platoon card.

Do not be disparaging the Greater Cen-Tex Large Mouth Mallard