best muti-purpose semi

[psycho nut]

If this has already been covered then please direct me to that thread. If not, I want to get a good multi-purpose semi 12 gauge for hunting, trap, HD, ect. It would be nice if it fired 2 3/4'', 3'', and 3 1/2'' shells and had interchangeable chokes. I thought about a Benelli Super Black Eagle 2 but would like some other opinions about the matter.

[HSMITH]

The best shotgun out there in a 3.5" chamber is the Winchester SuperX2. The SBE is a distant tie for third, preceeded by the Beretta Xtrema and tied with the Browning Gold. Having the SBE tie with the Gold is being generous to the SBE too.

I have owned all but the Xtrema, and hunted with guys using all of them. The X2 is head and shoulders above the Gold and the SBE in reliablilty. The Xtrema is a relatively new design, but looks very promising as my X2 did when I first got it.

My X2 has about 35K rounds through it and runs like a swiss watch. Nearly 2500 of them have been 3.5" magnums, lots of 1 1/8" light field loads and a couple thousand 1 ounce loads I make to shoot skeet and sprting with it. From day one it has cycled any 1 1/8 ounce light field or heavier load, and it will cycle most of the standard velocity one ounce loads too. The extra light loads? Forget it, they won't even open the bolt far enough to extract the hull.

I've spent a LOT of money on shotguns and learned a lot less than my expenditure should have gotten me, but I did find one whale of a good shotgun that does anything you can do with a shotgun.

[psycho nut]

I'm left-handed, is the X2 made in a left-handed model? I would prefer a gun that is lefty friendly.

[HSMITH]

I'm not sure if it is made in left hand configuration, I do know that the safety is reversible for south paw shooters.

[sm]

+1 Sx2

[Mikkel]

I dig my Franchi!!

[Left-Hander]

I would get a Remington 11-87 left hand version. I don't own one but they do have a very soft recoil and are very reliable.

[Skeetin'870]

I dont see why people diss the Gold. The super X2 is the exaxt same action. For reliability they should be the same. The main difference between the gold and the X2 is the rib

[sm]

SX2 has Breeding, Heritage, and Tradition not to mention one helluva namesake. :D

I "might" have some experience with the SX1s , 'maybe" put a "few" rds thru 'em... ;)

[HSMITH]

Skeetin, you are incorrect that the Gold and X2 are the same action. First of all the action is mirrored, on one the op rod is on the right and one is on the left. The Gold has 'speed load', where the first round loaded into the gun with an open action and an empty magazine is automatically shuttled into the chamber. The Gold also has a magazine cutoff. I own both and have had both apart side by side and they are quite different. They use the same basic theory but the action of the Gold is more complicated and this is where reliability can become less certain. Both are very good shotguns at any rate.

[Skeetin'870]

i was under the impression that the gas system was the same or very similar. I was wrong to say the action when I meant the gas system

[Buzzkill]

Fabarm make their H368 and thats available in a pure left hand version .

Never fired one but they look the absolute :D BUISNESS :D

Thanks
BOB

[HSMITH]

Skeetin, you are correct in that the gas piston and excess gas venting method are nearly identical.

[Skeetin'870]

I like the gold more than the x2 but that s just me. I know many people prefer the X2 over the Gold any day though

[mathman]

Just bought a Remington 1100 Competition Master and will give a review as soon as I shoot it. I think it is a good candidate for all around auto...

[InSoMNiaX23]

I am partial to my M1 Super 90 Field. It doesn't shoot 3.5" shells but it is a great gun none the less. I've got 600 rounds through mine since I bought it new and have yet to have any malfunctions. I appreciate its simplicity. Great gun......

[mathman]

I also like my M1 Super 90 Field...but if you shoot a lot of 3" mags or slugs/buckshot in a day, it will beat the $hit out of you! That's why I bought the 1100...

[DHart]

mathman... curious to hear how your 1100 Comp Master experience has been now that you've had it a few months. Mine is due to arrive on Wednesday and I'm eagerly awaiting it's arrival and shooting it!

[mathman]

I have 15 guns and the competition master is my new favorite...I love that gun...soft shooting, even with slugs and buckshot! and the vent rib is fantastic for quick target aquisition (I prefer a vent rib to any type of sights)

[DHart]

cool. I just found out mine is ready for pick-up. going to get her right now! :)