Semi auto 12 gauge thoughts

B

BigBraz15

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
103   0   0
Location
N.W. Alberta
I’m currently running a Weatherby SA-08, it’s been great from day one. Looking at getting into more water fouling and with the recoil in the 3” ammo it tends to beat on you pretty good after a day. I also have a youth 20 gauge 11-87 and can hardly tell the difference in it between target loads and 3” magnums. I am interested in something similar in 12 gauge for me.

Guns I have looked at:

11-87 have heard lots of bad about the 3 1/2”, but 3” is good
SX3, not sure how recoil is on these?
Browning silver hunter (local can tire has a decent price on one)
Contemplating versamax, etc but not sure how they fit, etc.

I have about $1000 to spend, so nothing too crazy. Not really interested in the Benelli or other high end guns due to cost. I am okay with a gas gun due to recoil reduction.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
 
Three things influence recoil - gun weight, weight of projectile, and velocity of projectile.

Choice of ammunition will make a big difference, so comparing recoil increase from 2 3/4 to 3 inch cartridges in 20 gauge may not be a really good indicator of how much recoil increase to expect in 12 gauge.
3 inch steel shot loads at 1550 fps or possibly more, will increase recoil substantially.
Only your personal handling can tell you if a gun fits.

I highly recommend that you try before you buy, if at all possible.
 
Action type also affects recoil. Gas guns are generally very good at recoil reduction.

Anyway, what’s wrong with using your SA-08 for ducks & geese? I only use 2-3/4” shells for ducks and it works fine. Even decoying geese.
 
Out of the 3 choices you have there, my first choice would be the SX3 which has a proven track record for reliability. Then the silver also a great semi followed by the 11-87. If the 11-87 is an older model better newer model are spotty with quality control.
 
A gas gun will reduce recoil, but frankly, never found it a problem after maybe opening day, when you might be shooting in just a shirt. 90% of my ducks are shot in the middle of November-December and I've got a sweater and a jacket on, and I'm too focused to notice a bit of a bump anyway.
 
I'm shooting an SX3 20ga for all my upland and waterfowl hunting. I love the almost non-existent recoil and lighter carrying weight. I bought it in the EE for $700 and it only had one box fired through it. I shoot it on the skeet field all summer too. In fact I enjoy using it so much I only put 8 boxes through my dedicated o/u skeet gun this year opting to shoot the SX3 instead.
 
Have you ever considered Stoeger M3500?
Benelli inertia bolt system at a price tag.
They can flawlessly cycle whatever load you put in it....target loads to 3 1/2 heavy steel without having to anything.

I love the recoil management that it has to offer....but it is crazy heavy gun to be hauling around.
Long too.. so its a PITA getting in and out of vehicles driving from one pond to the next.
 
Munkey1973 said:
Have you ever considered Stoeger M3500?
Benelli inertia bolt system at a price tag.
They can flawlessly cycle whatever load you put in it....target loads to 3 1/2 heavy steel without having to anything.

I love the recoil management that it has to offer....but it is crazy heavy gun to be hauling around.
Long too.. so its a PITA getting in and out of vehicles driving from one pond to the next.
Click to expand...

I have looked at it. I have heard numerous instances of issues with the inertia driven guns. I have also read of issues with gas guns, however the issues with gas guns almost always have to do with it not being cleaned properly. At this time I am opting for a gas gun, as I am comfortable with that system.
 
I have a sx4 and cost me around 1000 CAD.The small shells and 3 inch are day long shooting for me. No experience with guns.
 
SX3 if you can get your hands on one. I have two. One for deer and one for birds. The bird gun is around 13 years old. No issues here. It's pretty good at sucking up the recoil with 3 inch shells. 3 1/2 inch shells you still feel them.
 
I bought a Baikal MP-155 (12ga 3-1/2) in full camo a while back new for like $600 and am currently wondering why anyone would pay 1K+ to get anything else. It is a fantastic shotgun and I have yet to have a malfunction.
 
The SX3, Browning Silver or Gold are generally the same design and I’ve owned them all currently still have a SX3 Sporting. Great guns and would serve you well. I’m not a Remington fan as it’s a dated design and the newer gas systems are my preference. I’ve seen others have troubles with their Versamax guns and would personally never buy one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom