NEW Hunting Semi-Autos?

[JCooperfan1911]

I’m wanting to buy a new (not used) quality 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun for hunting.

Reliability, durability, and wooden furniture are all a must. Also I’d like something will will be able to fire everything from 1 oz #6 game loads to 3” high brass.

Any recommendations? Thanks!

 

[toivo]

Off the top of my head, I would say Beretta. I have a 3901 that has been rock-solid reliable. That's a discontinued model, though, and the newer ones (A300?) are getting up there in price.

Here's a guy testing a new one with various loads. He gets a few hiccups with light loads at first, but the problem seems to resolve itself:

 

[Switup]

Nothing can beat the Benelli M4 tactical, My personal recommendation.

 

[jmr40]

Lots of good choices, but not nearly as many with wood and the same gun with wood will be a lot more expensive.

Reliability, durability, and wooden furniture are all a must.

If you insist on wood you'll have to either compromise on reliability and durability or double your budget.

First decide if you want gas or inertia operated.

Gas guns are heavier. The weight along with the gas operation system significantly reduce recoil. But they are a little less reliable unless kept clean. Some don't function well with lighter loads. They would be my top choice for shooting clays. The weight isn't a problem, in fact a plus, for most clays games. And they are easy to keep clean for shooting sports. It's not the same as using it in a swamp duck hunting.

I'd look first at Beretta. But Remington, Browning and Winchester have options.

Inertia guns are lighter and the inertia system doesn't reduce recoil. But at the same time, they don't recoil any worse than a pump or double of the same weight. They function better over a wider range of loads and keep working longer if filthy. They are preferred by waterfowl hunters because you get the reliability of a pump, with a semi auto for faster shots.

For what I do I really like the Benelli M-2. My personal gun is the original M-1. The M-2 is functionally the same, but with some improvements to the stock design. The Super Black Eagle shoots 3 1/2" shells and I don't need it.

I don't know if Benelli offers anything with wood. But if they do it will cost a lot more than plastic.

 

[dak0ta]

Benelli Montefeltro comes in walnut. Cheaper than an M2 as well.
Breda is also another that uses walnut.

 

[d2wing]

I have a new model Browning A5 in wood. It's a beauty and shoots nice. Very light too. I think Franchi still makes wood stock guns.

 

[ColoradoMinuteMan]

Nothing can beat the Benelli M4 tactical, My personal recommendation.

For hunting?

 

[.45Coltguy]

OP could always give the Tristar Viper G2 a look.

 

[Milkmaster]

I’m wanting to buy a new (not used) quality 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun for hunting.

Reliability, durability, and wooden furniture are all a must. Also I’d like something will will be able to fire everything from 1 oz #6 game loads to 3” high brass.

Any recommendations? Thanks!

What is your budget? That will make a recommendation a lot easier.

 

[cdb1]

I have a FABARM L4S and I highly recommend it. Also have a Browning Silver and a Maxus, no complaints at all with them. I have a Winchester SX3 which has been a great gun. The Maxus has morphed into the Maxus II and the SX3 into the SX4.

I really like Beretta and have owned a 390 and an A300. Even with shims they didn’t fit me well and I couldn’t hit with them very well. It was strictly me because others shot well with them.

I wouldn’t turn my nose up at a Mossberg 930 which I’ve owned in the past and have never owned one but would give Tristar a try.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

What is your budget? That will make a recommendation a lot easier.

Unlimited.

 

[Milkmaster]

Unlimited.

I always have luck with Beretta shotguns. The A400 will work for you. There are several variations of the A400. Choose the right one for your needs. Easy to take down and clean. Reliable equipment.

 

[hq]

Unlimited.

Cosmi Superleggero SLT. I'd give my left one for one. Simply gorgeous.

 

[Frulk]

Tuff to beat this one’s pedigree and company reputation.

https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/shotguns/a5/a5-hunter.html

 

[guyfromohio]

If I was buying based on what you are wanting and your price range, I’d look at Browning, Beretta, and Benelli. I’ve owned semis from all three and I rate the Benelli as the best. My son’s Montefeltro was around $1000 and hasn’t missed a beat in dozens of sporting clays trips. That would be my choice, but Benelli has a wide range of wood-stocked greatness. The Beretta A400 line is excellent as well. I had an older 303 that was fantastic. My experience with a Browning A500 wasn’t great, but unique enough that I wouldn’t swear off the whole brand for autos. For doubles, I’m a Citori guy all day long.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

Cosmi Superleggero SLT. I'd give my left one for one. Simply gorgeous.

Left one?

 

[Milkmaster]

Left one?

HAHA! If you have to ask it doesn't matter.

 

[d2wing]

Tuff to beat this one’s pedigree and company reputation.

https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/shotguns/a5/a5-hunter.html

That's the exact model I have and I agree. It's a great shotgun. I took me a couple try's to figure out the adjustable stock to fit me but I got there. I don't regret buying it.

 

[Appalachiannative]

It's a shame the new Browning's aren't made in Belgium but the recoil operation system they use has always been reliable to me. Although that's the only kind I've ever had. The Benelli inertia guns look really cool and since money ain't no object I'd go with that. I've never used a gas operated shotgun but have heard bad things. The old browning hump back design is HEAVY

 

[Armored farmer]

A Remington 1100 or 1187 is an excellent shotgun. I have owned and shot them for 46 years now. I have no reason to complain about them. 5 stars.

This is one of my comp guns. But the innards are the same on a field gun.

 

[cdb1]

It's a shame the new Browning's aren't made in Belgium but the recoil operation system they use has always been reliable to me. Although that's the only kind I've ever had. The Benelli inertia guns look really cool and since money ain't no object I'd go with that. I've never used a gas operated shotgun but have heard bad things. The old browning hump back design is HEAVY

Auto-5 production moved from Belgium to Japan in the 70’s. It was finally discontinued around 1998. The A5 in current production is inertia operated, just like Benelli, not long-recoil like the Auto-5 was.

“I've never used a gas operated shotgun but have heard bad things.”

Inertia and gas operated shotguns both have their pluses and minuses. Inertia as a rule has heavier recoil and won’t cycle light loads as well as gas quite often. Gas guns require more cleaning than inertia. The best selling semi-auto in history is the 1100.

 

[hq]

A Remington 1100 or 1187 is an excellent shotgun.

I can only agree. Never had one but borrowed and shot a number of them and there's little to complain. The only thing may be their weight, they're no featherweights, but for those who don't hunt grouse ie. hand-carry the shotgun up to 10+ hours straight in rough terrain, it's not a dealbreaker. I switched over to inertia guns over 20 years ago when I bought my first Benelli and I haven't looked back, mainly because the fierce recoil is a small price to pay to avoid sore, numb hands after a week or three of grouse hunting up north.

Still, I want that bloody Cosmi, it'll be mine, sooner or later [insert a mad cackle here]

 

[Armored farmer]

I can only agree. Never had one but borrowed and shot a number of them and there's little to complain. The only thing may be their weight, they're no featherweights, but for those who don't hunt grouse ie. hand-carry the shotgun up to 10+ hours straight in rough terrain, it's not a dealbreaker. I switched over to inertia guns over 20 years ago when I bought my first Benelli and I haven't looked back, mainly because the fierce recoil is a small price to pay to avoid sore, numb hands after a week or three of grouse hunting up north.

Still, I want that bloody Cosmi, it'll be mine, sooner or later [insert a mad cackle here]

I forgot to add my usual statement:
"It's never a mistake to buy a Browning "

 

[Appalachiannative]

Auto-5 production moved from Belgium to Japan in the 70’s. It was finally discontinued around 1998. The A5 in current production is inertia operated, just like Benelli, not long-recoil like the Auto-5 was.

“I've never used a gas operated shotgun but have heard bad things.”

Inertia and gas operated shotguns both have their pluses and minuses. Inertia as a rule has heavier recoil and won’t cycle light loads as well as gas quite often. Gas guns require more cleaning than inertia. The best selling semi-auto in history is the 1100.

Man I did not know that about the new A5s that takes all the fun out of em. Guess I'll keep hunting an old one in 20 gauge. I've never had a real browning. Only a Stevens 726 and a Remington model 11

 

[kalielkslayer]

If I was buying based on what you are wanting and your price range, I’d look at Browning, Beretta, and Benelli. I’ve owned semis from all three and I rate the Benelli as the best. My son’s Montefeltro was around $1000 and hasn’t missed a beat in dozens of sporting clays trips. That would be my choice, but Benelli has a wide range of wood-stocked greatness. The Beretta A400 line is excellent as well. I had an older 303 that was fantastic. My experience with a Browning A500 wasn’t great, but unique enough that I wouldn’t swear off the whole brand for autos. For doubles, I’m a Citori guy all day long.

That Beretta 303 is a gun Browning bought the patent from to make the B-80.

Pretty much the only shotgun I’ve shot the last 40 years. For a semi, extremely reliable!

They did have issues with the forearm cracking from heavy recoil with 3” shells. I taped both of mine when they cracked for years. Then I found a couple replacement ones that have held up for over 20 years.

Last year I used one for skeet, 600 rounds a month, for 7 months, outta a 40 years old gun that’s been abused. Not an issue! Maybe 2 fail to feed outta 4,000 rounds, pushing old hulls that I should have culled. I had less problems with my gun going bang than most of the O/U guys.

Great recommendation!!!