OPINIONS: Beretta 390, 301, 302, 303, etc vs Modern A400 Trap reliability Trap Sorting Clays - SCTP

Discussion in 'Skeeters Corner and Skeet Guns for sale.' started by 10ga32, Feb 25, 2026 at 5:13 AM.

  1. 10ga32

    10ga32 Active Member

    Your opinions please on the older Berettas vs the newer. I have recently seen some older models in like new condition. Grandson is in the SCTP Program. He shoots sporting clays and trap. Occasionally skeet.

    I am not interested in buying new. tia
     
  2. Dracol900

    Dracol900 Member

    Find a Beretta 303 (or a 390, which is slightly newer but still in that "old school" family) with a 28" or 30" barrel. The 28" is great for a growing kid for sporting clays; it's maneuverable but still swings.
     
    just joe likes this.
  3. Howard K

    Howard K Active Member

    I have several 390’s and you can’t beat them for reliability.
     
    Family Guy likes this.
  4. tomaso

    tomaso Member

    I second (third?) the 303, 390, 391 choice over the A400. As much as I am recoil sensitive and the kick-off really helps with that the basic A400 design bothers me.Two reliable, careful friends have had significant issues with theA400 that would be expensive to fix . Particularly the rotary bolt has a hardened steel pin rotating in a hardened but alloy carrier and when it wears the carrier the gun stops working. New that part is $600 if available and lubricating it is not outlined in general maintenance for that gun, although doable. When faced with the same situation I went with a clean 391 and have been very happy.
     
    Family Guy likes this.