The two autos I've got are both remingtons. One's a 1978 vintage 1100, the other's a 1924 vintage Model 11, which was the licensed copy of the Browning Auto 5. The Model 11 is a bit lighter than the 1100, but I don't have any extra barrels for it, and it's not fitted for tubes. But, it's good at doing anything you'd want to do with a 28" full choked barrel. The 1100 has a couple of extra barrels with it. Not as convenient as tubes, but gives better results, since the different lengths change how the gun swings.
The only other major difference between the two is that the 11 has to have the friction rings set for light or heavy loads. The gas operated 1100 is self adjusting. Also, the 11 doesn't have a vent rib. Neither one has ever jammed, on factory ammo. They're comparable on cyclic speed, about .19 sec between shots, with me at the trigger.
I wasn't really looking for a shotgun, when I bought the 11, but was just looking around at a gunshow. At one booth, a feller was selling .30 Carbine ammo. I had to buy some, of course. While he was getting my change, I started fondling the guns. One of them fit me like a dream. Swung and pointed like a magic wand. I asked him how much it was, and he said $150. I had a basic theoretical knowledge of how an Auto-5 worked, so I took it apart to see if anything looked drastically wrong. I handed him $150, and took it home. Next day, I went 180 straight with it. I'm pleased.
I've never shot the Beretta or Benelli, but my beretta O/U is a serious quality piece. I imagine that their autos, which have a stellar reputation for durability, are equal to just about any task, as well.
~~~Mat
