My Beretta AL391 Urika Trap Shotgun

This 12-gauge semi-automatic, a Christmas gift from my daughter,
is one of the most highly regarded competition long guns in the world.
I'm counting on it to help maximize my modest abilities.

(Beretta owners: scroll down for important gun-cleaning and storage recommendations)


Beretta: precision-crafting the world's finest portable firearms for nearly 500 years

(From the Beretta website)    The AL391 Urika Trap, with its 30-inch barrel, is distinguished by a wide ventilated, stepped rib with white front and mid-rib beads, Monte Carlo stock and special rubber recoil pad. The receiver is satin black with glossy side panels and silver markings. The trigger is gold-plated and the stock and fore-end are in select walnut. The barrel comes with interchangeable Mobilchoke® tubes.    The rounded receiver profile and broad, ventilated rib ensure quick target acquisition. The AL391’s self-compensating gas system makes it one of the softest shooting autoloaders right out of the box, reducing felt recoil and improving second shot recovery. Beretta’s adjustable drop and cast system on the AL391 Urika competition shotguns ensure a custom fit for every shooter.

Italians have a national, natural flare for superlative design. It came as no surprise then that in reshaping their existing Model 390 semi-auto, Beretta turned to the internationally acclaimed design studio, Giugiaro Design. Considering some of the clunkers still apparent in the firearms field, this was a great idea. In fact, Giugiaro recently worked with Beretta on the design of their new 9000S pistol series so we can look forward to seeing a lot more of Giugiaro's tasteful touches.    The first evidence of this elegant and thoughtful design is the permanent polymer hard case that accompanies the AL391. This case houses every part of the gun and every accessory, including a complete set of five Mobilchoke®, a choke wrench, gas valve disassembly tool, stock drop and cast spacers and shims, sling swivels, grip cap, alternative thickness rubber recoil pad and Beretta gun oil.    Appreciable attention has been paid to the elimination of recoil and vibration in the 391. The self-regulating gas system that is permanently attached to each 391 barrel adjusts automatically from the lightest 2 3/4" target loads to the heaviest 3" hunting loads.    Overall, Beretta and Giugiaro Design have done an outstanding job of remodeling and refining a great basic design. The AL391, a delight to shoot at the range and to carry in the field.

"By far the best semi-automatic for clay target shooting on the market."

Beretta made its already great 390 auto even better and dubbed it the 391 Urika. The 391 handles beautifully, thanks to its slimmed-down forearm and light (under 7 pounds in 12-gauge) weight. Inside, the Urika is simple, soft-shooting, and reliable. A recoil damper in the receiver eases stress on internal parts as well as on your shoulder. Our test gun has cycled 1,025 rounds and counting without cleaning or a single malfunction. Capable of shooting all loads from 7/8 ounce target ammo to 2-ounce turkey magnums, the Urika is everything you want in an autoloader in a lightweight, highly shootable package. Prices begin at $960.

"The AL391: Beretta's Best!"
Shooting Times (click here to read the full review)

AL391 Urika semi-automatic trap, sporting clays and target shotguns maintain the superior design, control, and reliability of the AL391 Urika hunting versions, but possess features that make them true competition shotguns. The stocks, fore-ends and buttplates are designed for maximum performance in every shooting discipline. The rounded receiver profile and broad, ventilated rib ensure quick target acquisition. The AL391’s self-compensating gas system makes it one of the softest shooting autoloaders – right out of the box – reducing felt recoil and improving second shot recovery. Beretta’s adjustable drop and cast system on the AL391 Urika competition shotguns ensure a custom fit for every shooter.

It may take some time before I can shoot like this guy.

Click here to watch this amazing video
of the 391 (Xtrema2 version) in action.

"Best gun I have ever owned." "The gun itself has very little recoil...It has never jammed, it's easy to clean, and it's beautiful." "Lightest and smoothest semi-auto I have ever shot, and the recoil is almost nonexistent. The quality is second to none." "Simply the best." "The finest shotgun I've ever fired...Get a Beretta 391 -- you won't be sorry." "The most versatile, fantastic performing gun I've ever fired." "The best shotgun I've ever owned...far out-performs any semi-automatic on the market today." "Wonderful, balanced, and a real pleasure to shoot. By far the smoothest twelve gauge I've ever used in 30 years of shotgunning. Highly recommended." "I fully recommend this sweet shotgun for anybody who wants to get the best of the best. I love this shotgun!!!"

  There's no way this woman had any impact on my decision to buy a Beretta.
Okay, truthfully? She made me do it.


Here's a shot I took the night I brought it home.

Beretta owners take note!
The 391's gas valves and cylinder assembly
are the secret to its soft recoil -- when they're kept clean.

But to clean the valves and cylinder, you must remove
those two valve nuts atop the spring -- no easy feat,
since they come from the factory locked down very tight.

Beretta did supply two toy-like wrenches (see below)
which I found ludicrously inadequate for the job.


Fortunately, a resourceful 391 owner devised,
patented, and produced the perfect tool for the task:

The WonderSocket

Thanks to the many visitors to this page
who followed my example and purchased the WonderSocket,
the inventor told me he sold his entire remaining inventory.
Because he will not be refilling his supply,
I decided to recommend an alternative from the highly-respected
COLE GUNSMITHING in Maine.
Click here to order their version of the 391 gun wrench.


Here's a close-up of the valve stem
(two threads showing), valve nut, and locking nut.
The longer shaft in the center (six threads) is the
magazine tube shaft, onto which the fore-end nut
will be screwed once the fore-end has been installed.

Baby your baby!
And when it's time to store or transport your weapon,
this is definitely the way to do it:  a silicone-impregnated gun case
available at Cabela's for $12 (plus a modest shipping charge).

(Website description)
Made of thick pile treated with pure silicone,
the perfect protectant for fine wood and metal finishes.
The bunting pile will not retain moisture and helps cushion shocks.
The exterior open weave permits air circulation. Velcro®-secured closure.

Click here to read consumer reviews or place an order.

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Encouraging words are always welcome at
johndallasbowers@verizon.net