It may be temperamental with light target type loads. It is designed to shoot 3" magnums and not beat up the gun. It is also before screw in chokes, so hopefully it will have the correct fixed choke, that you want. If the price is right, and you want it to shoot light loads, you can drill out the gas ports, which will make it work for light loads but not for magnum loads any more. I picked up an AL-1 at Cabelas for $229. It was a regular gun, not a magnum, and had a plain IC barrel. The design is the typical Beretta 3xx type.

 

It's chambered for 3in with full choke. I don't mind the full choke. I was hopin to use it for dove. I wouldnt be scared to open the ports up a little, but how much? And how?

 

I would call Cole's Gunsmithing and ask if he has a different spring that will allow you to shoot light loads if not what drill size should you use if he thinks that wiil work.


Surfer

 

Coles fine guns and gun smithing in Naples FL?

 

Shotgunworld.com • Tips on opening gas ports?

 

I've owned an AL2 mag since 1970 and have shot countless light loads through it without a hiccup. They were the first Beretta advertised to handle anything without adjustment. The only issue you might have on a used gun is a dirty recoil spring tube.

 

Was the gun modified?

 

You have to drill the port, springs will not do it. Drill only 1 of the 2 ports. You should gradually increase the drill size until the gun functions with the loads you want to use. I think it will take about a 1/8 drill. You will need extended length bits, and reach the ports through the hole in the ring attached to the barrel. A magnum barrel is set up for 3" magnum shells, but will usually work with 2 3/4 magnum shells, but not lower power shells. Once you drill a port you should not shoot 3" shells. As an alternative you can find a 2 3/4
barrel. Barrels from Al1, al2, 301, 302,303 and browning b80 will interchange. Barrels from 390 and later guns will not. Even 2 3/4 barrels may need a port opened to work reliably with low power 2 3/4 shells. The early guns were set up for relatively hot Italian loads.

 

Highest shooting POI gun I have ever owned in my life........................could not shoot it..........

GS

 

I went ahead and bought the gun. It looks like it has never been shot. So I guess I should fire some light loads to see how it handles them. If that doesn't work then I guess drill one of the ports.
Thanks everyone for the info.

 

Drill the ports and thread them. If you need to shoot mag shells, install an allen screw blocking one port.

 

I would shoot it and see. Take it out and put 100 shells thru it at trap or sporting. The guys are right you can have Coles drill the ports, but a thorough cleaning (including the recoil spring tube) and 100 club loads will let you know.

I own an AL2, best shotgun I've ever shot and best investment ever made. :1cola:

 

Flounder, Couldn't agree with you more about the quality. Mine is semi-retired now---the bolt rattles like the forend on a Nova from being shot so much with 3" Federal Premiums, but it still goes bang and still ejects light 2-3/4" shells !

 

I have two AL2 30" Full 3" Magnums I bought new in 1973.....199 bucks each. I have shot thousands of light loads (and heaviest magnums) with no problems or modifications....Only issue is the chrome lined factory barrels are choked .043 on one and .044 on the other....ridiculously tight.....Jerry

 

I shot an Al2 on tour for close to 40 years with zero problems. If you ever want to sell it, please contact me first!

milt

 

There is a possibility that I would part with it. If it doesn't shoot light load I would have no use for it and I would have to modify it. This gun is about 98% condition maybe a little better.

 

Walmart has dove and game loads 3 dram 1200fps 1 1/8 oz for $ 4.94 they will work in your AL2 with no problems.

 

What brand ?

 

Try it and see. My 2 3/4 barrels would work with 11/8 1200 fps loads, but not the two magnum barrels I have. A Magnum receiver will work fine with a 2 3/4 barrel. If you like the gun it is no big deal to open a port-takes about 10 minutes. The 30" flat rib magnum barrels are pretty popular with sporting clays shooters.

 

I shot 8 different light loads threw it today and it ejected all of them! Awesome!

 

Told you so...I love mine. Just fits me, plain and simple.

A simple gun built at a simpler time for regular guys, the John Deere of autos.

 

Federal dove and game loads

 

Yep

 

You could always buy a extra barrel with choke tubes they have 2 port holes so you could shoot any sport or hunt with it.
I have several old Beretta's with different barrels al to 303 all interchange change recoil springs every 15000 rounds

 

I really do appreciate all the great information everybody has shared