HD Auto Shotgun
- Thread starter CTGunner
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Carter
Member
Whats your budget? Auto's are (of course) faster shooting, but not as reliable as a pump. However, if you properly clean the shotgun after shooting or every so often that shouldn't be a problem. Pumps are probably a better choice though. You don't want to unload with a shotgun in your house just to find out its the punk kid from next door trying to steal some beer. Fortune to remodel and a body in your house lit up worse than Somalia isn't a thing that sits well with cops or a jury no matter what the circumstances (usually).
But best bet: you can get a cheaper mossberg autoloader or bretta for around 400 to 500.
Or you can splurge and get the ever trusty FN product, which will be 800 to 1000.
Or you could go to $1400 and get a benelli semi (not recommended).
If I had the money, I'd get the FN. However, a simple pump mossberg 500/590 is a better bet. If you think about getting a pump 870 get one of the higher end was, $500 or so, to avoid the failure to eject problem that seems to be common (happened to me my first time shooting one).
But best bet: you can get a cheaper mossberg autoloader or bretta for around 400 to 500.
Or you can splurge and get the ever trusty FN product, which will be 800 to 1000.
Or you could go to $1400 and get a benelli semi (not recommended).
If I had the money, I'd get the FN. However, a simple pump mossberg 500/590 is a better bet. If you think about getting a pump 870 get one of the higher end was, $500 or so, to avoid the failure to eject problem that seems to be common (happened to me my first time shooting one).
I already have a pump but I would like to have two shotguns. One for each floor of the house. Why don't you recommend the benelli...and why DO you recommend the FN?
jmortimer
Member
I like the FN SLP as well - based on the Winchester SX2 I believe - The Benelli M4 would also be a good choice. The if you have the $$$ get either one of these.
Carter
Member
FN is just my favorite brand I guess. They always make a solid weapon. Although, IMHO, they usually overcharge by $500 for their rifles. But when you're largest customer is the US military you're not too worried about the average joe's wallet.
The benelli's I saw were $1400 for a 4 shot capacity. Not worth the money in my opinion, may be a solid design, not an expert, but not my cup of tea.
One thing you could look at is the Tarus Judge. .410 and .45 colt capable. It'd be a good one to have for up close and personal in the house. Maybe in the night stand or kitchen.
Just did my checking up and the Beretta's are a little more than I originally thought, but you can get the wal-mart one for a cheaper price than normal, jk.
Look around, gun shows are nice for this, and just pick them up and play. Saiga 12's can be found in plenty there. They are about as reliable as you can get for a semi shotgun (due to ak like design), and they have alot of upgrade/conversion potentional. The one's I saw were $550ish to $600.
The benelli's I saw were $1400 for a 4 shot capacity. Not worth the money in my opinion, may be a solid design, not an expert, but not my cup of tea.
One thing you could look at is the Tarus Judge. .410 and .45 colt capable. It'd be a good one to have for up close and personal in the house. Maybe in the night stand or kitchen.
Just did my checking up and the Beretta's are a little more than I originally thought, but you can get the wal-mart one for a cheaper price than normal, jk.
Look around, gun shows are nice for this, and just pick them up and play. Saiga 12's can be found in plenty there. They are about as reliable as you can get for a semi shotgun (due to ak like design), and they have alot of upgrade/conversion potentional. The one's I saw were $550ish to $600.
Saiga 12s are not anywhere near as reliable as AK rifles in my experience (but I've only owned about 8 of them and a 410 and rifles in nearly every caliber they come in). Some are good to go out of the box others might take a bit of work. I think the saiga is a very fine shotgun but it takes work to get it them to where they need to be for serious use IMHO.
The Benelli M4 is a very nice shotgun and if cost is no option then why not.
I suppose that is pretty open for debate. In general I like things simple, extended mag tube, flash light, and a side saddle.
What is your budget? How much time and effort are you going to put into training with this shotgun?
It depends on the auto, I once upon a time believed autos were not reliable enough. I no longer think that. After having more experience with various auto loaders I now believe that there are number of autos that are up to the task.
People often say that pumps are more reliable than autos which in a certain sense might be true but I have also heard a number of instructors and people who participate regularly in 3 gun say that they see more user induced failures in pumps than mechanical failures in autos.
faster follow up shots, lighter recoil, more simple operation are the things that come to mind. A pump is perfectly serviceable though. I'd be more concerned about where you are going to get training than whether you get a pump or a semi.
Coltdude84
Member
Benelli M1
If you can find a Benelli M1 12 Gauge, I would pick it up. I have a Benelli M1 Entry Model (14 inch barrel) with ghost ring night sights and surefire fore end.. It is my go to gun for HD. IMO benelli Makes some of the best auto shotguns in the industry. They have a newer model called the M4 which is nice but still prefer the M1.. Mine has been 100% reliable.
If you can find a Benelli M1 12 Gauge, I would pick it up. I have a Benelli M1 Entry Model (14 inch barrel) with ghost ring night sights and surefire fore end.. It is my go to gun for HD. IMO benelli Makes some of the best auto shotguns in the industry. They have a newer model called the M4 which is nice but still prefer the M1.. Mine has been 100% reliable.
One advantage to a pump is you can use whatever ammo you like or find handy, some autos have problems cycling on lighter weight ammo. Case in point my Browning B-80 will fire 3" shells at just about any load but 2 3/4's sometimes won't cycle. I found this out when shooting clay pigeons and trying to save my shoulder some pain.
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
CTGunner,
Wouldn't this get more attention in Shotguns? (http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=7)
Want me to move it?
lpl
Wouldn't this get more attention in Shotguns? (http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=7)
Want me to move it?
lpl
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
Done...
lpl
lpl
Al LaVodka
member
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- Sep 9, 2009
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I wish I could say the Mossberg 930 SPX, Shotgun of the Year, but I've seen a couple of issues beyond the stock being too low that actually relate to reliability. I have an HK Benelli M1 Super 90 (is it?) which I bought used and ugly for almost as much as a new 930 in today's dollars I suppose and after a decent cleaning it never failed. I would not hesitate to rely on it. However, with reliability being my MAIN consideration... Pump shoty...
Al
Al
LRS_Ranger
Member
I wound up with a Benelli M3. I got the pump convertable because I wanted a fallback if the auto didn't failed for some reason. Plus it's a cool idea. If I could go back in time I would prolly just get the semi-auto only. I am pretty fast with a pump, but I am faster with the auto. With reduced recoil buckshot loads I can get a few shells off before the first empty hits the ground. The Benelli is totally reliable, even with reduced recoil loads, and the fit and finish is top notch. I highly recommend them.
Slvr Surfr
Member
I have a Mossberg 930 SPX. No issues with it at all. In fact it serves as HD for me. I have shot reduced recoil 12 guage 00 loads through it with no problems at all.
I added a light and a shell carrier and that's all I think it needs.
I added a light and a shell carrier and that's all I think it needs.
I not convinced; my Weatherby auto has never jammed with anything from light target, to heavy turkey loads. My Mossberg 500 has jammed in the past due to a weak spring, and a problem with the magazine follower (it's %100 now). An auto has the advantage of cycling the same way every time; no risk of short-stroking or forgetting to pump the next round.
Stock fit is important; I haven't tried them, but I noticed that Benelli offers the adjustable Comfortech stock and ghost-ring sights on the M2. The Benelli tactical stocks look like they're too low to get a fast sight picture with the high ghost-ring sights. I would also try to get one with a safety you're used to; I prefer the tang safety on the Mossberg. What shotgun do you use the most?
Realistically, stock fit and safety location are probably more important than reliablility. If you need to shoot, getting the the first shot off fast is most important; you're not likely to need a second shot.
Right now I have a mossberg 500. I chose it over the Remington because of the safety, I just like the safety.
When storing your Auto for HD do you keep a round chambered? One of the things I like about my pump is that I can bring it into action quickly without keeping a round chambered.
When storing your Auto for HD do you keep a round chambered? One of the things I like about my pump is that I can bring it into action quickly without keeping a round chambered.
i used a pump (870) at work for 20+ years, but when i came to a HD shotgun i went with a semi-auto. i know that I can run a semi-auto faster and more reliably than a pump when i'm completely awake (qualifications), i don't want to even try to factor in being recently awaken.
i chose the FN SLP because i liked the speed it runs at, the light recoil and the way the ghost ring sights line up as soon as i bring it to my shoulder. i thought to save some money by going with the Mossberg 930 SPX (i really like their pump in 20ga), but the difference in price wasn't worth the piece of mind of the difference in build quality for a HD weapon. the only thing the SLP doesn't come with for HD is a light
i chose the FN SLP because i liked the speed it runs at, the light recoil and the way the ghost ring sights line up as soon as i bring it to my shoulder. i thought to save some money by going with the Mossberg 930 SPX (i really like their pump in 20ga), but the difference in price wasn't worth the piece of mind of the difference in build quality for a HD weapon. the only thing the SLP doesn't come with for HD is a light
In real-world use, I have had more trouble with a pump gun failing to go "boom" for one reason or another, than a semiauto. 870s, in particular, become clubs if you shove a shell in backwards (as do 1100s and 1187s), and I have short-shucked, too. I have also had stuck hulls that wouldn't eject.
The semis have been a bit more sensitive to cleaning, oiling, and very cold weather outdoors. But I have honestly never had any trouble with a reasonably maintained semi at room temperature. I'd rather have a good semi in my hands than a pump, any day of the week. Also, WRT being able to use random shells, that's just never been an issue. A good, modern semi will feed any half-decent shells.
The semis have been a bit more sensitive to cleaning, oiling, and very cold weather outdoors. But I have honestly never had any trouble with a reasonably maintained semi at room temperature. I'd rather have a good semi in my hands than a pump, any day of the week. Also, WRT being able to use random shells, that's just never been an issue. A good, modern semi will feed any half-decent shells.
If you're used to the Mossberg tang safety, I think you would be better off getting another Mossberg. How about the 930 Field/Security Combo? You could use the long barrel to break it in at the trap range.
I don't think you need a lot of tacticool accessories; maybe a flashlight on a barrel clamp.
I don't think you need a lot of tacticool accessories; maybe a flashlight on a barrel clamp.
VERY COOL. As much as I like the FN and some of the other recommendations this one actually makes a lot of sense for me since it could serve two purposes.If you're used to the Mossberg tang safety, I think you would be better off getting another Mossberg. How about the 930 Field/Security Combo? You could use the long barrel to break it in at the trap range.
I don't think you need a lot of tacticool accessories; maybe a flashlight on a barrel clamp.
Mine was reliable (1971). Note that the 1100 does not have a compensating valve, so it's not a modern semiauto. However, if you have the right shells, IMO the thing will work.
Note that the 1100 has the same problem the 870 has with backward shells being so difficult to remove that, in defensive use, the gun is out of commission if you do it.
With an 1100, you have to keep it clean and oiled. Keep the O-ring fresh.
Mine wouldn't hold open on the last shot, due to some bit of grit in the trigger assembly. I never did find it; it just quit happening after the third thorough cleaning. I got rid of my 1100, but still, I can't say it won't shoot i it's clean and oiled.
Mine wouldn't hold open on the last shot, due to some bit of grit in the trigger assembly. I never did find it; it just quit happening after the third thorough cleaning. I got rid of my 1100, but still, I can't say it won't shoot i it's clean and oiled.
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