Which CHEAP semi-auto shotguns are decent enough to not blow up in my face?

kamlooky said:
Boy, this sounds like a dare.
The A-5 3" magnum uses two sets of friction rings.
One is to remove a set of these for lighter loads.
May just have to try this theory out.
Hm hmm hm hm hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm............:p
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I'm running one set of friction rings as my EE A5 didn't come with the second set. Still can't get it to cycle light loads - tried gunclubs, and the challenger handicaps. Cleaned the whole action and greased that friction bar - drilube, oil, grease - cycles rarely.
Trying not to hijack the thread it's a minor issue really with the magnum A5. If the OP is looking for an upland/truck gun a light 2 3/4 A5 would fit the bill and the budget - although good luck finding one without fixed chokes.
 
Just want to clarify; I have heard a5 magnums are no good for steel shot because their barrels and receivers are too brittle, is this true?

My dad wants a shotgun; even though he will use it for trap he prefers a semi auto since trying an a300 (might be a recoil thing). I was under the impression that the gas system on the a5's worked by switching the order of the friction rings; is this not the case with the magnums?
 
conor_90 said:
Just want to clarify; I have heard a5 magnums are no good for steel shot because their barrels and receivers are too brittle, is this true?

My dad wants a shotgun; even though he will use it for trap he prefers a semi auto since trying an a300 (might be a recoil thing). I was under the impression that the gas system on the a5's worked by switching the order of the friction rings; is this not the case with the magnums?
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I can't speak to the earlier belgiums but I've pounded many BBs/BBBs through my Japanese A5 magnum and the barrel and receiver are just fine.

There is no gas system on the A5. If you have two friction rings you can move one out or put it at the receiver end to cycle "lighter" loads. There are those that just toss the rings out and run it without to cycle light trap loads - but that'll eventually damage the barrel groove the friction ring sits in. No biggie if you never plan on putting it back - but then bolt slams into the back of the receiver when you fire magnum/waterfowl loads. This is where the A5 gets it's undue reputation for having brutal recoil. Match the friction rings to the load and she's a dream. Mines a waterfowl gun and with the one ring she just sings with 3" blackclouds/blindside/kents. Only load I've ever felt the recoil on is the hypersonics.

There are light twelve A5s that IMHO are for upland/sporting clays. Not sure the number of friction rings in those or if you can run them without. Pretty sure if I wouldn't want one for geese though.

A5's are great and I love mine. However they are purpose built. If you are looking for a do-it-all versatility I would recommend a newer gas semi.
 
j_06 said:
Canada post doesn't service Yellowknife?
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Yeah, but that defeats the purpose of a cheap truck gun if I have to ship it both ways and pay a gunsmith to do the work. I just want to buy a reliable cheap truck gun that can accompany me along for a couple of rabbit/grouse walks a year. Kind of looking for a "turnkey operation" so to speak.
I appreciate all these suggestions though.
 
Any of the old guns even the Winchester's will do what you want plenty of them still being shot today. Wonder why you don't see many on the EE? Because no one wants to sell them.

Find the shell size and load an old gun likes and shoot away.
 
I have a Benelli M4 it is awesome but not cheap, but you get what you pay for, I am at 1200+ rounds with out cleaning and it still operates flawlessly,
 
I have to weigh in on the much maligned (I think unjustifiably so) Winchester 1400, 1400 MKII, 140, 1500 and 2400 series auto loaders. I currently own and shoot a 1400 MKII and a 2400. Both guns run just fine. They are relatively easy to clean and carry well. The 1400 MKII has Win Chokes so that adds to the versatility. Contrary to often cited "issues" with this series of shotguns mine continue to run well. The extractor has not sheared off, the plastic feed throats to the magazine have not disintegrated the ejector is in place and working. On the 2400 the plastic button you press to close the action is broken and gone ( that way when I bought it) I just press the mag follower like on the original model 1400. I remember watching some old episodes of Newfoundland Sportsman and nearly every shotgun on that show was a 1400 or a 2400. These guns saw rough and tumble use on rabbit hunts and Turr hunting over salt water. If they can take that then they must have something going for them. The circumstance of the OP's need for a shotgun would suit these models perfectly. Oh ya I shot my model 1200 (pump) today and the bridge screw did not shear off and the feed throats lived to be used another day. I guess I got lucky and bought the ones that don't break.

Darryl
 
Cool to hear a good story about those 1400/2400's . I've almost pulled the trigger on one about a dozen times , but ended up not buying due to all the negative stuff I've heard. I always wondered how many of those people either use poor ammo, have never cleaned the gun, had broken parts they didn't know about, or even just didn't even own one, but B.S'd about it.
I think I may just get one of the MkII's soon. Thanks MadTrapper. Oddly enough, it will end up in NFLD in a few years when I retire.
 
For upland only, nothing wrong with the older guns, even if they can't shoot steel shot. Most jurisdictions, you can use lead on upland, only required to shoot steel for migratory.

I'm a fan of the old Winchester Model 50. My dad bought one new, back in the day, and it was the "shotgun in the closet" I grew up with - so I'm probably a little biased. He's too old to hunt now, so it got passed on to me a few years ago, and I've since picked up a spare. Just so easy on the shoulder (they're somewhat famous for their low recoil), light and easy to point, reliable.

You don't see them come up for sale too often - guys that have them, shoot them and don't want to part with them. But when they do come up, they don't command a collector price. Just not that well known. You can get one in A1 condition for $300 or less.
 
I cleaned my 1400 fastidiously and it was immaculate when I sold it. It cycled cheap lead loads like greased lightning, but would not reliably cycle high brass or steel reliably no matter what. It basically would give random stove pipes every 5th or 6th round. No gunsmith could improve it, and several of them openly told me it was a terrible POS not deserving the Winchester logo.

I'm glad others have had better luck with theirs.
 
Went to the range with Mr. H today and for a first time, well, he was my guest.
Got the bigg'un bore bug.........chit, hi-jack.......where wuzz I........oh.....

Took two A-5's with me to pattern the 2 3/4" and the 3".
I was going to take the friction rings out of the 2 3/4 and replace the 3" rings with them.
Just dint do it this time, but the tawt izz there. I was going to put the 3" rings in the 2 3/4"
lite fashion, but the bronze ring is bezzled on both ends. Dint wish tuh fruck'it up.
Then I shawt the 1100 in 2 3/4"............with the skeet'r choke.
Nawt bad, but I shure woodint swap this fer the A-5's.
Every goll-dang time I wanted tuh do sumting, I had tuh pewsh a button.
Push the button tuh close the chamber, push the buttawn tuh lift the floor plate.
Button this button dat.............fruck dah button.

Morill awff the story?
A-5's rule.
That's it, dat's awll............:wave:
 
Just want to clarify; I have heard a5 magnums are no good for steel shot because their barrels and receivers are too brittle, is this true?

My dad wants a shotgun; even though he will use it for trap he prefers a semi auto since trying an a300 (might be a recoil thing). I was under the impression that the gas system on the a5's worked by switching the order of the friction rings; is this not the case with the magnums?
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Yes, I know there is no gas system. Just imagine I said "recoil spring" or whatever I was supposed to say.
 
Just pulled the trigger on a Remington model 58. It was cheap, and in decent condition, looks to be perfect for my truck/walkabout gun. Lots of miles, not too much shooting. Certainly going to be a hunting gun and not a heavy use gun. Thanks everyone for all the help and suggestions.
 
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