Boy this was a tough one for me...I really wanted the Stoeger. I have several gas operated models (Rem / Beretta / Browning / Mossberg) in all gauges, and wanted the intera drive. I was very disappointed in the "performance" and the abundant recoil of the gun, not the handling and the "sight picture". I had deep cycling problems with the gun even with 3inch shells. I have learned that I created much of the cyling issues of the gun by adding recoil reducing weight ( and gun balance) to the gun. Although the additional weight made it a real nice gun to shot, reilibilty went into the toilet. I sent it back to Benelli and they replace several parts, and they removed my recoil management. Well, thats when I really disliked the gun....kicked like a mule.....very disappointed, very uncomfortable to shot. And was told by several gun techs that when you add weight to the gun....in many cases that they seen, it will simply not operate, including Benellis. I did put back half the weight, and even with 1oz loads (but screamers at 1300 ft/sec)...the gun operated well, and with reduced recoil. However, in future puchases I will return to gas operated shotguns. I certainly will not purchase a 1500.00 Benelli with the same system, and yes I do understand that the Benellis are different gun. And if I need another "mud gun" I will return to Mossberg.