Semi-Auto Recommendations

I am looking to purchase a 12 ga. semi-automatic in the $600.00 to $700.00 range. I know to check and see what feels right, but am asking for opinions considering 1. Recoil 2. Quality 3. Dependability 4. Weight 5. Any observations of problems to watch for.

Will be using the gun for dove, duck, quail, and pheasant hunting. Currently using a Browning BPS for the above, but would like to try a semi-auto.

I like the feel of the Beretta AL391. Does anyone see an advatage to the Browning Gold Hunter or Remington, Bennelli or Winchester to name a few?

Thanks,

: I know to check and see what feels right, but am asking for opinions : considering : 1. Recoil : 2. Quality : 3. Dependability : 4. Weight : 5. Any observations of problems to watch for.

: Will be using the gun for dove, duck, quail, and pheasant hunting. : Currently using a Browning BPS for the above, but would like to try a : semi-auto.

: I like the feel of the Beretta AL391. : Does anyone see an advatage to the Browning Gold Hunter : or Remington, Bennelli or Winchester to name a few?

Nope. The Beretta is an excellent choice. I'd rank them:

Browning/Winchester - 1 Beretta - 2 Bennelli - 3 Remingon - 4

Only because the Rmington has given me trouble with light loads, I don't like the feel or recoil of the Bennelli, the Beretta will be slightly harder to get parts for, the Browning and Winchester are functionally identical. If you're gonna' be near water, my nod goes to the Winchester Super X2 with synthetic stock.

I'd suggest buying a Benelli. I realize the SBE is over a grand... but how about a Benelli M1-Super 90? That's still about 175 bucks more than you wanted to spend, but if it's a gun you plan to use for 20 years, maybe it's worth it.

I've never been sold on 3 1/2 inch 12 gauge loads, and that's the main feature that a SBE would offer over a Super 90.

As far as recoil, both the SBE and M1-Super 90 are inertia guns, meaning that they have more recoil than a gas operated gun. I personally would rather have a gun that never jams, than a gun that occasionally jams with less recoil. (before 10 people need to jump in and respond... I'm just saying from my personal experience, I've seen very many occasions where a gas operated auto-loader jammed in the field, even with new guns. I've never seen an inertia operated gun jam... maybe you have, so tell us!.)

If you're dead set on sticking within your price range, I've heard nothing but good things about the Winchester Super X2.

hi i own a remington 11-87 premier with 26 inch light contour barrel. this is a great gun, it is very fast pointing. recoil is not to bad even with magnum goose and turkey loads. my gun has been dependable, i use it for grouse , duck, goose, turkey and rabbit hunting. i never have a problem with ejection or the cycleing of rounds with any load i have shot. the only thing i do is carry extra rubber o-rings for the gas operated system. i hunt a mix of dense hardwood ridges, thick brush, cedar swamps, and beaver ponds, the short barrel is perfect for me. its nice in the thick stuff and i have no problem on the ponds for ducks and geese . i cant say about any other semi- auto shotguns except the REM. model 1100 i havent used any enough

I just shot sporting clays with the Browning Gold in 3'. I own several Berettas, O/U and semi, and I guess I was just used to shooting my AL390 because I had a heck of a time with the Browning. I found the Browning to be very light toward the butt of the gun and consistently mounted the gun too high when I went to shoulder it. I tended to 'over handle' the gun. Overall the gun was very light which would make it great for carrying in the field, but I wouldn't trade my Berettas for anything. Well, maybe a J. Purdy and Sons side by side.

Ron

If you know the new super x 2 then you know the browning. The super x 2 is a browning in a cheap sheep's clothing. It has a smaller round safety button, does not have a magazine stop or the auto load feature, and uses a slightly different bolt. Take ones fore stock off and compare its gas system to the browning and you will see it is identical. I believe that Winchester was acquired by browning or the parent company of them. Don't quote me on the details as I have not looked into them. I personally own a browning and a Remington and I would say that the Winchester being so close to the browning and cheaper then the new Remington is definitely the best buy. I have found that I am not the biggest fan of Remington's shotguns because I feel that they are the heaviest and their gas systems are more maintenance necessary. I have had more trouble with the Remington in the past with the light loads. I believe that it may partially be due to the tight tolerances in the action. I feel that they are a bit to tight and prefer the smoothness of the browning. I always thought that they were nice guns for a lower price than the others but with their recent price increases I see they are now every bit as expensive and there are other guns out there with better prices and features, the Franchi 612VS comes to mind as the best 3 inch semi auto value out there. 5 chokes and full camo for under 600 bucks. Ed

Roy, I have a Berretta al390, I shot about a thousand rounds through it to see if it would foul and jam. I'm happy to say it did not, it is very

Thanks to all for your comments. I went with the Berretta AL390 with black synthetic stock and matte finish. The gun shoulders very well for me, is a little lighter, good balance, and appears to be well manufactured. Price $629.00 IMHO the Gold hunter was heavier and not as well balanced and did not shoulder as well. Price $839.00 The Winchester Super X2 came in close. Shouldered good but the balance was about the same as the Gold Hunter by Browning. Price $699.00 If all the guns were all the same price I believe I would still have chosen the Berretta. Time will tell how this gun holds up under hunting conditions, but I am expecting it will last longer than I will. Thanks again and good hunting and shooting to all.

Roy

I use a remington 1100 and absolutely love it. A great pattern with any shot/choke combo. I have used it for deer, goose, duck, turkey, and just about everything else that I hunt and haven't found a gun that will compare. (my opinion). Also I prefer the 26' barrel over the 28'.