Looking for a shotgun: 12 gauge, semi-auto, wood stock, compact

[Corn-Picker]

I'm asking for help finding shotguns that meet my criteria. As the title says, I am looking for a compact (less than full LOP), walnut stocked, 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun. Uses will include turkey, waterfowl, and anything else that may be in season.

I see that the Winchester SX4 field compact meets my criteria, but I was wondering if there are other options (I'd like to have a few to feel out when I go to the store and hold them in my hands). Price isn't an overriding concern, and I'm open to used as well as new. Thank you all for your time and efforts.

 

[entropy]

Find a used , cut down stocked 1100-you'll be set.

 

[Armored farmer]

They're out there in the local shops.
Just about anyone with woodworking equipment and skill can shorten a stock for you. It's really hard to stretch one.
Like @entropy says...an 1100 has done it all for me for over forty years.
A Browning auto5 is another classic to shop for. Its probably one of the most elegant auto shotguns ever made.

 

[George P]

I'm asking for help finding shotguns that meet my criteria. As the title says, I am looking for a compact (less than full LOP), walnut stocked, 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun. Uses will include turkey, waterfowl, and anything else that may be in season.

I see that the Winchester SX4 field compact meets my criteria, but I was wondering if there are other options (I'd like to have a few to feel out when I go to the store and hold them in my hands). Price isn't an overriding concern, and I'm open to used as well as new. Thank you all for your time and efforts.

Why is that?

 

[Picher]

I have a Rem 1100 Special Field 12 gauge with straight stock and 21" vent-rib barrel with screw-in chokes. It points very well, but heavier to carry than my light 20 ga. over/unders. I don't want to sell it, but you may want to look for one. I clamp sights on the rib for deer and turkey hunting.

 

[cdb1]

I seem to be in the minority about the Remington 1100. Not that they aren’t excellent shotguns, they are and have stood the test of time. There are more modern designs I prefer though. If you want a compact you’ll have to buy used or new and have the stock cut down. You might be able to find a compact stock too if you buy full size.

I don’t have hands on experience with the SX4. We do have two Compact SX3’s in the family. The SX3 and SX4 are the same shotgun, the differences being cosmetic. So I would definitely recommend a SX4.

Until fairly recently there were more options for compact wood 12 gauges but a number have been discontinued, the Browning Silver being the most recent. The SX3 and SX4 internally are exactly the same as the Silver by the way.

I don’t think Beretta makes a compact wood 12 gauge semi but could be wrong.

As already stated I highly recommend the SX4 but if it doesn’t float your boat, get what you want in a full size and have the stock cut down.

 

[Corn-Picker]

Why is that?

Because I’m short and life’s too short to fill a safe with ugly black/camo firearms.

 

[George P]

Oh I understand about ugly guns..................I have a Beretta DT-11 on the way ; Just many folks think the only component to fit is LOP and many times there are other factors that are more relevant

 

[Jessesky]

Oh I understand about ugly guns..................I have a Beretta DT-11 on the way ; Just many folks think the only component to fit is LOP and many times there are other factors that are more relevant

Always yearned for a DT-11. But that price tag.... oof!

 

[George P]

I got a deal on a used one better than what I wanted to spend on a Perazzi MX-8

 

[entropy]

Oh I understand about ugly guns..................I have a Beretta DT-11 on the way ; Just many folks think the only component to fit is LOP and many times there are other factors that are more relevant

Shweet! You need a thread with pics and a range report when you get it.

 

[I6turbo]

I love shooting my Auto-5 and would recommend one for your application. Here's a photo that shows the relative size, and one after I added screw-in chokes. I have other shotguns including over-and-under and SxS, but like to shoot this Auto-5 for all kinds of things. Awesome quality gun, 100% reliable, and a pleasure in use.

 

[SwampWolf]

A Browning auto5 is another classic to shop for. Its probably one of the most elegant auto shotguns ever made.

If elegance counts for much, I'd consider getting another Browning classic, the Double Auto. I've never shouldered a better handling repeating shotgun and it has to have one of the shortest receivers of any semi-auto shotgun ever made. Good used ones can be found for $450,00 and up. There are many variations (and colors) to decide from.

 

[whughett]

Because I’m short and life’s too short to fill a safe with ugly black/camo firearms.

On the other hand, a short stock, LOP less than 13 1/2 to 14 inches could be a deterrent to a sale should you want to change in the future.
My self I’d buy a new gun of choice then refit a short after market synthetic stock. Save the original for future resell.

 

[entropy]

If elegance counts for much, I'd consider getting another Browning classic, the Double Auto. I've never shouldered a better handling repeating shotgun and it has to have one of the shortest receivers of any semi-auto shotgun ever made. Good used ones can be found for $450,00 and up. There are many variations (and colors) to decide from.

The down side is a short receiver doesn't translate to a short LOP, and the recoil spring tube doesn't allow for taking much off of a Double Auto.

 

[cdb1]

On the other hand, a short stock, LOP less than 13 1/2 to 14 inches could be a deterrent to a sale should you want to change in the future.
My self I’d buy a new gun of choice then refit a short after market synthetic stock. Save the original for future resell.

This is what I’d do too.

 

[SwampWolf]

This is what I’d do too.

Same here.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I just had my gunsmith create a Sportsman Riot out of my old fixed choke Sportsman 48- 18.5" cylinder bore (moved front sight mount back), new thick kickezz pad, sling studs, mag dimples removed (now 4+1, not 2+1).

 

[MistWolf]

Look for Youth model shotguns.

A nice light self loading shotgun that'll handle almost any type of shotshell is the Beretta 1301.

Not as light, but will also handle almost any shotshell is the Remington V3.

 

[Picher]

I have a Rem 1100 Special Field 12 gauge with straight stock and 21" vent-rib barrel with screw-in chokes. It points very well, but heavier to carry than my light 20 ga. over/unders. I don't want to sell it, but you may want to look for one. I clamp sights on the rib for deer and turkey hunting.