Help me pick a semi-auto

rishu_pepper

rishu_pepper

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There comes a time when the Rem 870, however rugged and reliable, becomes a second option, a backup, if you will. The time has come (after less than a month :D it'll become my trunk gun); I am saving money for a premier shotgun, and being probably the only shotgun I will ever purchase again, I'm going all out and money won't be a factor.

The following are what I am looking for:

1) semi-auto (must)
2) suitable for hunting upland, waterfowl, and deer
3) holo sights (I am pretty set on Eotech); thus pre-drilled/tapped would be nice
4) easy to clean/maintain

The following are things that do not factor in my decision:

1) barrel length, as long as it's 24"-28"
2) colour/finish
3) gas or inertia, it's all good (less recoil is always welcome)
4) 3 1/2" would be nice, but not necessary
5) not much of a trap/skeet shooter

Like I said, this is my one and final shotgun, and I'm willing to drop some good coin into it, maybe top out at $2500 (w/Eotech installed).

I initially looked at the Super Black Eagle 2 and I was leaning towards that one, but the Winchester SX3 has caught my eye, and it's substantially cheaper than the SBE2. Other options I've seen out there are the Extrema2, Urika 391, Browning Gold.

Anyone had experience with these guns? I would really appreciate the feedback. Thanks gun nutz!
 
rishu
I have or have had all of the shotguns you listed except the extrema 2 and the sx3. I shoot a sx2 for waterfowling and some sporting clays, at present it has about 3500 rounds through it with out a hiccup and it is one of the only semi shotguns that I really like rather than think are ok. I had a Browning gold hunter which is in the ok rating because it was picky about light loads and would jam on occasion, most people think the sx2 is a gold but its is not it is a silver which has a slightly different action system.I had an SBE 3 1/2'' and opted to sell it because it pounded the crap out of me with steel goose loads and defeated the point of using a semi, It worked great besides that .
I have a 391 3'' and it is good field gun and as long as the gas system is very well lubed it is plesant to shoot, my only complaint is the action sounds like a tin can when its cycling. My friend has the extrema 2 and I have shot it many times and it feels the same as my 391 to me and is also very reliable. I fired about 40 shells through a new sx3 and I liked it enough that I may add one to my collection. The sx3 is alot lighter than my sx2 and didn't seem to recoil much differently, for an upland gun the lighter weight would be much appreciated. If I was shoping for a new semi to fit your criteria my choice would be a 26'' bbl 3" sx3, better price less recoil= more shooting=more fun. Don't worry about the 3 1/2" chamber, I have a couple and never use the 3 1/2'' ammo in them because I learned that the 3'' will do everything you need at less price and less recoil. I prefer gas operated guns due to the recoil absorbtion. The ultimate decision for you will be the one that fits you the best and feels right. good luck
 
Like I said, this is my one and final shotgun, and I'm willing to drop some good coin into it, maybe top out at $2500 (w/Eotech installed).


Welcome to the world of shotgun shooting. Willing to bet you can't settle on just one more - thought I was there years ago and have gone through quite a few since.

I've gone through the Beretta's and Remington's and Brownings and finally settled on the Benelli and have a Super Sport and a M1 Super 90 in the 12 gauge semi category - oopps, also a mint 25 year old Remington 1100 that I just picked up in there.

Can only suggest you try as many of the different guns as you can. From all around reliability and ease of maintenance the Benelli is the direction I would point you in.

Regards,

REM3200
 
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Like REM3200, I have a Benelli M1S90, which has been generally used for all sorts of activities. It has been a dependable and reliable autoloader. I'm really happy with mine and would recommend it.
 
Heh, yeah you're right this probably won't be my last shotgun, but hopefully at least I'll use it for a good decade or so.

I believe the M1 is an awesome shotgun, but it's not really what I'm looking for (hunting > tactical).

SBE2 seems like a sure thing, but the SX3, as doubleman says, can be very good and can be had for a much cheaper price. It'll probably come down to which one fits better. I should check them out at the stores.
 
I tried the SBE2 and the Extrema2 at the local gun shop. The SBE2 fits like no other, while Extrema2 seemed a little heavy for me. Still, at $1700 (at a local gun show) it's still 2x the cost of a new SX3, and with the money I save I can use it for other things.
 
just picked up the Urika 391.. haven't fired it yet.. itching to .. trying to control that "let's drive 23 miles to an area where i can shoot it at 10pm" feeling.
 
I would suggest the SBE2. My reasoning is reliability. It is inertial operated and thus more reliable than the gas operated guns. The gas guns require more maintenance to ensure correct operation. However if you were to clean it after every shoot it would likely not be a problem.
 
Hmm... SBE2 is obviously the ultimate choice, but at half the price the SX3 is at the same time a high-quality gun too. I handled both and I really like the feel of the SX3, the grip and how it shoulders seem custom-made for me!

Another thing, I'm having second thoughts on the Eotech, seems kinda wasteful to mount one when I'm only using it for a couple times per year (close/mid-range deer). What's a good alternative?
 
I have the SBE II and absolutely love this gun, I've had it for just a short time now about 6 months and have probably put about 2000 - 3000 rounds through it in that time....(lots of free time lately)I've fired everything from light trap loads through it up to 3 1/2" Hevi Shot in BB and never a problem. Cleans up really fast not that it ever needs it that often. Spent a week up in Kirkland Lake area a few weeks back for geese and ducks and only ever wiped it down once during the trip and never had a misfeed or any other malfunction.

Benelli Demo video with Tom Knapp and Tim Bradley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibBgBhwafGM
 
rishu_pepper said:
Another thing, I'm having second thoughts on the Eotech, seems kinda wasteful to mount one when I'm only using it for a couple times per year (close/mid-range deer). What's a good alternative?
Click to expand...

I know I would get a rifled barrel with sights, and be able to take much longer shots than with a smooth barrel.
 
semi auto

My 2 cents -- The guns mentioned are all good -- Buy the gun that fits you --its useless to buy a gun that does't fit -- you will hate it with a passion because you will never shoot it well. Most wooden stocked guns can be modified (made) to fit. There are alot of black & camo stocks that are very difficult if not impossible to adjust. Its surprizing what 1/4" lop (one way or another) can make a difference in the way you shoot. Remember that the "Gunfitters Rule" for LOP is that there should be no more than 1 1/4" from the tip of the nose to your thumb nuckle.
Cheers, luck!
John
 
pilot24 said:
I know I would get a rifled barrel with sights, and be able to take much longer shots than with a smooth barrel.
Click to expand...

I will do a lot more waterfowling than deer hunting with it, and I'm not about to shoot ducks with a rifled barrel :p

As for gun fit, I did try them out at the stores, and judging from sheer feel, the SX3 fits the best (shoulders easily and perfectly). It's also lightweight and that's a plus for my upland adventures in early season.

The Eotech idea is probably on hold for now.
 
Well, tomorrow there's a sale going on at a local gun store, if the price is right, I just might spring for the SBE2 (I highly doubt it though), otherwise it's back to my original plans and ordering the SX3. WSS? Lebaron? I haven't had experience ordering from them, any input?
 
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