Which semi?

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1shot

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Hi guys, I don't usually hang around the shotgun forum but here's a question for you.. Lets hear some advice!

After a years of shotgun ownership (including a Rem 1100 foolishly sold a while back:redface:) I want another semi-auto in 12 gauge. Must be super reliable and able to handle light target loads, as well as the occasional heavy hunting load.

I handled a few different semi-shotguns today at the local shop to try fit etc.

The used Rem 1100 fitted me nicely, but has a fixed modified choke however these guns are tough and seem to hold good value.
A big surprise was throwing the Stoeger 2000 up to my shoulder, fits me perfectly.. Just concerned about this foreign shotgun's durability, light loads and parts/service etc.
A third choice, (not available to "shoulder") is the Mossberg 930.

So I guess, what would you get:
A good used Rem 1100, or a new Stoeger 2000 or Mossy 930?

Cheers!
1Shot
 
I find the 1100 and the 930 fit me equally well. They are also both very soft shooters. The 1100 comes in two versions; regular and magnum so the most that the 'regular' can handle I believe are the 2-3/4" magnums. The 930 handles everything.

Can't comment on the Stoeger.
 
If what you want is a gun that will handle light target loads, can be adjusted for fit and will work acceptably with 3" loads then the best gun is a Beretta 391. On the used market look for an older one with Mobile chokes. They are a little cheaper than the newer 391s with the Optima bore.

Another option is the Beretta 390, the predecessor of the 391. It's also an excellent gun.

I've owned a 390, a couple of 1100s and currently shoot a 391. My 391 has handled 3" loads and functions with my very light 7/8 ounce reloads.

The Stoeger is a Benelli design made under licence in Turkey. Decent enough gun but the design doesn't handle light loads well. The 1100 in a 3" version often heaves on light loads also.
 
I'm not a fan of the 391's in 12 gauge as I had two and sold them both. No issues with reliabilty or shooting the lighter loads I just didn't like the fit. However, my 391 20 gauge is another story - great gun.

Curretly have a Remington 1100 skeet gun that I recently picked up and really enjoying shooting that. I was turned off of the Remington 1100's years ago with a field gun that I had but this is a different beast in fit, function and has more weight in the forend. Works great with the light loads.

Use a SBE Benelli on the Sporting Clays on the wet days when I leave the O/U's inside. Great gun but dislikes anything under 1 1/8 ounce loads.
 
ROB BERETTA 391 HANDS DOWN BUDDY.(You knew I was going to say it)
You can try mine on for size anytime you want, give me a call.
3000 rounds, yes I said 3000 rounds without being cleaned and it worked flawless.
 
From your post I am guessing you don't want to spend too much for a semi-auto.

If you prefer brand new, I would suggest either the Mossy 930 or the Baikal MP-153. Once broken in properly, they will both handle the light as well as the heavy loads.

The Stoeger 2000 is a bit heavy on recoil (it's a Benelli clone without the recoil reducing and some other features). I know a few people who complain about its reliability (particularly with the lighter loads).

If a used firearms is ok with you, the Rem 1100 or Beretta 390/391 are good choices.

As you know, how the shotgun fits you is very important.

Good luck and let us know which one you end up with.
 
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Some varied opinions there, lets keep them coming!

So into the mix we can include the Beretta 390/391, and Baikal mp-153..
drawback is I have $650 to play with.

(Apprieciate your kind offer Ty!)

Did a quick search, a new MP-153 best price is $575+tax+shipping. Only concern is will this Ruskie 3.5" magnum cycle 2.75" target loads?

I guess it will come down to buying a new Baikal/Stoeger/Mossy, the used Rem 1100 or maybe finding a good used Beretta 390 (which seem rare as hens teeth..)
 
it would also depend on what you can get the 1100 for, money wise- wsl/russels lits a new barrel with chokes at 300, but there has to be cheaper
 
I was able to take a Baikal mp-153 on a goose hunt this yea and I was pleasently surprised. It cycled the heavy 3 1/2" my buddy had with ease and manageabe recoil as well as some trap loads I used to pound a few crows.

Its heavy and ugly and i have heard bad things about the longevity of the metal finish but I was surprised, I liked it. Seems like a decent deal for $600.

That said if I could find a used beretta 391 for $900 that would be a good gun or if you have a chance to try a new 1100 G3 I would bet you would like it also.
 
I was lucky enough to handle a Fabarm Lion on the weekend. Beretta and Benelli better take a long hard look at this one. It's a beauty. Fit and finish were top notch. Didn't have that plastic feel of the "B" guns. Gun shouldered like a dream. Almost made me want to trade my Auto-5's. Almost.
 
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I've heard nothing but good things on that Baical 153 esp. for the money. I thought I read som where that they did a continuous firing test on it for 20,000 rounds and no stoppin it. FS
 
I bought a 2000 and absolutly love it. When using hunting loads, never had a jam, and I got my first triple with this gun.
03030020.jpg
 
1shot said:
Some varied opinions there, lets keep them coming!

So into the mix we can include the Beretta 390/391, and Baikal mp-153..
drawback is I have $650 to play with.

(Apprieciate your kind offer Ty!)

Did a quick search, a new MP-153 best price is $575+tax+shipping. Only concern is will this Ruskie 3.5" magnum cycle 2.75" target loads?

I guess it will come down to buying a new Baikal/Stoeger/Mossy, the used Rem 1100 or maybe finding a good used Beretta 390 (which seem rare as hens teeth..)
Click to expand...

I bought an MP-153 last year and have been very satisfied with it.

It cycles everything perfectly well (including 2 3/4" shells).

If you're on a budget go for it, you won't regret it.



BT
 
So now (in my limited working price range) we're into three shotguns. A used Rem 1100 (with fixed mod choke), Stoeger 2000, Baikal MP-153.
Also more positives on the Baikal are coming through, perhaps a closer look is in order.
Did a search on Shotgunworld and lots of praise there for this Russian diamond in the rough. I know where there's one used for $500+tx, perhaps I'll take a drive and shoulder it..

I was really looking for a good semi for clays, playing with crows/rabbits etc but the Baikal if it fits (I'm 6'4") "could" replace my Mossy 535 Goose gun. If it will indeed fire 2.75" 1.1/8 reliably we could have a winner..

Decisions!...
 
So I finally made a decision- and struck gold from a seller on the EE. Literally! Picked up very nice used Browning Gold with three chokes for $800 that I can hardly wait to try.. :)
I decided to go with used shotgun of higher quality but a strech within my price range, that on much internet reading will be good for many years.
The Gold seems to be popular with the clayshooter community, so we'll see! I can already feel some sporting clays coming on at Galt..

1Shot
 
Was watching this with interest as I have had several of the semis that were talked about.But shoot I shoot a browning gold hunter ,so good choice ,have literally shot everything through it from 3 1/2"inch goose loads to 2 3/4 dram target ,has never missed a beat .Had to have some drain holes drilled in the stock from shooting out of water filled ditches and still works great.Didn't think you would be dissapointed with any of those others but the gold hunter gets a two thumbs up from me.:D :D :D
 
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