[murdoc rose]

ok so i've owned a lot of shot guns from antique singles and doubles to the modern rem 1100 I have atm. However I haven't found one that fits. I'm looking for a semi auto at least a 3" chamber that can fire low brass bird shot no problem. I don't care about ribs or double beeds but I do want a nice wood stock. I happen to have a fancier 1100 and would like something close to it in looks. The price isn't a huge deal looking for something in the 400-800 range however willing to settle less for looks and more for function. So whats out their that fits my needs. I'm even willing to go back to a pump so ill take recommendations for that too. I know this probably sounds kind of dumb but I'm really disappointed with this 1100 cause I can't shoot the ammo I use 75% of the time.

[chevyforlife21]

id be dissapointed to. without bein able to use cheap value price ammo its not much fun. i would get a old 870 wingmaster pump personaly.

[bootless]

a wingmaster is a good choice. My 1187 eats everything I throw in it. I shoot the cheapest ammo at the store, currently a case of winchester. If you want to stay with Remington, either would work just fine.

[Virginian]

I would suggest you find out what is wrong with the gun you have and fix it before going out and spending a buch of money you don't need to spend. My 1100s digest whatever Wally World has on sale with no problems at all, and have for years.
But, if it doesn't fit you may as well get rid of it anyway. Look at the Berettas. They are dependable and feel different and have some adjustment in the stock.

[oneounceload]

if your gun doesn't fit, perhaps you need to get measured to determine what those measurements are and then match, (or get close) with a gun that meets that criteria.

As for a semi that handles target-grade loads, try a Beretta 390 or 391

The old-time difference between high and low brass are no longer - while makers may still make them, you need to look at the load, velocity and pressure of the shell, not whether it has high or low brass......

[murdoc rose]

I seem to have forgot to mention my 1100 is a 3" magnum from what I've read it is very common for them not to cycle the cheap stuff. oh and I guess i used fit somewhere I shouldn't have. I have no problems now most of them feel it just that I haven't found one that handles everything I would like it to do.

[Dave McCracken]

You might consider getting a 2 3/4" chambered barrel and trying that out. The shorter chamber will most likely cycle lower power shells better.

A 28-30" barrel set up for choke tubes will add versatility by the truckload.

The myth of the perfect shotgun that's good for everything is close to dead.

That's a good thing. Gives an excuse to buy more shotguns......

[murdoc rose]

a barrel change might be a good idea as well as having 2+ shotguns looking at the 11 87s i kind of like them

[murdoc rose]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=137193774 was looking at something similar today and think that might be a good option

[berettashotgun]

As I reload more and more - using ACTIV;) hulls - "Hi / Low brass" means NOTHING to me.

A good fitting shotgun most often makes the second round unnecessary. re: my trap gun.

Recently I have started liking a 26" barrel, I can add weight as needed to get the swing just right. I wanted a 30" barrel when I was younger ( and stronger) even for the field, not now.

My favorite shotguns happen to be Berettas, and with the adjustable stock shims and different thickness pads, you can get a pretty close fit. The location of the Safety is a killer for some. I was taught on one, so I like them.
I don't believe they are any better (or worse) than a Winchester/Browning Super X 2 or 3.
I DO think they are a little bit better design than a 1187 (have one and love it) - nah, the design is pretty close to the same - sort of. The fit and finish is what sells me..

[Virginian]

You have an 1100 Magnum that will not cycle light loads, so you are looking at a Browning Auto 5 Magnum. Perfect. Good luck.

[jmr40]

There is nothing wrong with the 1100 you have. You are asking it to do something it was not designed to do. If you want a gun that will reliably shoot 2 3/4" loads and 3" look at a used 11-87, but get at least a 26" barrel. The shorter barrels are designed to only work with heavy loads.

I have had great success with the Stoeger 2000. When I bought mine the synthetic stocked versions were $350, I understand they are around $500 now. They do make one with walnut stocks, but they are not common.

Beretta 390 could be found used in your price range and may be the best bet.

New Berettas and Benellis will work fine for your uses as well but at around $1300 or so are well out of your price range.

Any of these guns, and a few more will work just fine down to 1 1/8 oz. loads. If you shoot the cheaper 1 oz loads you may have problems even with a quality gun. You may not. Some guns run them fine.

[Milkmaster]

My first thought is to fix the 1100 you have by getting the right set up on it to shoot the 2 3/4" shells you mostly use...However if fit is the problem, then another barrel won't fix that. You could have the stock shortened or lengthened with a pad spacer etc.

If you go back to pump let me reccommend the Browning BPS. They are still making nice pump quality second to none. It has nicer wood and finish than the 870 in new guns these days.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

[scchokedaddy]

you will find that a 2&3/4 in barrell for your 1100 will solve your problem. 3 in mag barrells only have one gas vent, 2&3/4 in has 2. the 3 in gun was not designed for light loads.