Semi-auto shotgun durability/reliability

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buckchaser

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I've had a 12 gauge Browning BPS as my sole shotgun since 2007. It's been a very solid firearm and used almost exclusively for wild turkey hunting - I'm looking to possibly add a semi automatic for more versatility in the future.

Aside from the importance of personal fit, are there really any points of difference between offerings from Browning, Benelli, and Beretta? Would appreciate personal experiences along the lines of long term durability, functionality, etc.

Thanks in advance.
 
Beretta and Browning uses gas bled off from the barrel to push the action open. Benelli and Browning uses the inertia of the gun going off to push the action open. Gas is generally softer in felt recoil. Inerita is generally more fool-proof. None of these are absolutes. There is much more to this than what can be typed on an internet forum. I suggest you look at the said manufactures websites and look at a graphic for how these guns operate.
 
Today's better quality semi autos are all reliable. Gas operated guns produce less recoil, and tend to cycle light target loads more reliably, but they require a little more cleaning.
 
I always found myself staring at the hump at the back of the Browning A5 rather than the target. That's purely aesthetics, they are all extremely reliable guns. The Berettas always seemed unnaturally light to me. I had difficulty keeping a smooth swing with the A400 I shot but others do just fine. For a hunting gun, the lightness might be an advantage.
 
I have a beretta a400 xtreme unico and it hasn't failed to function yet (200 loads, half light target half magnum steel). Only thing I don't like is the loading logic is much different than a traditional semi like an 1100 or auto 5 which is much better. Also all the good semi's seem to come with alloy receivers which I don't like.
 
Loading “logic” is whatever you are used to. I find Beretta’s easier to load than the others. Alloy receivers have been around for decades and last for tens of thousands of rounds. About ten times more than most people shoot.
 
I don’t know what loading logic is...they all seem the same to me. Open chamber, place shell in loading port, push button to close chamber, load magazine....

Alloy receivers are fine because there are no wear points. All the moving parts and bits are steel and lock into each other....
 
rlg said:
It depends on your budget. A had to change up my shotgun a few years ago and decided to go with the Browning Silver Hunter 12-Gauge Semi-Auto.

I must say that so far I am very pleased with my decision.
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I've been running a Silver Hunter for 13 years, I've never regretted that decision. Target loads to turkey loads, it's never failed me.
 
Unfortunately long time durability can't be assessed without the long term part of it. In other words, this can often be predicted based on the design and/ or the reputation of the maker but only lots of use over an expanded period of time will confirm this. Certain designs like the Browning A-5, Remington 1100, Beretta A series and a few others have earned their reputation for reliability over time and these makers will likely continue to produce a superior product, their reputation ( and their business) rests on this quality product. Despite these winners all of these makers along with other makers have also produced less than stellar products that failed in the marketplace. My personal experience with autolading shotguns is very minor compared to some on here but I have a Browning Gold 3 1/2" that has been my waterfowl gun since I bought it new about 20 years ago, it happily and flawlessly digests anything I put through it from my 1 oz powderpuff trap reloads to max load 3 1/2" Steel. Only about 3000-3500 total so far but it has proven it's reliabilty and durability to me. No longer made, so how does the newer Browning Silver compare?
 
stubblejumper said:
Today's better quality semi autos are all reliable.
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Same can be said for older quality semi... My Super-X has been going strong since the mid-80s (replaced the recoil buffer and spring at some point in time). A relative still hunt with his Ithaca-SKB XL900 (from the 70s I'd guess)...

It depends what the OP is thinking about when it comes to "versality"
- Finding different barrel for older gun, can be a challenge
- They'll usually all have fix chokes

I'd guess any new quality semi would be as reliable.
 
sillymike said:
Same can be said for older quality semi... My Super-X has been going strong since the mid-80s (replaced the recoil buffer and spring at some point in time). A relative still hunt with his Ithaca-SKB XL900 (from the 70s I'd guess)...

It depends what the OP is thinking about when it comes to "versality"
- Finding different barrel for older gun, can be a challenge
- They'll usually all have fix chokes

I'd guess any new quality semi would be as reliable.
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The issue with the older semi autos, is that they won't cycle the same variety of loads as the newer semi autos. Most of the older 3" guns won't cycle light target loads.
 
stubblejumper said:
The issue with the older semi autos, is that they won't cycle the same variety of loads as the newer semi autos. Most of the older 3" guns won't cycle light target loads.
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Couldn't tell you... All I use are 2 3/4", mostly small games. And the for few times have gone out for migratory birds (since they ban lead), bismuth shots have worked well enough.

The only time I lust for a 3" (or 3.5") is when I look at the Tac Ordance Versa Max :)... But I'd still be feeding it 2.75", just more of them :shotgun:
 
FLHTCUI said:
Yet, they still run long and they age well.
Lots of 1100's looking mighty fine at 30 and 40 yrs of age.
Rob
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Looking “ mighty fine “ and performing in a competition where every shot counts and malfunctions will end your day you won’t see many 1100’s around today. Much better semis out there.
 
I ran an SX3 for about 15 years with what I would guess a minimum of 2000 rounds but more like 2500. A year ago I had this bright idea to sell it because I lusted for an A400 extreme plus. Ordered one online and instantly hated it. Not because it didn't work, but because it fit me badly and it was WAY bulkier than my SX3. I felt like I was shooting a 2x4. Sold it. Then I fell in love with the SBE3, which was as slim as they come and as ergonomically beautiful as they come. Was a match made in heaven until it wasn't, which was opening day for ducks last fall. I had shot trap with it without issue. Opening rolls around day I missed, and I missed, and I missed some more. I eventually scratched out a limit but easily missed 25 or so easy shots. I had patterned the gun with traps loads to establish point of impact. Pattern was centered and it shot around a 60/40 ish pattern with the bead held right under the center of target. After opening day I shot 3 inch kent's and 3 inch heavy metal shot. Both pattered well over point of aim at 20 yards. The bottom of the target was 6 inches above the center of the target. This blew my mind. I shimmed the gun differently and it made a slight difference in bringing the pattern down. Then I get messing with 3 1/2 inch loads on paper and the pattern was shooting even higher at 20 yards than the 3 inch loads. I tried a few more hunts after that it was a complete mind #### while trying to guess where I needed to shoot on birds.

Long story short, I am now a happy owner of a Maxus 2. It shoots where I want it to. No comment on reliability however, its only had about 75 loads down the pipe.
 
mikeyb said:
I've been running a Silver Hunter for 13 years, I've never regretted that decision. Target loads to turkey loads, it's never failed me.
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A very-very good shotgun! Two friends have it, absolutely love it, I was amazed with the gun's fit and finish.

I was in the same boat as the OP, got the semi urge after using my BPS for years. Ended up getting the Franchi Affinity and never regretted it, it's a Benelli with a cheap pricetag. Has always gone BOOM when I needed it and the stock it fully adjustable.
 
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