I'm Jones'n to buy a 12 Ga Semi-auto. Suggestions?

[sidebite252]

I've wanted a 12 ga semi-auto shotgun for a LOOOOOOOOOOOng time. I've got a really nice old WesternField pump 16 ga that dad probably bought back in the late 60's or early 70's from Montgomery Wards but I've decided it's time to purchase my 12 ga. I've really fallen for the Berretta A400 Extreme Max 4 KO that fires all 3 shell sizes. Problem is $1800 is a lot of money for something that I don't use that often. So, what else is out there that is Semi-Auto and will fire all shell sizes? Any suggestions from you guys who know shotguns better than myself is greatly appreciated.

 

[Hondo]

Well one that fires all three lengths kinda narrows the selection down, there are quite a few more auto's available that only go up to 3"

But some "all three" suggestions are: Winchester SX3, Franchi Intensity, Mossberg 935, Benelli SBEII, Browning Silver (same as a SX) and Remington Versamax

I personally only have experience with the Browning Silver in 3", it runs flawless. However a hunting buddy has a Benelli SBEII and I have never seen it jam or misfire.

Check out Gun broker or the gun shows for some decently priced used ones, "new" prices these days for an autoloader are ridiculous!

 

[Dawico]

You can't go wrong with a Benelli Super Black Eagle II. IMO it is the best shotgun on the market and I will never get rid of mine.

Benelli released the Vinci that shoots 3 1/2" shells also but I haven't shot one.

 

[cajunautoxer]

Versamax

 

[just jk]

i own the browning maxus sporting - a little spendy but top notch!!!!

 

[Charlie]

Rem 1100 ................. National dove huntin' gun of Texas!

(what are you going to use the shotgun for? hunting, truck gun, home self-defense, etc.?)

 

[sidebite252]

I've been bird hunting several times in the past but its been a while since I've hunted. I do plan to get back into hunting though. Hey, I just enjoy shooting and even though the pump action 16 ga is still a sweet shotgun I've been wanting to own a 12 ga for many years. After reading some of your suggestions and doing a little research I really like that Remington VersaMax. That is a sweet shotgun and it seems to do everything I want from a semi-auto shotgun. It's also a lot cheaper than the Beretta. I guess the question is 26" or 28" barrel? Any insight on the biggest difference in the length?

 

[bullgator]

I have hunted a Remington 48B 12 ga skeet gun that was my grandfather's since the 70s. I have killed deer, dove, quail, ducks with this gun. I also have a Beretta AL390 Silver Mallard and Browning A5 Light Twelve and they all to the job extremely well. I also have a Winchester Model 12 12 GA Skeet with Cutts Compensator and multiple choke tubes mfg in '54 and this shotgun will out shoot a semi-auto shotgun with the right shooter (not me)

 

[Vaquero]

I still like the western field 16 more than any other shotgun I've owned or used.

Probably just me.
Where are you getting shells?

Sorry for de-rail.

 

[AMERICANTARGETS741776]

Benelli Super Eagle 2

 

[sidebite252]

I still like the western field 16 more than any other shotgun I've owned or used.
Probably just me.
Where are you getting shells?

It's amazing how sweet this old 16 ga is. I grab a couple of boxes every time I find them (which isn't all that often) 8's, 4's, or 2's it doesn't matter. What ever you aim at you hit it. No snake is safe in my pond! lol. I've found them at Gander Mountain & Academy (Sherman) and Bass Pro (Grapevine). Getting more difficult to find these shells all the time.

 

[cbigclarke]

No love for the Winchester huh?

 

[T-FAST]

I really want a quality SA 12ga, but I just cant bring myself to buy a shotgun for the price, when my 870 can do the same job.... I will get one some day though.

 

[breakingcontact]

Mossberg 930 is decent, IF you don't mind tinkering with it.

I kinda sorta like mine, it is pretty reliable but I consider selling it often.

Good for the money I suppose, but a Benelli it ain't.

 

[T-FAST]

It's an option, I have never used a mossberg though, and I'm a bit of a remington fan boy.

 

[breakingcontact]

It's an option, I have never used a mossberg though, and I'm a bit of a remington fan boy.

I don't think Remington is what it once was. There are lots of satisfied 1100 and 1187 owners out there though. There's that Versamax too.

JM Pro is pretty sweet if you can stomach a Mossberg.

 

[T-FAST]

All of my remington shotguns are from the late 80's lol. I need to check out the mossbergs.

 

[A.Texas.Yankee]

930 I had the field, now have the SPX

Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 4

 

[Stumpy]

Remington 11-87


From the desk of a literate squirrel named Leonard.

 

[Street Wolf]

A Hatsan Escort MPA Marine will outdo a Remington every day of the week.

(My two Hatsan shotguns)

Or if you want to drop a little bit more money and go with something less traditional; and mag fed, the Akdal MKA-1919 is in no way a bad choice.