O/U or semi auto?

StevieK

StevieK

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Looking for your opinion on what type of shotgun would suit my needs the best. I am looking for a shotgun that will be used for both trap and hunting (mainly geese and ducks). I already have 2 pump actions, and an older SXS 12g 2 3/4.
I like the idea of a semi auto because it can hold 3 shells, they come more readily in 3 1/2 inch chambers and they have less recoil.
I am just a little wary about getting a semi auto because I hear so many reports of jamming, especially with cheap ammo. So I guess the real question comes down to whether you guys believe that one extra shell and an extra half inch chamber is worth it in a hunting situation over a reliable gun that will shoot all the time?
 
If your looking at using 3.5" shells I'd definitely look at a semi such as an SBEII as I don't think I'd like to pull the trigger on a 3.5" O/U. Two of my hunting buddies each have a SBEII and they fire all loads well. I have an older Beretta which is finicky and won't cycle cheap shells, but other than that it has been very reliable for more than 20 years.
 
I like my o/u but for waterfowling the semi-automatic is a better choice because they are less cumbersome to load in a blind. The 3rd shot is just an extra bonus.

Whether you want a 3 or 3-1/2" chamber depends on what your priority is between waterfowling and trap?

If clays are the priority get a 3" gas gun like the Beretta 391 because they will handle the lighter shells better. But if the gun is primarly for watefowling go for the Beretta Xtrema which has a 3-1/2" chamber and is also good with light shells but not as good as the 391. From what I've seen of the Xtrema, they need 3 dram 1-1/8 ounce target shells to stay 100 per cent reliable.
 
I'd lean towards the semi. Just because it'd be easier and less expensive to get extra barrels and/or choke tubes. It's really about what feels right to you though.
 
For the all round gun, I would choose a beretta 391. If you plan to shoot a significant amount of regulation trap, I would go for the 391 parallel target. If you reload and want to save your hulls itis easier with an o/u.

I am very curious to know how many threads we have with this same topic?
 
Go with a semi !!! I have an older Berreta A301 2 3/4" with "Imp Mod" choke and it has never jammed ... never... and I can feed it anything on the market. 2 3/4" ammo is also a lot cheaper and works fine for both ducks and geese ... I use Win Xpert faststeel in a 1 1/16 oz #2 shot that travel at 1500 fps +++ all you have to do is wait a few seconds longer for the birds get closer that's all.
 
I say semi as well, unless you have a real affinity for a double. The extra shot is handy since it's hard to triple on a OU.

The cheaper price is just a bonus.
 
So if I've done my reading correctly, a 2 3/4" shell has the same velocity as a 3 1/2" shell, with the only difference being the amount of shot that is propelled. And since the choke limits the spread, there is no greater spread with more shot from a 3 1/2" shell, just a greater density within the pattern. So I am seeing no reason to shoot a 3 1/2" shell considering most people agree that 4 pellets in the vitals will kill a bird. Have I gone astray somewhere in my logic? You guys have me sold on the semi auto. For the lack of advantages listed above I don't see why I would want the extra recoil of a 3 1/2" shell, but is there even any reason to get 3" over 2 3/4",? Other than the fact that I already have 2 shotguns chambered for 2 3/4 and may want something different?
 
StevieK said:
So if I've done my reading correctly, a 2 3/4" shell has the same velocity as a 3 1/2" shell, with the only difference being the amount of shot that is propelled. And since the choke limits the spread, there is no greater spread with more shot from a 3 1/2" shell, just a greater density within the pattern. So I am seeing no reason to shoot a 3 1/2" shell considering most people agree that 4 pellets in the vitals will kill a bird. Have I gone astray somewhere in my logic? You guys have me sold on the semi auto. For the lack of advantages listed above I don't see why I would want the extra recoil of a 3 1/2" shell, but is there even any reason to get 3" over 2 3/4",? Other than the fact that I already have 2 shotguns chambered for 2 3/4 and may want something different?
Click to expand...

Google it and there will be all kinds of info on the 3" vs the 3 1/2" as far as performance
From experience if you don't like the semi a 3 1/2 will sell for a good return on your investment on EE probally in the 1st couple of hours if priced right, a 3" may take days or more with more of a loss to you and a 2 3/4 unless special like a super x1 is a tough sell in 12ga semi.
If you buy the right 3 1/2, you can shoot 2 3/4 or 3" also no problem.Also remember camo finish is the bees right now over wood/bluing etc.
 
3macs1 said:
If you buy the right 3 1/2, you can shoot 2 3/4 or 3" also no problem
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I knew that was possible with O/U and SxS, didn't know it was possible with semi's. Any particular models that can handle all three well? I imagine it would have to be a gas operated system, as the 2 3/4 would not produce enough kick for the inertia operated?
 
From the numbers I have seen at sporting shoots and trap and skeet ranges, the SBE2 can handle light loads as well as 3 1/2.
 
Covey Ridge said:
From the numbers I have seen at sporting shoots and trap and skeet ranges, the SBE2 can handle light loads as well as 3 1/2.
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I have also had no problems with my 3 1/2" browning(s) gold and my win super X 2's.
I bought an 1187 super mag when they 1st came out and that one had issues with light loads even with the special kit installed. They say the new 1187's are fine but that I don't know.
I will stick with what works for me old 3 1/2" golds and superx's.
 
so on this thread, and many others that I have read, it seems as though the xtrema and the SBEII are the most popular. What about the super vinci? is it just too new for people to have experience? Benelli makes it seem as though it will handle the lighter loads even better than their SBEII. Does it use a different inertia system?
 
I bought and SBE 2 last year primarily for waterfowling. I have used it for upland and sporting clays with 2.75" shells and have had no jamming problems. Even though it will shoot 3 1/2" shells I don't bother. 3 inch shells are plentiful and I can usually find quality ones on sale and they do the job.
 
Since you want one gun to cover ALL your needs get a semi that will handel the light target loads as well as the larger duck / geese loads...I wanted a do all shotgun that would stand up to the elements so I went with the Beretta extrema 2 and I love that gun..It cycles EVERYTHING and is treated to stand up th the elements when out in the blind
 
Choke

StevieK said:
So if I've done my reading correctly, a 2 3/4" shell has the same velocity as a 3 1/2" shell, with the only difference being the amount of shot that is propelled. And since the choke limits the spread, there is no greater spread with more shot from a 3 1/2" shell, just a greater density within the pattern. So I am seeing no reason to shoot a 3 1/2" shell considering most people agree that 4 pellets in the vitals will kill a bird. Have I gone astray somewhere in my logic? You guys have me sold on the semi auto. For the lack of advantages listed above I don't see why I would want the extra recoil of a 3 1/2" shell, but is there even any reason to get 3" over 2 3/4",? Other than the fact that I already have 2 shotguns chambered for 2 3/4 and may want something different?
Click to expand...

Different shells have different speeds; depends on the shell and load. As far as pattern density, with a 3.5" you could use a more open choke and have the same density as a tighter choke with a smaller shell. That said, I've only ever used 3" shells for fowl. If I can't hit em with the 3" it means I shouldn't have taken the shot or I should hit the range. That might change when my new semi gets here on Tuesday with the 3.5" chamber.
 
Tom Knapp put over 300,000 rds thru his SBE, mostly 2-3/4". He fixed a few wear & tear items on it,but as I understand it, it's in the Smithsonian now.
I like the fact I can have a 1550fps steelshot round with 1-3/8oz loads for goose hunting. There are some shoots, where you have to shoot the longer shots, and the extra pattern density helps. I can't afford Hevishot and the others of it's ilk at 2-3.00 a shot. I prefer to use that money for gas and scouting out more shoots.
 
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