Need a Soft Shooting Semi-Auto

[Terrierman]

I've done a lot of waterfowling before and after non-toxic shot. If you're willing to pay for bismuth or hevi shot, 2 3/4" #4, #5 or #6 will be plenty for ducks. I NEVER used 3" before steel and killed them very very dead. If you want to shoot steel because it's cheaper, then 3" #2 is all you need to know and remember with steel, speed kills.

For Geese with bismuth or hevi shot, # 1 or #2 is ideal. 3"er's are worth it for the big birds. In steel, you need to jump to BB or BBB. Forget the huge T and F stuff in 12 gauge, you do not need it and patterns get very skimpy.

 

[bgold]

The gun with the softest felt recoil, IMO is the Xtrema II, with the Browning Gold/Winchester SX2, and the 11-87 close behind.

I have used 3.5" shells, but really don't need them. 3" steel high velocity loads (around 1550 fps) will work great. I like 2's for ducks, BB or BBB for geese (but HV 2's work fine when you are working them in close).

 

[shaggycat]

Okay, I think I have narrowed my decision down to the Browning Gold, Remington 1100, and Beretta Xtrema2. I can get each for about half of MSRP because I work at a sporting goods store. The 1100 and the Gold would cost about 400 and the Xtrema2 would cost about 700-800.

I like the Beretta more. But should I like it 400 dollars more?

 

[toivo]

I just bought an 1100. If I could've gotten it for $400, I'd be singing and dancing now. So would my credit card...

 

[JohnBT]

"I like the Beretta more."

That's how I buy guns, I narrow it down to the ones with a decent reputation and then buy the one that fits and feels the best. What's a few hundred bucks when you're talking about a gun you might have for the rest of your life? And if you do sell it at some point you'll get a good part of that difference back.

I love helping people spend money.

John

 

[9mmMike]

When Mrs. 9mmMike wanted a semi-auto, we were looking at the 390/391 series but found an 1100 Special Field that fit her perfectly. She is very happy with that gun. As others have said, get the one that fits.
Mike

 

[bgold]

I would buy the one that fits best. $400 more is well worth it to me, if the gun fits me very well.

You will be well served by any of the 3 you have selected.

 

[The-Fly]

I got an extrema2 on the way, and a big reason why i ordered it is that its supposedly the softest 12 gauge on the market. I'll post back when i get it and shoot it.

 

[10-Ring]

My Beretta 391 has been surprisingly gentle but if you're really looking for a pussycat, I'd look for a 20 guage semi auto. A shooting buddy just picked up a ported 20 guage semi auto that is like shooting a 22lr! I'll find out make & model and get back to you