Semi-Auto shotguns.

illae

illae

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Hello all! Trying to gather some advice and information before making a purchase. I am looking for a good, reliable semi-auto shotgun; and am looking for some sage advice. I am looking at semi-auto, because of a physical disability that makes it awkward (but do-able) to rack a pump action shotgun. I'm missing my right hand, so when firing a shotgun, I use my right wrist/arm to aim the shotgun, left to fire. When it comes time to rack it - I have to change hands to the opposite, and rack with the left. Like I said, awkward but slow. So - to get around this issue, I figure semi-auto may be the way to go.


So....feel free to enlighten me!
 
I'd love to spend less than 6-700 dollars. And I know it isn't the right forum, but I am also not ruling out something tactical.

**** no - no way I'm going to let ANY disability get in my way :) I was the same way with hockey, with driving, with archery, with rock climbing and with pretty much anything someone told me I would have a difficult time doing :)
 
will you be using 2 3/4 clay loads or taking it to the field ?
rem 1187 are not bad with around $600 price range
 
killer1963daddy said:
just checked....SFRC shows out of stock, but frontier has them for $469.00
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Awesome. I like the look of those and being able to rack it from the right side is a big plus. I have full mobility with my wrist and can grab and pull things no prob.


Still have to wait for my PAL to show up before picking one up.
 
Good on you.

Semi's certainly soften the blow of repeated use, but if all you want is to shoot targets, have you completely ruled out an O/U? Should certainly allow you the ease of operation you're looking for. Less to go wrong (famous final words), and with some looking at the used market you could probably find a decent target grade gun for the same money as a semi. Some of the lower dollar guns work great, but won't stand up to the repeated use target guns see. 200 clays in a day is more than a lot of hunting semi's will see in 5 years.

That being said, I've got friends with the SA-08 that are happy with them.
 
Sapper33 said:
Good on you.

Semi's certainly soften the blow of repeated use, but if all you want is to shoot targets, have you completely ruled out an O/U? Should certainly allow you the ease of operation you're looking for. Less to go wrong (famous final words), and with some looking at the used market you could probably find a decent target grade gun for the same money as a semi. Some of the lower dollar guns work great, but won't stand up to the repeated use target guns see. 200 clays in a day is more than a lot of hunting semi's will see in 5 years.

That being said, I've got friends with the SA-08 that are happy with them.
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Truthfully - I've looked and looked and looked at lots of shotguns, and because there are so many to choose from, I'm kind of inundated with choice, and therefore having a hard time making the choice :)

I'm not really a fan of O/U shotguns - but the caveat to that is, I am not sure why. Perhaps just the look of them? I mean, I'm a big fan of getting a target grade gun, for the same price as a semi that will hold up to repeated use - that is a major bonus. Who wants a gun that will not stand up to repeated use. Given that I am new to owning guns, I think I am just looking for guidance from seasoned shooters that have used all different types.

I've shot pump action before, but not O/U or semi's - might need to find a friend that has something other than a pump to try out.

Thanks for your reply.
 
I have heard good things about the Mossberg semis, the 930 and 935 for the price you are looking to pay, might be worth checking them out as well
 
I have a Mossberg 930. Cycles all 2-3/4 shells even down to 1oz. Its been very reliable, if kept clean. It might be a little heavy for one hand but mine has a 28" barrel.
 
I have had a little experience with a few different semis, and eventually settled on a Beretta. A used one would still be a little higher than your price range, but I have a 391 Teknys and it hasn't skipped a beat since I got it, and I've fired a couple thousand rounds out of it. I can't say the same for the other semis I have had (a Remington 1187 and a S&W). Spend once, cry once :)

You probably COULD get away with a pump for hunting. A rail on the bottom of the pump wit a modified vertical grip and a short length of pull could work. In the end, though, unless you really like pump guns, you'd probably end up spending the same money. For clays, you definitely have the right idea going with the semi over the pump. A lot of guys I know that have both hands can't pump fast enough to get doubles. Good on you for staying in the game!!!
 
doktor said:
I have a Mossberg 930. Cycles all 2-3/4 shells even down to 1oz. Its been very reliable, if kept clean. It might be a little heavy for one hand but mine has a 28" barrel.
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I like the 930's from what I can see. Going to take a trip to the gunshop this weekend to hold one. Am I able to shorten the barrel on that one? I am able to handle the shotgun with both hands, but not fully 'grip' it with my right.
 
mwjones said:
I have had a little experience with a few different semis, and eventually settled on a Beretta. A used one would still be a little higher than your price range, but I have a 391 Teknys and it hasn't skipped a beat since I got it, and I've fired a couple thousand rounds out of it. I can't say the same for the other semis I have had (a Remington 1187 and a S&W). Spend once, cry once :)

You probably COULD get away with a pump for hunting. A rail on the bottom of the pump wit a modified vertical grip and a short length of pull could work. In the end, though, unless you really like pump guns, you'd probably end up spending the same money. For clays, you definitely have the right idea going with the semi over the pump. A lot of guys I know that have both hands can't pump fast enough to get doubles. Good on you for staying in the game!!!
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I like the look of the Beretta's - but yeah, a little out of my price range. :) I've thought about putting a rail on the bottom, and a grip - but my concerns there lie with having to rack it forward, after racking it back. Racking back - no prob, but getting it forward might be a little bit off-putting. I'm pretty decided on showing up my buddies with clay shooting - so semi-auto is in the offing as a secondary reason beyond functionality :D
 
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