Semi-auto shotgun recommendation?

M

Matlock

New member
I'm sure this topic has been discussed at length before, so forgive me and feel free to post links to previous threads that might shed light on the topic...

I'm looking to buy a shotgun for predator hunting. I don't hunt upland game, so I don't already own something else that could be used for the task. I'm not looking to drop $1k to own the best shotgun out there. I'm all about finding products that offer a ton of value for a reasonable price. And since I currently don't own any shotguns, I don't really have any preconceived notions about what's good and what's bad. I've been doing a fair amount of reading but I'd like to hear your opinions...

If you were me, looking to get a good 1st semi-auto shotgun that won't break the bank, where would you point me? And if you'd steer me away from a semi-auto, what would you recommend?

Thanks in advance!
 
My go to predator shotgun is a beretta silver mallard a390 along with a kicks .670 gobblin Thunder choke. It's never let me down yet. I have an inertia driven beretta pintail I'm going to start using as well. If you can find either of these discontinued models they are probably inthe $400-$500 range. I've had a few 1100's and 11-87's and would always get jams. My browning gold 10 gauge feeds flawlessly as well but heavy to lug as a calling rig.
 
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I bought a Stoeger 3000 a couple years back to use as my predator shotgun.
It has been great, runs good and was fairly cheap in the synthetic. I had it cerakoted in Kryptek Highlander and it looks great too. I kill more coyotes with it now than my rifles.
 
Mossberg 930 SPX, $600 at Bud's. The crappy reviews were from when they first came out a few years back. They are now being put to use in a lot of three gun matches. I've run about 500 rounds through mine with out one hic up. Mine is the rifle stocked model with the ghost ring sights 8+1. There is also a shot gun from Turkey, Ghersin or something like that that is getting some looks too, a lot of shotgun for the money.
 
Originally Posted By: MatlockI'm sure this topic has been discussed at length before

Extensively, the google search at the top should help out some.

I always come out and say Versa-Max... check one out.
 
I just bought the ATA Arms CY Camo, $299.99 at Academy, so far, functions very well and lives up to the reviews.
I decided to take a chance on a $300 semi-auto, I like the feel, the sights, and so far it shoots where I point lol
 
Stoeger M3000. Reliable, eats any ammo, great cycling gun for less than $550 at most big box retailers. I love my Stoegers... they just work.
 
Originally Posted By: ZGirsan MC312 at Bud's guns for $300. 26 inch barrel. Basically a Benelli clone.

I bought one and I am very happy with it. Since there are some semi-auto's that won't function with low power loads I put mine through the test. Loaded it up with some Remington 7/8 ounce loads and it spit them out as fast as I could pull the trigger. Fit and finish for a "cheap" gun is better than one would expect.
 
Thanks all for the replies, I'll take a look at your recommendations...

Anyone have any experience with the Legacy Sports Yote Shotgun, or know anyone that does?
 
My hunting partner bought one after seeing the luck I've had with a much older Escort shotgun. The sight rail has been changed and will not accept most optics, its extremely narrow. The other thing he experienced was a spring crack in the action. Legacy is going to take care of it for him, since it has a pretty good warranty. I think for coyote hunters there are better choices in the same price range.
Me, I'm going on 10 plus years on my Escort Semi auto and only had to replace an o-ring. It has an adapter with an Eotech 512 sitting on it and its my go to gun here in the desert

good luck with your purchase
Kevin
 
I have had several shotguns comitted to calling over the years, (since the early 90's) but I run a 930 and honestly I love it. Wont break the bank and functions and shoots fantastic. Lots of aftermarket parts available as well. I shoot the turkey model and run a Kicks HiFlyer choke. Modified. Its only 3" mag but that is all I want. Ive done the 10 ga and 3.5" mags and 3" is what I like overall.
Mark
Edit: as far as ammo, I cant shoot lead in Kalifornia anymore, but if I could, Id still be shooting nickel or copper plated BB. #4 buck is king but I like a lot of decent sized pellets flying thru the air. Hevi shot is awsome but I aint paying for it no more. Period.
 
I like soft kicking shotguns, sure helps on follow up shots, and stopping a flinch from developing.

The softest kicking shotguns are Beretta 390 & 391 that I have shot, and the 391 with the kick off system will really impress you in how it reduces recoil.

The 390 is made in a modest model that has a black plastic stock and forearm.

Remington 1100's are had for cheap money if you root around in pawn shops, they are good to go unless the magazine tube is rusted. They can be beat up and I just paint them with archery paint, and add sling swivels. 11/87's are more money, but have a SS magazine tube with just a tad bit more recoil.

I can not handle a pump shooting a 1 5/8 oz load of shot going 1300-1350 anymore, which is about the same recoil as a 375 H&H magnum shooting a 300g bullet at 2650 fps...takes all the fun out for me.
 
Walked over to my favorite gun store at lunch today. Be danged if a new M2 didn't follow me back to work... Mighty fine pulled pork sandwich too.

Good lunch today.

- DAA
 
I know the saying goes you get what you pay for... or buy once, cry once... But a Beretta or Benelli just ain't going to happen. Unless I find a killer deal on a used one. I appreciate everyone's feedback. Lots more research to do before I buy, but at least now I have some ideas on where to start looking. Please continue sharing more options
smile.gif
 
Originally Posted By: DAAWalked over to my favorite gun store at lunch today. Be danged if a new M2 didn't follow me back to work... Mighty fine pulled pork sandwich too.

Good lunch today.

- DAA

That's an excellent lunch break
 
Originally Posted By: DAAWalked over to my favorite gun store at lunch today. Be danged if a new M2 didn't follow me back to work... Mighty fine pulled pork sandwich too.

Good lunch today.

- DAA

You're gonna love it!
 
Matlock my opinion is to not go cheapo with a semi auto. Lots of head aches to come. Buy a good used one or if you insist on new and cheap go with a pump.
 


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