Tactical Semi-auto HELP?

[KYamateur]

Hello everyone. I am going to purchase a semi-auto shotgun in 18-22 inch barrel length and I don't know what to choose. My limit will be $1200 but I would prefer less. With that said I cannot afford the M4 Benelli. Shotguns I have considered are:

FN SLP
Benelli M2
Remington 11/87 police
Remington 1100 tactical
Mossberg 930 SPX

I am open to any suggestion. Reliability is my main concern. I have seen the Weatherby's and Stoeger's but have read mixed reviews about them.

Any help or guidance will be greatly appreciated.

 

[yzguy87]

Saiga 12

Not sure if you'd consider it or not but if I was in your shoes that's what I'd choose.

 

[gunnutery]

Mind you, I've never shot any of the guns on your list, but I've been impressed with the Mossberg 930. The price is pretty decent, about half your budget. You'd have plenty left over for ammo, light, rds or ghost ring sights if it's not already so equiped. That's the route I'd go. I saw a used one for $530 and I was really tempted. But I stuck with my M500.

 

[Hunterdad]

I was in the same boat as you about 6 months ago. I was ready to settle on the FN and in a last minute decision decided to save money and get the CZ 712 Utility. And, I'm glad I did! I love this gun. I have close to 1500 rounds through it with one FTE in the first 50 rounds and that's it.

 

[oneounceload]

All are decent enough, each has its little quirks, down sides and up sides, most of which can be personal taste differences. Find one that FITS you the best, and one you don't need to go crazy with a lot of gizmos and gadget add-ons for your purposes

 

[rbernie]

I am partial to the M2, both because of its proven reliability and because the ComforTech stocks offer LOP, drop, cast, and comb adjustments. I also tend to shy away from the 'ghost ring' setups in favor of lower, more 'shotgunnish' sights.

 

[allaroundhunter]

The Benelli and FN are worlds above the others. However, I would go with the Benelli. The FN comes with multiple gas pistons to cycle the action, and can be finicky if you don't have the correct one in for the loads that you are shooting. With the Benelli, as long as you are using shot 1 1/8 oz or heavier, it will run like a top.

Other's experiences may differ, but these are the conclusions I have come to after running a couple thousand rounds through each (and the Mosserg 930) during competition.

If the 11/87 Police loads like a standard 11/87, then I would never ever choose it for a tactical or defensive application.

The Mossberg guns are way too hit and miss for me to ever get one for your purpose if my budget allowed for a Benelli or FN. I would actually take a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 pump gun for the purpose before a Mossberg Autoloader.

ETA: Avoid ghost ring sights.

 

[Mainsail]

I have the SLP, the 18" with the regular stock. I added the Tri-Rail to hold a flashlight. The short length makes it very handy in close quarters. Mine feeds everything I've put through it so far- lighter birdshot, buck, and heavy slugs.

 

[KYamateur]

I found a good deal online. I got a SLP Mark I brand new with 250 rounds of ammo for 1200. It turned out the seller lived within 45 miles of me. The ammo was the cheap green winchester military 00 Buckshot, but 250 rounds of it adds up to alot of fun. With shipping costs, $1200 was only going to get me the gun if I went with the M2. I was able to pick up the SLP without paying for shipping. I did think about the new Beretta 1301 Competition, but they are so new I decided to just get the SLP.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Michael Bane talks highly of the Remington VersaMax. The is also a FN design he likes as well. You are close to a new Browning A5.

 

[loose noose]

I've used a Remington Model 1100 for years without any problems. In fact you can pick up a used Model 1100 for right at $300.00. All ya have to do is get/or cut a barrel to 22"s (note I wouldn't go below 22"s). Next get a magazine extension, with a sling swivel on the end, have a front sight installed on the barrel/rib. Get sling swivel for the butt stock, and you're ready to go. In fact you can have all those modifications done by a gunsmith for right around $300.00.

Like I said before I've shot over 1000 rounds thru it without a hitch, slugs, buckshot, and fine shot, and it just keeps coming back for more. Note using a gas operated auto will reduce the felt recoil by quite a bit in a 12 Ga.

 

[browningguy]

I have a Benelli M2 Tactical for an HD gun and a Mossberg 930 Rhythm for 3 gun, I'd recommend either one. Of course the 930 shouldn't be the Rhythm for HD since it's a 28" gun, but the Miculek 3 gun model or SPX versions would be fine.

The upsides for the 930 is it's a lot cheaper, and very soft shooting. For the M2 it's reliability, they never ever fail to go bang, no matter what you've done to them.

 

[Dean1818]

I've used a Remington Model 1100 for years without any problems. In fact you can pick up a used Model 1100 for right at $300.00. All ya have to do is get/or cut a barrel to 22"s (note I wouldn't go below 22"s). Next get a magazine extension, with a sling swivel on the end, have a front sight installed on the barrel/rib. Get sling swivel for the butt stock, and you're ready to go. In fact you can have all those modifications done by a gunsmith for right around $300.00.

Like I said before I've shot over 1000 rounds thru it without a hitch, slugs, buckshot, and fine shot, and it just keeps coming back for more. Note using a gas operated auto will reduce the felt recoil by quite a bit in a 12 Ga.

Where do you see the used 1100 for around $300?

They seem to be 250 to 300 higher than that

 

[Dean1818]

I've used a Remington Model 1100 for years without any problems. In fact you can pick up a used Model 1100 for right at $300.00. All ya have to do is get/or cut a barrel to 22"s (note I wouldn't go below 22"s). Next get a magazine extension, with a sling swivel on the end, have a front sight installed on the barrel/rib. Get sling swivel for the butt stock, and you're ready to go. In fact you can have all those modifications done by a gunsmith for right around $300.00.

Like I said before I've shot over 1000 rounds thru it without a hitch, slugs, buckshot, and fine shot, and it just keeps coming back for more. Note using a gas operated auto will reduce the felt recoil by quite a bit in a 12 Ga.

Where do you see the used 1100 for around $300?

They seem to be 250 to 300 higher than that