Looking to pick up a couple shotguns

[jstalford]

I'm interested in picking up a semi-auto for home defense/duck hunting and a little later down a line, an over/under for clay shooting. My questions is, I'm left handed. How big of a deal is that with semi-autos and over/unders?

For the semi-auto, I'm considering a Benelli SBE II or M2, Franchi I-12, Beretta A391 or Winchester SX3. The Benelli comes in a left handed version, but how ambidextrous are the others?

For the O/U, I'm looking into a Citori Trap XT, 686 White Onyx, or Winchester Select. Only the Citori comes in a Left handed Version. What chamber should I be looking at 2 3/4 or 3? Also, for the o/u, if I wanted it to be passed down do my children (don't have any yet) they may not be left handed. How ambidextrous are the o/u guns?

Have any left handed shooters used the right handed guns I mention? Whats the fit/comfort level?

Secondly, for barrel length, on the semi auto, I'm leaning towards 24" or 26" and for the o/u, 28" or 30". Opinions on those lengths given their uses?

Thanks in advance.

 

[oneounceload]

If the O/u is for clay games and small upland, 2-3/4 is what you want. I haven't seen a shotgun club that allowed 3" shells to be used, nor shot size bigger than 7-1/2.

You can find LH guns - most current B guns are now coming with RH palm swells. I have smallish hands and personally, as a LH, I do NOT like trying to get a grip on a RH gun. Plus many are also putting some cast and pitch for RH on those stocks, so they will usually not be fitting just right.

You might also consider a Ceasar Guerini - they have a LH stock option.

Current barrel trend, especially for clays, is the linger the better - it helps smooth out your swing so you don't "whip" the barrels. Again, personally, for a 12 gauge, I like 32" barrels.

The only semi I have is a Remington 1100 in 28 gauge - that came with a 25" barrel that was so whippy, I added an 8oz. mag cap weight from Jim's Eye and Ear - now it swings very smoothly.

Try as many as you can before you buy and find the ones that fit YOU the best

 

[huntsman]

For the O/U, I'm looking into a Citori Trap XT, 686 White Onyx, or Winchester Select. Only the Citori comes in a Left handed Version. What chamber should I be looking at 2 3/4 or 3? Also, for the o/u, if I wanted it to be passed down do my children (don't have any yet) they may not be left handed. How ambidextrous are the o/u guns?

Have any left handed shooters used the right handed guns I mention? Whats the fit/comfort level?

I shoot left-handed, American guns including autoloaders really aren't an issue except maybe safety placement.
You have to be careful of European guns because of cast, Beretta especially puts cast off on their doubles

 

[jstalford]

Thanks for the replies.

I think I'm probably going to end up with a 26" M2 and 30" Citori, but I'm still specifically interested in the I-12 and the Onyx. Anyone with experience with those?

Probably going to go take a look at some this week.

 

[shotgunjoel]

Yeah get the M2, not the SBE, it's not worth the additional money.