I have a friend I have hunted grouse and woodcock with for years. He bought a AL 48 and he had nothing but trouble with it. Would not consistantly cycle shells. After several trips back to the dealer and trying different loads etc. it still never worked right. Finally returned the gun and went with a Benelli. I shoot Benellis and he does now too. Pricey, but no issues with them. I can shoot the cheapest loads ever made through mine and cycles every time.
Bear in mind this was 7 yrs ago, but I looked at a new one a month ago and when I dry ran the action it seemed really stiff. Did not like the feel. Was looking to buy a semi-auto for my son.
Maybe he just got a bad one but was enough to scare me off.
