Its time ... New shotgun shopping ...

[axeman_g]

All,
Went shopping today for a new shotgun... I am looking for a semi auto, 12g, sort of lightweight, reliable and attractive.

I looked at the Benelli M1, the Win Sx2 and the Beretta 3901. The Benelli was to costly, the Win and Beretta were both synth models.

Give me some opinions .....

I also came across a Franchi 48AL in 12g for $350. It looks a little rough in the wood, but that can be worked on. What do you all think about the Franchi? I may just go get it because I can.

 

[mattw]

Check out what Browning has to offer, as far as semi-auto 12 guages, they can't be beat.

 

[HSMITH]

I went through all of the mainstream auto shotguns a couple years ago, I settled on a SuperX2 as the best shotgun on the market. If I didn't own a SuperX2 I would be sporting a Beretta 390 or a 391, both are fantastic shotguns and far better than anything else on the market.

 

[TNT]

I use a couple SX2's and they have been great.

 

[Preacherman]

I think the Winchester SX2 has got to be the best buy on the market right now as far as American shotguns go. Baikal make a superb semi-auto (model MP153, IIRC), but Remington has chosen not to import it, as it would be too much competition for their 1100 and 11/87 lines.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

I'll mention the other Izhmash offering that is no longer imported either, but worth a mention if someone ends up importing the Izhmash offerings again. Saiga-12 in wood (at least I think it's pretty). It's definitely got the reliable part down stone cold.

 

[esldude]

I will second the idea of a Beretta 391. Super nice semi-auto shotgun. Very reliable, and you do nothing to go from buckshot to birdshot. Adjusts itself for the loads and keeps on going. You can even alternate them in the magazine without problems.

 

[kudu]

Beretta 391 or Win SX2, both can be had with nice wood. Remington has got their 1100 Sporting model also.

 

[guard99999]

3901 in wood

beretta makes the 3901 in wood go to the web site

http://www.berettausa.com/product/product_field_guns_main.htm

click on the 3901 american

i have the Synthetic model and love it

 

[Dave McCracken]

No bad shotguns on the short list.

Be advised the Franchi is a recoil operated action and doesn't mitigate the kick.
It's a good shotgun but it will kick a good bit due to the light weight and lack of gas operation.

I like the AL 48, but given the choices, I'd probably go for an 1100 or the SX2.

 

[SShooterZ]

Browning Gold and Winchester X2 are damn near twins. Well, maybe brothers anyway. I don't think you could go wrong with either one. My other choice would be a Beretta 391.