I talked myself out of a Saiga

[Oldnamvet]

But into getting an autoloader. Question is which kind. It came down to which one I would use more often. Practicality and limited retirement funds also played a part or I would get the Saiga anyway. (I still might have a weak moment and get one anyway.:o)
The gun that fits me best is my old Wingmaster. What I really want is an autoloader that when I shoulder it with my eyes closed, it feels like my Wingmaster. And when I open my eyes, it shoots where I am looking as the Wingmaster does. Asking too much? Maybe, but half the fun is the hunt anyway. I haven't shot the 1100/1187/1100 G3 to compare it so before I start calling people who have those and ask them to meet me at the skeet field, I thought I would ask those who own an 870 as well as one of the remington autoloaders what their impression happens to be.
Side note -- why the G3?

[budney]

Why no Saiga? I just picked mine up and I'm absolutely lusting after the chance to shoot it.

[waterhouse]

Side note -- why the G3?

If you are asking why their is a designation of G3 (as opposed to just a model name of 1100), the G3 shoots both 2.75 and 3 inch shells.

If you are asking why they felt the need to offer an 1100 that handles 3" shells when they already had the 11-87, I don't have an answer for you.

[toivo]

I have an 1100 Sporting that I really like. I have an 870 Express too, which I don't shoot very much. The two guns have a similar feel, although my 870 has a synthetic stock, which makes it feel more barrel-heavy to me. I have handled Wingmasters in the store, and they feel a lot more like my 1100. The only difference that I notice there is the forearm, but that's going to be true of any auto/pump comparison.

You haven't said what your main use for the gun will be. I shoot trap with my 1100, so it's not a problem that it's 2 3/4" only. If you want to hunt with it, look at the 11-87. It's more of an all-around gun.

Sorry, but I don't know anything about the G3.

I have a Saiga rifle in .223. I have not handled the Saiga shotgun, but if it feels anything like my .223, I would NOT want to shoot trap with it! Here again, it depends on what you want to use the gun for.

[Oldnamvet]

I mainly burn shells at clays - skeet, and sometimes trap or sporting clays. I only use 2 3/4 shells so having the 3" capability doesn't mean much to me. Arthritis in the shoulder area is starting to slow me down, even with a limbsaver. Which is why I am thinking autoloader.

[toivo]

I think an 1100 would work for you. It's very soft-shooting, especially with the lighter loads, like Winchester AA X-Lite Target. If you go with the really light loads, just make sure to keep the gun clean and lubed, or they might not cycle the action. I'd say look around for a lightly used Sporting 12. Remington just raised their prices, so the new ones are getting up there.

[kcmarine]

There are kids throwing stones at clay pigeons in Africa. Buy your Saiga.

[toivo]

There are kids throwing stones at clay pigeons in Africa.
Nah--They're shooting them with AKs.