Semi-Auto shotguns.

Yes, stick with a semi. There's no need whatsoever for you to even THINK about getting a pump instead.

Moss 930, Rem 1187, Win SX3, etc. all good guns.
 
I have a Weatherby SA-08 in 20 guage. Lovely little gun. I haven't shot it much, but I do like it, even if it has a synthetic stock.
 
This season I purchased a Benelli Ultra light and its an amazing shotgun. Its the lightest semi auto made, carrys and point like a dream and its never jammed even using light target loads. Only downside is the initial cost.
 
I've shot clay targets with two different one-armed gents, and one with a severely
disfigured (by an accident) hand. All were very good shots, and all favoured the O/U as the
easiest for them to use and control.

Having said that, there are lots of good used Browning & Beretta O/U target guns around,
but if you're really stuck on a semi, I would strongly consider the Berettas (A-391 or A400).
They far outnumber any other make of semi at the various target shoots I've attended over
the last decade. Top notch reliability.
 
kjohn said:
I have a Weatherby SA-08 in 20 guage. Lovely little gun. I haven't shot it much, but I do like it, even if it has a synthetic stock.
Click to expand...
I Purchased this same gun, and I have been nothing but satisfied with it. It is light, very little recoil, it shoots great. I recommend the Weatherby, especially considering the cost.
 
I just bought an SA-08 in 12 gauge. Haven't had a chance to fire it yet, but I did a lot of research before I
purchased and the vast majority of reviews were good.
Darren at Prairie Gun Traders also has them for $499.
 
browning auto 5. the old pre japan ones. you just can kill them and they will cycle everything from bti sabot slugs to canadian tire brand x, the old yellow box stuff from the 80's.
 
After reading all these replies, I would support the idea of an over and under.
You could tuck it under your arm and push the lever to open it up.
Just seems easy.
My .410 sxs I can open with one hand.
Push the lever with my thumb and snap my wrist.
The barrels fall.
I can close the barrels the same way.
I guess with the semi you gain one rounds.
For clays, it could save a bit of reloading?
 
Jeez - I missed out on a bunch of posts. I'll bulk reply here. Thank you all for your suggestions! I am not opposed to the O/U - I'd like to shoot one first, so I'll have to make friends with someone that has one :) I am currently debating on the HATSAN OPTIMA/ESCORT MPA 12GA 4+1 semi-auto at the moment. It has a pistol grip, which I feel will be essential for me to have a good grip on the gun, as I don't really have the ability to pull it in tight to my shoulder with my opposing hand. I've run into problems shooting my friends pump, where the gun will rack half-way because I don't have a decent grip.
 
beretta boy said:
I've shot clay targets with two different one-armed gents, and one with a severely
disfigured (by an accident) hand. All were very good shots, and all favoured the O/U as the
easiest for them to use and control.

Having said that, there are lots of good used Browning & Beretta O/U target guns around,
but if you're really stuck on a semi, I would strongly consider the Berettas (A-391 or A400).
They far outnumber any other make of semi at the various target shoots I've attended over
the last decade. Top notch reliability.
Click to expand...


That is awesome - I'll definitely take a look at the O/U, especially after hearing your experience with the gents you shoot with. Thank you!
 
IMHO don't buy the new stuff available, as most of it won't last, especially, if you plan to shoot clay targets.

I suggest you take a hard look at the Remington 1100 and the Winchester Super X-1. Both are great guns and can be purchased in good used condition for around $500. IMHO, the Super X-1 is a superior shotgun, but is harder to find. They are both mostly available with fixed chokes, but you can purchase an extra trap or skeet barrel for about $165. Since you don't appear to be familiar with shotguns, make sure you have someone knowledgeable look at them before you buy. Preferably shoot them before you buy as well. There are a ton of aftermarket parts and accessories available for both of these fine old guns.

If you decide to go to an O/U later, you will be easily able to sell them for just about what you have invested.
 
Hey guys, I'm looking at a semi auto 20 gauge for my son. I want to keep the price reasonable, and I've narrowed it down
to the Mossberg SA-20 bantam, the Weatherby/ATA Arms SA-08 Youth, and the CZ 720 reduced length.
Do some of you own the SA-20, SA-08, or CZ 720 and what are your opinions? As well, who's carrying them in stock?
Thanks for your help!
 
Beretta687EELL said:
IMHO don't buy the new stuff available, as most of it won't last, especially, if you plan to shoot clay targets.

I suggest you take a hard look at the Remington 1100 and the Winchester Super X-1. Both are great guns and can be purchased in good used condition for around $500. IMHO, the Super X-1 is a superior shotgun, but is harder to find. They are both mostly available with fixed chokes, but you can purchase an extra trap or skeet barrel for about $165. Since you don't appear to be familiar with shotguns, make sure you have someone knowledgeable look at them before you buy. Preferably shoot them before you buy as well. There are a ton of aftermarket parts and accessories available for both of these fine old guns.

If you decide to go to an O/U later, you will be easily able to sell them for just about what you have invested.
Click to expand...

Thank you for that. I don't know a ton about shotguns at the moment. I will take a look around for the both of those and prices. I would prefer to buy new though. I've got a couple friends however, that would be able to look over a used gun for me.
 
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