Semi-autos unreliable? Really?

[Fergie]

Took some time to get my address changed with the DMV. Now I am ready to buy. I have been planning on purchasing a Mossberg 590A1 9 rds, Ghost Rings.

Recently I was watching YouTube videos of people shooting semi-auto shotguns in training classes. The speed seems so impressive.

I originally passed on the idea of a semi-auto shotgun, because I read they are more prone to jamming and misfires and such. I do not get to buy lot of guns so I want to make a good purchase. Both guns is not an option, at least not for a while.

This will be a home defense gun and range gun. This is my first long-gun.

Anyone believe the semi-autos are just as reliable? Is there still downside to them? If so what? Which is the most reliable semi-auto in your opinion?

Thanks!

[Brutmor]

My Benelli M2 hasn't malfunctioned yet with intermittent maintenance. YMMV.

[wjc]

Nope. My Baretta has been flawless.

Proper maintenance is key. Clean often and don't get gunk in the gas system.

[Cokebottle]

I don't think "unreliable" is the proper term.

Like a wheelgun, a pump or over/under is going to be "more" reliable, but the terms are relative.

Modern firearms are pretty durn reliable, to the point that there are very few semi-automatics that I would not trust with my life.

[mavericksun]

Use my Benelli M4 at a 4 day frontsight shotgun class in 110F weather. Not a problem and it performed very well with 400 rounds of bird, buck, and slugs.

[repoman1984]

Just find a cartridge it/you likes run 100 rounds through it without a hiccup and that's good enough for me.

[esy]

I don't run semi-auto shotguns, but the people that I know that run them haven't ever had any issues. I love my pumps, but that's just my preference.

[Shrubmaster]

My 1187 has been fickle and sometimes doesn't always fully chamber the next round. The problem is (I believe) is that there's blast media stuffed in the rear stem from when I had it painted.

I've heard nothing but good things about the 930spx, which will likely be my next scatter gun purchase.

[b.thomas]

If properly maintained and using good ammo a auto-loader will work as well as any other type of shotgun!
I've used auto-loaders for more then fifty years (the current 1187 for more then twenty-five plus) and never had any problems. Always went bang when pulled the trigger...........but I always kept it in good working order and used good ammo.

[meno377]

Haven't had an issue with the M2 yet. As long as you maintain them.

[Thanatos2203]

Anyone believe the semi-autos are just as reliable? Is there still downside to them? If so what? Which is the most reliable semi-auto in your opinion?

One thing to consider is there are different types of systems going on inside the different guns. Something like a Benelli M2 is recoil operated and relies on inertia to function, reportedly making it cleaner and more reliable without a gas system. On the flip side of that, because of Newton's other law, tactical 00 buck and slugs are going to have more felt recoil. There were also old reports of the Benelli's ejecting a live round if you shook them too hard or slammed the stock on something. Not sure how much truth there is to that.

Something like the 11-87 uses a gas system, so you get all the carbon fouled joys of running that type of system. It requires more TLC to keep it clean, but is going to have less felt recoil even on those typical shoulder bruisers. This makes it advantageous for running these heavy tactical loads but may have trouble with target ammo.

There are other systems which try to take the best of both worlds through self regulation but this is the basic breakdown.

I am in the opposite camp as Hedgemaster, I haven't heard very good things about the 930 SPX. I also personally don't like the controls/set up of Mossberg shotguns in general, just find Remington more intuitive.

As far as reliability goes versus a pump, its kind of apples to oranges. An auto will be reliable if you treat it right and maintain it, so its performance is dependent on internal factors. A pump is much more dependent on YOUR reliability and personal abilities like being able to cycle the action without short stroking it. Much more human factor and potential for error there, especially if you are under stress either trying to defend yourself or in a competition setting.

Since it is your first long gun, I would go with the pump first. Learn the system, familiarize yourself with the gun and shotguns in general. If you want to get a semi auto later, take what you've learned from shooting the pump and make the best decision based on your needs. I am also of the mindset that every safe should have at least one pump 12ga in it.

[keith1911]

I took a 4 day class with my Mossberg 930 JM Pro and it functioned flawlessly. It did need a bit of a break (100 rounds) in to get that way but since then it has been great.

My main hunting shotgun is a Beretta AL-390 and it too has been reliable since break in.

[justjeff]

Since new my SX3 has been ultra reliable I filled it up with a 3-1/2 turkey load, a 2-3/4 rio bird shot and a fed single ought and only difference was recoil. I love that gun!

My 11-87 has had a few extraction issues but I only after 100 or so rounds down range.

[TS77]

semi-auto downsides:
possible picky with ammo (won't cycle lower power stuff typically)
more maintenance intensive (gas guns at least). and semi auto shotguns aren't as robust or easy to disassemble as military-style semi rifles
typically 2-3x more expensive than comparable quality pump guns.


OP, i recommend you stick with the 590 choice, and shoot shoot shoot it. pump guns in general are super low maintenance, and if you practicie with it a good amount, you'll mitigate any speed issues in case you need the gun for HD.

i also find it easier and quicker loading pump guns (mossbergs in particular), the semis require more push to load into the tubes because of the mechanisms, at least for me.

but shooting 100 rounds of doubles/skeet/sporting clays with a pump and your shoulder will ache the next day

[crono35]

I'd take my 500 with me in a life or death scenario. Recently bought a jm 930,but don't have enough rounds down the tube to trust it yet.