First semi auto shotgun

[Sturnovik]

I'm currently looking for a lightweight and reliable semi automatic shotgun. I'm not interested in anything fancy, just a reliable and 18inch barrel shotgun. I've heard good things about the Benelli (m1,m2,m3) and the Remington 1187's. Anyone have hands on experience with these weapons?


I've only held the 1187's. I saw the m1 as a great looking shotgun but have no time behind it and I heard the m3 may be a better deal for auto/semi quick switching.
Which is a better deal price wise if my budget is 500 at the most. I already own a pump action 870 express so I'm looking for a semi.

[Dirtbiker]

If your budget is 500 you can forget the Benelli as they run 1k and up. Buy a Mossberg 930 or a CZ utility for about 500 and get shooting.

[Sturnovik]

Wow never seen that CZ utility model before! It looks quite appealing to be honest, I've shot CZ 9mm's and such but never one of their shotguns. Any gun time behind it?

The mossberg looks awesome as well! Whats usually retail for these 2?

[Dirtbiker]

Check out www.gunbroker.com I just picked up a lightly used 930 tactical for about 400 when all is said and done.

[ElToro]

you should easily be able to get a rem 1187 or 1100 for under $500 or an old beater Auto 5.

[alain209]

would you consider a saiga? love mine.

[fragthefreaks]

Wow never seen that CZ utility model before! It looks quite appealing to be honest, I've shot CZ 9mm's and such but never one of their shotguns. Any gun time behind it?

The mossberg looks awesome as well! Whats usually retail for these 2?

$300 ballpark, maybe $330

[lawrence29]

I saw a Stoeger M2000 Semi at Sport Authority. Jus got one for myself for multi-duty. Seems to have good review, half the price of Benelli same systems and chokes. Check it out, I'll post review once weather clears out for pest control in the fields.

[hawk81]

Try to find a saiga 12. I got mine for $500 a few months ago.

[nrakid88]

I vote saiga. I got a saiga 12 converted built for me and just today started the dros.

[old-trapper]

dont listen to the flap...m1 super 90 benelli is not 1k, they are on gunbroker all the time for 600-700. Buy a benelli and you will never go back to anything else..they are simple, reliable and the fastest action on earth. All the other gas op guns are a joke. they are filthy to clean have way to many parts and shoot slow to make up for it...did i mention they are simple, fast, chrome lined and easy to clean...LOL.... spend a little extra and you will never need another shotgun. p.s. i have way over 10,000 round through mine and would never part with it.

[antonio]

old trapper agree with u well almost i due believe the Winchester SX3 is the fastest shooting gas shotgun although they are not made for home defense

[Sturnovik]

Yea I always thought a Saiga looked neat but to I'd rather not have to go through hoops to make it CA complaint.

The CZ and Stoeger look promising I'm thinking I may look into those. Anyone tried the CZ utility? Are there any extensions available for it so there's more than just 4+1? I'm hoping the semis aren't complicated to maintain?

Also the Benelli's look good but they do cost quite a bit more, I haven't seen them going for 1k like it was said, but I mean its a little bit out of my price bracket. Anyone have hands on with the Stoeger? Those things look pretty awesome to, but how much do they run in the bay area?

[bobbydoedoe]

dont listen to the flap...m1 super 90 benelli is not 1k, they are on gunbroker all the time for 600-700. Buy a benelli and you will never go back to anything else..they are simple, reliable and the fastest action on earth. All the other gas op guns are a joke. they are filthy to clean have way to many parts and shoot slow to make up for it...did i mention they are simple, fast, chrome lined and easy to clean...LOL.... spend a little extra and you will never need another shotgun. p.s. i have way over 10,000 round through mine and would never part with it.

very well said, i love my benellis, and thinking about picking up a M1. i say save up a little more and get the best semi shotty

[Sturnovik]

Yea the Benellis are still a bit out of my price range even though I know there good designs.
I've narrowed it down to the Stoeger and the CZ. As far as fieldstripping and maintaining, I'm assuming the Stoeger is a little more commercial and probably is more user friendly? I'm still thinking of the CZ simply because I love their brand of pistols and wouldn't expect their shotguns to be any different.