Advice in first Semi Auto

Unless you are particularly small framed, I'd look at a longer barrel on a "primarily" waterfowl shotgun. I'd shoot a few if you can. I was all set on the SBEII until I shot an A400. I can't miss with it but it all comes down to fit. No reason I can think of not to get a 3.5" gun. It's not like you have to shoot them but on that occasional hunt where they are beneficial you have the option.
 
I do like the SX3, I even borrowed one at my local clay ground to have a couple of rounds of sporting with. Only problem was is it felt very short and like my right hand thumb was very close to my nose.

Maybe that and a "Boot" is the answer...
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The SX3 comes with shims to increase the length of pull.
 
The best bang for your buck is the SX3 Black Shadow with a 3" chamber. With the gun, comes all the shims required to adjust drop, cast and length of pull. They are one of, if not the only, hunting grade semi-auto on the market today that will reliably feed, fire and eject a 3/4oz 1200fps target load. That right, 3/4oz...that's the same payload as delivered from the 28 gauge! Funny thing is 2 of my 3.5" SX3s will gobble those up just as fast! LOL!
 
All your choices are well made, reliable shotguns. I find the newer Italian guns to be hideous, and 3.5" chambers are unnecessary for most situations. I went with a Benelli M2 field and haven't been disappointed. I saved a couple hundred $ over the SBE2. I like the SX3 but my buddy has had issues with his (bolt handle fell out).
 
Thanks folks, I do like the SX3 but I found that even with the shims in it was too short (my OUs have both got 15" LOPs) so maybe I just have to suck it up and learn to shoot with a shorter gun.
 
Scrumbag said:
Thanks folks, I do like the SX3 but I found that even with the shims in it was too short (my OUs have both got 15" LOPs) so maybe I just have to suck it up and learn to shoot with a shorter gun.
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if you are ging to use it for waterfowling you will probably have a fiar amount of clothing on. bring what you would generally wear while hunting to get a good idea on fit.
 
Scrumbag said:
Thanks folks, I do like the SX3 but I found that even with the shims in it was too short (my OUs have both got 15" LOPs) so maybe I just have to suck it up and learn to shoot with a shorter gun.
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Fit is everything with a shotgun.....not something to compromise on in my opinion.
 
Thanks folks, I do like the SX3 but I found that even with the shims in it was too short (my OUs have both got 15" LOPs) so maybe I just have to suck it up and learn to shoot with a shorter gun.
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With both shims installed, the SX3 has a LOP of 14-3/4". The number of factory guns with a longer LOP is quite limited.
 
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To put a number with your length of pull is pretty well impossible as it changes with each stock style. You can know if you are long, average or short but after that measuring the actual length of pull is kind of meaningless. It really comes down to how it actually fits.
 
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