Opinion Needed automatic shotgun

[rippin-lips]

I am going to trade shotguns. I am not buying a cheapo. I am looking for an automatic camo gun. And I am not going to purchase a Benelli. I want some opinions on a good shotgun for all around duck, goose, pheasant, dove, sporting clays gun. Should a guy spend the extra to get the 3 1/2" I am leaning towards the Rem 1187 super mag. I had one that never let me down but it was not synthetic and always had to worry about rust. What camo auto gun would you buy under $900

[lunkerman]

I am not going to purchase a Benelli

ive got nothing for ya then.
but i would recommend getting the 3 1/2 inch chamber, because you may regret not having it later, and if you are shooting geese and large ducks you will want the extra 1/2 inch.

[DiggerDog]

I have a Benelli 3.5" that I really like. The 3.5" is a really nice feature when waterfowl and turkey hunting. Even though you aren't interested in the Benelli I would highly recommend the 3.5" in whatever brand you choose.

[magnusthebigbrownlab]

This is a new gun, but it looks pretty awesome!

[JLKESQ]

The one that has had my eye this season has been the Remington 105CTi, but that doesn't quite fit your criteria... So I'd say stick with the 11-87, but then I'm kind of a Remington guy to start with... for whatever that's worth.

[Ridge]

[quote=rippin-lips;91629] I am not going to purchase a Benelli.

Me either, Considered the 3.5 but I shoot mostly upland. As a general rule 3" autos function a little more reliably than 3.5's with trap loads. Generally you will find not that much advantage to the 3.5" Shells cost a lot more. Velocity of heavy 3" virtually the same so effective range is virtually the same for all practical purposes, just a lfewer shot in the pattern. 3.5" guys fire away. Take a good look at the Benelli M2. about $300 less than the SBEII.

Lighter to carry than the Remington and in my experience much more reliable in adverse conditions than the Gas operated. If it doesn't cycle then all you got is a high priced single shot. A lot of difference in the blind than sunny days shooting clays.

If you are dead set against the Benelli's. A friend really likes his Browning Gold. Best thing to do is go handle several different guns See how you like the "fit and feel". Then your decision will come easy. Mine did.

Just my opinion and experience.

Kind regards and good luck,

Ridge

[south of 41]

I am not going to purchase a Benelli

No comment other then you lost me here

I had one that never let me down but it was not synthetic and always had to worry about rust.

Stocks dont rust and synthetic i thought referred to stocks only

[rippin-lips]

South I guess I should have explained the rust issue better. My last gun had blued barrel and reeceiver. When we go duck hunting out of layout blinds the guns always get wet and muddy. And my reasoing for not wanting a Benilli is I have been around way to many guys that have had trouble with them. One thing I hate about their system is that if the action is not totally shut it will not fire. I have seen it happen many times where it gets caught on clothing and opens just a 1/4 turn and then it won't fire. Also at the sporting clays range they have proven to not always shoot trap loads very well.

[cougarw]

I don't think I would want it to fire if the action is part open.

I've had my eye on a beretta x-trema2. It looks like a nice gun, but I think benelli makes it.

[NEHONKERS]

I have a SBE and love it. If you hunt hard and under harsh conditions every gun will have problems from time to time, there's no way around it. There is no perfect gun. Inertia driven or gas operators they both have their faults. If you haven't shouldered a SX3 they are a nice gun.

[elkstalkr]

Browning Gold. I like mine, better than the benellis I have seen. It seems easier to clean than a benelli, and seems to shoot light loads better than a remington. Just IMO.

Of course when the weather gets really cold out, like a late season goose hunt or pheasant hunt I grab my 870 PUMP!

Why? Cuz it doesn't matter what brand you own when it drops below zero and that gun starts getting fouled from shooting. IT WILL START JAMMING. Here's an example. 4 degrees out this January. 6 guys doing a pigeon shoot one morning, all carrying autoloaders. 4 Benellis, 1 Remington, and 1 Browning. All the guns had been cleaned the night before in expectation of cold weather and lots of action. (I mean completely broken down cleaned)

Guess what? Every single gun was sticking between shots after about 3 boxes! Autoloaders simply aren't as dependable as pumps. I realize 3 boxes is a lot, but you better make sure you keep that sucker clean, or it will be jamming immidately in cold weather.

[Catfishsteve]

Originally Posted by elkstalkr

Browning Gold. I like mine,lots of action.

Been around a couple of Browning Gold's. They are nice to handle and they seem very reliable. I like the way they point compared to some auto's I've handled.

I agree, auto's are trouble. (...and I just bought one!! ugggghh!! ) Gotta keep them clean!

I was actually trying to find a nice, used Browning Gold, but ended up with an 1187 that was everything I was looking for at a good price, so I nabbed it. I'm expecting some headaches, but at least I didn't bay $900 for those headaches!

[south of 41]

Browning Gold's.

Better get you some good gloves for when you clean that cup in the forearm ..

To messy for my taste

[Ty Stromquist]

Ill say buy a pump and never worry about your gun not working in the heat of the moment again.

If I was to buy one for the money I really like that Winchester SuperX3 thats out. Under $900 and feels good. Of course I dont know about how reliable it will be. I agree with elkstalkr that no matter what brand it is its going to hang up sometime someplace and of course it will happen to me with 3 neck collared, jack miner banded specks walking in the dekes in front of me.

Ill stick to my benelli pump.

[elkstalkr]

You know I should have just summed up my reply this way:

Autoloaders, one is as bad as the next. Everyone has their preference and nobody is wrong. Find the one you like, THAT FITS YOU BEST (physically), and buy it.

Another reason I like my Browning. It phyisically fits me better. I can mount and swing that gun better than any other I own or have tried. That prolly is the most important aspect to a shotgun.

[elkstalkr]

Originally Posted by Ty Stromquist

Ill say buy a pump and never worry about your gun not working in the heat of the moment again.

I hear that loud and clear. My Browning Gold is the only and last auto I will ever buy. Pumps from now on for me.

[south of 41]

Ill say buy a pump and never worry about your gun not working in the heat of the moment again.

Ty ask Alex if you can borrow his tomorrow

All razzing aside the rem 870 is hard to beat even if i dont own one anymore...

But any one who has every taken a hunter saftey class knows any mechianal device can fail

[bigquackattack]

Originally Posted by rippin-lips

I am going to trade shotguns. I am not buying a cheapo. I am looking for an automatic camo gun.

You would be better off not buying an automatic shotgun from a guy named Habeed. Automatics aren't even legal during the CO season.

You are looking for a semi-automatic! Get the lingo straight so at least us gun owners are on the same page when we are fighting Barbra Boxer and Harry Reed from outlawing semi-automatics.

[Alex T.]

Ty,
I thought the same thing until last season. I'm still waiting for parts. Will have it going for snows and have the 870 in the truck too.However,I am gonna run a SBE this spring(for awhile anyway) and see how it goes. Brandon will be gunnin' birds with one too this spring.Plus,his will be equipped with a 7 round extension .

Alex

[jimbosan]

This is a no brainer get an 11-87 best gun out there and its made in AMERICA!