Looking for an opinion.....

[rocks66]

I am looking for a new shot gun. I dont have the finances to own many firearms at one time so I am looking for something that will cover multipal bases. I have been looking at a couple different brands and the ones that seem to fit me the best are : Weatherby s/a 08 and the Stoeger 2000 s/a. If any of you own these guns or have had any experience please let me know. I have experience with Weatherby rifles and they have always been trouble free and great shooters, but I have no experience with there shotguns or any of Stoeger's firearms.

[BigJimP]

I don't own either one / but I see noone else answered your question ...

The best I can tell you is I think they're both serviceable guns. They're both retailing in my area for around $ 500.

The big names in semi-auto shotguns these days are still Remington, Beretta, Browning and Benelli ( in my opinion ) ... and those guns are all retailing ( for the most part depending on the model from $ 1,000 - $ 1,800 ). I think you need to recognize that when you look at most of the semi-autos selling for $1,000 plus / where do they cut corners to sell a gun for $500. I can't give you a straight answer / but some of it may be in the quality of the steel, etc.

Honestly, if $500 is where you budget is - I would really suggest you look for a good clean used Remington 1100 or a Beretta 390 ( the newer version is the 391 ) - there seem to be a lot of good used semi-autos on the market lately ( and there are some that are beat up too ) - so the trick is to find a good one / maybe get a buddy to help you out shopping if he can tell you what to look for in a used shotgun. You will have to go to a gun store / pawn shop or somewhere where they will let you take it apart to some degree so you can check it. But I don't think the Weatherby or the Stoeger is a terrible gun either / but it may not last you 30 years either - and maybe that's ok.

Its only my opinion - but in today's semi-auto market - the inertia operated guns shoot a lot cleaner and I like the Benelli system ( with the comfort tech recoil supression system in it ). In gas operated guns - I would recommend either the Beretta 391 or maybe the new Browning Maxus / the gas guns shoot softer / but they run dirty and need attention about every 100 rounds or so. To me, Benelli, like in the Super Sport model, gives you the most gun for the money, but that gun is retailing for about $ 1,850 in my area.

[rocks66]

Thank you for the reply. I also thought before about a used gun but wasnt sure what way to go. I have looked at a few Benelli, and they seemed stout and very very smooth. My only issue is that my pocket restricts my pick. I am aware this wont be a life long gun in my safe but I am hoping for atleast 4 to 5 years of sevice and maybe by then I can get one to hand down to my son. Thanks for the input....

[BigJimP]

You're welcome - and if it helps, for the kids and grandkids in my family, when they turn 16 ( if they have some interest in shotguns ), I buy them a shotgun.

The gun I buy is the Browning BPS 12ga, Hunter model, 3 chokes, 28" barrel. Its under $ 500 right now / new in box - and the gun and a nice soft gun case makes a great present for a first gun. I still have the BPS's in 12 and 20ga that I bought back in the 1970's - they're great first guns / and have killed a lot of clays and birds. I've moved on to other guns that I shoot as my primary guns ......but the old BPS's are still rock solid and great looking guns .....and a good long term investment.

That is not to say you shouldn't stay with a semi-auto, if that's what you want, and there are a lot of good used guns out there, like I said. I buy a lot of used guns / I enjoy the hunt ....and I'm passing one on right now to a buddy that needed a gun for one of his kids / it was extra to me anyway - a 12ga Benelli Super Sport. I made $ 50 on the deal / he gets a virtually new gun, in a hard case, with manuals, etc for about $ 800 under full price today. he's a friend / it makes me happy ...

[conrad carter]

There are a few Fabarms FP6's out there, made by HK. The price is right and they are nice guns with their tri-bore barrels and chokes.

[zippy13]

Many years ago, I read an opinion that a good revolver costs about an average week's salary and a good shotgun about twice that. What was true back in the day is also pretty close by today's standards.

[YARDDOG(1)]

Mabey you should look at pumps mosberge 5oo should get good one 200-250 range & last forever JUST A THOUGHT GOOD LUCK;)