I’m about to buy a new shotgun and I’m looking at the SBE 3 in 26” barrel, any issues with these things? Or a similar gun better? I want a do it all gun I can treat like hell and it keeps working, sounds bad but I’m being honest here. Any thoughts?

I heard the earlier ones had issues. That being said I have the same gun you are looking at that I bought last year. It has been super solid. I would buy it again

Todd does it shoot light loads ok?

“treat like hell” and semi autos don’t always fit together. If you want it to work through most anything, get a pump…..preferably an older 870, leave the Express alone.

no brainer

i've owned 3 super black eagles. never a whimper from any of them. you put a 3.5" turkey load in one, brace yourself, you will know when it goes off.

Go for it. My favorite so far.

From heavy 3.5 inch heavy turkey loads-buck shot to light target loads. My SBE3 eats everything I put in it.

Some may argue for a gas gun like a Beretta. Yes, they’ll shoot a little lighter, but you gotta keep them cleaner than you would an inertia driven gun.

Yep, it shoots everything I have put in it.

Do it...they are like the Glock of shotguns.

LC

My favorite shotgun. Just a great shooter and can take a beating. Best inertia gun out there.

I have 2 SBE2s and 1 SBE3.

They take whatever you give them.

My ONE failure was in my 26" SBE2. I estimate it was between 17,000 and 18,000 rounds after never cleaning it. I did not clean it on purpose to see when it would fail.

Buy the SBE3 and never look back. Pay extra for the factory camo.

My only edit to you would be getting the 28 inch. I like to hunt ducks and pheasants so the 28" is better for those.

I’m a poor ole country bumpkin, but I bought a franchi affinity 3 for about $750 at scheels one day on a whim and it’s stamped right on the side made by benelli in Italy. It’s a 3” chamber and I have ran the dog snot out of it with not even a single hiccup.. save that money or buy 3 of these franchis and forego the sbe

To TAB’s point, there are some really good Franchi models out there that will perform great if you’re wanting to save some $$$ or on a budget. I’m actually looking at one for my wife right now as they have some designed specifically for women. I love my SBE3, and wouldn’t change now, but I can see the value in a Franchi.

Thank you gentlemen, now I need to track one down it appears. I’m sure the Franchi’s are great but I’ve had my mind set on a BE and I just wanted to make sure they didn’t have issues like I’d heard about when they first came out. I’ve got a SBE2 somewhere but I can’t remember who I let borrow it so until they decide to bring it back I need another one.

Note to self, don’t loan guns to anyone ever again

Been there, call scheels. They had a few last week when I was there

You would appreciate the Beretta A400 Extreme. But then again you seem to like disposable items, so maybe a Benelli would be best

If it were my money/decision...I would definitely look at the newly released Beretta A300 Ultima...comes in 12 and 20 gauge.

To my way of thinking, there is no need for a 3.5 inch chambered shotgun (and I am a former SBE owner)...too much recoil for too little gain of function.

If a 2.75 or 3 inch shell can't get the job done...then a 3.5 inch roman candle is wasted effort.

I have a SBE2 that has been through the wringer. Hunted ducks hard for years, took it to Kansas multiple times for pheasant, many dove hunts, and zero issues. They are a little harder on the shoulder, but run great in bad conditions.

I don’t own one but Ive read the same about the earlier ones, not sure if Beretta corrected the issue. Something to do with the stock design causing them to shoot a foot high. Guess they changed the shape of the cheek piece when the moved from the 2-3.

Take all the negative comments with a grain of salt. They are work horses in all conditions and no issues. Shoots all sizes of ammo. Love my SBE2. Buy in confidence.

Thanks gentlemen, I found one today so I’ll be trying it out on a pig pretty soon. I ordered some 3 1/2” buckshot for it so I’ll report back on the performance.

I looked at both the SBEII and the A400. The SBE pointed better for me and I really liked the raised rib. I had the A400 for a while that I used for sporting clays. Never could shoot it as well as the SBE.

The SBEII is my duck and everything else gun. The only time I've had an issue with it is if I didn't shoulder it solid.

Go to Scheels and shoulder several. But if you decide on the SBE, I don't think you'll be disappointed. +1 on the 28" barrel. The only mod's I did to mine were an upgraded bolt release (Rob Roberts) and a different bolt handle from Briley. I think the SBE3 has the bolt release fixed, but the Briley bolt release is nice if you fall on your shotgun and your hand lands on the bolt handle. The stock handle will punch right through skin in the cold.

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Late edit as I didn't see the last post. Nice choice. Have fun with that 3-1/2 inch load.

I went with the 28” this time, I took y’all’s advice

You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!