PLS MOVE TO SHOTGUNS SECT. Help me with a head start on researching my first shotgun.

[Slippery_Pete]

Hello,

I'd like to get a 12 gauge shotgun for hunting ruffed grouse, pheasant and clay shooting (20 gauge also OK if it's better suited to these activities). Instead of searching forums for days on end, I'd like to narrow down my research with suggestions from fellow nutz on make, model, action, etc. I'd like to limit the cost to $1200. I'm a fan of semi-auto actions, but I also love the look of over-under and side-by-side barrels. This probably still leaves me with a pretty broad range of shotguns, but I'd love to hear some suggestions and pros and cons of the different types of shotguns for these applications.

Thanks

 

[stubblejumper]

You might want to start by asking the moderators to move this thread to the shotgun section.

As to action types, the gas operated semi auto guns do recoil less for the same weight of gun, but either would do well for your uses. As to your limit of $1000, that limits your choice of O/U or SXS guns to either lower end new guns, or used better quality guns like the Citori. For semi autos, you are also limited somewhat, but you could find a new Winchester SX3 on sale for that price, or a Beretta Urika on closeout. You could also go with a used Browning or Beretta semi auto for that price. I prefer an O/U myself for those uses, but many people prefer a semi auto due to cost, and less recoil for heavier loads, especially if you decide to hunt waterfowl in the future. As for shooting clays, trap and skeet, and sporting clays are quite different, and the ideal gun for each also varies.