First Semi Shotgun

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xKATOx

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Hi all, I am looking at getting my first semi auto shotgun. I currently have a 12 ga Remington 870 3.5" that I love but made the mistake of using a friend's Benelli Vinci so now I want a semi auto. I am looking for: under a $1000, 3", and 12 ga. I have shouldered quite a few and the Remington 1187 and Franchi Affinity are the fore runners however the Mossberg 930 has caught my eye and the Winchester SX3 is an absolute lightweight and awesome to swing. They all feel about the same for fit so I am going to have to look at longevity, value, quality etc. Any advice?

Thanks
 
I've got a 930 and well, it's a 930. It's cheap and it works. If your going for cheap, get it. If your looking for comfort, look somewhere else. The ported barrel is nice and I don't get a lot of muzzle flip. But the LOP is long (or I got short arms). The way it stock screws into the receiver, you can only grind off about 1" of stock and there is really no aftermarket stocks to replace the factory one.

Sorry, I can't help you on the rest
 
I hunt with an AL391... beautiful shotgun, really does good at reducing the recoil to allow for quick follow ups when the whistlers are zooming by. But it really is personal preference, if you say you don't like Beretta's then maybe an 11-87... my grandpa has one, doesn't use it anymore hurt his arm skiing and can't lift the beast high enough to hit anything, but it is a solid gun too.
 
Another vote for the SX3. I just recently bought a used Compsite model with the gummetal grey finish and textuted stocks. It is a fantastic shotgun. Shot 2 rounds of skeet with it last weekend and cycled everything without a hickup. Very easy on the shoulder too.
 
How do CZ shotguns rate? Any body use them? I like CZ as a brand, I wonder if their quality in rifles transfers to shotguns
 
Most importantly you need to go into a store and hold as many as you can. I shot a mossberg 935 for a number of years and it was really great for me. Sold it to a friend and he loves it just as much. Eventually upgraded to a benelli M2 which brings me to the next point. If you held a vinci and loved they way it felt as well as how it shoots you are going to have to look into getting a benelli. I found that nothing fit me as nice as this M2 does, it's light, fast, and has little recoil. I also looked into the maxus, berettas, winchester, and had a versamax for a short while. Nothing compared in terms of comfort. I'm not saying you need to run out and spend double your budget but if (like me) you're looking for something that feels like a benelli, you've got to buy a benelli. I found everything else to feel bulky, the M2 is the only shotgun I've ever held that I can bring up with my eyes closed and always be perfectly seated.

Coming back to my first point, hold or fire old all your options before you put down any cash or you'll regret it. Odds are you'll like one on paper but might like something else in the real world.
 
xKATOx said:
How do CZ shotguns rate? Any body use them? I like CZ as a brand, I wonder if their quality in rifles transfers to shotguns
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It is my understanding that the Winchester SX3, and some of the Browning Shotguns(Silver, I believe) are made by CZ. I do know that the SX3 is made by CZ, at least thats what my barrel says.
 
Reflex_84 said:
It is my understanding that the Winchester SX3, and some of the Browning Shotguns(Silver, I believe) are made by CZ. I do know that the SX3 is made by CZ, at least thats what my barrel says.
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No the SX3's are made in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale FN. As are the Browning shotguns.
 
I got a Bowning Gold, same as the Winchester X2.


My favourite shotgun to shoot, but it doesn't fit me right.
 
JRodko said:
Most importantly you need to go into a store and hold as many as you can. I shot a mossberg 935 for a number of years and it was really great for me. Sold it to a friend and he loves it just as much. Eventually upgraded to a benelli M2 which brings me to the next point. If you held a vinci and loved they way it felt as well as how it shoots you are going to have to look into getting a benelli. I found that nothing fit me as nice as this M2 does, it's light, fast, and has little recoil. I also looked into the maxus, berettas, winchester, and had a versamax for a short while. Nothing compared in terms of comfort. I'm not saying you need to run out and spend double your budget but if (like me) you're looking for something that feels like a benelli, you've got to buy a benelli. I found everything else to feel bulky, the M2 is the only shotgun I've ever held that I can bring up with my eyes closed and always be perfectly seated.

Coming back to my first point, hold or fire old all your options before you put down any cash or you'll regret it. Odds are you'll like one on paper but might like something else in the real world.
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The benelli was great to hold and shoot, I did really enjoy shooting with it. But the price tag is a deal breaker, unfortunately (and I don't skip on quality, I just don't think I need all the features).

I have been lucky enough to swing and get a great feel (although not shoot) Franchi Affinity, Remington 1187 and Versamax (I like the 1187 better, the painted on grip along the pistol grip and fore on the Versamax looks/feels cheap to me) , Winchester SX3, Browing A5 (the humpback design forces my head too high). The Stoeger 3500, while intriguing, has been booed down by every person I trust. They recommend the Affinity if I am going recoil drive.

I have gotten a feel for most auto loading SG's out there around the $1000 mark (the used route is one that I am exploring as well), so it is from at least an informed stand point (could always be more informed/experienced). Thanks for the advice/comments, keep 'em coming. Merry Xmas
 
skhunter said:
A used Beretta is better than a new any one of those
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x100.

Speaking from personal experience, you MIGHT have problems with a 1187. You PROBABLY will have issues with a S&W. You won't have any problems with a Beretta. A used 391 in various trimmings will run in the $1000 range or close to it.
 
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