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.

  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.
  5. bobski

    bobski USN Retired Range Owner

    was a time when a 302 was everywhere. they were our club loaners and i had to clean them every sunday. boy did they get dirty from heavy use. but they did last.
     
  6. target manager

    target manager Well-Known Member

    303 parts are getting hard to find and they had a problem with the action bolt breaking the right rear leg off. no parts available. 391 is the best bet for the money. works all the time