Beretta TX Storm shotgun

[GJM]

I have been a long time 870 user, specifically a 14 inch model, for my Alaska walk-abouts. This winter, I decided to try to find a semi-auto shotgun that might work for my criteria -- reliable, reasonably accurate, lightweight, fast shooting, comfortable to carry, reasonable length of pull, stock suitable for aperture sights and a H1, and able to shoot a range of loads.

I stumbled upon the newish Beretta TX Storm shotgun, got one, and so far have been very impressed. It feeds everything from low brass bird shot to Brenneke slugs, cycles fast, weighs only 6.4 pounds, has an appropriate length of pull, and a terrific stock that is comfortable in recoil and set up with a proper comb height for aperture sights and a T1/H1. You can even co-witness the aperture sights thru the H1. Most excited I have been about a semi-auto shotgun ever.

[JV_]

Is the action shared with a Benelli?

[GJM]

Different action than the M4.

I started this winter shotgun quest with a Benelli M4, and so far can't get it to run, which is a disappointment as I planned to run it with a 14 inch barrel. The Beretta was a pleasant surprise, and for my use of a practical shotgun, seems a better choice. Plus, it costs less, weighs less, has a better stock, handles better and has a better located safety.

[UNK]

I worked on a furnace rebuild at a bottle plant in Pa. One of the guys on the job was also a commercial fisherman from Alaska. He said he never went into the woods without a friend, a dog and his choice of weapon was a shotgun. He told me that he had actually shot a bear off of one of his friends. I have a problem paying 1200+ for a shotgun and then being told they won't sell me the tube extension unless I am LEO.

[joshs]

I have a problem paying 1200+ for a shotgun and then being told they won't sell me the tube extension unless I am LEO.

They won't sell an extended tube because they do not want to sell an accessory that makes their shotguns unimportable. Extended magazine tubes (5+) on semi-auto shotguns are one of the features that BATFE considers "non-sporting." Semi-auto shotguns used to be sporting as long as they didn't meet the "Assault Weapon" definition (2 feature test, most common are extended tube, collapsible stock, or pistol grip), but there is now some confusion, mostly created by unclear advice from BATFE, about what constitutes a "sporting" shotgun.

[GJM]

While a plus 1 extension would balance well with the 18 inch barrel on the Storm, as a practical matter if 5or 6 Brenneke slugs don't stop the bear, you need more help than a longer extension. I run a plus 1 Vang extension on my 14 870, giving me five in the tube, and have never felt under slugged around bears.

[jmjames]

They won't sell an extended tube because they do not want to sell an accessory that makes their shotguns unimportable. Extended magazine tubes (5+) on semi-auto shotguns are one of the features that BATFE considers "non-sporting." Semi-auto shotguns used to be sporting as long as they didn't meet the "Assault Weapon" definition (2 feature test, most common are extended tube, collapsible stock, or pistol grip), but there is now some confusion, mostly created by unclear advice from BATFE, about what constitutes a "sporting" shotgun.

The Saiga 12 is designed for a detachable magazine (including 20 round drums) and they can still be imported (though it is sold with a 5 round magazine in the box). And you can even get an 8 round Russian magazine without a problem, and I *think* that Arsenal/K-Var sells a package with the Saiga 12 and some 8 round magazines. There is definitely a lot of confusion over it, but I don't think it's as bad as it was last year when the price of a Saiga 12 hit the $750 - $850 range (up roughly $200 from a few months prior) in the late winter, they are back down to the $550 - $650 range again, so I suspect that the "sporting shotgun" confusion has cleared up or settled down.

That said, I do wonder why more shotguns do not offer a detachable magazine, it's an excellent feature in my opinion. I have just started seeing Calico-style spiral mags for Remington and Mossburgs that go up to around 22 rounds (pricey, Brownells lists the 22 rounders for $999!), which I think is a game changer; it isn't like they are about to consider taking the 870 off the streets...

J.Ja

[UNK]

So someone else can make and sell an extension but Beretta can't? My info was straight from their website. LEO Only

They won't sell an extended tube because they do not want to sell an accessory that makes their shotguns unimportable. Extended magazine tubes (5+) on semi-auto shotguns are one of the features that BATFE considers "non-sporting." Semi-auto shotguns used to be sporting as long as they didn't meet the "Assault Weapon" definition (2 feature test, most common are extended tube, collapsible stock, or pistol grip), but there is now some confusion, mostly created by unclear advice from BATFE, about what constitutes a "sporting" shotgun.

[GJM]

Guess it depends on how you use your shotgun. I carry a shotgun for well over 100 miles in an average summer, and the thought of a heavier, sharp edged shotgun with a box magazine to poke me is not appealing. I want the lightest, most trim shotgun possible with no sharp edges as the shotgun is either in my hands or rubbing against my body.

[UNK]

Guess it depends on how you use your shotgun. I carry a shotgun for well over 100 miles in an average summer, and the thought of a heavier, sharp edged shotgun with a box magazine to poke me is not appealing. I want the lightest, most trim shotgun possible with no sharp edges as the shotgun is either in my hands or rubbing against my body.

I watched the video on Berettas website. I get why anybody would want one. I just have a problem with LEO only on the tube extensions.