Looking at my options: semi-autos

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velocittyyy

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I currently have an 870 wingmaster that I use for hunting and clays. I am interested in getting my first semi-auto, or should I say, I have been given permission to:cool:

The main use of this gun will be waterfowl hunting but will also see use at the range. I have a budget of $1000 but am willing to go up slightly if the difference in quality is significant. I am not interested in 3.5" as I have been shooting 2 3/4 effectively for years and cant justify the extra costs of a gun chambered to accommodate those loads or the extra cost and recoil of the shot itself. From the research that I have done the options that I am aware of are

Beretta A300 Outlander
Franchi Affinity
Winchester SX3
versamax sportsman

Of the three the only one I have hands on experience with is the Franchi. I shot it well and really liked the feel and especially the raised rib, however I felt the distance from the grip to the trigger seemed like a bit of a stretch compared to what I was used to and as I was just shooting clays I never shot more than once at a time to get a feel for the repeating action. I am skeptical of the versamax quality as I had issues with my first Remington shotgun and their customer service before buying an older wingmaster that has performed flawlessly.

Ideally the gun would have a camo finish which, for everywhere I have looked would rule out the SX3 as i haven't found a camo version under $1200 although if the performance difference is significant the finish can be overlooked. I have no preference between inertia or gas operation as the gun will always be thoroughly cleaned and the recoil deference between the two actions will not significantly sway my decision. I realize I can get a quality used firearm such as a Beretta 3### in this price range but due to my location the inability to inspect the gun before purchase makes this option unappealing.

Which others should I be considering and any insight into the ones listed above is much appreciated.

Thanks and straight shooting to all!
 
Do not purchase any of them unless you can shoulder them to verify that it fits. My own waterfowl gun is a black SX3, and it seems to be totally reliable with light target loads, to heavy steel loads.
 
The SX3 Black Shadow is going to be your best bet, although it's not camo...that's nothing that $15 worth of Krylon paint can't fix thoguh! LOL! But on a serious note, it has all the shims and spacers in the box to adjust drop, cast and LOP. Every SX3 I've seen or owned has cycled 1oz. light target loads right of the box without issues and mine even works flawlessly with 3/4oz. handloads @ 1200fps as well. The VersaMax is a nice gun as well and seems to gobble up anything you feed it but you must have the sales person assemble the gun for you so you can make sure the barrel is straight before you pay for it!!!
 
Ive got a Maxus and it has been flawless. Probably quite similar to the SX3. Not sure what the price difference would be.
 
I am also looking into the browning silver although it sounds like its almost identical to the SX3.

I would look at getting a used beretta such as the extrema 2 but as mentioned i am fairly isolated and dont think i would be comfortable buying a gun without inspecting it first

thanks for the replies looks like i have a number of options to consider. any other comments or notes of experience comparing these guns is welcome and appreciated.
 
Just my take on it, Beretta 391Urika 3INCH, they eat shells, light skeet to magnum turkey loads. I've had 2 camo 391's and never had any issues. I've had some the others listed on this post some good and some not. Unfortuntately I'm not sure that you can still get the 3 inch Urika new. My understanding is that, the 391 action has not been changed in many years taking in the Beretta series # 300,301,303,390,391. The action on the Extrema 3 1/2 inch in completely different then the 3 inch. It has a crossbolt system. But like stubblejumper says it has to fit you . Good luck. SideXeach.
 
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Coincidentally I sold my 870 Wingmaster this week because I wanted to purchase a new semi-auto this weekend, so I was literally in the exact same boat as you. I really wanted to keep my cost below $1000 taxes in because I have other things to budget for. I went to my local shop yesterday after work, and like you, I had the same options in my head. My cousin has a Maxus that he loves, and it is a really nice handling gun, but a bit out of my price range. I had looked at the SX3 and Silver hunters, but again, just a bit out of my price range. I handled the Affinity, and I really liked it, it is a very nice handling gun, and feels very light. I also handled the Versa Max Sportsmen, and it ended up coming home with me. It fit me very nice, and having owned a Benelli previously, the controls are completely familiar (the same could be said for the Affinity though). All in all, the gun and a box of ammo came in at just under $1000 with HST.

Having owned a Benelli M4 previously, the gun is basically just scaled up a bit. Takes down the same more or less, and the internals are obviously "inspired" by Benelli. Fit a finish wise, I'm quite happy given the price I paid, obviously it isn't a Benelli/Beretta/Browning, but it doesn't have that price tag either, and I really have no complaints or issues. I shot it a little at the end of the range session today. Ran a few slugs through it, and some buck in different lengths. I found the recoil to be very manageable, and even the 3.5" 00 shells weren't nearly as bad as I had expected (first time with a 3.5" gun). Overall very happy with it, and can't wait to give it a proper shake down with a bunch of target loads.
 
Men have been killing birds since before camo dips were invented. That should not be your concern, you're only true concern with the guns you have listed is fitment. If a shotgun doesn't fit you, you will always have trouble shooting it. Best bet is to try mounting or shooting as many guns as you can. You never know, you might add or subtract a gun from your list by doing this.

As for a recommendation, I own a SX3 in 20 gauge. I have shot 2256 rounds through it since April 2013. That is mostly 2-3/4" target loads, but there have also been quiet a few waterfowl and turkey loads in there too. In all that time I have had exactly ONE shell fail to eject and that was because it came out funny and got stuck. I have shot 3/4 Oz light recoil hand loads out of this gun with zero issue, the action will cycle anything you put through it. The Browining Silver and Winchester SX3 are the same gun internally, and modeled after the Browning Gold action. External appearance and maybe fitment might be different though.

I cannot recommend the SX3 enough, but only buy it if it fits you! You can pick up the SX3 black in 12 ga for around $950.

Oh and, don't sell the Wingmaster. You will regret it.
 
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Im definitely keeping the wingmaster as it would become my dedicated deer shotgun and is still a great gun. the reason i am wanting a camo finish is that most of my bird shooting is done on the saltchuck so the extra layer of protection is important even though it will still be regularly cleaned.

i was able to shoot my friends franchi affinity again yesterday and that gun really seems to be growing on me although it is the only one of the list i have had the opportunity to shoulder. I will be making the trip into town to hopefully shoulder the rest before i make my decision though. it seems from my research the affinity is a slightly altered version of the benelli m2, does it offer the same reliability and quality of the benelli? I ask as my research has shown that franchi seems to be a sub-company of benelli offering their products at a cheaper price point

thanks
 
velocittyyy said:
Im definitely keeping the wingmaster as it would become my dedicated deer shotgun and is still a great gun. the reason i am wanting a camo finish is that most of my bird shooting is done on the saltchuck so the extra layer of protection is important even though it will still be regularly cleaned.

i was able to shoot my friends franchi affinity again yesterday and that gun really seems to be growing on me although it is the only one of the list i have had the opportunity to shoulder. I will be making the trip into town to hopefully shoulder the rest before i make my decision though. it seems from my research the affinity is a slightly altered version of the benelli m2, does it offer the same reliability and quality of the benelli? I ask as my research has shown that franchi seems to be a sub-company of benelli offering their products at a cheaper price point

thanks
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The Affinity is a good gun for the money...and it's cheaper in price compared to the Benelli for the simple reason that Franchi doesn't have to pay millions per year in advertising...so Franchi doesn't need to charge the consumer an extra 35% to pay for it and still make a profit! LOL! The SX3 is still the best bang for your buck and it comes with everything in the box that you'll need to make it fit you. At the end of the day though, it is your money so buy the one you like best!
 
The new model A5 from Browning. I bought one this year in Syn, 3", 26" barrel and I grab it off the rack more than my Beretta Xtrema when I go water fowling. Great shooting gun. That's my 2 cents.......
 
Rod B said:
The Browning Silver & the Winchester SX3 use identical internal components. Both are good shotguns.
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How is there such a weight difference between an SX3 and a Silver? I've heard the SX3 kicks a fair amount so then would the Silver be a better gun for control assuming all other variables are equal?
 
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