OK Folks. School Me on Semi-Auto Shotguns

[DogBonz]

And maybe recommend one.

Well guys and gals, as the title says, I’m looking for some info on auto loading shotguns. I have a Remington 870, but I’m just not a fan of pump actions. I just like semi-autos better. I’ll be looking to buy one in the next month or so, but it will not really be for anything particular. I would like to go skeet/ trap shooting, but it will mostly be for a range fun and SHTF back-up gun (sorry, but the AR is go-to for SHTF). I have almost no experience with shotguns, and I don’t like my 870, so I don’t shoot it much, but I feel like I legitimately need a shotgun in my collection. My only requirement would be that it should be 12GA.

Also, What size chamber do you recommend?

So, any recommendations?

 

[RNB65]

How much you looking to spend?

<$1K -- Remington 1100 w/ 28" barrel or Beretta 3901 American w/ 28" barrel

>1$K -- Beretta 391 Urika w/ 28" barrel

 

[DogBonz]

How much $

I would like to stay under a grand. I am willing to buy used, though, so I think that will help some.

 

[MrDig]

under a G....

Take a Look at Benelli, you should be able to find a nice one including a Montefeltro for ten bens. I own a Montefeltro and find it to be the best shotgun I have ever owned.

 

[evbutler462]

Check out the Beretta 390 at Wally World. Around $550. It is a step up from the 1100 in quality. Mighty fine gun.

 

[Chilean]

try a saiga 12

 

[DogBonz]

Now that sounds interesting

Check out the Beretta 390 at Wally World. Around $550. It is a step up from the 1100 in quality. Mighty fine gun

I will have to look at them.

How about the Benelli's. Are they good?

 

[MrDig]

I really like my Benelli. Montefeltro 12 ga. the only down side is I don't have the option of shooting slugs in it.

 

[BBsteel]

390 all the way!

I've been shooting shotguns for 17+ years and my brother has had the 390 for 10 years. I love that gun and don't even own one. I will have one some day and highly recommend it if it fits you well. I seems to have a little longer Length of Pull (LOP) but I have lnog arms so I fits great! Every once in a while I see these in the gun stores for good prices. Keep in mind there are 3 or more models of the 390 which impact the price when your out looking. They don't make these anymore so you'd have to buy used. I can't speak to the walmart type since they don't carry firearms at the MN walmarts anymore.

I would also recommend the winchester SX2 or SX3 in any variation. I have the SX2 field light and love it.

I've also got a Benelli super black eagle that I've had for 10 years now. Great gun and highly recommended. Be careful buying a used benelli. Make sure you find a store that will let you make a return if you don't like the way it shoots. A couple of my buddies bought used benellis and they have been jammers. Don't take this as a stay away from Benelli post because I swear by mine. Just be carful when looking used because that's maybe why they were traded. If you buy one used get a return policy and put a good 200 rounds + through it as soon as you can.

I also have an 870 pump, Browning Citori Lightning Feather O/U (out of your price range) and a Stoeger Condor O/U ($300) that I like. I actually shoot the worst with my 870 but it is the first gun I bought myself so it will never leave my home!

Good luck

 

[Derek Zeanah]

The only thing I know about them is I've fired 2 at the range -- a Beretta and (I think) an 1100.

Both of the shotguns were surprisingly sensitive to ammo choices. If you buy one, don't by a case of ammo until you decide that your gun likes.

 

[DogBonz]

MDig

I really like my Benelli. Montefeltro 12 ga. the only down side is I don't have the option of shooting slugs in it.

Why can't you shoot slugs in it?

 

[MrDig]

I don't have a slug barrel for it and haven't checked to see if they make one.
They do make Semi-Auto's with Slug Barrels just not the Monte' It's my goose gun so I don't worry about it that much.

 

[DogBonz]

MDig

Thanks. I was just wondering.

 

[jlbraun]

Saiga-12. Magazine fed, autoloading, reliable AK-47 action, and cheap. Will take up to a 3" shell.

 

[Milkmaster]

The same model shotguns can be very different with barrels choices etc just like other firearms. You choice has everything to do with what you plan to do with it. Even trap and skeet use a little different setup for really successful shooting. The semi-auto is more choosey in this regard as to getting it to cycle properly than your manually operated pump gun. For instance...A Rem 1187 set up for 3.5" magnum shells would require some different setup for shooting trap. Trap loads are light and 2.75 inch". I equate the difference to a 22LR and 22WMR... Just two different guns. My advice is to decide what you really want to do with it before spending a lot on one gun to try and do everything with it.

The closest to a do all for me would be something that accepts 2.75"& 3" shells with a 28" modified choke

Don't be surprised if you really become a shotgun fan. The fun with the different games can be addicting!

 

[rem1187a]

Remington 11-87 great gun at around 500 gently used. Rem 1100 also great gun around 400 gently used. Lots of different barrel and aftermarket goodies for them. My 11-87 has taken ducks,deer and pesky orange birds. Handles everything from light target loads to 3" slugs. Only problem ever had was to replace o-ring twice. Not bad for 10 years and approx 5000 rds.

 

[Patrick_Henry]

My Dad and I both have Remmington 1100's he has had his for about 30 years and used it for all kinds of things and never had any trouble. In terms of price I got mine used in very good condition for about $300. The saiga 12 looks really good and is a good price but I don't have one.