Softest recoiling and most balanced semiautomatic shotgun

[Hank15]

I did a quick search on this forum and didn't get any hits.

My budget has diminished slightly due to rescuing a puppy and school applications, so I probably won't be able to get that Silver Pigeon I Sporting that I was eyeing.

That being said, this could be a blessing in disguise since I do try to minimize recoil when I can.

What are some good semiautomatics you guys recommend?

I've already looked at the Beretta A400 Xcel and the Benelli SuperSport. How would you compare the two? Any better ones out there?

[canopis]

I do not own either of these shotguns, but I have shot them both. In my opinion, the Beretta has less recoil, probably because (1) it's gas-driven, as opposed to the Benelli's inertia driven system, and (2) it's a little bit heavier, as I recall.

[rubbman]

Benelli M4

[jdben92883]

+1...the M4 just lobs shells downrange.

Benelli M4

[Hank15]

Sorry guys, I meant to specify that this will be for clay sports (trap, skeet, sporting clays, etc.)

[bcsquare]

I did a quick search on this forum and didn't get any hits.

My budget has diminished slightly due to rescuing a puppy and school applications, so I probably won't be able to get that Silver Pigeon I Sporting that I was eyeing.

That being said, this could be a blessing in disguise since I do try to minimize recoil when I can.

What are some good semiautomatics you guys recommend?

I've already looked at the Beretta A400 Xcel and the Benelli SuperSport. How would you compare the two? Any better ones out there?

I've always been a fan of the Remington 1100 and 1187. However the Browning Maxus Sport caught my eye recently.

[Tom-ADC]

My 12 ga is a 11-87 Sporting Clays & my 20 is a Beretta 390 sporting clays, my daughter shot the Beretta well.

[RayPDA]

Take a look at the older Beretta 300 series thru 391 guns, 1100s (especially the 1100 Competition) and the old Winchester Super X1.

Looks like you're local; PM if you'd like to try some of mine out -

[Gringo Bandito]

After shooting an over and under for the last 20 years, I switched to an a300 and was amazed how little the recoil is in comparison. You cannot beat the gas operated shotguns IMO.

[kdruff2]

I do not own either of these shotguns, but I have shot them both. In my opinion, the Beretta has less recoil, probably because (1) it's gas-driven, as opposed to the Benelli's inertia driven system, and (2) it's a little bit heavier, as I recall.

I own a SuperSport and have "handled" Berrettas (but wouldn't consider myself intimately aware) but I would echo what Canopis has mentioned. For me, since I'm not recoil sensitive (ie., I can shoot all day), it's not a factor for me. I guess the factors to consider when comparing semis are:

1. Recoil - gas has less recoil but how sensitive are you to recoil?
2. Ease of cleaning/maintenance - the SS breakdowns quickly and cleans real easily. You only really need to run a bore snake through the barrel really and maybe clean the bolt carrier group and receiver once every two mos. (based on my volume of shooting).
3. Price - although a SS retails for around $2,250, it can be had for much lower if you are patient and shop around (maybe as low as $1700-ish)
4. Handling (weight, balance, swing etc) - I've heard folks comment on how light a SS is. You can add some weight to it, but depending how you like it, it's on the lighter side. One note, the receiver on the SS is a bit longer than a Berrettas. My 30' is the same length as a 32' Berretta semi. If I have any experience shooting another clay breaker, I would share it with you but I don't.
5. Aesthetics - SS comes in both synthetic and wood stock, and tend to have a longer and leaner line. Depends on your own preference.

Good luck but I don't think you can go wrong either way (Lexus, Mercedes or BMW sort of thing). However, there are less Benelli guns at the courses I shoot at and so there seems to be a nice connection with fellow Benelli owners (although that could be the case for other makes and brands) - we're in the minority.

PS - just saw Ray's note. We shoot together from time to time so you can try his Berretta and my Benelli if you like.

[hermosabeach]

The Benelli recoils the same as a pump

The inertia system does not soften not slow the shells impulse

Frachie makes a great light weight soft shooting gun

Beretta also makes some great gas guns.

Remington has made a ton of 1100 over the last several decades

[hattles]

I own and shoot a Benelli Vinci with the ComforTech stock and an older HK/Benelli SBE with the original rubber butt pad. Neither gun "kicks like a pump" and the Vinci with the ComforTech is pretty soft when compaired to the SBE.

If I were concerned about recoil, ie shoulder problems, I would choose hands down the Beretta A400 with Kick-Off....that said, I also believe most of the quality gas semi-autos offered today are fairly soft in the recoil dept.

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The Benelli recoils the same as a pump

Here is what an expert, Randy Wakeman, has to say about Benelli recoil & the Benelli ComforTech stock.

There is one approach that does work well without destroying the dynamics of the shotgun. That is the Benelli ComforTech stock. I've tested ComforTech-equipped SBE-II, Vinci, M2, and Super-Novas recently. The ComforTech effect is most profound as loud intensity goes up, right where you need it the most. It is most apparent to me in the Vinci 12 gauges and the M2 20 gauge.

Here is the complete article titled: Benelli ComforTech, Shotgun Recoil, and More Shrieks of the Mutilated

http://randywakeman.com/BenelliComforTechShotgunRecoil.htm

[faris1984]

Try Wincheste SX3 very light weight,fast and low recoil

[osis32]

From what i understand the Remington versa max is really light on it's recoil. I have not shot one so i can't say. I have a couple moss 930s and i think they kick way lighter than my benelli m2. That gun beat me up pretty bad at the skeet clinic

[bjl333]

I honestly think a good gun mount would dampen most of the recoil. I have shot with most gas/inertia autos and I can't tell the difference. The A400 and SS are great guns but my budget picks would be an used 1100/1187 or 390/391. If you can find a range that rents these and try the different guns, it would give you a better idea as to which gun you would feel the most comfortable using. The alternative would be to look into a used Beretta 680 series.