12 gauge shotgun recommendation?

Rayleigh_Scattering said:
Two suggestions:

If you stick with a North American model with a long history and broad support base you can easily get pdf manuals and repair videos online, and you'll be able to buy parts and accessories that fit from multiple suppliers.

If you want to shoot it a lot and carry it a little, buy something heavy. If you want to carry it a lot and shoot it a little, buy something light. Light in the hand = hard on the shoulder.
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This post is excellent advice.
 
Kosmonument said:
Go to some stores and try some out. But in general you don't need to drop 1500 on a 12 gauge. That's way past the point of diminishing returns on these things.

After 7-800 you're just paying for bells and whistles. If you want that, that's fine, but it's not necessary and I would never personally recommend a new shotgun user to spend that much.
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There isn't much of a selection of quality new shotguns for $700-$800, so getting one that fits, is reliable, and has a reliable parts supply often requires spending $1000-$1100 minimum. Now if you buy used, you can usually buy a decent semi auto for $700-$800. I run a skeet field, and I see way too many people with shotguns that don't fit, or that fail to function. or that require parts that aren't available, because the owner bought a cheap shotgun , thinking that spending more only gets you more bells and whistles.
 
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Try as many shotguns as possible, find one that fits, establish a budget.I have owned many expensive shotguns in my life. A couple of years ago i got a deal for a Mossberg 930 with an extra rifled barrel.It was intended for use as a goose gun, i was pleasently surprised at the quality and features of this shotgun for it's price range. It easily digests most ammo and fits me very well.I plan on trying the rifled barrel for the shotgun season this fall.
 
If they fit (they come with stock shims and stock spacers are available) the beretta a400 on the used market can be had in excellent shape for around 1500 bucks. A certain gun dealer on the east coast had a really good deal on a 20ga xplor a400 new for less than 1700 as well as a 12 and 20ga xcell if you like the blue reciever. These are great guns and with a little shopping are easy to find on the 2nd market. I own 3 a400 xplors. A vast majority of shooters seem to shoot them well. Light weight. Reliable. Smooth and fast and soft shooting with to me great looks
The winchester sx series 1 thru 3 are great as well. Cheaper in pruce and fit slightly different than the beretta but offer a soft recoiling reliable gun
 
I'm a big fan of the Franchi Affinity line. I am wanting to acquire one so take it for what it's worth. My brother-in-law and son both have one and they look pretty bulletproof. (They made a few small mods and cerakoted them) Same guts as a Benelli at a reasonable price.
 
mine said:
Try as many shotguns as possible, find one that fits, establish a budget.I have owned many expensive shotguns in my life. A couple of years ago i got a deal for a Mossberg 930 with an extra rifled barrel.It was intended for use as a goose gun, i was pleasently surprised at the quality and features of this shotgun for it's price range. It easily digests most ammo and fits me very well.I plan on trying the rifled barrel for the shotgun season this fall.
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One of my hunting partners had a 930 briefly, he wasn't as lucky as you, he did more cursing at the gun than he did shooting with it, as it never seemed to function properly. Now he has an A400, and no issues at all.
 
Kosmonument said:
Honestly, unless you're doing something really specialty, you don't need to spend more than 800 on a good Mossberg and leave it at that.
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Coming up at: Most people don't need to spend more than $$ on a Hyundai...

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To the OP, you might want to consider something that have both slug and field barrels available? Like the Winchester Super X3 (or are they at for now :confused:)

SX3_Combo_1.jpg


Personally, I can't be bothered to go deer hunting. But for small games, I tend to prefer a SxS or O/U
 
JQIAN said:
Most likely it will be used at range for fun. If time/energy permits, I would like to get into some small games no larger than a deer (or is it too big for small games?)
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I still think that the Benelli M4 semi auto is the king of reliability and fun factor is in the high class. JP.
 
Look into a beretta a350..can handle loads from 7/8 target loads up to your 3.5 inch turkey loads..beretta quality, replacement parts
Available IF anything breaks unlike the Turkish guns, points well and has adjustment shims..can be found on sale for sub 1500
 
stubblejumper said:
It's not about style or being fancy, the cheapest semi auto shotguns generally are not as reliable , especially if you use light target loads for clays. When you get to the SX-3/4 or Browning Silver level, you are talking some very reliable, proven actions, that don't cost a lot. But it is more than that, if you are going to shoot to potential, you need a shotgun that fits you, so picking a shotgun based on appearance or price, can leave you with a gun that you don't shoot well.
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This! The importance of fit cannot be over-emphasized. It is the difference between a dead ird or broken clay target, and an injured or missed one.
 
The absolute best fitting gun . try try try befor you buy if at all possible . there is not much that will discourage you fast than a gun you do not shoot well .
 
BracheteMachete said:
I'm a big fan of the Franchi Affinity line. I am wanting to acquire one so take it for what it's worth. My brother-in-law and son both have one and they look pretty bulletproof. (They made a few small mods and cerakoted them) Same guts as a Benelli at a reasonable price.
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I took that route years ago and I'm very happy with my Affinity. My friends use the Browning Silver and Winchester SX3, excellent shotguns as well.
 
FLHTCUI said:
Remington 1100 with 28'' vent rib barrel and Rem chokes....
What more?
Oh three inch chamber and a back bore from your fav gunsmith if you like.
Rob
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Your money is best spent elsewhere . The 1100’s are prone to breakage and failures needing spare parts.

Buy a modern design that will fit you and meet your needs.
 
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