Help finding a new addition...for a Lefty

[d sauce]

I am relatively new to shotguns intended for trap, skeet, and hunting. I have a vague idea of what I think I need but I'd appreciate any help or experience I can get. I am planning on taking one or more of the So Cal clinics to get some fundamentals down after purchasing this new firearm. The only shotgun I have shot like this was a Franchi Affinity 12GA 28" set up for right hand use. I loved it, thus giving me the itch to further pursue these interests.

- I would love a multi purpose gun. Something that I could use for trap, skeet, and bird hunting (dove/quail).
- I want a semi-auto...maybe an O/U, but leaning towards semi.
-My budget would max out around $1K depending on the right deal for the right gun.
- Thinking Beretta, Benelli, Browning, or Franchi. Those are the big names I hear thrown around quite often other than Remington or Mossberg.
- Not too sure how many lefties are out there, but if there are I would like to know what shotgun you prefer. Do you specifically order a lefty set-up or can you customize a righty to work for you?
- What barrel length would be best? I was thinking 28" would be a good all around length for what I wanted to do.
- Lastly, is there anything important I'm forgetting? What do you look for when buying a new shotgun for this type of application?

So far I've really taken to the Franchi Affinity since I have shot it before, but I notice they have the new model Intensity that shoots 3.5" shells. Also The Beretta A400 Xplor Action looks fantastic but might break the bank if I had to buy it new.

Thanks in advance for the constructive criticism Gents.

[waveslayer]

the Franchi is a Benelli under the hood. get it!

[d sauce]

I'm aware. Thanks

[Phrogger]

I just bought a Beretta A400 Paralell Target, it cost about 1.5k but it is worth it I think, take a look at those, there are several models of it. This will be used by my wife and myself.

[Thefeeder]

[RandyD]

Remington makes both a semi-auto and a pump in left handed. Many years ago, I bought a left handed 870 pump, but it was unnecessary. All of my other shotguns are right handed and I am used to them. As far as the ejection port being on the same side as my face, I have never experienced a single problem. However, when available, I will use a left handed bolt action, but that is for rifle not shotgun.

You will not need a 3" magnum for trap, skeet, dove or quail, but having it on some shotguns will increase the resale value.

[d sauce]

All my other shotguns/rifles are for right hand use but I figured I would want a sg that would fit me as best it can. Also in regards for fitment aren't there ways to shim and adjust length of pull to tailor my specific shotgun once I purchase it? I'm around 5'9" 165 with average length arms and hands.

[Thefeeder]

All my other shotguns/rifles are for right hand use but I figured I would want a sg that would fit me as best it can. Also in regards for fitment aren't there ways to shim and adjust length of pull to tailor my specific shotgun once I purchase it? I'm around 5'9" 165 with average length arms and hands.

Yea, most semi come with shims and that one of the best things to happen to shotguns in long time...most O/u's don't come with shims.

Length of pull is just one of things for fit...there are a few more that are just as important. Being your size most shotguns are made for the avrage guy like you....but you still need to check as all sg's are different even from model to model ie Citori Lightning, Citori field, citori sporting

[RayPDA]

I have several right hand eject semis set up for lefty use along with a couple of left hand eject models - if you're in SoCal you're welcome to try them out - you're almost similar in height and weight and probably build- I haven't been to triple b or to a skeet clinic in awhile but I can be convinced - I'll post again in a bit-

[Intimid8tor]

I'm a lefty a went with a beretta a300 as I wanted a lower cost field gun. It does have shims to adjust the stock for left handed or right handed. It also comes with pieces to adjust the length of pull. The safety can also be swapped. $600 on sale.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[hattles]

I am relatively new to shotguns intended for trap, skeet, and hunting. I have a vague idea of what I think I need but I'd appreciate any help or experience I can get. I am planning on taking one or more of the So Cal clinics to get some fundamentals down after purchasing this new firearm. The only shotgun I have shot like this was a Franchi Affinity 12GA 28" set up for right hand use. I loved it, thus giving me the itch to further pursue these interests.

- I would love a multi purpose gun. Something that I could use for trap, skeet, and bird hunting (dove/quail).
- I want a semi-auto...maybe an O/U, but leaning towards semi.
-My budget would max out around $1K depending on the right deal for the right gun.
- Thinking Beretta, Benelli, Browning, or Franchi. Those are the big names I hear thrown around quite often other than Remington or Mossberg.
- Not too sure how many lefties are out there, but if there are I would like to know what shotgun you prefer. Do you specifically order a lefty set-up or can you customize a righty to work for you?
- What barrel length would be best? I was thinking 28" would be a good all around length for what I wanted to do.
- Lastly, is there anything important I'm forgetting? What do you look for when buying a new shotgun for this type of application?

So far I've really taken to the Franchi Affinity since I have shot it before, but I notice they have the new model Intensity that shoots 3.5" shells. Also The Beretta A400 Xplor Action looks fantastic but might break the bank if I had to buy it new.

Thanks in advance for the constructive criticism Gents.

Benelli Montefeltro - Left Hand
28" weighs a hair over 7#
MSRP - $1229
Street price - $1099(Abel's)

[d sauce]

Ray: I might have to take you up on your offer.

Intimid8tor: The A300 got my attention but couldn't find any used on the boards. Where did you see them for $600 on sale?

hattles: The Benelli is a definite contender that I'm sure I wouldn't regret going with. I'll see if there are any used ones out there or if a local shop has any stock.

[RayPDA]

PM sent -

The Monte is also a great gun, and available with a true southpaw action (and can be had around $1k.) Was it 'designed' specifically for the clays games? No, but that doesn't stop me from using them for Skeet or Sporting Clays, especially when setup a bit heavier. For the field, alot of folks love them.

If you're planning on getting a sling for hunting, the current Monte does not have factory sling studs (you'd have to buy a sling stud/mag cap swivel.)

The A400 is also now available in LH, but will cost over $1k new.

Franchi has the Affinity in LH now too...


I wouldn't let right hand eject autos deter a southpaw; with the exception of an occasional fluff of gas, it's pretty negligible (although some would argue that it's distracting...I don't.) However, having true LH options is nice, and why I have both.

The A300, and/or an older, used 391, 390, 303, etc (setup with a left handed stock/shimmed, adjusted for a lefty) is a great multi-purpose option.

I've got/had autos with barrels from 24" - 32"....preference will largely depend on how it feels to you, but 28" is the general 'all-around' clays/hunting length to most.


Do some reading, try before you buy, and get input from other southpaws

[Intimid8tor]

Ray: I might have to take you up on your offer.

Intimid8tor: The A300 got my attention but couldn't find any used on the boards. Where did you see them for $600 on sale?

hattles: The Benelli is a definite contender that I'm sure I wouldn't regret going with. I'll see if there are any used ones out there or if a local shop has any stock.

Cabelas had them for 600 on sale for the synthetic outlander. Wood was a bit more.


And the right handed eject doesn't bother me at all.
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[d sauce]

One of the bigger reasons I was curious about left vs. right was for pre-owned options. There aren't a lot of left handed shotguns in the marketplace and the righties usually go rather quick.

I think I'm going to take up Ray on his invite to Prado one of these weekends. He has a few viable options that I'd like to try out in both configurations.

If anything does come up in the marketplace or maybe around black Friday, I think I'll snatch it up. I have gotten solid info on this thread and have read/watched a decent amount of reviews to make a purchase. After all, I doubt this will be my only purchase of this kind. I would like a nice O/U down the line, and maybe a higher grade semi-auto.