thinking hard about a semi auto in time for dove

[dvdcrr]

Im thinking about buying a semi auto for doves and pheasant. My previous experience is with a sx2 28" 12 and a benelli m1 super 90 28" 12. I started out with a 30" 870 modified choke. They dont make the sx2 anymore (bummer!). What semi auto shotguns would you recommend? I'm not looking for a cheapie or too expensive budget is under $1000

 

[rbernie]

You can occasionally find the M2 Field for a grand - it's my favorite. The Franchi version is a bit cheaper and will also serve you well, as will the Beretta Outlander.

 

[dvdcrr]

Thanks never heard of the m2 or outlander. Is it like the extrema 2?

 

[rule303]

They don't make the SX2, but they do make the SX3 which is almost the exact same gun with some reliability upgrades. The Beretta A300 or A400 are great, as is the Mossberg 930 (inexpensive but not "cheap"). I personally much prefer a gas operated gun to the inertia ones for the softer recoil and better reliability with a variety of loads.

 

[Virginian]

I have a Remington 1100 LT 20 and love it. In fact except for waterfowl I shoot it for everything now.

 

[TomADC]

Have aRemington 11-87 12ga & Beretta 390 in 20 ga both sporting clays guns, would be great for doves, not so much water fowl.
Where you at?

 

[au_prospector]

Weatherby SA-08

Sportsman Warehouse in Chattanooga has one of these in 28 GA for $679.
Its light and mounts perfectly for me every time I close my eyes and raise it to my shoulder. Sooooo Tempting.

http://www.weatherby.com/product/shotguns/sa_08

 

[oneounceload]

Weatherby SA-08
Sportsman Warehouse in Chattanooga has one of these in 28 GA for $679.
Its light and mounts perfectly for me every time I close my eyes and raise it to my shoulder. Sooooo Tempting.

http://www.weatherby.com/product/shotguns/sa_08

Unless you reload, you may want to price 28 gauge ammo first. I reload both 12 and 20 with 3/4oz loads for practice which is the standard 28 gauge loading.

 

[MCgunner]

I personally much prefer a gas operated gun to the inertia ones for the softer recoil and better reliability with a variety of loads.

Me, too. My old Winchester 1400 still works, about 25 years old. It's a 12 and I'd much prefer it in 20 for doves, but it's a good dove gun, very easy on the shoulder. A lighter gun would handle quicker, though.

If I ever stumble upon a 1400 20 gauge or a Remington 1100 in 20, perhaps, for the right price, I might get it. Don't need more shotguns, but hell, what's need got to do with it? I'd have to put a lefty safety on the thing, though, like i did with my current 12 gauge 1400.

I currently hunt doves with a 20 gauge Spartan SxS. I kinda like it a lot.

 

[eastbank]

shot trap last night, with three shotguns.

i shoot a 1100 rem 20ga with trap loads,works fine at reasonable ranges. eastbank.

 

[gamestalker]

I have an 1187 in 20 ga.. It's a really great SG for dove and quail. But my favorite, and has been for many years, is a good ol 870 pump. But I also like an O/U. I guess in order, my first choice is definitely a pump, next an O/U, then the AL, just depends what kind of mood I'm in.

But AL's will often eat a lot more shells, it's probably because I have that option of taking additional follow up shot back to back, therefore I tend to take shots I wouldn't other wise take.

GS

 

[jehu]

Benelli M2 field 20ga! A little over budget but well worth it>

 

[dvdcrr]

Is the a300 wood really that pretty for the price or is it a fake finish?

 

[oneounceload]

Beretta does several things with wood. One is a composite wood material with a completely fake finish; another is an enhanced grain finish on real wool that makes it look like a higher grade of wood; then there is their standard wood that isn't too bad by itself; and finally the top of the line stuff that goes on the SO line. At that price point, I going with either the first or second option.

 

[HexHead]

For just around $1000, a Benelli Montefeltro would be hard to beat for doves.

 

[oneounceload]

Where can you find a Benelli for that price?

 

[dvdcrr]

Ah. I remember the montefeltro. Nice trim gun.

 

[HexHead]

Where can you find a Benelli for that price?

Bud's is out of stock right now, but shows their MAP as $1,024 with it struck out. My LGS has them around $1100.

 

[firme67]

Take a look at the Franchi Affinity. I really like my 20 ga for dove hunting. Brother has a 12 ga. we really like them. should be able to find one between $650-$750

 

[dvdcrr]

Whats the story with franchi? A poor mans benelli? Good gun or knock off?

 

[Pit4Brains]

I just picked up a Stoeger M3000 as my first autoloader. I have been shooting an old 870 Wingmaster 16 Ga. for about 30 years now. I'm wanting to get into some waterfowl so I needed something I can shoot steel thru and I wanted the Max camo. It seems like a good gun and I'll be firing the first rounds on Sep 1st when I go for some doves. If this thread is still around, I'll let you know how it performed for me.
I'll bring my trusty ol' Wingmaster with me just in case though.
Good luck in your quest.

 

[firme67]

I like the Franchi because the safety is on the back of the trigger guard like my Montefeltro and 870's. For me they just fit better than a Beretta. I did not like the feel of the Stoeger. I have used my 20 ga. Affinity for dove and pheasant. Not problems at all with any load I have put through it. It cycled Federal, Winchester, and Remington light game loads without trouble. I actually like the feel and shoot it better than my Montefeltro.

 

[Field Tester]

+1 for the Franchi Affinity. It's a bit different on the cheek than my Benelli Supernova but it comes with Shims to correct the height to you. It's a nice and light field gun.