Which Semi-Auto Shotgun

[MCgunner]

I have a black synthetic 1100 and a 3.5" camo SX-2 and it's a toss-up, although the SX fits me about 1% better. The SX is perfectly reliable shooting 2.75" low brass #8s. Never tried it with 3.5" shells though.

John

And this is why I voted Winchester. My buddy's SX2 is 100 percent reliable with anything he stuffs in it. It's an amazing shotgun. Also, it fits me like a glove. Winchester must built their shotguns to my dimensions cause every one I pick up, be it a SX2, a 1300 pump, or my 1400 auto, fits me as if it was tailor made.

 

[JohnBT]

Oh, and Browning sells the same gun, nearly, as the SX-2 if you run across a good deal on one.

There's nothing like a deal. My 3.5" camo SX-2 is a 2003 model that I bought barely used for $750.

And then there's the newer SX-3 if you see a deal.

John

 

[white buffalo]

The Beretta from Walmart, $549.00 a couple of months ago.
WB

 

[EdLaver]

I recently had a chance to shoot a 930 SPX, in my opinion its the best semi shotty on the market. The price is great too ($600), good luck trying to find one though. The popularity for them is going up and they are hard to find. (At least for me)

 

[JohnBT]

I just checked them out on the Mossberg site. Yep, it's a shotgun.

But dang it, they're ported.

John

 

[Smitty in CT]

1st: Mossberg 930 (quite possibly the best shotgun Mossberg has ever built)

2nd: Winchester SX2 (alot of the design ideas for the 930 came from the SX series)

3rd: Beretta 390/3901

Shoulder and fire as many as you can, when you find the "right one" you'll know it.

If you're ever up near CT drop me a line and come shooting with me on the weekend, you can try out the 930....I go to Bradford / Sullivan counties in PA a lot, too... if your close to those.

 

[BENELLIMONTE]

I am a newly converted fan of the Browning Gold Hunter 12gauge in 3". Great handling gun for just about anything that flies through the air, with or without feathers. I had seen them in CDDN for right around $ 600 NIB (20gauge). A used 12 gauge could be found for under $600.

 

[Maverick223]

Yeah, "retirement" WOULD have lasted, but for all of the dadblamed misinformation and sub-par information I see running around - I can see I have not YET passed on enough wisdom for it "to take".

Well, we'll just have to keep lying to keep you around then. Welcome back, Doc.

 

[distra]

Remington 1100.

 

[RangerHAAF]

For semi-auto action I'd go with a Saiga. I'm prejudiced in Favor of AKs so this choice would be along that same line.

 

[Geezer59]

Another vote for the Saiga - they're very solid, plus lots of aftermarket bits are available for this popular shotgun.

 

[Maverick223]

Another vote for the Saiga

I agree, depending upon use. They are ultra-reliable after a bit of tuning (some, like mine, didn't have enough gas to cycle reliably...easy fix).

 

[JohnBT]

The trouble with the Saiga is the only barrel I see on their site that takes choke tubes is 22" long. You'll find a few shotgunners who like short barrels, but most opt for something between 26" & 32" or 34". The 24" Saiga barrel is fixed full choke - not very useful if you need an open pattern for rabbits, birds or clays.

Like the site says, useful for home protection.

"These are the best shotguns for home protection!!!
(19" threaded bbl especially!!!)
Imagine the sound that AK makes when you chamber a round in the dark!!!
Whoever entered your home with a wrong intent will know to start running!!!"

Looking at the OP's original selections, I think we're talking hunting/sporting guns here and even Saiga doesn't make many claims about being an all-around shotgun.

John

 

[Maverick223]

The trouble with the Saiga is the only barrel I see on their site that takes choke tubes is 22" long. You'll find a few shotgunners who like short barrels, but most opt for something between 26" & 32" or 34". The 24" Saiga barrel is fixed full choke - not very useful if you need an open pattern for rabbits, birds or clays.

I agree, not the best gun for birds, et cetera, however most are externally threaded to accept a poly-choke.

 

[JohnBT]

"poly-choke"

Another minus.

 

[Maverick223]

Another minus.

Why? I have not used one, but have heard good things about them (other than looks, and it's an AK=function>form).

 

[chuckles]

I love my FN SLP. Highly recomended.

 

[jhco]

I voted 1187 even though I don't shoot one. I love my 1100 in 20 and 12 so I assume that I would love the 1187 too

 

[inSight-NEO]

Given the price/quality: Mossberg 930 (SPX)

 

[Floppy_D]

Just a thought; have you checked out the Stoeger M2000? I beat the hell out of one for several years and it ran like a champ, no matter what load. I'd still have it, but I wanted a Wingmaster.

 

[hogmanahoo.com]

i just picked up a 1929 browning A5 LITE 12 GA FOR 300.00.SPENT ITS LIFE INA GUN CASE

 

[psyopspec]

Another voice for Saiga 12.

 

[Maverick223]

i just picked up a 1929 browning A5 LITE 12 GA FOR 300.00.SPENT ITS LIFE INA GUN CASE

I vote for one of these...at that price!

 

[jackdanson]

I vote Saiga 12 too. As far as Semi auto shotguns go it's probably going to be the most reliable you can get hands down.

Whis is this repeated so often? I have an s12, and I love it, but it isn't exactly reliable. I've had more ftf's and fte's in that shotgun than any other firearm I own. (and yes, I know all about the gas settings)

It has gotten substantially better as it has gotten "worn in", but it's not unstoppable by any means.

Anyway, didn't mean to turn this into a saiga-bashing thread. SX2.

 

[Maverick223]

Whis is this repeated so often? I have an s12, and I love it, but it isn't exactly reliable.

Because it is an AK variant and must therefore be the most reliable piece of sheet-metal ever created...I agree mine was utterly unreliable with light loads until I did some tuning, drilling, & filing, they may not all be that way but it seems that we got the bad ones. With a bit of work it can be extremely reliable.