Is there any other option for an overall solid sporting shotgun besides the Remington 1100 or the Beretta 3901? When it comes to spending under $1,000 for a shotgun that can do it all in terms of skeet and trap, what else is out there that provides the most bang for the buck? I have a Remington 870 now, but am looking for an autoloader as I get into skeet and trap.
Solid Overall Sporting Auto Shotgun
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Ranger30-06
Member
Mossberg 930. Literally adored by everyone who owns one. I've never heard a bad thing about them besides the ~200 round break in period with heavy loads. I don't think the weight on them is as balanced as it should be, but it certainly isn't that bad.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I have read some good things about the Stoeger 2000 line.
(Of course, I have also read some bad things!)
At any rate, it is a Benelli type inertia operated shotgun that sells for under $500.
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/stoeger_model_2000.php
It might be worth doing some Googling on you own about them.
rc
(Of course, I have also read some bad things!)
At any rate, it is a Benelli type inertia operated shotgun that sells for under $500.
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/stoeger_model_2000.php
It might be worth doing some Googling on you own about them.
rc
oneounceload
member
Under a 1000, look for a used Beretta 391 urika -THE gas gun for clay targets - utterly reliable, handles all loads.........and doesn't require a "break-in" period. NO shotgun should require a 200 round break-in period - that is a sign of poor quality
Buy what you want, but for the money you won't do any better than an 1100, 11-87 or the Beretta 3901 or 390.
I've been impressed with the Stoeger 2000 during the brief time I owned one. The Mossberg looks promising as a defensive shotgun, but the balance etc. is all wrong for me as a hunting/clays gun.
Either would be a pretty big step down from the guns you say you don't want however.
I've been impressed with the Stoeger 2000 during the brief time I owned one. The Mossberg looks promising as a defensive shotgun, but the balance etc. is all wrong for me as a hunting/clays gun.
Either would be a pretty big step down from the guns you say you don't want however.
The trouble with this question for me has a simple answer. You need to look at the deciding factors.
have you shot trap/skeet before, found that you enjoy it and want to get better. If yes you are ready to get into it seriously then a $1K plus shotgun would be a no brainer. the shotgun for trap/skeet is actually the cheapest part of participating in these sports.
You are just wanting to see what the sport is about, then get a decent shotgun that is comfortable to you and find out if the sport is for you. If it turns out the sport was just a passing fancy it is a lot easier to dump a less expensive shotgun and recover most of the money then that of an expensive shotgun. If the bug bites then see above.
I know lots of people here shoot trap/skeet either competitively or for fun and it is a large part of their lives. For them they have already made the choice and with out a doubt have a shotgun that reflects their level of interest in the sport. I would venture a guess that most started out with a low end shotgun but as their desire for the sport grew so did the level of the shotgun they used. Nothing wrong with a high quality shotgun but does not do much good in the safe.
On the evil side of thinking they will advise you to buy a very high end shotgun so that when you find you don't like the sport you will unload it at a great loss and a big gain for them. Just sayin'
have you shot trap/skeet before, found that you enjoy it and want to get better. If yes you are ready to get into it seriously then a $1K plus shotgun would be a no brainer. the shotgun for trap/skeet is actually the cheapest part of participating in these sports.
You are just wanting to see what the sport is about, then get a decent shotgun that is comfortable to you and find out if the sport is for you. If it turns out the sport was just a passing fancy it is a lot easier to dump a less expensive shotgun and recover most of the money then that of an expensive shotgun. If the bug bites then see above.
I know lots of people here shoot trap/skeet either competitively or for fun and it is a large part of their lives. For them they have already made the choice and with out a doubt have a shotgun that reflects their level of interest in the sport. I would venture a guess that most started out with a low end shotgun but as their desire for the sport grew so did the level of the shotgun they used. Nothing wrong with a high quality shotgun but does not do much good in the safe.
On the evil side of thinking they will advise you to buy a very high end shotgun so that when you find you don't like the sport you will unload it at a great loss and a big gain for them. Just sayin'
memphisjim
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browning auto 5
Virginian
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You won't beat the Remington and Beretta for what you want to do. Pick the one that feels best to you. I started actually hitting skeet targets with an 1100 48 years ago, and an awful of of shotguns since have never shown any ability to do the job better.
Master Blaster
Member
Buy the 1187, I have and use one for clay games, I also have an 1100, and a beretta 391 Gold Trap model. When I take other folks Trap shooting they seem to do best with the 1187. The Beretta is no better, having owned and shot both, the Beretta is fancier, but is also longer by an inch LOP wise which makes it difficult for other folks to shoot well. Barrels for the 1187 are cheap, and it has interchangeable chokes.
Ghost Tracker
Member
I have to agree with the Remington 1187 suggestion. To me, it's the modern definition of a "Solid Overall Sporting Auto Shotgun". If you've enjoyed your 870, then you've GOT to meet her beautiful younger sister!
rbernie
Contributing Member
The Beretta 3901 Standard is probably the best bang-for-the-buck in terms of a new production gas gun.
armoredman
Member
I second the recommendation of the Berretta 390/391. I have a Walmart variety 390 (black plastic stock) and it's one heck of a shooter. My son uses it very well on the sporting clays course. We shoot 1 oz target loads and it's very soft recoiling. It's a great value in my opinion at Walmarts price of about $570...even a better deal when you find it used at a pawn shop for $300 like I did 
mps111
Member
1st....Browning Gold sporting (used or NOS)
2nd.... Remington 1100
2nd.... Remington 1100
I have quite a few autos, and the Mossberg 930 has become my go-to gun. It is far and away more dependable than the 1100, and over a pound lighter. I find the walnut stocked models to balance and point very well, but agree that the synthetic stocked guns are a bit front heavy.
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