Talk to me about semi shotguns

[Tho_Sun]

Hi guys,

I was reading on semi auto shot guns and found there are so many types from enertia types to recoil types. Which kind is most reliable with all types of shells. If they're all specific on ammo type, which is best suited for cheap walmart bird shot? Thanks guys~ I'm looking for a reliable none jamming semi auto. I tried my buddy's benelli but it doesn't cycle right with cheap bird shot. I guess it's too weak to cycle it. If I can't find a good one I guess I'll go with Stoeger's over under~ Thanks in advance! Oh and does anyone know where I can find a Stoeger for around 350? I've seen them around for 500, but heard they can be found for 350ish.

[Rob454]

I think a pump action if you plan on shooting lots of bird shot from what I understand lots of shotguns are finicky at cycling bird shot.

[lerroy1119]

Benelli M4 only semi you'll ever need

[olhunter]

I have an old Remington 58 20ga. It's the pre-1100 model. They have adjustable gas ports and the mag only holds 2 shells so you don't need a plug. It literally shoots anything I put in it, including cheap Walmart bulk packs. You can find them in 12ga for $200-300. The 20ga is a little harder to find and more expensive. I shoot skeet, doves, quail and rabbits with it. Never had a problem. It's not a fancy new Beretta or Benelli, but it gets the job done.

[jeffyboy]

What are you wanting it for? Hunting? Home Defense? Clays? Tactical Cool, what?????

[MossbergMan]

Non-jamming semi-auto shotguns....when you find one let me know. Otherwise figure all guns will malfunction, even pump actions (usually operator error). Benelli has one of the best reputations in the semi-auto world, but then again Remington's 11-87 work very well too. Jury is out on the Mossberg 930 SPX (don't get me started )

Again what is it going to be used for? Makes a big difference in choice

[aippi]

There is not one reliable with all types of shells. Most are reliable to a degree with heavy loads but have issues with light loads as you need the either the force of the load or gases it produces to cycle the next round.

A semi-auto shotgun that cycles all loads? I belive if you find the perfect woman she will have that gun for you.

[mds2004]

Ive yet to have any problems out of my 3.5" Winchester SX3 with bulk Walmart ammo, and I have about 600 rounds out of it. If you get the 3" version then Im fairly positive you would not have trouble with even the lighter shot.

If you want a HD gun then get a pump.

[Jeffy]

Hi guys,

I was reading on semi auto shot guns and found there are so many types from enertia types to recoil types. Which kind is most reliable with all types of shells. If they're all specific on ammo type, which is best suited for cheap walmart bird shot? Thanks guys~ I'm looking for a reliable none jamming semi auto. I tried my buddy's benelli but it doesn't cycle right with cheap bird shot. I guess it's too weak to cycle it. If I can't find a good one I guess I'll go with Stoeger's over under~ Thanks in advance! Oh and does anyone know where I can find a Stoeger for around 350? I've seen them around for 500, but heard they can be found for 350ish.

What kind of Benelli was it? Most of the Defense models are designed to shoot heavier slugs and come with the higher spring rated recoil spring. This causes them to have some trouble with lighter loads. Swap out the spring for a Field model or just get a Field model and it should eat everything you feed it.

You'll find that most people here are fans of defense shotguns and the uberfans will tell you to get the Benelli M4 without blinking an eye. To know what to recommend, you will need to tell us what you are planning on using it for. If you're using it to hunt then a defense models will not be a good choice. Trap or Skeet, then the defense models would be an awful choice as well. Overall a field model in the 21-26" range will have the most versatility.

If you're looking for a cheaper Benelli then look for used M1 Super 90's are they can usually be had for around $500-700 in pretty good shape. If you want something newer then check out the M2 American. It's a stripped down M2 for under $1000.

If I was looking for something under $900, I'd go with a FN SLP MKII as they are still a pretty good deal from Tanner Sports. The MKII has a 22" barrel and a 8+1+1 capacity out of the box. They come with two pistons so lighter loads should not be an issue.

[jordan870]

friend of mine bought the over under stoeger really cheap at bass pro i forgot the exact price and he loves his he can shoot two rounds as fast as he can pull the trigger.

[Stoopy]

I love my Winchester SX3. I shoot the cheap walmart crap and it never has messed up once. Its not a cheap gun but it unloads rounds faster than i can pull the trigger.

[mds2004]

I love my Winchester SX3. I shoot the cheap walmart crap and it never has messed up once. Its not a cheap gun but it unloads rounds faster than i can pull the trigger.

Yup!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCB7uEQ9W9A

Also you can find guns at decent prices when looking around. I bought mine with 200 rounds fired through and it looked brand new when I bought it, and it was only $600. I found it from a guy in CO using riverofguns.com

[franco802]

Mossberg 9200A1 Jungle Gun. I had one for 10 years, great shotgun. I sold it last year. It wouldn't cycle rounds, would shoot and then jam. A friend of mine had been bugging me for 3 years about selling it to him. I finally did.

If I were to get another semi, I would go Remington 11-87, Benelli or Beretta.

[mif_slim]

The11-87 has eaten everthing I gave it so far. I have had a few issues befoRe but those rounds were some really really old rounds(16 years old stored in moist condition) those gave me fte every other 3 rounds or so. Over all I love my 11-87, but I wish I did have a benelli m4. It's just a little out of my price range right now.

[sargenv]

I keep tooting the horn of the Browning Gold. I've fired everything from the heaviest slug load all the way down to the lightest 1200 fps - 7/8 oz target load without a hitch. Generally most semi auto shotguns fire the light 3 1/4 dram 1 ounce loads without issue (bird shot usually cheapie wally world ammo). Most semi's will not fire anything under an ounce at low velocity without opening up the gas ports. The Gold and a few others don't seem to have issues as much as the cheaper or older designs.