Started with the wheelguns and a pump mossy 500. I was big on "fire when you want to" back then. Bought a couple glocks and M-14's and Ar's. Realized auto loaders fired when you wanted also...most of the time. Now its time to upgrade the shotgun. What auto shotgun should i buy? I don't have a lot to spend so I need the most bang for the buck.
auto loader advice
- Thread starter bamf2
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Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
What to buy? A used 1100 would be a great choice. So would a 300 series Beretta.
And while not everyone likes them, the Browning A-5 and its sibling the Remington 11 are classics and not expensive.
And while not everyone likes them, the Browning A-5 and its sibling the Remington 11 are classics and not expensive.
Smitty in CT
Member
Do a search and take a look at the Mossberg 930.
Inexpensive, very reliable, great shooting gun.
Inexpensive, very reliable, great shooting gun.
RNB65
Member
Rem 1100 or Beretta 3901 American.
slylikea_fox
Member
I'm a big fan of my Beretta 1201FP $240.00 at Gander Mountain used.
Belgiboy
Member
I love my Franchis, they are cheaper than most and never failed on me, they even put a decent piece of wood on them.
Milkmaster
Member
I vote for the Remington 1100. Proven reliable, soft gas operated recoil, plenty of reasonably priced repair parts available if you happen to need them, hardly used units can be found for a good price, and they come in just about every configuration you can think of or need. Whatever you get, enjoy it until you get another one to try! It's addictive 
Let me add a recommendation for a much-maligned gun...
The Winchester Model 1400.
Yeah, yeah, I know... one of the "five worst guns of all time." Funny, but nobody I've talked to who owns one supports that description. I love mine.
Cheap to buy, because of the bad rap. Mine shoots everything I shove in it, no questions, no issues. I've had it so dirty on the third day of a dove hunt that I could actually watch the bolt cycle back and forth, and it never failed to eject, load, or go bang. A few extra minutes spent cleaning the gas path and it was good as new. The gun was my Dad's, then it was mine, and it never let either of us down.
Only a few minor complaints.
1. It's a bit heavy, especially after a full day spent chasing California valley quail without a dog. Autoloaders are heavy guns anyway, and #3 makes it worse in this case.
2. The trigger group should never, ever be disassembled by the owner. Ask me how I know this...
3. There's no really comfortable way to carry the gun while walking, except at port arms. There's no way to carry the gun over the shoulder (which should never be done without safety on, and knowing where everyone in your party is, shoulder-carry makes muzzle control more difficult than any other mode. It can be done safely, but constant attention is needed) without some metal edge digging in to whatever the gun is resting on. How significant a flaw this is depends on how you carry when walking afield.
Other than not being an ideal gun for afoot upland bird hunting, and no self-loader really is, I love mine. I'll never sell it.
Soft shooting, dead-nuts reliable, cheap to buy. I like 'em.
--Shannon
The Winchester Model 1400.
Yeah, yeah, I know... one of the "five worst guns of all time." Funny, but nobody I've talked to who owns one supports that description. I love mine.
Cheap to buy, because of the bad rap. Mine shoots everything I shove in it, no questions, no issues. I've had it so dirty on the third day of a dove hunt that I could actually watch the bolt cycle back and forth, and it never failed to eject, load, or go bang. A few extra minutes spent cleaning the gas path and it was good as new. The gun was my Dad's, then it was mine, and it never let either of us down.
Only a few minor complaints.
1. It's a bit heavy, especially after a full day spent chasing California valley quail without a dog. Autoloaders are heavy guns anyway, and #3 makes it worse in this case.
2. The trigger group should never, ever be disassembled by the owner. Ask me how I know this...
3. There's no really comfortable way to carry the gun while walking, except at port arms. There's no way to carry the gun over the shoulder (which should never be done without safety on, and knowing where everyone in your party is, shoulder-carry makes muzzle control more difficult than any other mode. It can be done safely, but constant attention is needed) without some metal edge digging in to whatever the gun is resting on. How significant a flaw this is depends on how you carry when walking afield.
Other than not being an ideal gun for afoot upland bird hunting, and no self-loader really is, I love mine. I'll never sell it.
Soft shooting, dead-nuts reliable, cheap to buy. I like 'em.
--Shannon
Ed Gunsmoke
Member
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2006
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- 2
Remington 1100 or 11-87 model depending on what you use it for, Clays, Doves,Pheasants target model like 11-87 Sporting Clays or new 1100 Sporting.
Well made guns that last several lifetimes and are a joy to shoot.
Shoot the legend - SHOOT Remington Made in U.S.A.
Well made guns that last several lifetimes and are a joy to shoot.
Shoot the legend - SHOOT Remington Made in U.S.A.
JackCrow
Member
My only shotgun (for now) other that a NEF single is a Reminton 1100 12ga.
I haven't had an opprotunity to handle any of the others mentioned here, but I sure am satisfied with my Rem. I picked it up used in like-new condition for about $300.
I haven't had an opprotunity to handle any of the others mentioned here, but I sure am satisfied with my Rem. I picked it up used in like-new condition for about $300.
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