oneounceload
member
Then a nice double gun - either SxS or O/U with two triggers is even better
Why a semi-auto shotgun?
- Thread starter bushmaster1313
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Then a nice double gun - either SxS or O/U with two triggers is even better
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
Assuming a semi-auto shotgun in good mechanical order, it's fairly easy to determine the reliability of the gun by shooting it with a multitude of different loads for testing.
JimKirk
Member
If you want the second load option ........................
just put in one shell at the time..........
Solves that problem...right!
If you ever shot sporting clays, you'd beg for a auto shotgun.
Of course I shot a 20 ga BPS for 5 yrs before I started begging.
Jimmy K
just put in one shell at the time..........
Solves that problem...right!
If you ever shot sporting clays, you'd beg for a auto shotgun.
Of course I shot a 20 ga BPS for 5 yrs before I started begging.
Jimmy K
Leaky Waders
Member
Why pick just one action?
You can shoot anything through a single, double, and supposedly a pump (excluding sticky new 870's
).
Autos are good for quick follow-up shots and taming recoil.
You can shoot anything through a single, double, and supposedly a pump (excluding sticky new 870's
).Autos are good for quick follow-up shots and taming recoil.
MCgunner
Member
If I shot from the prone in the marsh, I'd need a snorkel or scuba equipment most of the time.
OK, deer hunting could conceivably call for a prone shot. Unlikely, but possible.
Turkey hunting, no way. Sitting, yes, prone, no.
In either event, I can't see buying a gas semi just to deal with it.
vaupet
Member
elderly friend of mine (gun dealer, hunter and clay shooter) can't shoot O/U 12ga anymore because of te bad back. He is confortable shooting 12ga SA.
Gary G23
Member
We have semi-auto shotguns because some people like them and since this is
America they should be able to have them. Personally I'll stick with my 870's but to each his own.
America they should be able to have them. Personally I'll stick with my 870's but to each his own.
chas08
Member
We buy them because we like them and prefer shooting them, not to deal with a particular shot that you may never have to take. That would be silly.
Lets say you are walking down a grassy draw on your way back to the truck after an unsucessful morning. Just over the hill to your left, you hear a loud gobble, it sounds incredibly close. You belly crawl to the top of the draw and are astonished to see a gobbler in full strut not more than 35 yards away. He's entertaining a hen about five yards from the treeline, their focus is on each other and they haven't seen you or they would obviously be gone. Do you try to roll into a sitting position or do you take the shot prone?
Speak for yourself. I bought them because I don't want to drop a nicer gun in the rocks, mud or snow, and because sometimes I want to "cheat" and just blast away until I hit a bird instead of having to actually shoot well.
I leave them the hell alone, is what I do.
Marine24
Member
Just joining but this thread caught my eye.
First time I bought a semi-auto (Rem 1100) was 15 minutes after I finished sighting in my 870 with slugs. I've owned a few since then (11-87, SA-08, Beretta A390) and have an eye on a Sweet Sixteen. How can you not like the bulldog ugly look of the A5's humpback design.
For the recoil sensitive, the semi-auto helps you get in to a bigger gun or shoot longer without taking a beating. Particularly true if you are shoot 3" or 3 1/2" 12 gauge and definitely a 10 gauge and have a load that is designed to reach way out and kill something
On a dove or upland bird hunt, where the shooting is fast and frequent, the semi-auto is my preferred shotgun unless I'm feeling nostalgic and then it is Steven 530A or Wby O/U.
Reliability of the modern semi-autos is very good as long as you hold up your end of the bargain. More maintenance than a pump.
Like the option of a semi-auto, but if I had to pick one, particularly for home defense or survival, I'm reaching for the 870 without a second thought.
First time I bought a semi-auto (Rem 1100) was 15 minutes after I finished sighting in my 870 with slugs. I've owned a few since then (11-87, SA-08, Beretta A390) and have an eye on a Sweet Sixteen. How can you not like the bulldog ugly look of the A5's humpback design.
For the recoil sensitive, the semi-auto helps you get in to a bigger gun or shoot longer without taking a beating. Particularly true if you are shoot 3" or 3 1/2" 12 gauge and definitely a 10 gauge and have a load that is designed to reach way out and kill something
On a dove or upland bird hunt, where the shooting is fast and frequent, the semi-auto is my preferred shotgun unless I'm feeling nostalgic and then it is Steven 530A or Wby O/U.
Reliability of the modern semi-autos is very good as long as you hold up your end of the bargain. More maintenance than a pump.
Like the option of a semi-auto, but if I had to pick one, particularly for home defense or survival, I'm reaching for the 870 without a second thought.
MCgunner
Member
One shot at a Turkey? I could man up for that even with my 10 gauge H&R. It might hurt for a day or two, but it wouldn't break any bones that ain't been broke before racing motorcycles.
It's volume fire on doves where I REALLY like the auto....or my little 20 gauge SxS, but 12 gauge pumps or other fixed breach guns I don't care much for dove hunting on a good weekend where I'm burning a lot of powder. I've been using a SA for them for over 20 years now. Also, it REALLY tames those heavy steel loads, but I generally shoot 15 or maybe 20 rounds if I ain't shootin' good for a 6 bird limit max on ducks and that's not hard to put up with using my pump. Too, I don't shoot 3" on ducks anymore. That fast steel stuff has gotten so much better than steel used to be and Winchester 2 3/4" Xpert fast steel is usually around 9 bucks a box.
I am not the kinda guy who is happy owning one shotgun. After you get your pump, why buy another pump? I have an auto, a pump, two single shots, and two side by sides. I sorta want (notice I didn't say "need") a O/U. It's not a burning desire, though. But, if I didn't have the auto, I'd be on a rampage to buy one. I just like 'em.
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chas08
Member
Marine24
I had an opportunity to shoot a "Sweet Sixteen" a few years ago. I really liked it even though I'm not a big fan of the Auto-5, it handled very nicely. But with full power 1 1/8 oz pheasant loads, It wasn't for the recoil sensitive either. I too, will someday own one. also welcome to The High Road
Youngster
Member
I like the fact that semis have a fixed forend, which allows you one more hand to pull the gun into your shoulder pocket, while also making comfortable reach less of an issue than it would be on a pump.
The dampened recoil impusle you get with the vast majority of them is just a bonus IMO.
The dampened recoil impusle you get with the vast majority of them is just a bonus IMO.
arizona98tj
Member
My standard practice round is the Federal bulk packs (100 rounds) from Walmart. My FNH semi-auto cycles those with complete reliability. I use $10.88 a box (25) S&B 00 buckshot for practice....which might very well be the cheapest buckshot currently being sold. As for slugs, any reduced recoil 1 ounce offering (usually Federal or Remington) gets included in a normal range practice session.
I don't have to change out gas pistons or make any adjustments when shooting the above rounds. I can mix and match them in the magazine and when I am done, the hulls all lay on the ground with no jams, no misfeeds, and no problems.
I don't have to use that ammo to operate my SA, but I do because it is the cheapest stuff I can routinely get my hands on. I've found that the more expensive loads cycle just as reliably, they just leave a bigger hole in my wallet.
chas08
Member
My 1100 and 1187 both cycle that ammo reliably, it's good ammo for the price.
xcgates
Member
I don't know what kind of SA the one fellow at my range has, but it certainly throws the hulls of the Remington bulk ammo from Walmart quite virgorously. As anyone standing to the left of him will find out. (Left handed gun)
(Left handed gun)paducahrider
Member
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- Jan 16, 2010
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Why semi-auto shotguns?
Howdy!
I suppose you could ask the same question about why we have automatic transmissions in our AUTObobiles.
They're easier to use, with a shorter learning curve.
A second reason, which I was surprised did not show up, was to allow folks with only one arm, or other disabilities, to go hunting/shooting.
I've heard of guys, with one arm, who can fire two shots from a single barreled shotgun as fast as some folks can get them off with a pump, but that's a combination of lots of training and some slow pump shooters.
I also know less proficient one-armed guys who regularly hunt with an auto, and do quite well.
Frankly, I've seen folks operate a pump with one arm also, but an auto makes things a lot easier.
On another subject; we should remember that John Browning didn't produce his designs, he just sold them to others who did. The manufacturers always take liberties with designs for various reasons. To criticize all of his designs as junk is to criticize a considerable volume of documented history to the contrary.
Everything he designed was not a gem(the .30 caliber "potatoe digger" machine gun was certainly not his high point), but enough have stood the test of time, on all continents, to prove that he was a talented inventor, worthy of considerable praise.
Thanks for your time.
Howdy!
I suppose you could ask the same question about why we have automatic transmissions in our AUTObobiles.
They're easier to use, with a shorter learning curve.
A second reason, which I was surprised did not show up, was to allow folks with only one arm, or other disabilities, to go hunting/shooting.
I've heard of guys, with one arm, who can fire two shots from a single barreled shotgun as fast as some folks can get them off with a pump, but that's a combination of lots of training and some slow pump shooters.
I also know less proficient one-armed guys who regularly hunt with an auto, and do quite well.
Frankly, I've seen folks operate a pump with one arm also, but an auto makes things a lot easier.
On another subject; we should remember that John Browning didn't produce his designs, he just sold them to others who did. The manufacturers always take liberties with designs for various reasons. To criticize all of his designs as junk is to criticize a considerable volume of documented history to the contrary.
Everything he designed was not a gem(the .30 caliber "potatoe digger" machine gun was certainly not his high point), but enough have stood the test of time, on all continents, to prove that he was a talented inventor, worthy of considerable praise.
Thanks for your time.
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I have a Browning Sweet Sixteen A-5. It's my house gun.
Only other shotgun I have is a single shot bolt action Mossberg 410. Both guns I inherited.
All I gotta say, if you have to ask the question, then you've never shot an A-5. And this Browning is sweet, sweet, sweet. Pull trigger, gun go bang. Repeat.
Only other shotgun I have is a single shot bolt action Mossberg 410. Both guns I inherited.
All I gotta say, if you have to ask the question, then you've never shot an A-5. And this Browning is sweet, sweet, sweet. Pull trigger, gun go bang. Repeat.
bobelk99
Member
I ignored this thread till Paducahrider posted.
He is right on.
He is right on.
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