Help me pick a semi auto home defense shotgun

[Balrog]

I would like a semi auto home defense shotgun. I am not interested in a pump.

I am looking at the Benelli M2, M4, and Remington 1100 Tactical.

I am leaning towards the M2. The M4 seems to cost a few hundred more, and I am not sure about how it would be any better. The Remington is about half the price, and has better parts availability and after market support.

Which of these three would your recommend and why?

 

[JNewell]

You might add the Mossberg 930 and FN SLP. But, to your choices...

Subject to two qualifications, if the cost of the M2 is not an issue, it might be the best choice of the three. The inertial operation is very dependable and runs clean. The only possible drawbacks are (1) Benellis in general have less aftermarket accessories available (which IMO isn't an issue, but YMMV) and (2) inertial shotguns tend to experience reliability problems if you add too much weight to the gun...example: 6-round sidesaddle + flashlight + extended mag tube might cause problems.

One nice thing about the Benellis, IIRC, is that the buttstocks are adjustable with shims, so your odds of a good fit are better.

All three you mention are fine guns, as are the two I added. If you like the M2, go for it and don't look back.

 

[Rshooter]

I really like the idea of shims on the M2. I also appreciate the Mossberg 930 if it fits you out of the box. Two good choices for a semiautomatic shotgun.

I also am for KISS on an HD firearm. Lights and sidesaddles can be more problems than they are worth.

 

[missouri dave]

I bought the 1100 tac 4 about two weeks back. Only got maybe 150 rounds thru it so far. All buckshot or reduced recoil slugs. No malfunctions. I love it.

 

[Russ Jackson]

Have you looked at a Saiga 12?...Russ

 

[sprice]

I second the saiga 12. It is reliable holds at lease 8 rounds and is faster to reload. In my opinion it is absolutely the best combat shotgun.

 

[ATAShooter]

2 things, I like the Saiga 12 & the m2. I own both. Seeing in your original post, that the Saiga wasn't mentioned, I wont go there. Now, the M2 is a beast. I have done almost everything to it with the exception of opening the receiver and deficating in it, and it has functioned flawless every time. Mine fell out of a duck blind one night as I was sleeping in the blind awaiting the early morning hunt to come. Had to dive 4 times to retrieve it. The ole boy was full of silt and mud. I field stripped it, shook off the parts in the water to get the crap out, and re-assembled it for the hunt. It shot 125 out of 125 times that day. I got her home, and gave it a thorough cleaning. Still today, It functions flawless. Never have I had a failure out of mine. I will say, being Enertia driven, it has a tad more recoil than a gas autoloader, but given that I never have to worry about gas rings or gas ports, the peace of mind is well worth the extra little bump.

 

[Balrog]

Will the Benelli M2 cycle with reduced recoil buckshot loads?

 

[ATAShooter]

I shoot trap alot, and I had some 2 3/4 shells that were loaded with #8 shot, loaded at a 1050 fps speed , and it eats them just fine. Now, if you have a knowlege of shotshells, you know 1050 is a light load. But she eats and spits them like a champ. I have shot from the nastiest cheapie chinese loads, all the way up to high end magnum loads thru her just fine. Hahaha, its kinda like my wife, eats everything....Only the Benelli's BUTTstock doesnt get larger...

 

[Bernie Lomax]

Another vote here for the Saiga. The AK platform is ideal for a semiauto shotgun. It's only major flaw is poor long-range accuracy, but this is a non-issue with shotguns, since their maximum effective range is so limited.

If I ever buy a semiauto shotgun, it will definitely be a Saiga.

 

[Capstick1]

You might also look at the mossberg HD version of the 930 called the SPX 930. It comes standard with peep sights, a picatinny rail on the reciever, and holds 8 rounds.

 

[Lou McGopher]

If you can afford it, you can get a short barreled Saiga shotgun from someone like Tromix. It'll be easily maneuverable in your house without giving up magazine capacity.

 

[dogsoldier0513]

I bought a LIKE NEW Benelli M1 Super90 last December for $650. I bought a LIKE NEW Beretta 1201FP w/ghostring sights last week for $500. Shop around.

 

[buckhorn_cortez]

FN SLP. Send it to SRM and have them put a Sure Cycle system in it, seal the gas pistons, have them lap the bolt and do a reliability tune up. It will then shoot any load from 1 ounce bird shot loads through buck and slugs with the heavy load gas piston installed. Use the Briley Diffusion choke for buckshot and you'll have the best pattern you can get for ranges 30 feet and less. The Briley is also rifled and provides great accuracy for slugs.

Installed a full choke in mine and shot 21/25 at the trap range - ghost ring sites not the best for trap but it was fun.