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Posted: 8/22/2002 4:47:31 AM EDT
If you have been reading my threads, you know I am gearing up for a purchase but am still trying to make that "educated decision." With that in mind what is your auto shotgun of choice and why? Thanks every one who has been responding.
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You mean full-automatic shotgun? Or semi auto-loading shotgun?
Well, if it is latter, I'd recommend Benelli M1 or M3. Easy to clean and lightweight. The problem is it is very sensitive to loads you use. If you use very light loads, it won't cycle the action. That means you can't put too many stuff on your Benelli M1 (if you are going to use lighter loads) Another problem is it kicks! |
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the browning auto 5. my grandpa has one thats over 50 years old and the damn thing still works just as good as the day it came from the factory.
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Beretta AL390 or AL391.
Why? They shoot where I"m looking. If it didn't I could use the shims to adjust the stock until it did. They are a gas gun and reduce recoil over a pump, O/U, or recoil operated gun. They will cycle with just about any load. If it doesn't there are different rate springs you can get for the waste valve to fine tune it. The AL390 is a field proven, durable autoloader. The AL391 still needs to prove itself but I believe it will. Because the AL390 is so popular their are many accessories for it. |
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I think we should ask what are you getting it for.Because the Benelli M3 is a great gun won't work as well for hunting ducks or turkeys unless there real close.
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I have to respectfully disagree with your assessment regarding loads. I have a preban M1 Super 90 and it cycles EVERYTHING I put in it. The only times I've had problems is when I don't pull it tight into my shoulder. Because of its lighter weight (an advantage in my book) it does have a tendency to kick hard. I use Federal Tactical "00" Buck and Remington Low Recoil Slugs and it softens the blow quite a bit. For hunting I use any old birdshot and it works just fine. Some Benelli's seem to have problems cycling stuff while others don't. You may just need a lighter recoil spring in the bolt assembly if you are having problems. They are availalbe in 3 spring weights but I've never had a problem so I haven't changed mine. They also seem to have more problems when people load them up with side saddles and Surefire forends. Mine has a surefire and no problems but I have not put on a side saddle yet. IMHO the Benelli M1 and M3 are the Cadillac of semi-auto shotguns. Everyone ought to have at least one. |
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Beretta 390's rule. WOO-HOO! Opening Day of bird season is a week from Sunday and mine's gonna get a workout!
If It Flies, It Dies! Arock |
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I luv my Rem 11/87 special purpose, 20" barrel. It has been tuned to shoot 2 3/4 Dram shot, originally it was something like 3 1/4 minimum. It's easy on the shoulder, shoots great with the interchangable chokes and is very reliable.
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I had a lot of trouble with my Scattergun Tech K-9, and ended up selling it. Scattergun's customer service was horrible. They just wouldn't make the gun right. This all occurred BEFORE Wilson bought Scattergun, so I'm sure their quality control and customer service is much better now.
Now I've got my eye on a preban Benelli M1S90. A buddy of mine has one, and it's beautiful! |
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Remington 1100 with a 9 shot tube, Nothing like 10 shots of 00 buck coming your way
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Remington 1187 or a Browning Gold would fit the bill.........my son has a 1187 and really likes it.......
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I've got a pre-ban Benelli M1, and I love it!It's got the pistolgrip stock and ext. tube. I use a 21" vent rib barrel with screw in chokes.
Don't laugh, but I take the thing rabbit hunting, with a plug in place of course.It makes a good upland game gun. I use a tight choke so I'm not spraying all over. It swings very fast.The best part is that it's the same shotgun that I would use at the house, in case some of those pesky wabbits tried to get in. Although I change chokes and remove the plug. |
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My favorite auto is definately the Benelli M1 Super 90. They are kinda costly though. An alternative is a Beretta, I think it's the 1201F or something close to that. I have a friend that owns one and it's right up there with my M1S90 in every respect except price. For actual home defense work, I still rely on my little 870 Express HD though. Simplicity is a virtue!
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USAS
They are a little expensive but if you have the cash you wont be disappointed. Someone post a pick please |
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Hehehe.... those things rock! (except for me as a lefty) my buddy has one with a Trijicon Reflex on it... we use it for pidgeon hunting in his abandoned missile silo in E Washington. Good fun. |
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Thanks every one for your comments and suggestions. I live in Hawaii where class 3 and other "evil" weapons are not allowed. I would have bought a usas if I could but hey I got to move to get a tax stamp on one of those. What I really meant was semi auto and was looking at a Remington 1100 for trap shooting and as a backup role as maybe hunting and home defense. My dad swears by Bernelli but sold all his shot guns years ago. I want reliability most of all. I also want something that will take most of the kick of 12 gauge off my shoulder. This is not to be a replacement of my main weapon. My main battle rifle will always be my Bushmaster 20 inch. Every one's comments were most appreciated.
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Benelli
Can you say smoooooth! Nearly all other auto-loading shotguns are gas operated and benelli's are recoil operated. They are sooooo easy to clean and the action is awesome. Benelli's don't need no stinkin' smith work. They pattern great out of the box and are operator friendly. I have a Super Black Eagle for the birds and an M1 for the rest of the things I shoot at. As far as cycling issues, I have shot sissy trap loads in mine without a single problem. If you are worried about that still, then get an M3 and have the best of both worlds. |
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If you buy a SBE or M1 Field, you can add a recoil reducer later on. I have shot one with it and it does cut the recoil down some. hth!
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What gus said.
I don't yet own one ,but have been waiting to purchase a Beretta 1201 for quite a while, just need to raise the cash.These shotguns are so light,like 6+lbs,and they're inertia operated with real light recoil. They arent cheap about $500+,but I believe the Benneli's go for around $900.I've heard lots a people put these shotguns in the same class. The Beretta has a traditional stock W/O pistol grip,which I prefer. Definatly check one out before you buy,you just won't believe how light weight the thing is and how easy it swings. |
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I bought my wife a 20ga rem 1100 youth so she could enjoy shotgunning.
That is one nice handy little auto. I still want a 590 or a tricked out 870 for social work, but for fun shooting the 1100 youth is great. The 1100 youth would also be great for close dense woods work. |
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I love my Remington Model 11-87 SPS Super Magnum.
Functions 2 3/4", 3" or 3 1/2" shells interchangeably Non-reflective black matte finish on barrel and receiver Durable matte finish black synthetic stock and fore-end Set of three Rem™ Chokes (I.C., Mod. & Full) 4 round magazine capacity (2 3/4" or 3") 3 round magazine capacity (3 1/2") Tactical Shotgun/Benelli or Wilson Combat |
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My favorite? This one!
1993 Beretta 1201 FPG3 "Riot w/Pistol Grip". The sidesaddle is the one for the Benelli M1 Super 90 (Beretta owns Benelli, so it's the sister version, and, no, not the weak sister...); the shroud is for the Remington 870. We removed the rear sight and put a dovetail blank in it and used a shim at the front. The ghost ring sights are MMC. Great rig, and like the Benelli, you must hold it tight to the shoulder and it will fire anything, painfully if it's a stout load. YEAH, BABY!!! |
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Right on BM007!
How many rounds does the rig in the top picture,second post hold? |
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Thanks.
I think it's the same as mine - 6rds. of 2 3/4" or 5 3". Enough to do the job, anyway. |
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if you want to use it for sport clay,hunting, & home defense I would say to get a remington 1100 or 11-87 go for 26" . get all the chokes . the remingtons also make enough accessories to build a really nice defense gun.
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Mossberg autoloaders. Cheap, and made very well. Tons of aftermarket stuff to put on 'em, too.
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Browning makes the best HUNTING/CLAY auto on the market (I have the sweet 16 and a magnum 20). The ergonomics are so natural you can basically point shoot.
The Rem 1100 is also a good choice but I always found myself cocking my head to the side to sight down the vent rib. my .02 |
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I have a Franchi 48AL and love it dearly. It is light and swings great. Unfortunately, for what you have to pay for a 48AL (not the all black, they are cheaper than the polished engraved) you can buy a Bennelli.
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Mine's the Benelli M1 Super 90 tactical, regular stock, rifle sights. It'll shoot so fast it makes your head swim, is reasonably accurate with slugs, and does not have that annoying pistol grip to get hung up on seatbelts (or webgear or flying intestines, your choice). My M1 S90 is 100% dependable and it is kinda cool to stick that extra shell under the bolt to increase your firepower.
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HAs anyone tried the Russian Saiga 12, Detachable Magazine, Chrome lined barrel, AK type action; I am suprised they werent banned!
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BENELLI!!
my favorite, err, in my top 3, ok solid top 5 guns i own. best shotgun for my money |
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BENELLI!!
my favorite, err, in my top 3, ok solid top 5 guns i own. best shotgun for my money |
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the reason Russian Saiga shotguns were Not banned is because they were invented and imported After the ban ....BUT they are regulated under the rules of the '94 AW ban.
they are imported as "Sporterized Hunting" Shotguns, NOT Assualt shotguns. this is why you are limited to 5 rnd mags, no P grips, no folding stocks etc. but they are banned in Kalif by the way, they work GREAT the 410 model BUMP FIRES too |
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My SPAS-12...mainly because it's the only shotgun I've ever owned or shot.
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Another vote for the Beretta AL390. Really like mine, eats whatever I feed it. Light loads to 3" turkey loads, nary a burp. Mine has a 24" barrel that swings really nice for trap, but I am partial to shorter barrels. $0.02
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