What autoloading shotgun for clays and hd?

[aquapong]

I've tried the lever action rifles and the pump shotguns. I'm just not into them. I want a 12g autoloader shotugun for blasting clays and a hd shotgun. The hd aspect is more for a safe room extra firepower gun, not a primary hd gun. For defense I'll be using 4 shot and for clays probably something like 7.5 shot.

What autoloaders would you recommend to accomplish both tasks? What barrel length? I've looked at the Saigas and it simply didn't fit me. A nice price would be preferable too. Are any of the Lanbers in CDNN's catalogs any good?

 

[kudu]

Can't comment on the off brands of autos, but you usually get what you pay for. I'd look into the Remingtons, Berettas, Brownings, and the Winchesters. Not necessarily in that order. No, none are considered cheap, but most are good solid RELIABLE guns.

 

[sm]

Agree with kudu.

If can, try before you buy...ain't nothing wrong with a good used one either. Name brands will have parts and service if ever need. Some off brands "may" change specs depending on year of mfg.

Caveat Emptor

 

[Marshall]

The Remington 11-87 Upland special can make a good all around gun for HD, shooting clay pidgeons as well as it's primary use of hunting quail, pheasant, etc.

You can load it with 3" magnums or light 2 3/4" field loads. It's lightweight and has a short 23" bbl. I would feel very comfortable having this gun around the house loaded with 4 loads of 3" magnum buckshot in it.

Remington 11-87 Upland Special

 

[Blue Line]

Along with, Remingtons, Berettas, Brownings, and the Winchesters, I'd throw in a Benelli. I know there high dollar but they sure shoot good and your grandkids will be shooting it after your gone. That applies to Rem,Ber, Brown, and Win too. I love my 1100 and Auto 5 by that may not seem too Home Defense since they look like a regular shotgun - But IT's Whats INSIDE that counts. I have longer barrels for hunting/trap and shorter for HD and Clays.
Nothing wrong with a decent used shotgun finding a new home either.

 

[M Jager]

I'm partial to Berettas myself, but browning, benelli, remington, and winchester all make fine autos. All can be had with a short barrel for home defense. Autos are great, and I like mine (390 super sporting) more every day but the more I use them (And I have shot every major auto made) the more I agree that pumps are best for home defense.
JMHO and YMMV.
Matt

 

[heathen]

Hi, since you're looking at the inexpensive autos I thought I'd tell you to have a look at the Baikal MP153. It's a 3.5" gun but is said to be quite reliable with the shorter shells also. There are several positive posts on it here if you run a search but if you go over to Shotgunworld.com and run a search in the forums you'll find alot of very positive reports on this gun. The only real downside seems to be that the finish on the receiver is not very durable, and the fact that it is rather heavy. I think the weight is 8.2lbs. Since you're looking in CDNN you might call them up and see if they still have some of these. I couldn't find them in the newest catalog but I just looked quickly. I remember they were going for $269.99 in the older catalogs. This gun seems to be just what you're looking for. Hope this helps. Good luck, Heath

 

[theCZ]

I've got a Remington 1100 that works just perfect for trap/skeet. Recoil is very light, and function is flawless. Also, I see that CZ has a 12ga auto that is listed on gunbroker.com for $340. If it's anything like my CZ rifles and pistol, it will be a fantastic gun. I haven't seen on in person though, just pics off the website.

 

[Tom C.]

The shotgun I use for HD and clays is a Remington Model 11, made in 1942, 12 ga. When I got it, it was in pretty sad shape. I had it restored and refinished, added choke tubes and an MMC rear sight to go along with an AO front sight. Shoots slugs into less than 3" at 50 yds, and works for clays, although it does get some looks.
I originally set it up for IPSC 3-gun matches, although I don't shoot much IPSC these days.

 

[Berg01]

A Remington Wingmaster 870 Classic Trap, or an 1100 Classic Trap would be better clays busters than HD guns, but these might be worth a look anyway.

 

[TrapperReady]

I would recommend any of the autos I currently own and shoot... which include: Benelli Montefeltro, Benelli M1-Field, Beretta 391, Browning Auto-5. All have proven themselves to be extremely reliable. Were I to pick only one, it would probably be the Montefeltro, as it fits me well, has never choked (despite thousands of shells), and is a breeze to clean. Unfortunately (for me) my wife has laid claim to it.

Of the guns that I don't currently own, I would look very closely at the Winchester Super X2. Although tons of people own and shoot Remington 1100s and 1187s, I just don't like them much (870s are a different matter entirely ).

 

[Duke of Lawnchair]

What autoloaders would you recommend to accomplish both tasks? What barrel length?

The Benelli autoloaders are great guns, and anyone that knows me has realized that I'm a die-hard Benelli fan.

If you're planning to purchase an autoloader with a +24" barrel and then acquiring an 18" barrel then I would not recommend a Benelli.

I would steer clear from them as their barrels are EXPENSIVE. The average price for a Benelli barrel is within the ~$300 ballpark. ~$300 = another shotgun, or more ammo, or training, or beer.

My personal vote would be a used Remington 1100 with two barrels. One for clays, the other for HD.

Jim

 

[TrapperReady]

Since the original poster was interested in the shotgun for HD use in a "safe room" setting, a full-size (26"-32") barrel wouldn't really be a problem. IMO, the place where a really short barrel shines is when moving through tight hallways or around corners. If you are just pointing it at a doorway from behind some cover, anything will do.

D.O.L. brings up a good point though... extra barrels for Benellis are ridiculously expensive.

 

[Duke of Lawnchair]

Since the original poster was interested in the shotgun for HD use in a "safe room" setting, a full-size (26"-32") barrel wouldn't really be a problem.

Good point!

I was ASSuming that he meant "safe room" as in "room with a safe in it". If he meant "safe room" as in the Jodi Foster movie, "Safe Room" then a +24" would suit he/she just fine.

You're right, bunkering down and pointing a big-bore at an entry way doesn't require a short barrel.

Heck, go for the Benelli then!



Jim

 

[Duke of Lawnchair]

aquapong,

I forgot to mention, take a gander at the Stoeger 2000.

They can be had for less than $500, and I've heard/read nothing but good things about them.

Jim

 

[Zak Smith]

There's a reason the majority of 3Gun shooters shoot a Benelli M1S90 "Tactical": It has a capacity of 9 rounds and runs virtually forever without any cleaning.

-z