First Semi Auto

[Axel Larson]

Basically I have a pump model 12 and a over/under superposed, But both only take 2 and 3/4 and cannot take steel shot. So basically I am stuck to Grouse hunting until I buy a new shotgun.
I want a semi auto because I do not have one and want one basically.
I would like it to have aftermarket barrels even if they are expensive (Benelli), and parts. I would really prefer wood but I can live without it. SO what would you suggest. I have 780 right now but I am willing to save up longer.
I have heard mixed reviews on the Remingtons and not much on Winchester or Ithaca. I have heard glowing reviews of both Benelli, Beretta and Brownings.

 

[Hunterdad]

Yeah, the 3 "B's" is where it's at right now. Expect to drop $800-$1000 for the gun and $200-$300 per barrel.

Honestly....there is nothing wrong with an 1100. As long as you keep it clean, they run good. Also barrels go for half that of the others in most cases.

 

[PabloJ]

Try Italian-inspired Neo-Auto 5. Those usually weigh <7lb and handle very nicely. Other quality options include: Benelli, Beretta and Franchi. All Italian-made of course.

 

[BigJimP]

Browning - Winchester are essentially the same gun....both companies are now owned by FN - but it looks to me like Browning is running the shotgun divisions ( winchester comes with Browning Invector plus chokes - meaning the barrels are likely made in the same factory).

Browning silver series - the silver hunter model is in the range of your budget and would be a good gun in my opinion.

Any Browning - even with the old Invector choke system / or the newer Invector Plus choke systesm will handle steel shot - just don't go tighter than a Modified choke is the general rule. ( a choke marked Mod Lead...is a Full if you're shooting steel).

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I've shot a couple Franchi's. Well made and won't break your wallet. You may want to look at the Beretta 3901. Although they are synthetic stocks. {I think}

 

[Virginian]

Well, I prefer the Remingtons, but Beretta builds a nice semi also. I wouldn't have any inertia or recoil operated gun, regardless of brand, period. Just don't care for them. The Browning Golds and Silvers are good guns too, except for their penchant for holes in some of their barrels. You will hear mixed reviews on a lot of them, but in my opinion the biggest enemy of any semi auto is the nut on the back of the stock. They pretty much all work these days, until that nut gets involved.

 

[GCBurner]

I've had good luck with a Mossberg 930. It's not as fancy (or expensive) as some of the guns recommended, but it functions fine, and shoots 2 3/4" and 3" shells interchangeably.

 

[Axel Larson]

I have the powder horn holding a Browning Gold hunter for me for 299. There is a blemish on the end of the barrel which is some glue left after a fiberoptic sight was put on the end of the barrel which I will eventually get switched out for a bead. Hopefully I did good.

 

[browningguy]

Even though they are a bit pricy I love my Benelli Montefeltro Silver.

 

[VAPOPO]

Yeah you did good on that Browning Gold I havent seen them for less than $400.

 

[viking499]

My buddy bought a "Walmart Beretta" a few years ago. It has ran like a fine sewing machine. 1000's of rounds through it so far.

 

[Master Blaster]

A Remington 1187 sportsman model will lack the fancy finish but will do everything you want at a reasonable price. AfterXmas some of the big box stores will have them on sale. Also a plain Jane beretta 391 is a good choice. There is a Walmart special model for under 650. More rust resistant than the Remington and lighter.

 

[oneounceload]

The Beretta A400 series, in a few configurations will serve you well, but you will need more money - about $1400 total, depending on model. These guns can easily handle ALL light loads up through 3.5" behemoths (Xplor Unico). My 3.5" gun will shoot 3/4oz reloads with ZERO malfs over the last 5,000 or so rounds

 

[SuperXOne]

The problem that I believe you're going to have in buying any brand new autoloader is that compared with your Model 12 and your Superposed you are going to consider them an artfully crafted piece of aluminum, pot metal, plastic and stamped steel parts,,,in comparison with your truly wonderfully made old shotguns.

I'm not the slightest afraid to smaller steel shot from my Model 12's if they either have a Polychoke or they are choked Modified or less. But if you have a Model 12 and a Superposed, now's the time for you to find a nice old Browning Auto Five Magnum with a Japanese Invector choke. That should scratch your itch for a three inch steel shooter, and they aren't some modern gadget made to sell.

If you are intent on a modern gun, either the 11-87 Remington or any of the Berettas and Benellis handle three inch shells and steel shot,,,,but don't take one apart beside your Model 12 or you'll feel like you've spent a lot of money for a lesser gun.

 

[petrey10]

best functioning gun for the money??? Beretta 3901

best looking auto for the money?? Benelli Montefeltro (it will have more recoil...slightly)

best auto shooting 3.5"?? Super Black Eagle II or maybe even the new Beretta A400


take your pick... brownings are fine and dandy too but remember this aint your Superposed. Winchester is basically Browning.... Remingtons are great but they need to be kept clean and are a little heavier which is fine for some (i carry and sporting 12...its HEAVY)

My recommendation is if you want a fancy semi auto get the silver montefeltro... if you just want a rock solid auto that will function when you pull the trigger and not afraid to get a scratch on it, get the Beretta.

 

[Virginian]

I do not care for inertia or recoil actions. Remington, Beretta, Winchester, and Browning all have some nice GAS operated semis that work. See which you like the feel of best and go for it.
(I still feel pretty good shooting my Wingmaster, too. After all, it is the gun that sent the Model 12 packing. )

 

[Milkmaster]

My choice would be one of the Beretta models in whatever chamber size you need. I will warn you that the Beretta model designations still baffle me sometimes. I just got used to the 391 and now I have to start over with the A400 series. My only Beretta semi-auto has been the 3901. It has been wonderful and has wiened me off other brands now. My shoulder has started asking for the 3901 in preference to my White Onyx O/U. I never thought that would happen. In the end, get what YOU like!