[cbrgator]

I find I'm a kind of recoil sensitive so I'd prefer semi-auto. What are the best choices?

[MAX100]

Mossberg 930
FN SLP
Remington 1100 - 1187
Benelli M1, M2, M3, M4
Saiga 12, 20


GC

[Black Majik]

Benelli M4 would probably be your best choice. Heavy on the wallet, but it's gas operated so it doesn't recoil as much as the M1/M2/M3 inertia recoiling brothers.

The M1-M3 are pretty heavy hitting with defensive loads, they aren't all too comfortable to shoot for long periods.

[Smitty in CT]

Mossberg 930.....

Best gun on the market.....for the money

[jmr40]

I personally prefer the Benelli, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with an 11-87. It will be a bit softer shooting as well.

[cbrgator]

Even the blowback-operated ones would recoil less than a pump, no?

[1KPerDay]

Dunno... the Benelli recoil operated ones pop you pretty good. Or at least the M3 I shot did. Much more than my mossberg 590 pump. But my 590 was a bit heavier in weight.

[Black Majik]

I agree. I've found my M3 to recoil harder than my 870s. Shooting the same load, I think the heavier steel receiver 870s absorb more recoil than the alloy receiver M3 as well as other Benellis. Only the M4 was one that I could put up with for long sessions. Those recoil/inertia operated semis do recoil harder.

Good recommendation above to the Remington autoloaders. All steel, gas operated guns are a good choice.

[cbrgator]

What are some thoughts on the Mossberg 930? I don't think I want to drop the dough for a Benelli.

[HarryB]

What are some thoughts on the Mossberg 930? I don't think I want to drop the dough for a Benelli.

The 930 has been getting positive reviews. A quick search through this forum will show you. Based on these reviews I bought a 930 SPX as an election precaution. Haven't found the time to try it out though.

[Ergosphere]

I picked up a Mossberg 930 combo earlier this year, it came with 18.5" and 28" barrels. My only complaint is the 18.5" barrel doesn't have a rib, so the bead is not visible if you sight down the top of the receiver. I may mount a red dot or holographic scope on it, but then I won't be able to see the bead on the 28" barrel... so I'm not sure what to do.

I've only put ~200 rounds of cheap Wal-Mart federal shot through it, but it simply works every time. No failures of any kind. I like it. :D

[Sir Aardvark]

Remington 1100's have little rubber O-rings that tend to dissolve over time and/or heavy use - if the O-rings don't work, then neither does your gun.

[1KPerDay]

They're also about $0.30-$0.50 a piece and replace in about 30 seconds.

[cbrgator]

What have you guys been paying for the 930?

[Smitty in CT]

R & R has the 930 Field / Security Combo for $462.02, plus shipping:

http://www.mossberg.com/images/products/930/85325.jpg
http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=G85325


Buds Gun Shop has the 18-1/2" barreled version is $402, delivered!!

http://www.mossberg.com/images/products/930/85320.jpg
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/55294

Good Luck...... and post pics....

[oneounceload]

to the question about recoil - all other things equal, the heavier the gun, the more recoil is absorbed, regardless of the action type - basic law of physics.....
That being said, gas-operated guns will make the "felt" recoil seem to be less. Actual and "felt" are not the same thing

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Kinda depends on the budget , but

Mossberg 930
FN SLP
Remington 1100 - 1187
Benelli M1, M2, M3, M4
Saiga 12, 20

Well there ya go! :)

[Brian Williams]

What about the Win 1400 or the Beretta 390.

[Lone_Gunman]

Remington 1100's have little rubber O-rings that tend to dissolve over time and/or heavy use - if the O-rings don't work, then neither does your gun.

I got my 1100 in 1976 or 1978. I changed my O rings for the first time about 2 weeks. They were starting too look a little worn, but had not yet failed.

I think 30 years of service is pretty good for a rubber O ring.

[cbrgator]

Well, I'm just looking for the lowest felt recoil. Honestly, couldn't care less what the actual scientific recoil is. I'm on the skinnier/lighter end of the spectrum so I tend to be more sensitive than most. I want something I can control in a HD situation and give myself better odds of hitting only what/who I want to.

And if anybody has the knowledge to indulge me, how would the recoil on the 930 compare to a 9-10lb 30-06 bolt with a 150gr bullet. Ish...
That's the hardest kicking firearm I've got.

[Smitty in CT]

The recoil between a .30-06 and my 930 is like comparing a sharp punch (.30-06) to a hard shove (the 930). I can shoot 200 rounds of sporting clays with my 930 with no problems, if I tried to shoot 200 rounds with my .30-06 I wouldn't be able to raise my arm above my head the next day.

1 oz target loads are very soft shooting as are the reduced recoil HD loads.

Of course if you jump up to 3" magnum turkey loads, your going to feel it, unfortunately you can't change the laws of physics.....

[ShowMe2]

In the middle 80's I shot competitive skeet. Back then, if you shot an autoloader it was a 1100. I saw tens of thousands of round shot and very few failures. I used a 12 gauge 1100 for many years and fired thousands of rounds through it with no malfunctions of any kind. I've never had any trouble with the gas rings.

Today, I own three 1100 Sportings in 12, 20, and 28 and love them. Steel receiver, excellent blueing, and better wood than I see on shotguns costing twice as much. Since Remington has made millions of 1100's, you can find good used ones.

I have to admit I'm a bit biased toward 1100's, and I've never used a Mossberg, Beretta, or Benelli.

[JImbothefiveth]

I too can't stand my shotgun's recoil, and would like an autoloader. When you do get that autoloader, be sure to put a good recoil pad on it!

[Birdhunter1]

I shoot a Beretta 391, softer shooting than me dad's Benelli Legacy, not as soft but lighter weight than my dad's 1100. These are all 20 gauges but as you can see gas operated is softer shooting that inertia recoil operated.

[Gunfighter123]

A Saiga S-12 !!!!! Or a Saiga S-20 -- they are based on the AK-47 and both of my Saigas are 100% reliable with both birdshot and Slugs/Buckshot.

I have owned/own Rem 1100s, Benellis , Win.1400 etc. and the best of the bunch is the S-12 Saigas.

[1KPerDay]

I got my 1100 in 1976 or 1978. I changed my O rings for the first time about 2 weeks. They were starting too look a little worn, but had not yet failed.

I think 30 years of service is pretty good for a rubber O ring.
I got mine in 1984... still the original ring. I don't shoot it often, but still.

[boalex207]

Is the Mossberg 930 Home Defense model available in 20 gauge ?

Mossberg website seems to give me conflicting info :confused:

[earlthegoat2]

If you low felt recoil get a gas gun, 1100, 1187, M4, Beretta, and then accessorize as much as possible to increase weight. That is the best way to reduce felt recoil. Add mag tubes, tac lights, speedloaders, bayonet, recoil reducers, and everything else, it will weigh a ton but shoot like a pussycat.

[Crazy Fingers]

Does the 930 not come with an extended magazine from the factory? Why market a 4+1 HD gun???

[Smitty in CT]

Is the Mossberg 930 Home Defense model available in 20 gauge ?

Mossberg website seems to give me conflicting info

The Mossberg 930 is ONLY available in 12GA, Mossberg imports a 20GA Autoloader that they call the SA-20, it's not a bad little gun, it's a Beretta clone, they did a pretty good job copying....

Does the 930 not come with an extended magazine from the factory? Why market a 4+1 HD gun???

The standard Mossberg 930's have a 4+1 capacity, BUT, ...

The Mossberg 930 SPX has a total of 8.

http://www.mossberg.com/images/products/930/85360.jpg

[Agent-J]

I have a 930spx and I can't say enough good things about it.

It will fire everything you put into it. At 25 yards, 8 rapid fire shots with 00 buck, it will basically decimate the target. I would not want to be on the business end of that thing.

[Jack2427]

A thought about recoil; stock design and composition have a large effect on "felt recoil", and IMHO can make as much difference as the action type.

[KingPerformance]

I love my saiga 12

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg102/KingGalantVr4/Gun/DSC00077.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg102/KingGalantVr4/Gun/DSC00079.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg102/KingGalantVr4/Gun/DSC00080.jpg