MikeT-23 Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 Hi all. Quick enquiry to gauge opinion on the following 'dilemma'. Recently granted my SGC and looking to make my first purchase. After a visit to my local RFD, I have given myself a choice of EITHER a second-hand Beretta A400 Lite (black synthetic) OR new Beretta A300, same finish. With the new gun (at a price of £915) there's a three year warranty (option of 10 years for a £50 fee to Beretta) and 3 chokes. With the used gun (at a price of £995) there's a three month warranty and 3 chokes. To most, and to an extent to me too, that looks like a no-brainer of a decision. But, I seek the views of more experienced shooters and Beretta owners please. The RFD lists the A400 as being in good condition and having had light usage. My eyes can see that indeed it does look in good condition, but not so easy to determine previous use. (It has that kind of GunPod feature that claims to count every round put through it, but perhaps that info is on an app in the possession of the previous owner.) It also has that Kick-Off recoil technology in the butt. For a fee I secured it for a demonstration and put 51 shots through it. It jammed 3 times in that session which could have been due to the design of the budget cartridges provided at the clay centre. Direct comparison with A300 not possible as no demonstrators available. I don't want to exceed a budget of £1k (still got peripherals to consider on top), and I'd prefer a (fairly) low-maintenance gun that may have better appeal to a used market if/when I upgrade or if I find I'm not involved enough to justify possession. Going for a synthetic stock as I found I got a bit precious about a nice wooden stock on a Theoben air-rifle I had and I don't want to amplify that on an expensive shotgun. If budget allows further down the road in life, I may look at that option then. So, is the A400 so far superior to the A300 that it's worth the trade-off, or am I really not gonna notice the difference? Usage will be purely for clays with, perhaps, a very slim chance that coastal water-fowling opportunities will come my way. It may well be that in the time taken to decide, the A400 sells to another buyer and this whole post becomes moot...or rhetorical...but I'd rather make an informed decision, see? My own internet research has, thus far, proved inconclusive. Thank you for taking the time to at least read this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spurs 14 Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 It would worry me a little bit that it jammed 3 times in only 50 shots , shouldn’t matter if it’s a budget cartridge , should cycle as long as cart was heavy enough , not using 21 g or similar personally I’d go for the new one , peace of mind , etc as it’s your first gun until you get experience behind you don’t really think you will tell them apart as long as it fits you and is comfortable if you go the s/h route I’d make sure it had a full service good luck. And enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newbie to this Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 (edited) Firstly I'd like to stress that I have no experience of either gun. But my personal preference from your above post, would be the new one with 3 year warranty, and I would seriously consider the £50 extra for the added 7 years. But again I have no experience of the guns. Edited January 28, 2020 by Newbie to this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
washerboy Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 What is making you choose a semi auto over an o/u if its just for clays. I've only shot a few semi autos and not sure they fitted me as I didn't fair well with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 15 minutes ago, Newbie to this said: Firstly I'd like to stress that I have no experience of either gun. But my personal preference from your above post, would be the new one with 3 year warranty, and I would seriously consider the £50 extra for the added 7 years. But again I have no experience of the guns. That makes two of you then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeT-23 Posted January 28, 2020 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 (edited) 16 minutes ago, washerboy said: What is making you choose a semi auto over an o/u if its just for clays. I've only shot a few semi autos and not sure they fitted me as I didn't fair well with them. My local RFD doesn't currently have in stock any O/Us with synthetic stocks, nor did he offer any suggestions of such when I voiced my preference. I'm not suggesting they're not available, but I'd prefer not to have one with plastic-wood and nor do I want a camo one. Black is plain and simple. There is, for example, a Browning Cynergy, but that's circa £1700 and therefore out of my price-range. All previous shotgun experience has been with O/Us though. Never had an issue with them. The only new one at my local RFD within budget is wooden-stocked, which is not my preference. Edited January 28, 2020 by MikeT-23 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
udderlyoffroad Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 I can't resist sorry.... Why a semi? I know quite a few clay instructors like the Beretta Semis as they have very low felt recoil. My instructor started us off on an ancient A400 with Hull Comp X 21gs with no issue and barely any kick. Never an issue cycling. If you like them, then stick with them, but I would urge you to try a couple of secondhand Brownings O/Us for that money, or even a new ATA if the warranty is important to you. Might be worth a trip to a different RFD with an attached ground, and trying some of their secondhand stock. On the other hand, if you see yourself progressing from clays to rough shooting or wildfowling, plump for the new Beretta and get good with it. For the record, I bought an ATA O/U new - and a year and a bit later it's bedding in nicely and don't regret my purchase, though the adjustable stock version would've been better. I also picked up a secondhand Hatsan Escort for rough shooting. It doesn't like light clay loads, but it points ok and I can hit things with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmboy91 Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 I wouldn't buy anything just because of the warranty, learned that lesson the hard way! If you definitely want a Beretta why not save a few quid and look for an A303/302. No it won't have a synthetic stock but it will probably have a nice thick coat of varnish on it. They are great guns and mine would reliablily cycle anything 24g upwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
udderlyoffroad Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 11 minutes ago, MikeT-23 said: nor did he offer any suggestions of such when I voiced my preference. I'm not a fan of fancy woodwork either, though you'll find on this forum an awful lot of people clucking and cooing over it. That said, as you've realised, excluding tree carcass doesn't half narrow down your choice, especially in o/u. Question is why would you exclude it? Personal preference, fine, but if you're worried about scratching or dinging it, don't be. Clay grounds aren't exactly rough on woodwork, and actually scratches are usually easier to repair on wood than plastic. As posted above, I bought an ATA which has quite nice wood for the money, but I also bought a 'plastic fantastic' Hatsan Semi for when I'm in the rough stuff. It's got more than the odd scratch on it, but i refer to it as patina... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p@cman Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 I wouldn't worry too much about buying second hand. Just give them a thorough look over. I have bought two second hand semi auto Berettas, both Teknys AL391, one 12 and 20 gauge and neither have let me down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panoma1 Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 I’ve owned many English SBS’s........and never had, been offered or needed, warranty on any of em!....🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 You can get a used A300 black synthetic for £475. I would be shopping around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 8 minutes ago, panoma1 said: I’ve owned many English SBS’s........and never had, been offered or needed, warranty on any of em!....🤔 EXACTLY! You’re buying a gun, not a bloody car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry78 Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 If your only shooting clays I’d recommend a o/u and if down the line you decide to shoot game then it will be the perfect gun model for everything Buy right the first time and you’ll be ok 👌 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prem1234 Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 Don't want to open a can of worms but if you're clay bashing then why a Semi and not an O/U apart from a synthetic stock? In my local clay ground hardly anyone shoots a semi now and if they do you're only allowed to put 2 cartridges in for safety !! Considering safety especially for a new shooter a 'broken' shotgun is viewed safer than an auto especially for a third party who would not know if the gun is safe etc. although breach flag can help. Personally I'd go O/U for the type of shooting you're doing and the fact that you are a new gun !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centrepin Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 (edited) I'd try a different RFD. I can't believe he charged you to borrow a gun, with a view to purchase. What a money maker. My RFD loans out any gun in the shop FOC if you're looking to buy as long as they're second hand. He never minds how many you try as long as you make a purchase. How else can you see if you're gonna like it. Also agree with all the above, O/U. Edited January 28, 2020 by Centrepin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oowee Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 I use an A300 here in UK and an A400 in Africa. I change the A300 every 3/4 years both excellent and capable. I find the A300 feels quicker (but it has a short barrel) than the A400 but the A400 is 7 shot and probably longer lasting between cleans. On average I clean the A300 every 1000 rounds over approx three months. The same with the A400 but that is firing a1000 in two days and in very dusty conditions. Not tested either to destruction but I would reckon the A400 is pretty bomb proof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 Sounds an expensive shop to me; I’d be shopping around a bit! Beretta make some of the best self loaders around and there are oodles to choose from. Take your time, and ignore claims they’re not as safe as other guns....safety is entirely down to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taileron Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 Or Buy a brand new affinity for £615 with a 7 year warranty. Or Buy a second hand affinity ( the warranty is transferable, it states so on my warranty card ) for a lot less with warranty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taileron Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 40 minutes ago, Scully said: and ignore claims they’re not as safe as other guns....safety is entirely down to you. Spot on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prem1234 Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 (edited) Yes safety is down to the person BUT !! For example personally speaking If I was getting over a fence and was being passed anothers gun....if it was a O/U or SXS it would be accepted if broken with the cartridges out.....If someone handed me a Semi Auto there's no way I could easily see the gun was safe as it was being handed to me....Hence more of a safety concern !! Edited January 28, 2020 by prem1234 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 12 minutes ago, prem1234 said: Yes safety is down to the person BUT !! For example personally speaking If I was getting over a fence and was being passed anothers gun....if it was a O/U or SXS it would be accepted if broken with the cartridges out.....If someone handed me a Semi Auto there's no way I could easily see the gun was safe as it was being handed to me....Hence more of a safety concern !! It only a concern if you make it one. You treat a semi auto as you would a sxs or OU and empty it before climbing over any obstacle. You can see it’s safe as the breech would be open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 That's more like it. Well done whoever changed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madge998 Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 I would go for a used AL391 Teknys stonecoat 😁 a bit of weight to it and really reliable just so happens there is a lovely one for sale on here.. Oh yeah sorry its mine 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted January 28, 2020 Report Share Posted January 28, 2020 Before returning to the thread, can I say that I have seen far more idiots with break open guns, than I have ever seen with a semi auto. With regards to your choice of gun. I would second the opinion to look at a good condition used Beretta 303. I use a 303 as an occasional break from my usual Browning O/U for clay shooting and would not use any other gun than an auto for my pigeon shooting. I have recently used a very old, and much abused (not by me) 301 auto that I paid £100 for, for spares. I really only wanted the gun for pigeon shooting to preserve the mint condition of my 303 sporter clay gun. I first of all completely stripped cleaned the gun until it was gleaming, I replaced the bolt/recoil spring in the stock tube. Suffice it to say it now works perfectly even down to 24 gram cartridges. It is far easier to clean than ANY of the later auto models, I know, I have owned most of them at some stage. It takes some 20 minutes to clean using kitchen towel and a can of GT85. The catridges that I use are particularly clean and that does help. There are no fancy valve assembly's to make cleaning a pain, just the basic bits that make the gun function as it should. You could use the change from your budget to buy a lot of cartridges to practice with too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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