Semi-Auto Shotguns

[Kawadank]

I'm looking to buy a semi-auto shotgun and I wanted to see what you all think about the different brands out there. Also I want your opinion on recoil operated vs gas operated. I'm looking for a 12 gauge that is multi-purpose (waterfowl, upland, trap/skeet), 3" minimum(I have an 870 that is 3.5" if I ever feel like shooting that large of a shell), wood or synthetic--doesn't matter much to me but I still value your opinion on this as well

 

[meatmachineman]

I'm new to the forum, but on other forums that I frequent, I always say the best shotgun fits the shoulder and wallet. There is no sense buying the finest shotgun available if you can't hit anything with it. That being said... fit and cost being equal, I lean towards the recoil gun pretty much everytime. They are simple and clean. They do tend to punch you a bit more than a gas gun, but if you come from a pump, it's a non issue. If recoil is a factor for you, a gas gun may be a better way to go. Additionally, if the oil is kept to a minimum, the "notorious" cold weather action slowdown of a recoil gun goes away. I've got 3 autos... a Benelli M2, a rem 1100 and a (and I hate to admit this) a TriStar Viper 20ga. By far the M2 has served me the best. I hunt little tweeties to geese and have no roblems running the 3" shells (plus I'm a wimp and don't like the punishment 3.5s provide). It also eats up the Wallyworld special 2.75s.

I'm not saying Benelli, Franchi, Stoeger, Brn A5 are the best, but they are my preference. For a gas gun, I really like the offerings from Beretta, especially the Xtrema II for the those with really soft shoulders.

The easy solution, though, just buy one of everything, then pick your favorite! That's my goal.

 

[Milkmaster]

Let's start by you telling us how much money you want to spend? That gives us a range of models to suggest.

Here is a recent thread with about the same question. Might be worth a look.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=403446