What Shotgun to choose...

[Furncliff]

Following up on the the thread "How to choose a Shotgun"....

Fantastic responses in that thread I learned a lot.

Gun show in Montrose next weekend and I'll be searching for a 12 or 20 ga gas gun. But I don't know what to look for, makes and models. Perhaps there are some suggestions for me?

Thanks

Tom.

I own an Ithaca SXS 16. My wife gave it to me 35 years ago, can't hit with it.

 

[snooperman]

For a gas operated semi auto...

you might try the Remington 1100 , it has been around a long time and is one of my favorites. Also the Beretta 391 and Browning Gold are fine shotguns too. There are others too , but I like these 3 the best.

 

[RPRNY]

Snooperman's 3 plus the Beretta 3901 (has been available at Dick's recently for $599) the Browning Maxus, Remington Versamax, and at the value end of the equation, the Mossberg 930 and the CZ 712. The Franchi AL48 in 20 ga is an ideal Upland Bird gun as well but light for volume shooting. Good luck.

 

[allaroundhunter]

I use a Beretta 3901 as a field gun and it is a great gun. It does not like Winchester light game loads, and neither does my father's Beretta 390 "Silver Mallard".

Other than that, I love it. It is a soft shooter and with an EZ-Hit sight, I shoot it very well.

 

[Black Knight]

Before you buy one try to find someone who has something you are interested in and see if they will let you shoot it at the range. When I started with shotguns the only things I had access to were my Grandpa's 12 guage single barrels. Later he got a 12 guage pump gun that I now have. Over the years I have had single barrels, bolt actions, and pumps. I seem to prefer the pumps. You can learn alot by trying someone else's gun. Learning is almost as fun as finding the one that is right for you. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Old Unc']

Beretta 3901 from Cabellas, Bass Pro Shops, Gander Mountain, etc. You will never find a better gas gun for the $600 asking price. OK, so it's not shod with walnut furniture, it's a GREAT autoloader and such a soft shooter...

 

[oneounceload]

On the clay courses, the only semi gas gun you see is from Beretta - 390, 391, or A400. There are no other brands that last to the same degree.

For hunting, add in the Benelli family from Beretta

Try as many as you can before deciding

 

[Skribs]

Edit: nevermind, I missed one word in the OP and it made my entire post wrong.

 

[Old Unc']

all the Browning target autoloaders will serve you well. Easiest gas system to clean and service. The Beretta 391, as good as it is, has the most complicated and over-engineered gas system you can imagine. Just disassembling it is a chore. The 390 series was much much easier...

 

[oneounceload]

and the A400 is the simplest of all the Beretta models....takes less time than my O/U

 

[cdb1]

How much are you looking to pay?
$850-$1200 Maxus, SX3
$600-$849 Beretta 3901, Franchi Affinity
Under $600.00 CZ 712 or 720, Mossberg 930, Stoeger M2000
I can only speak to guns I own and these are my recommendations. The Beretta 3901 is fantastic but when I installed a recoil pad the LOP was too long so I sold it. I just bought two Franchis for $649.00 apiece shipped and am very impressed. But like just about everyone says, go with what fits you the best over a particular brand. Of the eight shotguns I own the one I shoot the best is my CZ 720 which cost $400.00

"Browning Gold are fine shotguns" Browning Golds are only sold in 10 gauge.