Written on: 27/01/2005 by 65dogs (5 reviews written)
Good Points
Reliable, low recoil, comes with 5 choke tubes
Bad Points
First ones had a problem with the trigger (it has been updated)
General Comments
Beretta AL 391 Extrema - This autoloader is in the top of the pack for functional hunting guns. I shot ducks for 2 full seasons without having any malfunctions, and without cleaning the shotgun. That is an amazing amount of neglect tolerated by an auto loader. I cleaned it and experienced a minor problem but after oiling it a second time, it performed flawlessly this year as well.
The gas system reduces recoil substantially. The gun swings well in the field but is a touch heavy. The sling, (mounts included but you have to mount the rear stud) is a useful accessory if you are a duck hunter who would like to shoulder the gun while setting out decoys. Watch the sling adjustment because if it can get looped around the action it will cause a miss feed (yeah, I have had a few oops but no fault of the gun).
I have shot everything from very light target loads to 3 " Mags without a problem. To date I would estimate malfunctions to total about 3 and those were due to forgetting to hit it with a light spray of tri-flow oil while hunting in temps of 10F. While I'm at it, Tri-Flow can be obtained from any lock smith and most auto parts stores and is a great gun oil.
All in all, a great waterfowl auto.
I had a friend buy one on my recommendation and his Black Eagle is now a back-up or loaner gun. And the Black Eagle is a fine auto in it's own right.