best skeet autoloader that won't break the bank?

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Full Metal Jacket

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i'm looking for a skeet 12 gauge autoloader.

what's the prefered barrel length for skeet?

and what's a good reliable one?

are the mossberg one's reliable? they are very reasonable in price.

(i have a pump mossberg that's great).

all input is appreciated :)
 
If you are talking about "backyard" clays, anything will do for informal shooting. If you are talking about skeet at a gun club - typically faster and more formal - the wally world Beretta is about as fool proof as you can get. In most of the clay target games, IF an autoloader is wanted, one of the Berettas is the gun to go with, even a used one is better than most other brands' new guns. The wally world version, IIRC runs about $600. I just bought a used A400 for the wife, and that was 1400 USED - and momma is happy, so it was worth every penny................. :D
 
1100

I shot a couple of Remington 1100s in 12 and 20 gauge sizes and thought they were great. The forgiveness in the recoil really seems to make a bigger difference as I was shooting better with semi than an OU because of the steadier shot. I see them used for $400-600 in my area.
 
Beretta 3901. A little more expensive than the Mossberg or Remington but a much better gun.
 
Another vote for a Wal Mart 390 or a 3901 that Cabela's now has for a similar price.

Not pretty, but damn good guns.

If recoil is a serious problem with an O/U, you're using the wrong loads. Skeet doesn't require a high-recoil load for any reason whatsoever. A gas-operated semiauto does attenuate felt recoil, but I don't have a problem with an O/U with appropriate loads.

For barrel length in 12 Gauge on a receiver gun, I like 28" just fine, and that comes on most 12 Gauge autos unless you really try to find something else.
 
If your O/U is beating you up, then that particular gun doesn't fit you very well. Felt recoil is the "kick" people feel when shooting; actual recoil is a math calculation
 
Add another vote to the walmart Beretta or any used Beretta 390/391 you can find. If you wait for the right time of year used Berettas can be had for a lot less than they originally sold for.
 
If you load or have a friend that does you might want to try a reduced recoil 1 oz load. I shoot a Browning Citori O/U for skeet using a 1 oz reduced recoil load with Hodgdon Clays powder. Really pleasant to shoot.
 
If you load or have a friend that does you might want to try a reduced recoil 1 oz load. I shoot a Browning Citori O/U for skeet using a 1 oz reduced recoil load with Hodgdon Clays powder. Really pleasant to shoot
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If you like 1oz, then you'll love 7/8, or even better, 3/4 oz with Clays - what I use in my O/U with great results on 5-stand - the recoil is a gentle nudge, not even a push

Using a typical load of 17.3 of Clays, the 1oz load generates 12.36 ft/lbs, the 7/8 is 9.66 and the 3/4 is 7.30 - a difference of 40% - not only soft on the shoulder, but easier on the wallet with more reloads per $ spent on shot
 
Some Wal Marts have semi-humpback Beretta 390s (as so some of the big sporting good chains) that are matte black and synthetic. I've got one, and on the inside, it looks pretty much like my 391 -- different gas bleed valve, but build quality and overall design are the same. The 391 is just a lot prettier, but it cost a good deal more even though I got mine for a clearance-sale steal.

Cabela's recently started selling the 3901, which is the same gun but made in the USA with a rounded receiver. They've charged $550-600 for them. These look quite similar to a matte black 391, but they have the 390 gas valves. Some people think the 390 design is better than the 391's; it's certainly simpler and easier to keep clean, and functionally it's at least as good.
 
Yeah, if I'm looking to save money, I'd much rather have plain-looking quality and good engineering, than a fancy-looking rattletrap.
 
You might also want to take a look at the Mossberg 930

They are available in synthetic or Walnut, won't break the bank and are super reliable... and better than many of the autoloaders that are hundres of $$ more.

Mine have been 100% reliable...

930.jpg

My second choice would be a Beretta 390/3901 or even a used Beretta A303
 
1100 or 11-87

good, reliable, insanely amount of information and spare parts out there to fix or modify as needed.

I have seen prices recently as low as $350 for a trap model 1100.

I was even selling my 1100 magnum with 3" receiver recently for $400 (thank god I wised up and kept it) and folks were not taking it for that cheap of a price.
 
1100
I shot a couple of Remington 1100s in 12 and 20 gauge sizes and thought they were great. The forgiveness in the recoil really seems to make a bigger difference as I was shooting better with semi than an OU because of the steadier shot. I see them used for $400-600 in my area.
Click to expand...

Way back when I was a kid they held about all the national records in skeet in all gauge's. They performed then and still perform now. The Remington 1100 field guns with a 26" barrel and imp. cyl. choke will break just as many clays as the 1100 skeet version. These are fine shotguns that will digest thousands of rounds and you will still make money on years from now if you decide to upgrade.
 
All my duck hunting friends who don't shoot carbon fiber Benellis have Beretta autos. That sealed it for me . If I am not shooting the BPS10 ga. (which they hate and want me "banned" from the club-that is the stupid butt wipe faction) I shoot my like new 1976 1100 Mag,- with 3" Faststeel is more than plenty!
 
whats the difference between the beretta 390, 391 and 3901? ive also been considering picking up one of these but have no idea what makes them different.
 
As a former 1100 owner, I'd recommend the Berettas...
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well as a current owner of 1100's and a beretta, I would opt for the 1100.

reliable, swings and points like the gun was meant for me and is balanced very well. The beretta is nice, but have had some issues with it not cycling or short stroking some light loads, that even one of my 1100's that is a 3" magnum receiver with a magnum gas ported barrel can cycle. I duplicated this on a buddies beretta, so I knew it was not just my gun.
 
well as a current owner of 1100's and a beretta, I would opt for the 1100.

reliable, swings and points like the gun was meant for me and is balanced very well. The beretta is nice, but have had some issues with it not cycling or short stroking some light loads, that even one of my 1100's that is a 3" magnum receiver with a magnum gas ported barrel can cycle. I duplicated this on a buddies beretta, so I knew it was not just my gun.
Click to expand...
Which model of Beretta? They make and have made several and not all are alike.

My Beretta 391s are the most realiable semi-autos I've owned. The 12 gauge has even cycled Winchester Low Noise Low Recoil, shells specifrically not recommended for semis and that in some cases may not reset an inertia trigger in an o/u.

The issue with Remington for me at least was parts breakage. Action bars (twice), links, o-rings, ejectors among a couple of other parts have failed on me.

The Beretta 391s have their little quirks to but are superior guns in several respects to the aging Remington design.
 
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