Best Semi-Auto Shotgun $400 price range

I don't mind upping the budget a few hundred if need be. So far, it seems like my initial thoughts of an 1100 might be worth pursuing. I don't want anything super tactical. I want something versatile.
 
I also vote for the sa08. Know a lot of guys that are very happy with them, in fact our local trap and skeet club use them as loaners and teaching guns, and to me that speaks volumes as to their reliability. From what ive seen they are the only semi under a $1000 that really does everything and handles all loads. Not saying the mossbergs and stoegers dont work, But they are field guns first and most will not reliably cycle light target loads
 
I was able to pick up a used 11-87 off the EE last year for $400. I replaced the o-ring and am off to the races now. It is full camo and has a 21? inch barrel. Anyway, the barrel is short. Turkey or slugs.

In no was does it compare to my SX3, but i dont want to turkey hunt with the SX3 either.. So the 11-87 fits the bill nicely. If you are patient you will find a good deal.

The SA-08 seems to be a pretty good, lower priced semi as well.
 
I just pick up a Browning auto5 on the EE for under $400.00. And this is what I got..... comes with a broken butt stock (fixable) and didn't cycle (only shot one at a time) , so it needed a good cleaning and repair to the butt stock or replace the butt stock.
If was to sell the gun after repairing it , I put a price of $500.00 to $600.00 on the EE. So this is what you can expect , for around $400.00, not saying sometimes a really good deal wont come a long.
And the under $400.00 dollar Auto 5 I bought is worth every penny I paid for it, I like working on guns, so the repairs I had to do all part of the game.
 
I just pick up a Browning auto5 on the EE for under $400.00. And this is what I got..... comes with a broken butt stock (fixable) and didn't cycle (only shot one at a time) , so it needed a good cleaning and repair to the butt stock or replace the butt stock.
If was to sell the gun after repairing it , I put a price of $500.00 to $600.00 on the EE. So this is what you can expect , for around $400.00, not saying sometimes a really good deal wont come a long.
And the under $400.00 dollar Auto 5 I bought is worth every penny I paid for it, I like working on guns, so the repairs I had to do all part of the game.

Well you sure got the short end of the stick. Mine came in perfect condition inside and out and the only "repair" I did was sub in the newer speed-loading articulated lifter to make the gun more user friendly. No cracks, no rust and no damaged or missing parts.
 
Well you sure got the short end of the stick. Mine came in perfect condition inside and out and the only "repair" I did was sub in the newer speed-loading articulated lifter to make the gun more user friendly. No cracks, no rust and no damaged or missing parts.

And how much did you pay for your?
 
Just bought a franchi 12 guage.. came 3 3 different chokes and 2 boxes of shells..but was more in the 800 range if you were willing to stretch budget like someone said earlier buy once cry once..cycles real nice super easy to load and not much kick..happy so far only have 150 rounds through it tho..
 
I managed a great deal a few yrs ago now on a Mossberg 2 barrel 935 24" turkey barrel and 20" fully rifled iron sighted slug barrel. $ 475.00. Great gun cycles everything. Light field to 3.5" turkey ammo. She is a wee bit of a beast to carry though, but helps with recoil on the turkey loads. Keep your eye out on the EE
 
All the mentioned shotguns are good. I have a Weatherby SA-08. Best budget Autoloader IMHO. Has cycled everything put through it. Target shells, goose shells, slugs no hiccups. Just put in the right piston. Piston change in under a minute,field strip and cleaning is simple.
 
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