Beretta AL391 Urika 2 (12 Gauge) - A Hunter's review I've owned and hunted with a Beretta AL391 Urika 2 for a good number of years now. It was my go-to semi-auto for everything from waterfowl to upland birds, and even the occasional sporting clays outing. I've put it through its paces in all sorts of conditions – rain, snow, heat, dust – and have a pretty solid understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The Good Stuff Beretta AL391 Urika 2 12-gauge: Shooting Comfort: This is where the Urika 2 truly shines. The gas-operated system does a fantastic job of soaking up recoil. Even with heavier magnum loads, it's surprisingly manageable, which translates to less fatigue during long days in the field and faster follow-up shots. Compared to inertia-driven guns, it's noticeably softer on the shoulder. Reliability (Mostly): When clean and properly maintained, the Urika 2 is generally reliable. It'll cycle a wide range of loads, from light target rounds to heavier hunting loads, without too many hiccups. However, I'll elaborate on the "mostly" part later. Balance and Handling: The gun feels well-balanced in the hands. It points naturally and swings smoothly. The weight distribution makes it easy to get on target quickly, which is crucial for fast-moving birds. It's not the lightest semi-auto out there, but the balance makes it feel less cumbersome than it actually is. Fit and Finish: Beretta has a reputation for quality, and the Urika 2 is no exception. The wood (on my model, at least) has a nice grain and a durable finish. The metal parts are well-machined and the bluing is generally well-applied. It looks and feels like a quality firearm. Versatility: The Urika 2 is adaptable. With the right chokes, it can be used for everything from doves and quail to ducks and geese. It's a true all-around shotgun. The Not-So-Good Stuff Beretta AL391 Urika 2 12-gauge: Finicky About Cleanliness: This is the Urika 2's Achilles' heel. It requires regular and thorough cleaning, especially the gas piston and operating system. If you neglect it, it will start to malfunction. Failure to eject, failure to feed – I've experienced them all when the gun is dirty. This is not a gun you can just throw in the safe after a hunt and expect it to work flawlessly next time. O-Rings: The Urika 2 is notorious for its O-rings, which are critical for the gas system's operation. They are prone to wear and tear, and when they fail (and they will fail), the gun won't cycle properly. Always keep a spare set on hand. Consider upgrading to aftermarket, more durable O-rings. Parts Availability (Becoming an Issue): The AL391 is getting older, and finding replacement parts can be a challenge. Some parts are becoming scarce and expensive. Trigger: The trigger is acceptable, but not great. It's a bit heavy and lacks a crisp break. It's certainly functional for hunting, but it's not going to win any awards for trigger performance. Overall: The Beretta AL391 Urika 2 is a solid semi-automatic shotgun that excels in comfort, balance, and versatility. It's a joy to shoot and, when properly cared for, it's a reliable hunting companion. However, be prepared to put in the work to keep it clean and maintain its O-rings. If you're willing to do that, you'll be rewarded with a shotgun that will last for years. If you're looking for a low-maintenance, "set it and forget it" type of shotgun, you might want to look elsewhere. I eventually switched to a Benelli for its inertia-driven simplicity and lower maintenance needs, but I still have a soft spot for the Urika 2. Would I recommend it? It depends. If you can find a used one in good condition at a reasonable price, and you're willing to commit to regular cleaning and maintenance, then yes, it's a good buy. But factor in the potential cost of replacement parts and the time investment required to keep it running smoothly. #Beretta #AL391 #Urika2 #12Gauge #Shotgun #Hunting #Review #Firearms #GunReview #SemiAuto #WaterfowlHunting #UplandHunting #BerettaAL391 #Gun #Shooting #Reliability #Maintenance #Orings #GasOperated #FirearmReview https://m.uh.app/news/honest-review-of-the-beretta-a300-ultima-12-gauge-semi-automatic_jGIccNNMEe-IBb9VZDoMmA