Semi-autos unreliable? Really?

[mavericksun]

I went with the Big 5 Mossberg 500 combo as the first shotgun. It's cheap and it has the different barrels for HD and field. Years later, I got the M4 for HD and VersaMax for field. The 500 is now a backup.

[deckhandmike]

It's hard to beat the 500 combo. It's a great training tool as well. I've shot thousands of rounds shooting trap and hunting so when I slap the 18.5 barrel back on my shotgun the muscle memory is there for high stress situations.

[JagerDog]

Depends on the automagic. IME you need to go a bit further up the quality scale to get an auto that's reliable over the long haul.

I wore out parts in just heavy hunting use on a couple cheap autos. MY Browning B80(Beretta 303 guts), performed flawlessly for many more rounds.

[joepamjohn]

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!

Nothing beats the reliability of an older Browning A5 or Remington Model 11. No gas system to foul up with gunk.

[Thefeeder]

It's hard to beat the 500 combo. It's a great training tool as well. I've shot thousands of rounds shooting trap and hunting so when I slap the 18.5 barrel back on my shotgun the muscle memory is there for high stress situations.

+1
DHMike for the win. Perfect practice.

[L84CABO]

My thoughts for whatever they're worth...

I've seen plenty of pump guns jam. And short stroking them under stress is a real possibility.

Most people will be faster with a semi-auto. That isn't to say you can't be fast with a pump gun. But most people aren't going to put in the time it takes to get really fast with a pump gun.

I don't hesitate for a second to defend my life with a semi-auto pistol...so why not a semi-auto shotgun? But just like a pistol you buy a quality weapon, and run a number of rounds through it to prove reliability. 500 is my number. 400 rounds of target ammo, and if there are no problems, follow it with 100 rounds of defensive ammo. Good to go.

As for which semi-auto, My Benelli m4 has been flawless for 1500 rounds. Benelli M2's also have an outstanding reputation. But they ain't cheap. The new Remington Versamax seems to be getting really good reviews and it's basically a Benelli m4 gas system so that could be an option for you. The Mossberg 930 might be a cheaper option but reliability on those seems to be hit and miss. It's like there are good ones and bad ones and as long you get a good one, things are ok.

Worth noting that because of the potential for cycling issues, I'm also a fan of making sure you're using full power loads for your defensive rounds in a semi-auto. But again, make sure you prove whatever defensive rounds you're going to use. However, if I was intent on shooting reduced recoil rounds for my defensive round, I would probably run 250 through instead of 100. YMMV

[stix213]

Some can be sensitive with low brass ammo, and since we are dealing with ammo casings made of plastic instead of metal you can get deformations that can impact cycling.

[mavericksun]

I went with the Big 5 Mossberg 500 combo as the first shotgun. It's cheap and it has the different barrels for HD and field. Years later, I got the M4 for HD and VersaMax for field. The 500 is now a backup.

Because of Mossberg's support for "smart guns" (http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1163519) I remove my support for purchasing any Mossberg products.

[CandG]

Because of Mossberg's support for "smart guns" (http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1163100) I remove my support for purchasing any Mossberg products.

Your link points to this page.

Interesting, there must be more to that story, because that doesn't make any sense, why would Mossberg have any opinion about smart guns at all?

To be fair, "smart guns" aren't inherently a terrible idea. What's terrible is that the technology sucks. And what's MORE terrible is that nobody wants a gun that might not work because of RF interference or a dead battery. And what's MOST terrible, is legislation that requires all guns to have it, whether you want it or not. Hey, if someone wants to buy a gun with a thumbprint reader, because they saw it on a James Bond movie, let them. Raven 25's suck too, but I have no problem with them being available for people to buy if they want them, just as long as nobody makes me buy one. Just don't make everyone else have to buy them. Maybe Mossberg said something to that effect? I dunno.

[MrOrange]

A bit late to the party, but FWIW:

It must be 20 years ago, but I remember reading a report about the use of semi & pump shotguns at Gunsite. Overall, the semis were more likely to go bang, mainly due to people short-stroking the pump guns. Even experienced shooters do it sometimes.

[mavericksun]

Your link points to this page.

Interesting, there must be more to that story, because that doesn't make any sense, why would Mossberg have any opinion about smart guns at all?

To be fair, "smart guns" aren't inherently a terrible idea. What's terrible is that the technology sucks. And what's MORE terrible is that nobody wants a gun that might not work because of RF interference or a dead battery. And what's MOST terrible, is legislation that requires all guns to have it, whether you want it or not. Hey, if someone wants to buy a gun with a thumbprint reader, because they saw it on a James Bond movie, let them. Raven 25's suck too, but I have no problem with them being available for people to buy if they want them, just as long as nobody makes me buy one. Just don't make everyone else have to buy them. Maybe Mossberg said something to that effect? I dunno.

Adding anything to a functional design to make it safer for idiots to ignore safety rules is a terrible idea. If we lived in an ideal world where there are no anti-gun people who will take every opportunity to ban the civilian ownership of guns, i would agree with you. The reality is anti-gun bigots will use every way possible to ban guns and this is just another opening for them.