Which Semi-Auto for Clays?

[ExtremeX]

I'm currently using my Mossberg 500...

I'm thinking of getting a 2nd shotgun, my first semi, and I wanted more of a sporting shotgun for shooting clays.

Not sure where to start, I like the Benelli Supersport and Vinci, but its pretty expensive, not sure if I even need something that high end. Im open to anything at this point as long as its good, Id like to keep it around 1000 or less if possible. 28" barrel, options for chokes, and all that good stuff.

I also entertaining the idea of getting an over/under, but I think I rather have a semi.

[Thefeeder]

Here is good start

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=425953

[redrex]

Listen to Feeder, he is the expert around here. Pick up and handle lots and lots of guns and see what fits you best.

I will add that I as well am a recent addict to the sport. I just started up with this around this time last year and I was using a 500 as well. But when it was time for an upgrade I decided to go with a two barrel setup but to each their own. However I will say that for me, a family guy with three kids, cost was a big issue. I know that a lot of guys will suggest, and rightly so, that you can get a used Orion or Browning for the cost of a new lesser model shotgun. I will say, good luck on that. Can they be found? Yes, but not easily or often. Also there are dozens of different models in all of those. Will the one that shows up be the one that you are looking for? Who knows. Also how sure are you that you will keep doing this for years. I love the Vinci, that is one smooooth shotgun. But my budget had a hard limit I couldn't go over. $800. I ended up with a CZ Redhead. CZ is well known for amazing customer service. Now their barrels do come from Turkey and some people will turn up their nose at that. I say go to a store and look at one, talk to people who own them. Checkout Shotgunworld, there is a guy who owns the model down from me and he has put almost 20k rounds through his gun with zero issues.

Mossberg makes a good auto as well and you can't beat the price. I see them at my local gunstore all the time for $400 to $450 with the green synthetic stock. Not a bad way to start.

I'm about the pull the trigger on a CZ Ringneck, side by side, case hardened 20ga. Simply a modern work of art and on sale for $699. But I got to sell one of my other toys first

Either way, good luck!

[RayPDA]

As the Feeder recommends, whatever you decide on, make sure it fits you well.

Now for what's available:


Beretta rules the roost (for the most part) when it comes popular autos for Sporting...you can definitely find a used A391 in a sporting configuration for around 1k. The nice thing with the current crop of Berettas (and Benellis) is that you can adjust the stock via shims (for cast/drop) which will help for fitment. I've shot a Bill Skinner modified A391 sporting, and it's pretty fun; I've handled a similarly customized A400 Excel sporting, and it's a pleasure to shoot as well (but I still prefer my A302 and ilk)

The Benelli Sport II seems like a good one - I shoot it's left handed cousin for sporting (montefeltro) and I like it alot...recoil impulse feels different than gas guns, but I'm fine with it.

The Remington 1100 Competition is another gun - tried and true, this one has been upgraded a bit.

Other guns to look for, if you don't mind looking used...these guns will be under your price range, but offer excellent value for what you spend, even after all these years:

Browning Gold Sporting
Beretta 390

[AVID HUNTER]

I have a Browning Gold Hunter and loved it, till I loaned it to a friend a couple years ago. Prolly never see that one again. They are great guns. I also like my Berretta Tekneys as well. A lot of people really like the Beneli's, but I just never were very fond of them. Hunted with one for a couple years and never warmed up to them. Mostly buy Berreta's these days.

[roloman3]

For sporting clays u should go with a 30" or a 32"

[Feeeetask!]

I would like to point out that just about any shotgun can be made to fit you. I wouldn't use fit as much of a criteria for selecting a gun. Any gun you shoot will eventually have to be looked at for fit if you hope to excel at the game. If you can find one that fits close off the shelf, great. The majority of modern clays guns are barreled in 30" for semis and 32" for O/U's with 30" O/U's a close second. Anything else is a special case.

I published a list divided into price brackets that tries to lay all this out. You may find it helpful. http://internationalsportingclays.co...ting-shotguns/