what 12ga shotgun to buy?

[GeorgeG.]

I've been wanting a semi-auto 12 ga. for a couple of years now...usually every year right before dove season. I never wanted to spend the money for one though since the pump can technically do what I need it to do. Well, I got the green light to buy a semi-auto 12 gauge this year. (not that I needed the "ok" from the wife, but it helps me be willing to spend the money).

I need suggestions on what is good and what to stay away from. Anything Benelli and Berreta is not an option. A friend recommended Stoeger but I've never owned a Stoeger and don't know anything about them. My price range is probably below $600. My cheap ass is tempted to buy Mossberg's semi-auto but I already have a Mossberg pump and have always thought of them as low grade.

It's main use will be dove, and turkey if my next lease has them...maybe waterfowl once in a blue moon.

[dee]

used 1100's are good.

[Ruffdaddy]

I got a new stoeger m2000 for 409, put a $40 limbsaver on It and love it. I would strongly suggest one if you want to save. Buy a newer model ad make sure to break it in right.

If you have a few weeks to wait, I can meet you at elm fork and let you play with it early march.

As you already know...fit and feel is the most important...

[wayne fontenot]

I own a stoeger and a frachie. They are both made by benelli. Good guns for the money. I also own 3 brownings. I shoot my browning silver hunter more than any of the others. You can find a used one at the top of your price range if you look.

[GeorgeG.]

No hurry over here, I hope to put one on lay-away sometime in March after I do some shopping around. I'll check out the m2000...they don't have that one on their website but noticed that Bass Pro has them. I may take you up on that offer too. The fit and feel is kinda what I want in this next gun.

I have a relative that was showing me his gun he sent off to have the stock offset or shimmed out to the side that's suppose to help with target alignment. It looked crooked, but was pretty cool so I'm hoping to get a gun that's a little more customizable than my off-the-shelf Mossberg 500.

I'm a little hesitant when buying used guns. Without knowing how many rounds has been throught it, I really don't want to buy someone's "problem child" but I'll see what Cabela's has for used guns.

[CJ]

I've used a Remington 1187 Premier for years, great gun.

[GrayStangGT]

Anything Benelli and Berreta is not an option.

Why? For a $600 budget I would be looking for a used Beretta 390 with a polymer stock. They are extremely reliable and simple to clean. I usually don't even mess with cleaning mine, but maybe every 500 rounds and it never jams.

[YALE]

I own a stoeger and a frachie. They are both made by benelli. Good guns for the money. I also own 3 brownings. I shoot my browning silver hunter more than any of the others. You can find a used one at the top of your price range if you look.

It's Franchi, and no, they are not both made by Benelli. One is made by Benelli, and that's the Franchi. The Stoeger is made in turkey by a Benelli sub-contractor. It's not worth paying good money for, but a Franchi is, presuming you can get one for under $600. For my money, a Franchi or a used Remington 1100 would be the best way to meet that budget.

[Baron Von Crowder]

Used 1100 would be my suggestion. Mine was made in 1965 and workes great. I keep my guns clean, and have not had an issue.

When I got it, I dont think it had been cleaned in years. It still worked, but occationally had a FTE. The gas ports were nearly solid, but after a good cleaning and soak, everything is working great again.

[franks]

for a little more you could get a new beretta 391

[Ruffdaddy]

Benelli owns stoeger.

Beretta owns franchi now and benelli is a subsidy of baretta.

Stoeger - turkey

Benelli, franchi, baretta - italy

[BlackGT]

Up your budget a little and get a Browning Silver Hunter. Academy used to stock them, but not sure if they still do...

[Ruffdaddy]

Up your budget a little and get a Browning Silver Hunter. Academy used to stock them, but not sure if they still do...

So spend twice as much on a gun for what benefit?

[kingjason]

Sai..............err, uhhh, wait no CJ will yell at me.

[CJ]

Sai..............err, uhhh, wait no CJ will yell at me.

A saiga with 3 rounds in it would cost you more than just about every shotgun mentioned, and it isn't half the gun any one of them would be for dove hunting.