Which auto loader?

[rcase1234]

Hey everybody. I've been looking at auto loaders for quite a while now and still don't know what to get. What are your suggestions? I would like it to be under $1000, reliable, and I'd like to buy a new one. The only guns that have really caught my eye is the 1100/1187 shotguns. I like the 1187 because of its capability to use 3" shells but I always find mixed reviews on it. I like the 1100 cause I've used one before, it fits me nice, and they fit my criteria. However, the 1100 will not shoot 3" shells so if I bought one I would probably get one of the steel shot barrels for it. I will use this gun for waterfowl and trap mostly. Thanks and please reply with as much info as possible.

[rcase1234]

I am open to buying used also But prefer it to be new

[jmortimer]

You might be able to find a new Winchester SX3 for about $1,000.00 -

[Virginian]

The 11-87 is 99.9% 1100. Fit is identical. If I needed 2-3/4" and 3" capability in one gun I would go for an 11-87. Actually, I would look for a used 1100 G3 or an older 11-87 Premier for the bluing and wood, but if that doesn't matter to you an 11-87 Sportsman should fill the bill.
I have used the Steel Shot barrel for many years now and love it. Used to have it on a 2-3/4" gun, now it's on a Magnum receiver.

[rcase1234]

Thank you Virginian. Would you rather have an 1187 or 1100? Also, did you shoot 3" shells on a standard receiver with the steel shot barrel with the 1100?

[rcase1234]

Anybody know anything about the Franchi Affinity 12ga? Seems like a nice cheaper version of a Benelli

[Virginian]

Well, I like 1100s, but I have 5, and ten barrels, so I don't need an 11-87. If I was starting out with one gun and wanted to shoot 2-3/4" and 3", I would go for an 11-87.
Yes, I shot 3" with the standard receiver.
I don't like the full priced Benellis, so I probably wouldn't like a cheaper version. They do work. They can be fussy with light loads. Without a two piece stock or the like, they can knock your fillings out of your teeth with stout loads. Now all the Benelli fans can come in and give us a lesson that it's all in the fit of the gun. All inertia gun lovers have that down pat.

[ripnbst]

Have you consider the Weatherby SA-08? It is a gas operated gun so recoil will be less. I have a PA-08 that works very well, the first box of shells was a little rough as I had some issues with ejection but that fixed itself.

I haven't read anything negative on the SA-08. I plan on getting one as my next and first semi shotgun. Only had pumps so far.

[rcase1234]

Thanks for your replies. I will look at the SA 08. So it is a nice barrel Virginian? It didn't seem like the 3" shells were beating up the gun? Also, is there a restriction on what 3" shells you may use? I know you can't use 3" lead at all but is there only certain steel loads you can use?

[redrick]

I will 2nd the Weatherby SA-08. I just bought one and really like it. So far I have only shot buckshot through it. I thought it was going to be painful patterning buckshot because it is so light, but I was pleasantly surprised with the recoil. Very easy too clean also. Comes with 2 pistons, heavy load & light load and comes with 3 choke tubes. I paid $450 for mine about 2 weeks ago. I am thinking about getting 1 in 20 ga. for rabbit hunting I like it so much.

[rcase1234]

Virginian, if you are wondering why I'm leaning more towards the 1100 over the 1187 even though the 1187 would fit my needs a little better is because I hear lots of bad things about 1187s. I'm afraid of getting one. This is why I research a gun so much before I buy one cause I would hate to get stuck with a POS gun

[rcase1234]

Thanks for your reply redrick. I looked at the Weatherby SA 08 and it doesn't look too bad.

[Virginian]

The biggest enemy of any semi auto is the nut on the back of the stock. I haven't seen much difference in the reliability of properly maintained 1100s versus 11-87s in almost 25 years. Proper maintenance isn't hard or time consuming, but it is needed. A new 11-87 will be more prone to having issues with light loads than a standard 1100, but even that isn't hard to address if you know what you're doing.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Wal Mart Beretta. I thought that was the almost universal answer for someone looking for a semi and not wanting to spend a mortgage payment. I prefer the Remingtons to the Berettas, but there is not a thing wrong with them. I don't do plastic or flat black of any ilk.

[jmr40]

In your price range the 11-87 is probably the best buy. Maybe the Winchester, I've heard good things, just no personal experience. I've owned several 1100's and 1187's in the past with no problems, but they are no longer my 1st choice. Not because they are bad guns, but I've found other designs I prefer. The Remingtons are based on a nearly 50 year old design, and there are more modern guns with features I prefer.

The Walmart Beretta is good choice for the money. You might find a lightly used Beretta 390 or 391 in your price range. My prefernce is the Benelli M-1/M-2. When Benelli upgraded to the M-2 over the M-1 a few years ago I ran across a guy who wanted the newer M-2 and sold me a 6 month old M-1 for about 1/2 what the newer guns were selling for. Well under your $1,000 budget. Within a year I sold two 11-87's and a Beretta 390. All 3 were good guns, but after about a year with the Benelli I knew they would never be used again and only collect dust.

[rcase1234]

Thank you all for your replies. Since I duck hunt only a few times a year I think I'll get an 1100 and steel shot barrel for 3". Me and a buddy plan on joining a skeet league and we just talked about it today so I think the 1100 will do the job. I'm sure ill get a benelli for the next semi auto :)

[Virginian]

First time I ever saw someone looking forward to downgrading. :eek:

[12GaugeShuggoth]

Or you could save a lot of money and get a Mossberg 935 Magnum. Just an option.

http://www.mossberg.com/products/shotguns/autoloading/mossberg-935-magnum

I know some people don't like them but the ones I've handled and shot have been very nice. I had never seen a shotgun pattern buckshot so uniformly before. I've shot some 3-1/2" Blind Side (pretty hard kicking load) out of one and was amazed at how little recoil I felt compared to the same load out of my 535. 3-1/2" 00 buckshot is really tame out of one, and that's saying something.

[rcase1234]

Not a fan of benellis Virginian? And thank you 12 gauge I've looked at them but I don't want a 3 1/2" gun at the moment 3" at most.

[rcase1234]

I have a 535 too 12 gauge! Nice duck guns but this will be my first autoloader purchase coming up

[TheKlawMan]

Re the Affinity, Slugo has a current thread on his and I believe either Dave McCracken, oneounceload, or both reviewed them on TFL. Use the search feature.

[rcase1234]

I have seen Slugos post of the Affinity and he seems to be happy with it. Didn't see any reviews however when I searched in on TFL

[BigJimP]

Virginian may not like them .....but I have a couple of the Benelli Super Sport models...one in 12ga and one in 20ga ...and I like them a lot. I don't use them as a primary gun vs my O/U's ...but there's nothing not to like about them in my opinion - and I use it as an inclement weather gun / or a travel gun - when I can only take 1 gun.

3 or 4 of my buddies have all gone to the Super Sport as their go to gun for Sporting Clays - over the last 5 yrs or so ...with about 15,000 shells a yr thru them - with no complaints.

Slugo is having good luck with his gun as well ....but I like the Inertia guns, especially the Benelli's with comfort tech supression in them --- they shoot very cleanly, cycle quickly, easy to maintain...

[jmortimer]

I prefer the gas guns, less recoil and fastest cycling. SX3 or Maxus

[rcase1234]

Thank you for your replies. I am still undecided but I think ive narrowed it down to the 1100 or Affinity. Ive even looked at Montefeltros since they are on sale for $1000. But I don't really know.

[BigJimP]

All of the guns you're looking at ....are showing up around my gun club ...where guys shoot Skeet and Sporting Clays - although O/U's still dominate the clay fields....

Maybe just hang around out there...and when you see someone that has a semi-auto talk to them about their gun --- how long they've had it, any issues, would they buy it again ....and if you show some interest, if you have some factory shells ....they'll probably let you put a few shells thru their gun.

Everybody has opinions about their guns ....especially if they've had any issues with them.

One issue on any wood stocked Benelli ( it can't have the comfort tech recoil supression system in it ) ....so it will give you probably 25% more recoil than most any gas operated gun.

A semi-auto that hasn't been on your list ...but I think is worth looking at is a gun like the Browning Silver Hunter model in a 28" barrel. In my area they're selling new for around $ 900 - $1,000 I think...and I think that's a good buy.

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?fid=020B&cid=011&tid=350

[Backwoodsboy]

All this talk about affordable autoloaders and nobody has mentioned the mossberg 930. How dare you all leave it out :mad: but in all seriousness I sold my remington after purchasing my 930. Just a thought.

[rcase1234]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Sorry backwoods boy but I looked at the 930 and there's just something about them I don't like. I'd rather have a remington or beretta even. Still debating on Franchi or 1100 but I am leaning more towards the 1100 and thinking about just getting a Benelli later down the road somewhere. Everyone has been such a big help though! Thanks! You gotta love TFL forum :)

[springfield 720]

Browning A-5 or a clone.. older the better.. they are tanks, but no problems at all...

[Orphanedcowboy]

3" capability?

If it were me I would buy the New Beretta A300 Outlander. Priced @ $650 range, proven action and proven gas system combined it one package. It is basically an older AL391 with mobile chokes using the current A400 gas system. I finally shot one and it was nice, thin like the AL391, well balanced and soft shooting. LOP adjustment combined with drop and cast adjustment assures it will fit the majority of shooters.

It will be my next purchase. I had one ordered, but let the nephew have it, his dad bought and it is under the tree for Christmas.

Posted using Morse Code

[.300 Weatherby Mag]

I really like the Benelli and Beretta autos... In your price range I would opt for a Benelli M2... The Franchi Affinity is a good option as well...

[morgaj1]

I would give a serious look to the new Beretta A300 Outlander. I grew up shooting both Berettas and Remingtons and prefer the Berettas. IMO, they are much tighter and I've never had one fail to cycle.

[rcase1234]

Thanks everybody for more replies. Now after looking at berettas they have become an option. So I am still between 1100 or Affinity or Some kind of Beretta. Still kind of leaning towards the 1100 though then my next choice would be an Affinity. I would like to have the inertia but the Affinity is fairly new gun so I'm unsure of that. Will most likely go with an 1100 or 1187.

[rcase1234]

Anybody ever have an 1187 Premier? I've been looking at used ones because I've never heard anything bad about them only heard bad things from the new 1187 sportsman

[CurlyQ.Howard]

I had three 1187's during the early 1990's, and not one worked right. The O rings blew out - again and again and again and again. Remington could not fix it - even though I paid for work done to one of them. The best Remington could do was to send me a few dozen O rings to replace the ones that failed. What did the O ring failure mean? Well, my one in the chamber fired, and then the two in the magazine remained there. So, basically I never had a chance for doubles on pheasants or triples on mallards. Needless to say, after the third attempt and 1187 disappointment I switched brands. Perhaps Remington has fixed the 1187 since then, but the gun I replaced them with has yet to fail going into its 18th season, and although the pheasants and mallards are voting 1187, even if my current autoloader needed replacement, I would not buy an 1187. Three strikes and you're out.

[rcase1234]

Thank your for the info Curly. Now an 1187 is out of the list of options I have now heard WAY too many bad reviews on them. Just out of curiousity, what is you current auto loader that you are so happy with Curly?

[jmortimer]

If your budget is around $1,000.00 you should check out the Winchester SX3 - fastest cycling, low recoil, and reliability.

[rcase1234]

I'll have to check it out

[CurlyQ.Howard]

It's a Benelli Super Black Eagle. It is not for everyone - one of my brothers simply believes it to be overkill, but until it no longer works, it'll be my gun. By the way, I had a 20 gauge (Remington) 1100 for my kids back then, and I loved it: it never failed to feed the next round. When my son went off to college, it and several other shotguns we had were sold. I wish I had those guns once again.

[BigJimP]

I understand Curly's comment....but I have buddies that shoot a wide variety of 11-87's on the skeet and sporting clays fields....and most of them have been shooting them for over 30 yrs with no issues...

I'm not a big Remington shotgun fan ( in any configuration - from their pumps, to semi-autos or their O/U's --- primarily because they don't "Fit" me vs anything mechanical ....but I don't think Curly's experience is typical with the 11-87's.
--------------
In full disclosure ...the only semi-autos I shoot these days are also Benellis which I like very much / they're both Benelli Super Sport models / a 12ga and a 20ga...and I've had them for about 8 yrs I guess...and they've been solid guns as well. They aren't my primary guns ( Browning O/U's are my primary guns in all 4 gagues ).....but the Benelli's have been solid "travel" , or "inclement weather" guns for me -- and "training " guns...for new shooters, some of my grandkids, etc...
--------------------------
If I were going to buy a gas operated gun for myself...it would probably be one of the Beretta 391's. like the parallel taget model....

http://www.berettausa.com/products/al391-teknys-gold-sporting/

good, basic gun in my view.....with a 3" chamber...

[rcase1234]

Just looked at a Beretta 391 Big Jim. Oh and btw I would love to get an 1187 but I jut hear too many negative reviews on them! It's kind of scared me away from them

[BigJimP]

We all have to go with our gut instincts....( and "Fit" ) when it comes to shotguns....

If you don't feel good about the 11-87's ....then don't go down that path.
-------------------
But in all shotguns....there are shooters, guys like me and most of my buddies, that clean and inspect their guns, after every range trip - whether we shoot 50 shells or 250 shells /it doesn't matter. So we prevent a lot of issues from coming up with our guns - because we spot worn parts and cut down on wear by keeping guns clean and properly lubed all the time. There are guys at my clays club that shoot semi-autos....that only clean their shotguns once a year/regardless of whether they have cycling issues or not....guys that have never taken the stock off an O/U to inspect their firing pins, etc inside an O/U in 10 yrs..../ where guys like me take all of our O/U stocks apart at least every 6 months ( make sure there is no crud in there, etc )....

Remington 1100's and 11-87's ....require some maintenance in my opinion. If I were shooting a 200 bird tournament...I'd clean it at lunch time after 100 targets...before I went out in the afternoon -- just to be sure, with any semi-auto / but especially these older technology models. But if I shoot my Benelli in a full day tournament ...I'd do the same thing / because its my nature ...where I wouldn't do that with my primary O/U's because a few hundred shells is truly insignificant.../ almost nothing can go wrong with an O/U.

One guy we shoot with, good guy, but not very careful with his equipment - that repeatedly had failure to feed / failure to fire issues on his Beretta semi-auto. I finally told him to come by my house...and we'd take the Beretta apart to clean and inspect it ....( I'd never seen such a mess inside a gun in my life !! ) it took me an hour to clean that thing....and despite a few of us telling him to pull his bolt from the gun / and remove and inspect his firing pin and the firing pin spring...he never did do it. Once I got the gun clean - it took me 30 sec to get the bolt apart and remove the firing pin and spring ...and sure enough, the firing pin spring was broken. he went to a local shop - bought a new spring, and firing pin....we installed both later that day.....and its been 6 months, he hasn't had a FTF since....but he also hasn't cleaned the gun since either ( and he shoots about 200 shells a week )...

Buying a used gun from him ....or him saying Beretta's are not reliable --- would make no sense..../ but he wants to buy a Benelli or an O/U ...because it'll be less maintenance...( and he does no maintenance now ...???) ...

So take what you hear...with some caution..../ don't believe everything I or anyone else tells you as gospel ...maybe my experience with Benelli's is comparable with other guys - who knows ( I probably have about 25,000 shells thru my Benelli Super sport 12ga ...its about 8 yrs old now )...and I don't shoot it every week...where I probably have 150,000 shells thru my Browning Citori XS Skeet model 12ga...which is my primary gun - during that same time frame. No issues with either gun....and while I think my experience is typical based on what I hear from other shooters...maybe its just the circle I run in.

I know its petty ....but since most of my buddy's and I reload....none of us shoot semi-auots...because we don't want to pick up our hulls from all over the ground. We also don't want to give up our O/U's ...because we like the swing characteristics better, the look and feel of our O/U's - and the fact that we can have 2 different chokes in the guns for sporting clays and because we think our O/U's are more durable ( less moving parts ) no cyclining issues in a tournament, etc.

I don't shoot that much anymore....no tournaments to speak of anymore ...and probably on 100 - 150 shells most weeks thru my shotguns. If I go to my local club 50 times a year ...I only put 5,000 - 7,500 shells a year thru my shotguns these days.../ where a lot of competitive shooters, even guys that just shoot local events, put 500 shells a week thru their primary gun ....or about 25,000 shells a year...

.....so when you visit your local club....look at what those guys are shooting...and talk to them / why do they like their guns / would they buy them again .....or for that matter, do that with anybody you see at your club. I think you'll get a broader perspective that way.

[Fishbed77]

Anybody ever have an 1187 Premier? I've been looking at used ones because I've never heard anything bad about them only heard bad things from the new 1187 sportsman

I've had an 11-87 Premier since 1993. It has been a fantastic firearm. In all that time, I recall it having jammed only one time, and that was because I re-assembled it improperly. The blued finish on the steel and the satin finish of the stock have held up extremely well. Honestly - the only visible wear is some of the gold plating off the trigger. This gun has been shot a lot over 19 years.

Oh and btw I would love to get an 1187 but I jut hear too many negative reviews on them! It's kind of scared me away from them

That's too bad. Like any gun manufactured in extremely large numbers over a long period of time (25 years now for the 11-87), there are bound to be a few vocal folks who got a lemon. The other 99.99% of folks have been pleased as punch.

[rcase1234]

Big Jim I am one who takes EXTREMELY good care of his guns. I love all my guns and want them around for my whole life so I take proper care of them. So it sounds like most 1187 problems come from people not taking care of them and after hearing that I'm slowly starting to consider them again. But my dads buddy had one and he is very careful with any firearm and said as far as he was concerned the 1187 was a single shot because it woul never fully cycle.

[BigJimP]

I'm glad to hear you take care of your guns too...its a good thing.

I don't know what to tell you about your dad's buddy...in my experience any problem like that is easily fixed / and it may be an indication that something inside the gun was put back in - incorrectly...but hard to tell.

I'm not a Remington guy.../ but there are a lot of guys at my club...that buy used Remington semi-autos all the time ....clean them up / go thru them --- and they've been using them for "shotgun clinics" etc at our club for many years...

to me, its like handguns, and the debate around guns like 1911's ....where some of us think they're perfect / and some guys say they're junk...maybe I'm just old school.../ but I think a couple of my buddies would tell your dad's buddy that they could fix his gun for under $50 and make it cycle 100%.

[BigJimP]

deleted --- duplicate post....???

[CurlyQ.Howard]

My brother went to the FITASC 2012 World Championships at the Northbrook Gun Club. In addition to the shooting competitions, gun manufacturers had extensive displays of their wares - even allowing for testing of the equipment. My brother took his 12 year old to the Remington site and was very pleased with the way they were afforded time and attention. It could not have been done better. When my brother mentioned my difficulties with three 1187s, the Remington rep acknowledged that the 1187 had its problems. He did not try to sell my brother on an 1187. Instead he focused on Remington's new autoloader the Versa Max, a gun which even my 12 year old nephew found easy to shoot and which both my nephew and brother liked.

[hardworker]

I deer hunt with an 11-87 premier. It was one of the first ones made and I've had no trouble with it. I'm looking at replacing the o-ring now because the old one is starting to get stiff. My only complaint about it is that it is very shiny and can be seen from across the field when the sun hits it right. But that's because the bluing is so good. And compared to newer Benellis, Berettas and Brownings it's a little heavy.

[rcase1234]

After all the replies I've been seeing on this thread, I really don't know what to get anymore haha. Either an 1187, 1100, Franchi Affinity, Beretta 390/391, or maybe a used Benelli for under $1000 if I can find one I like. Doubt a benelli will happen this purchase though

[BigJimP]

try to be patient ....it'll probably work out...

sometimes the search process ...is most of the fun !

[rcase1234]

Well If I find more than one i like I'm always ready to buy more guns when the time is right.:D

[BigJimP]

Surely, you don't expect someone like me (on a gun forum )...to tell you when you have enough shotguns....I only have what I need, is what I tell my wife...( and she's way too nice to say "bull".....)..:D

In Over Unders....
5 Browning Citori XS Skeet models ...all 30" barrels ( 2 in 12ga, 1 in 20ga, 1 in 28ga and 1 in a .410 )...(always good to have a backup).

2 Browning Citori XT Trap models/both 32" barrels..12ga -one with a GraCoil.

4 Browning Citori Lighting models ..all 28" barrels...3 in 12ga, one 20ga

1 Browning BT-100 - single barrel Trap gun ..34"...12ga...

In semi-autos...
a Pair ...of Benelli Super Sport models...30" 12ga / 28" 20ga...

In pump guns....
a Pair of Browning BPS pumps ...28" 12ga and 20ga....

and a bolt action WesternField - 3 shot ...16ga ....
--------------------------------------
so I guess its 17 ...unless I'm forgetting something...
( and I visit my local, used gun store, at least twice a month .....just in case he has something I can't live without.....):D

I know I'm a little light on both 28ga and .410's.....

[Virginian]

The biggest enemy of any autoloader is the nut on the back of the stock.
I went to a statewide trapshoot, and a guy with a jacket full of scare patches was bitching about his new 1100. Turned out the gas piston and piston seal were installed backwards - and he was insulted when I suggested he look at that. I have been shooting 1100s and 11-87s for 49 years on the 1100s, and have never blown one 'O' ring. I worked on and sold guns for 25 years, and I never saw one I couldn't get working except one with a cracked receiver - and drilled out gas ports. The 'O' ring does not move in operation and 99.999% of them fall victim to ham handed cleaning and disassembly. My 1963 1100 still has the first elastomer 'O' ring I installed about 1967 to replace the metal 'V' ring so I wouldn't lose it. My test may outlive me. The gas system does not run as clean as some, but I have never found any round, including some nasty old Blue Dot magnums, that it couldn't handle for 200 rounds. I didn't press for more because I never, ever shoot that many nasty loads at one time.
If you like anything else better, that's fine, but don't tell me how unreliable an 1100/11-87 is. Go to a 3 gun match and see 30 year old 1100s running right along with new Benellis costing many hundreds more. 11-87s will not always cycle light loads, but Remington designed them to go down to 1-1/8 ounce field loads, not the mouse fart stuff.
I like 1100s/11-87s better than anything else, other than some SxSs, I have seen in the intervening 49 years, and I have owned and shot a boatload of shotguns, but I am a realist, and I do not contend they are the answer for everyone. Not even close. The Berettas are nice gas guns and if you like the feel better you are in good company. If you don't like to do a quick 5 minute spray and wipe cleaning after you shoot one round or 500, I don't think they are the gun for you. If they don't fit you, they are probably not for you because you can just tweak the fit a little. If the weight with the steel receiver seems heavy to you, you are out of luck. If you like light weight, simple design, and no cleaning, with the right loads a Benelli will make you happy, as long as you like recoil or two piece stocks. There are in fact lots of choices, and without interference from the aforementioned nut on the back of the stock, most of them work fine.

[rcase1234]

Thank you for another great reply Virginian. Man, I don't know what to do anymore! I may just end up trying my luck with an 1187. I really need to go to my LGS and see how I like the feel and fit on each of these guns. After that I will make sure to get back with everyone. Thinking about puting a gun in layaway in the near future if I find one I like. Again, a big thanks to everyone with there opinions and all the help.

[Fishbed77]

the Remington rep acknowledged that the 1187 had its problems. He did not try to sell my brother on an 1187. Instead he focused on Remington's new autoloader the Versa Max, a gun which even my 12 year old nephew found easy to shoot and which both my nephew and brother liked.

No big surprise that he tried to push the VersaMax. It's a more expensive gun.

[rcase1234]

Anybody know anything more about the Franchi Affinity? I'm looking at it more seriously now and I'm thinking about buying one

[BigJimP]

One of our buddies on here...Slugo ....gave a good review on the gun / and I trust his perspective.

In general, I think its fair that the Franchi products - will get a very mixed review. I'm most familiar with their O/U's and I don't find them very impressive...in fact I think marginal is being kind.

I see a few of the Franchi semi-autos at my club ...and I don't recall anyone having any significant issues with them.

[rcase1234]

Yeah I now realize that every gun will have its problem whether minor or major. I may go ahead and buy one or I may not. At this point I am more uncertain about an Autoloader than I ever have been. It's between a beretta, remington, or franchi. I really gotta check them out at my LGS

[BigJimP]

Not every shotgun will have issues....

In terms of semi-autos ---its pretty reasonable to say Browning-Winchester, Beretta and Benelli --- have very few, if any, issues.( I've had no issues with either one of my Benelli super sport models -that I shoot / conservatively each of my Benelli's have well over 25,000 shells thru them - and they're about 10 yrs old or so ...).

In Over Unders...its pretty reasonable to say that Browning and Beretta have very few, if any, issues as well. ( I've had no issues with any of my roughly 14 or so Browning Citori O/U's ) that I currently shoot a lot - some of my primary guns have well over 500,000 shells thru them...

Pump guns...very few,if any, issues with most Browning or Benelli's ---very few issues, except on the lower end express models with Remington 870s'...( I've had no issues with either one of my BPS models ) and I know both of my pump guns have well over 100,000 shells thru them...

and most of my shotguns are at least 10 yrs old...some way more...

so problems aren't inherent in all shotguns...
---------------
I don't know if you'll have an issue with Franchi semi-autos or not...I know they're attractive in terms of a lower price point than many other options.../ but I won't ever tell you not to look at Beretta or Browning - Winchester in terms of gas guns - they will cost you a little more --- but if the Franchi makes you nervous, look over the offerings from both Beretta and Browning-Winchester....or the inertia offerings from Benelli.

You might talk to the guys at your local club ...there are a lot of pretty good used guns out there as well ....to minimize your risk a little.../ but don't get stressed out over this -or you'll take all the fun out of it.

[.300 Weatherby Mag]

BigJim, No Belgians???????

[BigJimP]

nope, not a one my friend....

[rcase1234]

Thanks big Jim. I've found some used Benelli M1 and SBE's at my LGS for about $800 or less. And an M2 for $900. Would these be good deals? I'm afraid of getting an older benelli no longer in production in case I need parts. Have you ever used the "wal Mart beretta" big Jim? Heard some good things from them.

[Virginian]

Well, I don't like any O/Us but a little Beretta scaled 28 I tried, but I have seen more than one report of Browning O/Us having stock cracking issues, and certain Beretta autos have had lots of carrier issues, and let us not forget the infamous Browning salt wood fiasco. I have nothing bad to say about a BPS other than I don't like having to load thru the magazine for a 4th shot, but I had 3 that never hiccuped once. And nothing bad to say about a Wingmaster, on any score. Model 12s and Ithaca 37s are the holy grail for those who swoon over hand fitted machined parts, but they need those close tolerances to operate, and cost more to make, and I have seen more at the gun doctor's, and that is why Remington and Browning ran them both out of the marketplace - 3 times and counting with the Ithaca. I have yet to see any inertia actioned or long recoil actioned gun I liked, but there are plenty of seasoned shooters who love both.
I would concentrate on getting a good name brand gun that feels good to you. The odds are you will be fine. If you do have any issues, with a new gun do not try kitchen table gunsmithing. Call the manufacturer yourself.
Good luck.

[Noreaster]

You need to look at the options for each gun and compare it to your needs. It's been awhile since I used semi autos but I always had better luck with the 11-87 then the 1100s. I've heard good things about the new Winchester semi.

[rcase1234]

Virginian that sounds like good advice! Just look for name brands and see what feels best. I'll have to make a trip to the LGS soon. Once again, thanks everybody!

[BigJimP]

Used gun prices vary too much by region of the country ...and condition is everything on a used gun....I can't tell if you have some good deals there or not.

I'm not saying Browning, Beretta or Benelli are immune from issues.../ but take a look around the clay target fields...and talk to guys that put 8 boxes or more a week thru their guns (considered moderate use by a lot of clay target shooters) or 10,000 shells a yr ...and you'll see a lot of Browning and Berettas and those guys aren't going to fuss with a gun that won't hold up to even that moderate use for 5+ yrs. All of the guns I'm recommending will easily meet or vastly exceed that usage - with little, if any, problems based on my own experience - and many of my buddies.

[rcase1234]

Headed to LGS to check out some berettas, Remington's, and Benellis today! Thanks again Big Jim

[rcase1234]

Really liked the Benelli Montefeltro, Benelli M2 American, Beretta A300 Outlander, and the Rem 1187. Didn't have a Franchi or 1100 so I'm gonna head to a different store in the near future. The gun that really stood out was the Montefeltro. Really liked it.

[BigJimP]

good to hear you're making some progress..

[rcase1234]

I've come to my conclusion. I plan on getting a Remington 1100 this winter when the right deal and right model becomes available. I kept coming back to the 1100 all the time and Everytime another gun would come in mind the 1100 was always in the back of my mind. This gun will mainly be used for clays since I duck hunt only a few times a year. I may even get the steel shot barrel to shoot some 3" steel shells or just use 2.75" steel for waterfowl. Well thank you everybody for all your help especially Big Jim, Virginian, and a few others. I will most likely get a Sporting 12 or TUF (gander mountain 1100). But again, I REALLY appreciate everyone's help and I plan on getting a 3" or 3.5" Autoloader eventually. Just right now the 1100 is what I really want and began my research for autoloaders. It fits perfect and its what I killed my first deer with so I am familiar with it. Thank you everybody!!! Gotta love TFL forums

[BigJimP]

We're happy to help -- where we can...

[boattale]

I have an 1100 that my mother gave me on my 21st birthday (that was in 1973) and it's been a dandy. I later bought an 11-87 and sold it five years later because neither I nor Remington could make it go bang every time the trigger was pulled (actually it would fail to cycle a new round into battery about twice per box of 25). The M-1 Super 90 that replaced the 11-87 has never failed to function.

If you're set on a Remington, I'd say 1100.