All-Purpose, Low Recoiler

[nulfisin]

Soliciting recommendations for a semi-auto that is good for both clays and some bird hunting. 12 gauge. I don't have a specific price cut-off, but I do pay close attention to value for money. The other factors are reliability and low recoil. Aesthetics don't matter. Thanks.

 

[sheepdog]

Semi-auto...

...a good clean used Winchester 1400 would do you proud...for around $300...a bit heavier is the Remington 1100 or 11-87...

 

[Milkmaster]

Used 1100 is most gun for the money with softest recoil. A bit easier to clean than the Winchester 1400. Either will do the job.

 

[Smitty in CT]

The Mossberg 930 will fit all of your requirements, they are very reliable and affordable...

Walnut stocked, blued finish, 28" BBL 0 $435:
http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=G85110

Black sythetic stock, matte finish, 28" BBL - $417:
http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=G85128

BEST Value - 2 barrels 28" & 18.5 HD barrel - $470.62
http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=G85325

Good luck and let everyone know what you wind up with...

 

[nulfisin]

These are good suggestions. Are any of you familiar with the Remington 11/87, which I believe is made overseas? The Beretta 931 also looks like a good option, although it's a little pricey. Thanks.

 

[Cuzzin]

Best all round semi with controlled recoil would be the Berettas. IMHO... My wife loves hers.

I still prefer my Brownings however...

 

[TUBBY1]

Lot of good picks already mentioned so all i would suggest is a" kick eze"butt plate. Makes you forget recoil.

 

[ArmedBear]

Are any of you familiar with the Remington 11/87, which I believe is made overseas?

It's made in the US, but not in a way that would get me to buy it. Get the Mossberg 930 instead, for a US-made semiauto.

If you can find a "Wal-Mart Beretta 390", also at Cabela's, Bass Pro or similar, sometimes, that's probably my top choice for value. The Mossberg 930 is a great choice as well, as is the Beretta 3901 (more money). All of these guns have the caveat "if you can find one"... But that does say a lot for their value. People snatch them up.

If you want a semiauto you will not feel like replacing, just suck it up and get a Beretta 391. Look for holiday sales. I picked one up, NIB, in walnut, for $800 a couple months ago at a local sporting goods chain store. The synthetic/matte version goes for $850-900 regularly, though, and is just as good.

The new Browning Maxus is supposed to be a good all-around gun, but it's quite pricey. Ditto for the SX3.

 

[oneounceload]

IF it doesn't have to be new, then a nicely used Beretta 303 would do the job. Currently, the Beretta 39X series rule the semi's on the clay courses; current national champ Anthony Matarese, Jr, uses one very capably.

 

[nulfisin]

I picked up a new Beretta 390 -- at Bass Pro -- for a little bit under $600. The salesman was as surprised as I was to find it in storage. It has the synthetic furniture, which is fine with me. The only thing I don't like is the absence of a rubber recoil pad. I'm strongly inclined to add a Pachmyr, as I've done other guns. Is adding the pad necessary?

 

[ArmedBear]

Have you shot it?

Shoot it and find out. My 20 Gauge 390 doesn't need a pad. It's soft-shooting enough. Pachmayrs hang up on clothing unless you get one with a hard heel, or treat it with Kick-Eez.