WTB: Left-handed 12 ga semi-automatic for clay targets

[rpenmanparker]

I am looking for a killer deal (no pun) on a lightly used, LEFT-HANDED, 12 ga semi-automatic shotgun with 28 in barrel for casual (not competitive, barely serious) plinking at clay targets. At least a 3" chamber preferred, but 2 3/4" would be considered. Walnut would be wonderful, but black synthetic would suffice in order to save money. Camo need not apply. Major brand name preferred. Age is not a disqualifier although more modern technology with enhanced reliability would be a plus. LOP, comb and cast adjustability are all desired. Excellent condition is required.

The above specifics are cast in stone. Not longer or shorter, no different ga, no pump or O/U, etc.

Right now I can get a brand, spanking new Remington Versa Max will all the above characteristics for under $1100 after shipping and FFL. I would like to cut that outlay in half (or better) without giving much up if possible. I would spend a little more for something dressier, but not a whole lot. I'm not looking for a piece of art...unless it is completely undervalued.

Sorry if I seem too picky and specific in my requirements, but I know what I can get new at this time, have done a lot of looking and comparing, and just want to be sure no one wastes their time.

Thanks.

 

[George P]

Have you looked for lightly used ones? As a LH shooter, I shoot RH semis all the time as they are easier to find (and resell) without any issues. If used is OK, Winchester SX-1, Beretta 303, 390, 391.

Black synthetic, the Walmart Beretta 3901.

LH, you have the Remington 1100, Beretta A400 (fairly new and expensive), Fabarms (same situation as the A400).

SO, IF LH is a must, look for a Rem 1100. I would go to the various trap/skeet/sporting clay places near you and place a WTB ad on their bulletin board, listing what you stated above as to what you are seeking. Someone might have a safe queen they'll part with. Otherwise, GunBroker, GunsInternational, and a few other sites might be worth scrounging.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...n-model-1100-lh-12-gauge.cfm?gun_id=101035313

LH, $700

 

[rpenmanparker]

Have you looked for lightly used ones? As a LH shooter, I shoot RH semis all the time as they are easier to find (and resell) without any issues. If used is OK, Winchester SX-1, Beretta 303, 390, 391.

Black synthetic, the Walmart Beretta 3901.

LH, you have the Remington 1100, Beretta A400 (fairly new and expensive), Fabarms (same situation as the A400).

SO, IF LH is a must, look for a Rem 1100. I would go to the various trap/skeet/sporting clay places near you and place a WTB ad on their bulletin board, listing what you stated above as to what you are seeking. Someone might have a safe queen they'll part with. Otherwise, GunBroker, GunsInternational, and a few other sites might be worth scrounging.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...n-model-1100-lh-12-gauge.cfm?gun_id=101035313

LH, $700

Sure lightly used is what I am after.

Thanks, but for the age and price of that example I would just as soon spring for the Versa Max. Besides I don't need a 30 inch barrel for anything, and as a novice I just don't like swinging all that metal around. In my mind it is like skis. Beginners do better with shorter skis. I'm thinking that is true for shotguns too. I'm just out there shredding clay discs. If I could get away with folks not laughing at me, I would go for 26". It isn't going to make any difference to my shooting.

Left-handed is a must. That is one thing I want to do right.

My experience on the sites you listed is that very little is available for lefties. But I will be sure to scout them regularly. Thanks again for your trouble.

 

[George P]

Actually, most clay shooters opt for 30 and 32" barrel lengths for smoother swing dynamics

 

[rpenmanparker]

Actually, most clay shooters opt for 30 and 32" barrel lengths for smoother swing dynamics

I know that. Some day with experience I may too. I just don’t like a lot of front end torque on my guns. I shoot Commander 1911 instead of 5” slide. I got rid of my 7.5 inch barrel Single Six because it was front heavy. I may be foolish. Freely admitted. But I want to start shorter rather than longer.

 

[George P]

Before you buy, go to your local trap/skeet club. Bring a flat of nice ammo like Rem STS or Win AA. Ask folks if you can borrow their gun for a round of trap or skeet and give them a box of ammo as a thanks. Try as many as interest you, different actions, barrel lengths, etc. and see what you truly like from actually shooting it. It's one thing to shoulder a gun in the store; quite another to form an opinion after actually shooting it.

 

[hq]

I am looking for a killer deal (no pun) on a lightly used, LEFT-HANDED, 12 ga semi-automatic shotgun with 28 in barrel for casual (not competitive, barely serious) plinking at clay targets.

My son is in the same situation, except that having already shot an Akkar full lefty semiauto for a few years and having realized it's both heavy and lacking in overall quality. Not quite crap but close. He's done a few skeet, trap and sporting rounds with my RH Benellis and, in spite of them being rather spendy, decided to get a Montefeltro Mancino for himself. He found a mint second hand example at LGS for approximately $700, which seems to be in line with what nice used ones go for.
Gas guns are an obvious choice and more common, but inertia guns seem to be a fair bit lighter. This is a dual-duty range and hunting shotgun so overall weight matters a bit more than with a plain skeet gun. It also demands a firmer hand from the shooter to keep the gun moving steadily throughout the swing.

 

[rpenmanparker]

I see a used Franchi LH Affinity on Gun Broker for a decent price, but I notice it says the 1 1/8 oz is the minimum recommended load. I also saw a reviewer mention that. Is that for real? The friend who has been taking me shooting with him favors 1 oz Winchester AAL127s and AAL128s for comfortable shooting of 100 clay targets at a single session. Is the gun not going to reliably cycle with such light loads?

 

[greyling22]

Fwiw, I had a left handed Benelli m2 and I hated it. Apparently I prefer to load with my right hand and keep my left on the trigger. Also, Benelli had done an incomplete conversion. It ejected left, but the bolt release button was still on the right, which made for some awkward juggling when reloading. It is the only gun I have sold that I have never missed even once.

BUT, you maye love one. Just make sure you really know what you want. That said, Beretta makes a full lh gun, but I'd look for a used 1100 myself. You can add thin wall threaded chokes for under $100 (plus cost of chokes)

 

[cdb1]

I see a used Franchi LH Affinity on Gun Broker for a decent price, but I notice it says the 1 1/8 oz is the minimum recommended load. I also saw a reviewer mention that. Is that for real? The friend who has been taking me shooting with him favors 1 oz Winchester AAL127s and AAL128s for comfortable shooting of 100 clay targets at a single session. Is the gun not going to reliably cycle with such light loads?

I have a RH Affinity that handles 1 oz loads just fine. I have no idea if that’s the norm or an exception.

I would also check the classifieds at Shotgun World.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Well that sucketh. Franchi Customer Service confirms that 1 oz loads are too light for the Affinity. That is just plain stupid.

I thought I had found a winner. Back to the drawing board.

 

[rpenmanparker]

I have a RH Affinity that handles 1 oz loads just fine. I have no idea if that’s the norm or an exception.

I would also check the classifieds at Shotgun World.

I don't know what to believe, and I value your experience, but not really happy about taking a chance. The seller on Gun Broker expressed a willingness to deal on the gun below the listed starting price. Very tempting, but I don't need any more aggravation in my life. Hmmm.

 

[cdb1]

Well that sucketh. Franchi Customer Service confirms that 1 oz loads are too light for the Affinity. That is just plain stupid.

I thought I had found a winner. Back to the drawing board.

It’s common knowledge that gas guns cycle light loads better than inertia guns. And though I really like my Affinity I hunt with it and would not want to use it to shoot clays. There is a reason you don’t see many Inertia guns on clays courses.