Stoeger 2000 or H&R Excell

slow · July 5, 2008, 10:50 PM

Looking at these shotguns in 12 GA., which one would be a better buy? The gun would used primarily for informal clays and deer hunting. Ease of maintenance is a consideration but function is a primary concern as is practical accuracy at common ranges for specified purposes.
Thanks, Brett

Scorch · July 5, 2008, 11:52 PM

Stoeger 200 is almost the same gun as a Benelli M2 (only difference is the action spring). It's even made in the same factory as the Benelli.

jmr40 · July 6, 2008, 06:58 AM

The Stoeger is a great copy of the Benelli. The recoil spring for the Benelli is in the stock while the Stoeger is in the forend. Beretta, which also owns Benelli,Sako,Tikka, and Franchi recently bought Stoeger. Benelli's are made in Italy and the Stoegers are made in Turkey.

RoscoeC · July 6, 2008, 07:15 AM

I have a Stoeger M2000. Great gun. No malfunctions through about 600 rounds, even with 1 oz. light target loads. So, I can endorse the Stoeger.

I have not seen the Excell, but I have heard lots of good things. Seems to be a good gas operated shotgun.

If you are going to shoot a lot, like clay games, say 100 or more rounds per week, the Excell will be more comfortable.

My Stoeger is for hunting duty. I shoot a Beretta A390 for skeet and sporting clays becasue the gas gun (Excell) is softer shooting than the inertia gun (Stoeger).

ebutler462 · July 6, 2008, 01:18 PM

Let us clarify this "made in", OK?

While Vursan in Turkey makes the inertia actions for the Benelli/Franchi/Stoeger shotguns, the barrels are made by Beretta in Italy. Other parts are outsourced to the lowest bidder in whatever country they are made in.

The country of final assembly is the "made in" country. The Benellis and Franchis are assembled in Italy and have a bit of additional polishing added to everything. The Stoeger 2000 is assembled in Turkey at the Vursan factory without the extra touch-up.

To me, the extra touch-up is not worth an extra $1000. They all go bang and the 2000 has served me well.

Smitty in CT · July 6, 2008, 09:52 PM

The newer Stoeger or a Mossberg Field / Deer Combo for $437.75, it comes with a 28" Vent-rib Barrel and a 24" slug barrel:

http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=G85238

Glad to see you posting EV, How are you feeling??

Smitty

ebutler462 · July 7, 2008, 07:25 PM

Doing the chemo and radiation thing. Feeling like crap but still trying to give my unopinionated opinions. Keeps me going.

BTW, it took you two days to chime in on the 930. You're getting slack.

July 5, 2008, 10:50 PM	#1
slow Member Join Date: December 11, 2000 Posts: 83	Stoeger 2000 or H&R Excell Looking at these shotguns in 12 GA., which one would be a better buy? The gun would used primarily for informal clays and deer hunting. Ease of maintenance is a consideration but function is a primary concern as is practical accuracy at common ranges for specified purposes. Thanks, Brett

July 5, 2008, 11:52 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Stoeger 200 is almost the same gun as a Benelli M2 (only difference is the action spring). It's even made in the same factory as the Benelli. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

July 6, 2008, 06:58 AM	#3
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	The Stoeger is a great copy of the Benelli. The recoil spring for the Benelli is in the stock while the Stoeger is in the forend. Beretta, which also owns Benelli,Sako,Tikka, and Franchi recently bought Stoeger. Benelli's are made in Italy and the Stoegers are made in Turkey. Last edited by jmr40; July 6, 2008 at 08:02 AM. Reason: corrected typo

July 6, 2008, 07:15 AM	#4
RoscoeC Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2006 Location: DFW Metromess Posts: 562	I have a Stoeger M2000. Great gun. No malfunctions through about 600 rounds, even with 1 oz. light target loads. So, I can endorse the Stoeger. I have not seen the Excell, but I have heard lots of good things. Seems to be a good gas operated shotgun. If you are going to shoot a lot, like clay games, say 100 or more rounds per week, the Excell will be more comfortable. My Stoeger is for hunting duty. I shoot a Beretta A390 for skeet and sporting clays becasue the gas gun (Excell) is softer shooting than the inertia gun (Stoeger). __________________ “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." --Helen Keller "Do not cry havoc when you should but hunt with modest warrant." --William Shakespeare Glock Certified Armorer NRA Life Member

July 6, 2008, 01:18 PM	#5
ebutler462 Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 437	Let us clarify this "made in", OK? While Vursan in Turkey makes the inertia actions for the Benelli/Franchi/Stoeger shotguns, the barrels are made by Beretta in Italy. Other parts are outsourced to the lowest bidder in whatever country they are made in. The country of final assembly is the "made in" country. The Benellis and Franchis are assembled in Italy and have a bit of additional polishing added to everything. The Stoeger 2000 is assembled in Turkey at the Vursan factory without the extra touch-up. To me, the extra touch-up is not worth an extra $1000. They all go bang and the 2000 has served me well.

July 6, 2008, 09:52 PM	#6
Smitty in CT Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2006 Location: Moodus, CT Posts: 590	The newer Stoeger or a Mossberg Field / Deer Combo for $437.75, it comes with a 28" Vent-rib Barrel and a 24" slug barrel: http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=G85238 Glad to see you posting EV, How are you feeling?? Smitty

July 7, 2008, 07:25 PM	#7
ebutler462 Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 437	Doing the chemo and radiation thing. Feeling like crap but still trying to give my unopinionated opinions. Keeps me going. BTW, it took you two days to chime in on the 930. You're getting slack.