Best all around 12ga autoloader
- Thread starter TJL72
- Start date
heavymetaljeff
Regular
- Location
- Fraser Valley
Me too, my A300 outlander has been absolutely flawless! Smooth like butter action.
What's your budget? I would buy the best you can afford, with semis it seems price reflects everything, and seems to start around $1K
What's your budget? I would buy the best you can afford, with semis it seems price reflects everything, and seems to start around $1K
I did like the beretta action - seemed smoother than SX3 but hard to tell when new......
Trying to keep myself around $1000 + tax and accessories but am seeing needs to go up as SX3 was about $200 more, maxus $500 more and A400 $1k more!!!! the A300 outlander in MAX 4 was reasonable at about a grand at bass pro but is 3" and didn't have any kick-off.
Is the SX3 recoil pad any good at all for 3 1/2"???
At 1000 rounds, a quality shotgun is almost broken in. See how it is doing at 20,000 rounds.
The SX-3 is quite comfortable shooting 3" loads, I don't bother using 3-1/2" loads, because I just don't need them to kill geese, and I also don't need the extra recoil.
I would say it depends on what you looking for and budget.
For between $500 to $1000 MP153, M3500, 935, 930, SA08 would be my choice (no specific order)
For between $1000 to $1500 SX3, Maxus, Gold, A350, A300
For between $1500 to $2000 SBE2, A400, Super Vinci
Don't forget his best around shotgun might not be your best if it doesn't fit also things to be consider is weight, gas or recoil operate (inertia), high or low rib, safety position, finish (wood or synthetic), etc etc.
If you mainly hunt waterfowl little bit extra weight offset the recoil but if you are an uplander and has to walk many hours then weight might be an important factor when make your purchase.
The best shotgun should be the one fit you the best and "usually can't go wrong with any Italian maker if budget allow, I have owned semi shotgun from Baikal MP153 to SBE2 (still own SBE2, Maxus, Beretta and a Gold light 10ga) and found they each has their own place so it is a tough decision to make and if it was me I will shoulder as many as you can in the gun store and go to the range and try every shotgun you can get your hands on (of course with permission) that should help you make your decision easier.
For between $500 to $1000 MP153, M3500, 935, 930, SA08 would be my choice (no specific order)
For between $1000 to $1500 SX3, Maxus, Gold, A350, A300
For between $1500 to $2000 SBE2, A400, Super Vinci
Don't forget his best around shotgun might not be your best if it doesn't fit also things to be consider is weight, gas or recoil operate (inertia), high or low rib, safety position, finish (wood or synthetic), etc etc.
If you mainly hunt waterfowl little bit extra weight offset the recoil but if you are an uplander and has to walk many hours then weight might be an important factor when make your purchase.
The best shotgun should be the one fit you the best and "usually can't go wrong with any Italian maker if budget allow, I have owned semi shotgun from Baikal MP153 to SBE2 (still own SBE2, Maxus, Beretta and a Gold light 10ga) and found they each has their own place so it is a tough decision to make and if it was me I will shoulder as many as you can in the gun store and go to the range and try every shotgun you can get your hands on (of course with permission) that should help you make your decision easier.
Great info - thanks. I feel pretty good about an SX3 as it shouldered well, seems light and nimble (almost small compared to others), seems to handle all loads, only story i had of issues was in wet freezing conditions where only A400 kept working (may have been a biased story), and is mid priced without a bunch of features I likely don't need. If I had heard Beretta was miles better would likely do an A300 in that budget as it seems I gather I likely really don't need a 3-1/2 gun but my view is better to have it than not if available and doesn't sacrifice other things on the gun.
Now I think it comes down to the used A300 extrema in 3-1/2 with kickoff or a new SX3 (waterfowl or universal hunter).
I have used my SX-3 in cold and wet conditions, and in freezing rain, with no issues of any kind. Maintenance becomes a big factor in cold conditions, as using the wrong lubricant or too much of it can cause issues in the cold.
I second this.... Mine is a reliable workhorse..... Any semi will be unreliable and finicky if you don't do the maintenance properly....
The only thing that has ever stopped my sx3 was those cheap ####ty Winchester target loads that you get at Walmart and this batch was years old when I was shooting it. They also stopped a SuperNova in its tracks so I know it was the ammo.
I gotta throw in with the Rem 1100, more specifically the 1100 Competition Synthetic.
I have an A400 Excel and actually prefer this 1100 at half the price. (At least that's what I paid with all 5 Briley chokes)
Ya... I know... it's "just" a Remington... but I like it.
The A400 seems a bit light in the barrel and doesn't seem to break the shots off quite as clean. The hunting gun trend where lighter is better is not really the case. Sometimes you need a little weight to be effective. The trigger on the Remmy is better too.
I have an A400 Excel and actually prefer this 1100 at half the price. (At least that's what I paid with all 5 Briley chokes)
Ya... I know... it's "just" a Remington... but I like it.
The A400 seems a bit light in the barrel and doesn't seem to break the shots off quite as clean. The hunting gun trend where lighter is better is not really the case. Sometimes you need a little weight to be effective. The trigger on the Remmy is better too.
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heavymetaljeff
Regular
- Location
- Fraser Valley
Let us know what you go with.
Buy a shell catcher they are not big bucks.
As 3macs sugested a inexpensive she'll catcher is an easy option.
But, I curious as to your choice of a cameo gun for trap?
Did they invent a new game of "Combat Trap"?
Buy what fits your body and what your finances allows and go out and have some fun.
Rob
*rubber bands are cheap and plentiful too.
The camo isn't for trap - its for hunting was just trying to get an all purpose gun rather than 2 but that seems more difficult than expected!!! But Combat Trap does sound fun......that little clay won't know where I am coming from!!!!
I like the luxury of having two different size shell in disposal (example BB's in one and size 2 or 3 for close up work) while hunting with a double barrel. But I also found sometimes an extra shell in a semi (3 rds totally if hunt in Ontario) if you have a cripple and need to finish it off.So again it go back to what you want and what to look for, if you do more hunting than trap then get a semi and you can always find another reason to buy another gun (double barrel) especially if its around Christmas time (lol).
