Can't decide on a semi-auto shotgun

[NinjaHunter]

I need help on which semi-auto shotgun I should buy (the first and only shotgun i'll buy)

The purpose of the shotgun is for:
- Waterfowl
- Deer Hunting
- Upland game

[sns2]

budget?

[NinjaHunter]

Up to $2200CND

[elkhunter11]

Try several makes and models to determine which shotgun fits you best. Gas operated guns produce less recoil, but require more cleaning.

[gitrdun]

My younger brother shoots a Versamax and extols it's values every time we talk. I just recently acquired a semi myself. But it's much too early to evaluate it.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by gitrdun

My younger brother shoots a Versamax and extols it's values every time we talk. I just recently acquired a semi myself. But it's much too early to evaluate it.

Just be aware that Remington is facing bankruptcy, before purchasing a Remington product.

[Husty]

Ive been toying with the idea of selling my 12ga SX3 Field 2 3/4"-3".. great gun and would highly recommend one.

[Reaver]

I've been really happy with my 'Budget Benelli' Stoeger M3500. After about 50 rounds through it, it can run almost any ammo except the lightest loads.

That being said, with your budget you could just get the real deal Benelli.

[sns2]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Try several makes and models to determine which shotgun fits you best. Gas operated guns produce less recoil, but require more cleaning.

This is very good advice. I was just in the same boat as you and took Elk's advice. I went to a number of stores and shouldered every possible gun. Ended up with two that felt equally great Benelli Super Black Eagle and Beretta A400. Tried the Browning, Winchester, and Remington offerings, but they just did not feel right. The Benelli SBE2 was on a stupid sale cybermonday at Cabelas for $850 off. Made my decision quite simple, especially considering there have been widespread reports of the SBE3 hitting really high. Like really high.

Good luck on your search. I have always found it to be the most fun part of the process!

[Okotokian]

First of all, if you have $2200 to spend, do NOT try to use the shotgun for waterfowl, upland, and deer hunting. You can get a good semi-auto 12 gauge for $1000 or so and still have $1200 to buy a centerfire rifle and scope that will be ten times more useful in big game hunting than trying to launch a slug at a deer. You won't have to be changing barrels on your shotgun, putting on and taking off a scope, and your big game range will be much greater. And that amount will buy more than crap. You could get a Winchester SX4 shotgun, Weatherby Vanguard 2 rifle topped with a Leupold VX-2 scope. That's a combo that can serve you well your whole life. And you can pay less and still get good gear. Go second hand and save even more.

I thought like you when I bought my first shotgun. I'd use it for big game as well. Never did.

As for which shotgun... I've owned Beretta, Winchester, and Weatherby at varying price points. They all jammed occasionally if I didn't clean them or used the wrong (or too much) lubricant in very cold weather, and all worked flawlessly if I just paid a bit of attention to proper maintenance (not even talking about cleaning after every use. I've NEVER done that). I think most big name brands work well if you take care of them. I'd recommend a 12 gauge that you can shoulder with your eyes closed, open your eyes and be looking directly down the barrel without having to cock your head awkwardly.

[elkhunter11]

So do you intend to use a shotgun for big game because you want to hunt in a wmu where you can't use a rifle? Or are you just trying to limit yourself to one firearm?

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

So do you intend to use a shotgun for big game because you want to hunt in a wmu where you can't use a rifle? Or are you just trying to limit yourself to one firearm?

ahhhh good question

[NinjaHunter]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

So do you intend to use a shotgun for big game because you want to hunt in a wmu where you can't use a rifle? Or are you just trying to limit yourself to one firearm?

Well, my intention is to use the shotgun when I'm doing the following:

- When Hunting in private land (flushing out + running shot)
- When hunting upland and water fowl in public land. With the possibility of shooting deer if it presents itself to me.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by NinjaHunter

Well, my intention is to use the shotgun when I'm doing the following:

- When Hunting in private land (flushing out + running shot)
- When hunting upland and water fowl in public land. With the possibility of shooting deer if it presents itself to me.

If you are planning on using buckshot, I hope you realize just how short the effective range is on our large bodied deer.

[222rem]

Originally Posted by NinjaHunter

I need help on which semi-auto shotgun I should buy (the first and only shotgun i'll buy)

The purpose of the shotgun is for:
- Waterfowl
- Deer Hunting
- Upland game

.
Beretta Xtreme

[NinjaHunter]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

If you are planning on using buckshot, I hope you realize just how short the effective range is on our large bodied deer.

Naw, I'm going to use rifled slug for deer

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by NinjaHunter

Naw, I'm going to use rifled slug for deer

Then a rifle would be a much better choice, for running or standing shots.

[NinjaHunter]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Then a rifle would be a much better choice, for running or standing shots.

Well, keep in mind though. The shotgun (for me) is mainly for upland game and water fowl. Deer is just a side thing

[curtz]

The wife and I love our Browning Silver Hunters, shoulder nice, cycle smooth, no regrets buying them.

[J0HN_R1]

Mossberg 930 or 935

Has an easily maneuverable 24" barrel (22" for the 935) with fibre optic sights, and has a tang safety.

Cabelas or Bass Pro... Will only take half of your budget, if that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-FHz2BytR8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAIX1f4k5IY

[sns2]

In guns you normally get what you pay for.

Basspro has a number of semi-autos on sale. Brownings and Benellis. Good prices.

[Newview01]

I have a Beretta A400 Unico that has never jammed, and it has run some pretty cheap loads. From what I understand it runs pretty clean as well. I havent cleaned it in 2000 rnds so I am not sure yet

[Justfishin73]

Originally Posted by sns2

This is very good advice. I was just in the same boat as you and took Elk's advice. I went to a number of stores and shouldered every possible gun. Ended up with two that felt equally great Benelli Super Black Eagle and Beretta A400. Tried the Browning, Winchester, and Remington offerings, but they just did not feel right. The Benelli SBE2 was on a stupid sale cybermonday at Cabelas for $850 off. Made my decision quite simple, especially considering there have been widespread reports of the SBE3 hitting really high. Like really high.

Good luck on your search. I have always found it to be the most fun part of the process!

After eyeballing the SBE2 for a couple of years, was ecstatic to see that cyber Monday sale at $850 off, had to grab one. Now they just need to get them in. Love Benellis

[djboyer]

Benelli SBE2 or 3

[270person]

Buy a good semi for waterfowl and upland. Don't be afraid of 20 G either.

Buy a cheap POS 12G pump for slugs, realize after you've shot it 6 times that you likely never will again. Sell to someone looking for cheap POS pump shotgun. Buy a rifle.

[20shadow05]

Buy a Benelli M2 in 12 OR 20 gauge and be done with it.

[Ranger CS]

Originally Posted by Newview01

I have a Beretta A400 Unico that has never jammed, and it has run some pretty cheap loads. From what I understand it runs pretty clean as well. I havent cleaned it in 2000 rnds so I am not sure yet

Bought a A400 Beretta a couple of years ago and love it. Very light recoil and fast cycle speed. I am not a great shot gunner and this gun has improved my shooting.

[Diesel_wiesel]

if $2200 is yer top budget
I would say either an ( a400 Bereta $2200) before taxes
or a (Browning Maxus)
I don't know much about the (Bennelli $2100 before taxes) but have read great reviews on it
the Maxus will run around $1600 to $1700 before taxes
that gives you some funds for a nice case and some ammo
but before I bought one I would go to a store
compare them. shoulder each one, the one that fits and feels the best is the way to go , a poor fitting shotgun wont help you at all

[Groundhogger]

Most of my shotguns are inherited field guns (pump, semi, O/U) so I'm not really up to speed on modern semis, BUT, have had some trigger time with a new Versamax and thought it shot beautifully. Heavier gun than I expected, but very soft recoil even with heavier loads. I was very impressed.

2 weeks ago, I got a chance to handle a buddy's new semi, a Winchester SX-4
http://www.winchesterguns.com/produc...sx4-field.html (that model exactly) and I was very impressed with it. We were grouse hunting, I had my 20ga Citori, and the weather was too cruddy to do anything but stick with the hunting plan...so I didn't get a chance to shoot it. I will before I decide to ever buy one, but it is a very nice looking gun.

Another buddy of mine owned a Maxus for a while and regretted selling it, said it was the nicest semi he's ever shot. I like the look of them too.

Helpful advice? Probably not, except to say the Versamax and that Winchester probably top the list of guns I'll be considering when I get a good (modern) semi.

[coyoteman]

12 ga----carried a 935 mossberg 16 years in Ab cheapie but very effective rarely fails ,banging aroung the rocks,barb wire,blinds,rain snow,badger holes falls,dog chews--rifle barrel ,with red dot scope perfect for stand hunting-my reccommeded weapon to clients at bear camp,the 12 ga slug ,probably the deadlest short range hunting weapon on the planet--make sure to get the 3 1/2 in chamber,exta womp for those white and grey honkers--want to go point man on a yote hunt screw in a yote choke load up some number 4 buck--try it on 3/4 plywood at 50-60 m yep right on thru---