870 or Other

[USMC0331]

I'm looking to set up a 20 gauge for turkey hunting. I have called a few gunsmiths to get input on barrel length and other items that need to be done to make a consistent shooting (pattern) for turkey hunting. I am thinking either Rem. 870 or Benelli M2. I know there are a lot of complaints on the 870 due to quality control and as for the 870 it is mostly finish ( rust quickly)however I plan to cerakote, if equal work is done on both, is the Benelli going to have a $900. difference in pattern performance? I know that the Benelli is a auto which accounts for some of the price increase, I still would like to know if its that much better. Thanks for any information and I hope you all have a safe and successful turkey season.!

[cutt down]

Might consider the Franchi Affinity. It's considerably less than the M-2. It uses the mobil choke instead of the crio but it's the same inertia bolt with the spring in the forearm instead of the stock.

[tree-rat sniper]

Might consider the Franchi Affinity. It's considerably less than the M-2. It uses the mobil choke instead of the crio but it's the same inertia bolt with the spring in the forearm instead of the stock.

+1!  Just picked one up recently & love it.  Just got in a Carlson's .575 choke to try out.  Its made in the same factory as the M2, these are a lot of gun for the $$.

[alloutdoors]

The 870 is a daily driver and the M2 is a sportscar. At the end of the day they will both get you there, the M2 just does it in style. I hunted with a 12ga 870 for years and it always got the job done, but I switched to a 20ga M2 before last season and couldn't be happier that I made the switch.

[The Cohutta Strutter]

There ain't gonna be a 900 dollar difference between the 2 at the pattern board.  Maybe a quarters worth and that could go either way, lol. Strutter

[surehuntsalot]

There ain't gonna be a 900 dollar difference between the 2 at the pattern board.  Maybe a quarters worth and that could go either way, lol. Strutter

Amen to that

[g8rvet]

Just depends on what you like. I echo that it will not make much difference (if any) on the patterning board. Hold both guns and see which one fits you better. 

I went to BPS all set to buy another youth 870 to set up for myself (I had just set one up for daughter). After holding several guns, I came home with Weatherby SA-459.  Patterning is nearly identical with both guns and same load and same choke - the youth 870 was actually just a little better.  I just ended up wanting the Weatherby, I certainly did not need it.  Any gun, well cared for, will not cost you a ton when you go to sell it.  If you pay more upfront and you end up selling, you will get more for it.  That's how I look at it. Of course, if you are like most of us, you never sell them anyways, you just get more.  I wish I liked sitting at home and watching TV or gardening or something cheaper!   

[USMC0331]

Thanks for the information everyone!!!