armed1
July 06, 2009, 21:14
Couldn't decide between the not so PC Saiga whore and the Benelli Italian princess, so I got both. Took them to the range and compared them side by side.
Saiga 12 with aftermarket picatinny forend and vertical grip: Using Federal Wal Mart cheapo bird shot and the high gas setting, the Saiga wouldn't run a mag for about 20 rounds. After that, ran like a champ. Used both factory 5 round mag and 2nd generation USA 10 rounders. Was able to fire as fast as I could squeeze and keep the muzzle down without a burp for another 100 rounds. Bird shot pattern at 25 yards was very spread out. Buckshot pattern at 10 yards very tight. This thing runs like a Cadillac with buckshot. Very little recoil from full power Federal 9 pellet. Also ran some Winny cheapo slugs at 100 yards. Printed about 12 inch pattern with factory irons, dead on point of aim.
Benelli M2 with pistol grip stock, ghost ring sights, and Nordic components "+3" extension.
First let me say that this is a beautiful gun. Fit and finish are perfect and the action is so smooth it really feels like glass. The gun is perfectly balanced and very light. It aims effortlessly and the trigger breaks cleanly and has a very short reset. The action is so fast you almost cant see the round feed from the magazine. Its hard to walk away from this gun in the store.
Using same ammo, Benelli never burped once. Birdshot pattern was noticeably tighter and this gun returns to point of aim instantly. Unlike the Saiga, there was very little muzzle jump allowing repeat shot placement like a double tap. Buckshot performance was equal to Saiga at close range, but the Benelli has considerably more recoil with that load. The Benelli has a recoil operated action which takes some getting used to. Its hard to describe, but it feels like the butt end gets heavier during cycling. Solid cheek weld is a must with this gun. Slugs at 100 yards, also about 12 inch spread. This is same a s Saiga and may reflect my limitation and not the gun's. Point of aim was also dead on.
In summary, I like the Saiga because changing mags is as fast as an AK. I also like the idea of a 20 round drum mag and folding stock capability. For sheer firepower, this gun takes it. I'll keep this in my truck.
I like the Benelli because it is a work of art. It is a serious gun for serious shooters. It shoots all ammo well and puts the load where you aim it, over and over without a burp. I'll keep this in my bedroom.
Saiga 12 with aftermarket picatinny forend and vertical grip: Using Federal Wal Mart cheapo bird shot and the high gas setting, the Saiga wouldn't run a mag for about 20 rounds. After that, ran like a champ. Used both factory 5 round mag and 2nd generation USA 10 rounders. Was able to fire as fast as I could squeeze and keep the muzzle down without a burp for another 100 rounds. Bird shot pattern at 25 yards was very spread out. Buckshot pattern at 10 yards very tight. This thing runs like a Cadillac with buckshot. Very little recoil from full power Federal 9 pellet. Also ran some Winny cheapo slugs at 100 yards. Printed about 12 inch pattern with factory irons, dead on point of aim.
Benelli M2 with pistol grip stock, ghost ring sights, and Nordic components "+3" extension.
First let me say that this is a beautiful gun. Fit and finish are perfect and the action is so smooth it really feels like glass. The gun is perfectly balanced and very light. It aims effortlessly and the trigger breaks cleanly and has a very short reset. The action is so fast you almost cant see the round feed from the magazine. Its hard to walk away from this gun in the store.
Using same ammo, Benelli never burped once. Birdshot pattern was noticeably tighter and this gun returns to point of aim instantly. Unlike the Saiga, there was very little muzzle jump allowing repeat shot placement like a double tap. Buckshot performance was equal to Saiga at close range, but the Benelli has considerably more recoil with that load. The Benelli has a recoil operated action which takes some getting used to. Its hard to describe, but it feels like the butt end gets heavier during cycling. Solid cheek weld is a must with this gun. Slugs at 100 yards, also about 12 inch spread. This is same a s Saiga and may reflect my limitation and not the gun's. Point of aim was also dead on.
In summary, I like the Saiga because changing mags is as fast as an AK. I also like the idea of a 20 round drum mag and folding stock capability. For sheer firepower, this gun takes it. I'll keep this in my truck.
I like the Benelli because it is a work of art. It is a serious gun for serious shooters. It shoots all ammo well and puts the load where you aim it, over and over without a burp. I'll keep this in my bedroom.