Semi auto shot gun

[dmcbride]

I am thinking about buying a new to me shot gun this weekend before the Liberals get too crazy.

I have never owned a semi shot gun. Are there decent ones for under $850.00?
I realize $850.00 isn't a lot of money for a semi shot gun, but that is all I can afford right now and I really do not want to wait any longer. I suppose the biggest issue will be finding one that fits myself on a tight budget.

Any recommendations for a smaller framed shooter to start looking?

I already have a 20G savage model 24 for varmint and slugs. Looking for a bird gun.(or is possible to get one that is good for birds and slugs with different chokes?) My knowledge on shot guns is limited.

Any information would be helpful.

Thanks.

[elkhunter11]

First, you need to find a shotgun that fits you, The Weatherby SA-08 is in the right price range, and if you watch sales, you might find an SX-3 or SX-4 on sale for close to that price. If you can't find a new one that fits you for a good price, you can always look at used guns.

[Benelli1]

Another in that price range would be a Stoeger m3500, operates on a enertia system similar to the Benelli SBE's. Buddy has one and is very pleased with it.

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/35631...i-auto-shotgun

[gtr]

In your price range, a good used one might be a route for you to try. As usual with almost any item one purchases, fit is important. If you have a knowledgable buddy that can check them out with you, that will help in the end. A Browning Silver hunter is a place to start.

[Powder monkey]

I was in the same position last fall. You can get a Weatherby sa08 for around 6-7 hundred. They have a valve system where you change it depending on light or heavy loads. I thought I would get sick and tired of that so I bought a Winchester sx4. So far I'm very happy with the gun. You can probably find one for around 900. Good luck🙂

[Husty]

+1 for an Sx3/4.

Got a 12 and 20ga SX3. SX4s are good but the SX3s are better from what ive read although ive never held or shot one.

[skidderman]

Had a weatherby SA8 and it kicked horribly. I had big blue marks on my shoulder for weeks. I hated it. Definitely not for a light framed person. In my opinion for what little it is worth get a used beretta. You will not regret it.

[Envitro]

+1 for the Stoeger M3500

Great shotgun, amazing action, hardly any felt recoil. Excellent gun for magnum shotshells too.

Lots of guys use it for 3-gun as well.

[antmai]

Stoeger certainly gets my vote. I hated the piston change on the sa08.

[wwbirds]

It was 12 gauge and after firing it one afternoon I sold it due to the recoil. the synthetic stock is light so does not absorb any recoil but rather passes it on to your shoulder.

I used a synthetic 20 gauge to shoot 3 pheasants a few weeks ago and it was great cycling the moderate hunting shells quickly and cleanly. No recoil felt at all with just a light hunting jacket.
The gas port to switch to magnum loads is easy to change as you just take the barrel off and replace the normal 1 inch gas port under the forestock with the same size magnum one to shoot 3 inch. I didnt try it because I didn't feel I needed 3 inch shells for pheasants.

[airbornedeerhunter]

Ask Catnthehat, he is the resident shotgun aficionado on AO.

[colroggal]

Originally Posted by airbornedeerhunter

Ask Catnthehat, he is the resident shotgun aficionado on AO.

But all his shotguns have rabbit ears

Colin

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by airbornedeerhunter

Ask Catnthehat, he is the resident shotgun aficionado on AO.

Except he isn't too fond of the new fangled shotguns, he prefers two barrels, especially guns that have hammers, and are even older than he is.

[ctd]

My vote is Stoeger in that price range.

[Scottmisfits]

I had an SA08 and quite liked it. I felt the recoil was very manageable, especially after shooting it in the same clay session as my 870. I sold it because of the valve system. Where I go we can get shoot ducks or pheasants within minutes of each other. I sold it very quickly. Great shotgun in my mind, just not right for my needs.

I ended up getting the Remington V3. There is a little bit of blowback into my face after the shot from the valve opening. It’s not something that I have ever really noticed while out hunting, more when I’m shooting clays. I have limited it quite a bit with a bit oh hockey tape though. Still not the right fix but it fits and works for me.

[Smokinyotes]

I only have 1 semi 12 gauge. It’s a left hand Remington 11-87. Prior to buying my Citorri it’s all I used for clays and ducks and geese. Recoil is about the same as my o/u20 ga

[brewster29]

Fit is the most important factor in your choice. You should mount the gun with your eyes closed and then open them- you should be looking down the centre of the barrel at the bead. Following that, gas operated guns shoot softer than inertia guns, all other things being equal.
You can get into a very nice used gun with your budget...I have shot most all semis at our local trap club and like my plain Jane Rem 11-87 premier as well as any.

["No Choke"Lord Walsingham]

I'd go for a Mossberg 930! A new one tax in (in Alberta) should run well under budget for a great gun! Lots of configurations of the 930 are available.

[bushnell]

I've got a 930, SA08, and an 11-87. Like them all. Find what fits you best, and go with it

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Except he isn't too fond of the new fangled shotguns, he prefers two barrels, especially guns that have hammers, and are even older than he is.

I actually own TWO semi auto shotguns, one i bought off a friend who needed cash and the other I shoot once a year- sometimes!
Cat

[dmcbride]

I ended up buying a Akkar Churchill 20g. Of all the guns I shouldered, this one felt the best.

[jungleboy]

Originally Posted by dmcbride

I ended up buying a Akkar Churchill 20g. Of all the guns I shouldered, this one felt the best.

I bought one of these last year in 20 ga . It was less money than the Weatherby and according to the sales guy at P&D it is better built than the Weatherby. I have not shot it a lot but it handles well and I really like it

[dmcbride]

Originally Posted by jungleboy

I bought one of these last year in 20 ga . It was less money than the Weatherby and according to the sales guy at P&D it is better built than the Weatherby. I have not shot it a lot but it handles well and I really like it

I shot 10 shells when I got it home. I like it.

Question,

Am I right that it is alright to shoot slugs and buck shot with the cylinder bore choke tube?

[6.5 shooter]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

first, you need to find a shotgun that fits you, the weatherby sa-08 is in the right price range, and if you watch sales, you might find an sx-3 or sx-4 on sale for close to that price. If you can't find a new one that fits you for a good price, you can always look at used guns.

this

[Digger1]

Originally Posted by dmcbride

I shot 10 shells when I got it home. I like it.

Question,

Am I right that it is alright to shoot slugs and buck shot with the cylinder bore choke tube?

Anything will run thru a cylinder bore. No constriction. Next best thing to a blunderbuss.

[wildbill]

Originally Posted by dmcbride

I am thinking about buying a new to me shot gun this weekend before the Liberals get too crazy.

I have never owned a semi shot gun. Are there decent ones for under $850.00?
I realize $850.00 isn't a lot of money for a semi shot gun, but that is all I can afford right now and I really do not want to wait any longer. I suppose the biggest issue will be finding one that fits myself on a tight budget.

Any recommendations for a smaller framed shooter to start looking?

I already have a 20G savage model 24 for varmint and slugs. Looking for a bird gun.(or is possible to get one that is good for birds and slugs with different chokes?) My knowledge on shot guns is limited.

Any information would be helpful.

Thanks.

Three "B's" beretta, benelli and browning, if you go on cgn, you can find them in your price range at times, my uncles got a beretta we've been blasting skeets with for 30+ years that's run like a top and probably never seen a patch, thousands and thousands of cheap skeet ammo, remington 1100 and 1187 would probably be sufficient as well, those Italians know their stuff when it comes to semis, the world records don't lie!