Help narrowing down shotgun choices

[Pistons23]

The models ive been looking at the Remington 1187, Beretta A300 and the Mossberg 930. This will be my first shotgun. It will only be used for hunting dove and quail. Possibly clays as well. My question to those that have first hand experience with these models, is which one has the best fit and finish(build quality)? which one will last me 20+ years with minimal trouble(assuming its cared for properly)? Is there one I should avoid? Is there one that I should consider that I didn't list? Budget is $800 max.

[ysr_racer]

I've got both the 1187 and the A300. The A300 wins hands down.

Softer shooting, runs cleaner, better design, fully adjustable stock. If you're in So Cal you're welcome to shoot mine.

[Pistons23]

Thanks for the info. After a few searches I've seen the a300 being recommended a number of times. I'm going to have to find a LGS with one and check it out. Is $700 the average price for the a300? Have you ever seen them go on sale?

[HighWildFree]

Ysr is right A300, no question.

Yes they do go on sale sometimes. I've seen the synthetic for $599 and the camo and wood around $650. Bass pro and dicks seem to have heavy discounts around Christmas time and Black Friday.

[ysr_racer]

Go synthetic or camo.

[Pistons23]

wow that would be great if I could find the max 5 camo model for under $700 but I don't think I can wait till the end of the year

[mikeycancino24]

Beneli Vinci has been a really good gun for me. I bought it new for $1100 not sure what they go for used, might be out of your budget but I can vouch for it. It has been my hunt and sporting clay gun, thousands of rounds and not a single issue. Really light to carry in the field and super soft shooting. Its not pretty but it gets the job done. Never tried the A300 or 1187.

[britlab]

a300

[MJB]

Hit the shooting sports fair at Raahages next week you can shoot them there......then on the last day they will sell you the demos

[LuisJr]

In your price range, I have had excellent luck with Beretta semi-autos, specifically 3901 and the A300. You can pick up a new synthetic A300 $659-699 (normal price) and rattle can the camo pattern of your choice for not much more. I see used A300 pop up on long guns for sale in the $550-700 range.

This camo version was listed this month in long guns (sold) for $700 new.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1194271&highlight=beretta

[Pistons23]

I'll keep an eye out for price drops on the a300. I guess I should mention I'm located in the central valley so factoring in gas to so-cal would kind of negate any savings. Looking to purchase before dove season so I still have some time to find a deal. I'm fine with the black synthetic model but the max 5 camo would be sweet

[ceh383]

Between the choices you have given, I'd go with either the A300 or the 1187...which ever fits best. While the A300 may be the better gun, it's meaningless if it doesn't fit you.

[manuelcardenas77]

My brother and I both have the 930's his is the 8+1 mine is the 9+1 JM series and they're great.

[Pistons23]

Yeah I plan on going to dicks on my next day off just to look at the a300. Hopefully they have the 1187 as well.

[Jet Setter]

Thanks for the info. After a few searches I've seen the a300 being recommended a number of times. I'm going to have to find a LGS with one and check it out. Is $700 the average price for the a300? Have you ever seen them go on sale?

YSR usually posts when Bass Pros runs the sale for $599. Great shotguns. I am waiting for the camo to go on sale