Beretta 390 ???

M

marathonoil12

Inactive
I came across a shotgun the other day that felt awsome and "seemed" to be at a good price. I was hoping maybe I could get some more insight on the gun and its price from some more knowledgable sources.
Gun:
Beretta 390 20ga.(synthetic) 26" barrel
Condition: very good (initial inspection)
Price $450

Its nothing fancy but its main purpose would be for rabbit, dove, quail, etc.

Is this a good price for the gun, is it a reliable gun?
WouldI be likely to find a much better price if I just kept digging?
 
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The Beretta 390 is a well respected gun. When it was introduced, quite a few AA/AAA NSSA shooters took up the 390's and sent their comp R-1100 back to the gun vault. The original 390s are no longer available, having evolved into the 391. For those preferring the 390's design, Beretta now offers the 3901. Be aware that 390s come with steel or aluminum receivers and are America or Italian made depending on the model group.

As far as value, for a VG 390 is concerned, there are several factors you've not mentioned: Namely the exact model and your geographic area. The present MSRPs range from a "3901 American Citizen, Synthetic" at $875 to the "AL391 Teknys Gold Trap" at $2200. I think you'll agree, there's quite a spread. Your best bet is to make comparisons in your area being sure you're using the same model ID. Some of TFL Forums members are pretty up-to-date on the gun prices in their area. If you post your location, perhaps one of them can tell you what's a good deal vs. a great deal.

Good luck.
 
And to add to Zippy's comments - that 3901, while listing at 875, can typically be found around 600 or so at wally world, Cabela's, etc. Still, for the price you mentioned, if it's in good working order, seems to be a good price. It should also hold a reasonable resale value for down the road, should you go that route.
 
Thanks for the info...i will swing by the gunshop today and get an exact model number and more info on it in order to make a better judgement

what are some specific things I should be looking for with this used gun so that I can avoid making an investment on a "lemon" (im not familiar with autoloaders or the 390)
 
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I went back and looked at it in some more detail..the side of the reciever reads "P Beretta" it has a 26" barrel, 3inch, and made in italy. The gun was spotless as far as blimishes or rust were concerend. the action seemed to function properly, and it comes with 4 choke tubes. The owner of the store said he knew the previous owner and told me that his reason for selling the gun was that it was bought some time ago (late 90's early 2000's) for his son as a trap gun - the gun was only used a couple times before his son out grew it and wanted to move up to a 12ga. I also have the serial number of the gun - can you look up when berettas where made with their serial numbers like you can other guns (i.e., remingtons)?

Does this information change your alls views of whether it is a good deal or not? I was thinking about seeing if he will come down to 400-425. Does that still seem fair? or would that be an insult?
 
My curiosity is aroused by the seller saying the gun had been purchased for trap. A 26-inch barrel and trap just don't go together. Either he doesn't know shotguns, or he's testing you. The only reason I see can getting a 26-inch gun for trap is if I didn't have a clue, or it was a youth's trap gun. If it is a youth gun, a short stock may be a give away. If it has a youth stock (12 to 13-inch length of pull) then you could try to get the priced reduced by arguing that you'll have get a adult stock.

Of course, it could be just a misunderstanding and the gun was bought for skeet not trap -- 390s are popular skeet guns. Hey, as long as you're polite about it, don't worry about insulting the seller with a low ball offer. The worst he can do is say no, and he might say yes. Is the gun his or on consignment? If it's a consignment, ask him to convey your lower offer to the owner. With the state of the economy, this is the time of the year to be looking for bargains.
 
I wouldn't worry about the story - a 20ga gas operated semi-auto is a great gun to start a kid shooting with, be it Trap or whatever. You might want to make sure the length of pull is correct (about 14.25") as some people cut the stock to better fit their kid.

Price is very reasonable for the last 20ga semi-auto you will ever have to purchase. I've got the 12 ga version and it is a great gun.
 
It is an Italian made Beretta, and is thus a steal at that condition and price.

If it says AL390 on the gun, then it has an aluminum frame. If it just says 390, then it is the original steel framed Model 390. Both are great guns, but the AL390 is a bit lighter, and thus a little easier to carry in the field.

I own two of the original steel framed 390's But they are both Deluxe grade guns with engraving, gold accents, jeweled bolts and followers, and high grade wood. The 390's are very reliable shotguns, and are most comfortable and easy to shoot.


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is the shotgun in Mich?

Heck, if the gun is in Michigan and you are not going to pick it up let me know the shop...would make a perfect rabbit gun I love those 390's. I hunt with a couple guys who use them, they just work, and work and work with no hangups in cold nasty weather, nice mild recoil.
Good find there bud
 
It was in the midwest region...picked it up today for 430..I'm very pleased with it and extremely excited to give it a try..plan on taking it out with the dogs this weekend and going after some quail...the only thing I could see myself doing/changing on it would be the recoil pad, I'll see how it shoulders in a real scenario before I change anything though
 
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