Trying to decide which of these shotguns to buy for coyote calling and turkeys. They are about the same price and would work well for the purpose expressed. The Stoeger is lighter by 2 lbs and is inertia driven which makes for a strong recoil. The extra weight and gas operation of the Mossberg makes for softer recoil. But makes it a bit more work to carry into the field. I had shoulder surgery 2 years ago and while I recovered fully and shoot all the time, I'm a bit psychologically sensitive about strong recoil. Some reviews say the Mossberg is more reliable, if only slightly. So, please share your thoughts about my dilemma, especially if you have had experience with these two shotguns. And if another shotgun would work better in your opinion, please express that opinion. I'm trying to keep the price around $500-$600., so not looking at $1500 Benelli options. This gun will probably get knocked around some so needs to be tough. As always, for your help. Tom
Stoeger M3000 vs. Mossberg 930
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Ernie Bass
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From my experience you would have to have some really light loads for the Inertia system to not fire. I have a couple of Beretta's that are inertia and never a problem. And if so there are gun smiths who can fix a inertia system to handle light loads, although I have never had the inclination to do so. I would consider how much walking/ shooting and carrying you will be doing. Where I live there are guys shooting a lot of turkeys with 410. I do not have experience with one, but they seem to work although we don't have that many coyotes and never head of anyone taking one down with one.
Your shoulder is much more important than killing a Turkey, there are ways to compensate.
Your shoulder is much more important than killing a Turkey, there are ways to compensate.
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With a $400-$500 budget, for turkey and coyote buy a pump gun, or look for a used shotgun. I've seen these on sale closer to $500, and with the black stock at $679 is not too far over your budget. My brother has one and he thinks a lot of it.
https://www.cabelas.com/product/Beretta-A-Outlander-Semiautomatic-Shotguns/1695161.uts?slotId=3
Between the 2 I'd go with the Stoeger though. I had one of the earlier versions of the gun and was quite impressed by it for the money. I only sold it after I ran across a good deal on a used Benelli M1. The Stoeger is basically a clone of the Benelli. I had both guns for a while and liked both, but couldn't justify keeping both.
While I've no personal experience with the Mossberg 930, I have had other Mossberg semi's. Mossberg makes a decent pump action, but they have not perfected semi auto's.
The Stoeger is 7 1/2 lbs +/- a few oz depending on barrel length. The Mossberg is roughly the same, no more than 1/4 lb heavier. I don't know where you're getting 2 lbs difference. And while the inertia action does recoil more than gas, it won't recoil any more than a pump or double that weighs the same. My 870 and Benelli weigh the same, recoil the same.
Stoeger specs
https://www.stoegerindustries.com/m3000-shotgun
Mossberg 930 specs
https://www.mossberg.com/category/series/930/930-hunting/
https://www.cabelas.com/product/Beretta-A-Outlander-Semiautomatic-Shotguns/1695161.uts?slotId=3
Between the 2 I'd go with the Stoeger though. I had one of the earlier versions of the gun and was quite impressed by it for the money. I only sold it after I ran across a good deal on a used Benelli M1. The Stoeger is basically a clone of the Benelli. I had both guns for a while and liked both, but couldn't justify keeping both.
While I've no personal experience with the Mossberg 930, I have had other Mossberg semi's. Mossberg makes a decent pump action, but they have not perfected semi auto's.
The Stoeger is 7 1/2 lbs +/- a few oz depending on barrel length. The Mossberg is roughly the same, no more than 1/4 lb heavier. I don't know where you're getting 2 lbs difference. And while the inertia action does recoil more than gas, it won't recoil any more than a pump or double that weighs the same. My 870 and Benelli weigh the same, recoil the same.
Stoeger specs
https://www.stoegerindustries.com/m3000-shotgun
Mossberg 930 specs
https://www.mossberg.com/category/series/930/930-hunting/
That's why I like THR, I always learn something. I made the mistake of accepting info stated in other reviews instead of going directly to the mfg web site. That puts to rest one of my concerns; thank you jmr40.
ColtPythonElite
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I have seen the A300 as low as $599 at Dicks recently.
cdb1
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What model? I’ve never seen or heard of an inertia operated Beretta.
Edit: just did some looking and Beretta did at one time make inertia shotguns.
I think Mossberg got the kinks out. I have owned a 930 and would take it over an M3000.
FL-NC
Member
When I first got into 3 gun, I was lacking a decent shotgun for my class. I was looking at Benelli and FN, and prepared to spend some serious cash. A friend of mine had the then-new 930 JM PRO, and suggested I try it. I did, and I was so impressed with it, I got one. A few years later, I decided to get another 930 for hunting, based on how well the JM PRO worked for me. I have the 28" barrel for doves and ducks and a shorter (24"?) for turkey. The only other thing I did was apply that adhesive camo to the furniture and long barrel- that stuff you stick on with a heat gun. It is now my "go-to" shotgun for anything with feathers; my 870 express magnum is now playing 2nd fiddle, and my Ithaca 37 (with its overlength fixed-choke modified barrel and no magnum capability) only leaves the gun cabinet for dove season.
d2wing
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I would go with the 930. I had one and regret selling it. I did like the S&W 1000 that the Mossbergs were based on. In my opinion the gas guns are easier on my injured shoulder. I also have a Browning with the Enertia system and I like it as well. I did have a Beretta 1200 or 1201 that was enertia also. It was a nice gun and much like the Browning A5.
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