What is the best and most affortable SEMI-AUto 12gauge?

Mr.XD9mm · September 24, 2005, 08:24 PM

Wanting to know the best and most affortable semi auto shotgun that is out there. Looking to spend anywhere from $200-1500 for a good semi auto 12gauge. What would yall suggest?

Tom C. · September 25, 2005, 07:32 AM

You don't say what you intend to do with it. Sporting clays? defense? Those are quite different.
What you eventually get will be a matter of personal preferencel. I like the Browning Auto-5/Remington Model 11. They are only available used. I have one to which I have mounted rifle sights. I use it in IPSC 3 gun competition, but I could also use it for deer with slugs, or home defense. I have also used it for sporting clays.
Most people will vote for something like the Remington 1100 or 11/87, or the Winchester Super X Model II. All are good, just depends on your preferences. Consider the possibility of having multiple barrels to convert the gun for specific tasks.

Skeetin'870 · September 25, 2005, 10:11 AM

Beretta 3901 you can pick htem up for 400 and they are every bit as good as the top of the line semi auto berettas. Mine was stolen this morning and i wish i had it to shoot the people with.

9mmMike · September 25, 2005, 11:53 AM

Short list:

Remington 1100 - my favorite
Beretta 390/391
Winchester SX2 (& SX1)

Buy the one that fits you.

Good luck,

Mike

IrvJr · September 25, 2005, 01:37 PM

I like the Remington 1100 in 12ga. A couple of years ago I was also debating on which semi-auto shotgun to get (Remington, Beretta, Benelli, etc.). I ultimately went with the Remington 1100 and I'm very happy with it.

It's very reliable (gas operated), soft shooting, durable, and fairly affordable (although the retail price has gone up a lot since I bought one a couple of years ago). I use it mostly for clay use and it works well, even with light target loads. It patterns well and also fits me pretty well. For my needs, it is a good all-purpose semi-auto. Also, although I don't take such great care of it (I don't really clean it too often) it still keeps on cycling reliably.

My 1100 came with a 28" barrel. However, I also picked up an extra 22" barrel that has a fiber optic front bead and a metal mid bead for fun. It's actually the same barrel that is sold on the Remington Competition Master 1100 http://www.remington.com/firearms/sh...on_master.htm).

The only drawback with the 1100 is that if you want to shoot 3" Magnum shells out of it, you're probably better of getting an 11-87 or some other gun. I believe that most of the 12 ga 1100's are configured for 2-3/4" shells, although I seem to recall there is one version of the 1100 that accepts the 3" long shells. I prefer the 1100, because it more reliably cycles the lighter target loads that I use than a 3" gun.

Definitely check the 1100 out. You can probably find a good deal on a used one in your area.

9mmMike · September 25, 2005, 01:41 PM

My 1100 is a 3" magnum but I run a 2 3/4" barrel on it. Never fired a 3"er.

Mine also has the 21"/22" barrel with the mid bead & +3 factory extension w/clamp. It is a real hoot.

Mike

exoduster16 · September 25, 2005, 09:47 PM

I have an 11-87 and have not been disappointed. I have kept real clean and have taken good care of it since I got it about 8 years ago. It has a 2 3/4 in. or 3 in. capability and I have put 1000+ rounds through it and it functions flawlessly still to this day. I've put slugs, all kinds of buckshot, 3 in. magnum shells, just everything and it has NEVER JAMMED. Not once. Not even a hiccup. I love this gun.

Jrm5204 · September 28, 2005, 07:46 AM

Saiga 12 if you can get one. The only thing bad about it is spare mags are expensive and hard to find.

Ruger4570 · September 28, 2005, 12:35 PM

I would say pretty much what has been posted.. I have Rem 1100's 1187's and a Berreta 390.. All have been fired thousands of time and with a minimum of care. Any of these are good guns and you really won't go wrong.

Ignition · September 30, 2005, 06:26 AM

sagia 12g HANDS down

basically its a shotgun in the form of a ak47, but on steroids

supercheap and realible.

extra mags are expensive as hell though. because ATF likes to put a squeeze on importers and remmington when it bought out EAA stopped importing saiga stuff because it was basically competition. currently there arent US mag makers... but sooner or later somone will start producing the mags here in the US... and after the initial buying frenzy the cost will drop down and things should be good.

but yeah saiga 12 is best bang for buck

CorpseEater · September 30, 2005, 03:27 PM

Hey Ignition, I don't know if you've heard yet or not, but a new importer picked up the saiga line, and from what I've heard theyll be stocking the 5 rounders. 8 and 10 rounders will still be expensive and hard to get ahold of until some US manufacturers start.

Ignition · October 1, 2005, 01:34 AM

yeah rusmilitary is supposed to be picking up the line.... they are just dragging their feet.... and i guess the ATF is giving them grief about importing the hi-capacity mags.... which really you cant view as hi-caps since its still only 10 rounds... right? hehe

Mr.XD9mm · October 3, 2005, 10:25 PM

The shotgun would be for self defense and the occasional squirel outing.
What kind of prices on those listed on this section?
Have only seen the Saia in magazines but no prices guess I would have to go to the Gun Show to pick up some of the harder to find.

expeditionx · October 3, 2005, 10:56 PM

EAA was never bought out by Remington. What happened is EAA lost their association with the company that used to export arms from Russia "IZHMASH". EAA is still open for business. Remington gained a contract to distribute a certain "IZHMASH" brand of shotgun. Remington never bought out anyone.

The new importer is RAA in the United States
heres the website http://www.raacfirearms.com/test/index.htm
The ATF wont allow RAA to import magazines larger than 5 rounds for the shotgun or they will declare the saiga shotguns as Destructive Devices and that would screw up everyones day. Its a direct ATF threat to RAA.
Apparently the ATF is out to make a case against anyone that is not authorized to have a semiauto shotgun with a detachable magazine over 5 rounds. If they declare the saiga shotguns destructive devices registration is the next step. Some states wont allow DD's for civilians.
Mags over 5 rounds for the saiga shotguns are likely to screw up alot of peoples saiga ownership.

September 24, 2005, 08:24 PM	#1
Mr.XD9mm Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 199	What is the best and most affortable SEMI-AUto 12gauge? Wanting to know the best and most affortable semi auto shotgun that is out there. Looking to spend anywhere from $200-1500 for a good semi auto 12gauge. What would yall suggest?

September 25, 2005, 07:32 AM	#2
Tom C. Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2002 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 259	You don't say what you intend to do with it. Sporting clays? defense? Those are quite different. What you eventually get will be a matter of personal preferencel. I like the Browning Auto-5/Remington Model 11. They are only available used. I have one to which I have mounted rifle sights. I use it in IPSC 3 gun competition, but I could also use it for deer with slugs, or home defense. I have also used it for sporting clays. Most people will vote for something like the Remington 1100 or 11/87, or the Winchester Super X Model II. All are good, just depends on your preferences. Consider the possibility of having multiple barrels to convert the gun for specific tasks. __________________ Tom

September 25, 2005, 10:11 AM	#3
Skeetin'870 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2005 Location: Tulsa,Ok. Posts: 288	Beretta 3901 you can pick htem up for 400 and they are every bit as good as the top of the line semi auto berettas. Mine was stolen this morning and i wish i had it to shoot the people with. __________________ Mental prep for skeet 1 Look for the Bird 2 Gun speed to target speed 3 Head on the gun 4 Follow Through

September 25, 2005, 11:53 AM	#4
9mmMike Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2000 Location: SE PA Posts: 1,049	Short list: Remington 1100 - my favorite Beretta 390/391 Winchester SX2 (& SX1) Buy the one that fits you. Good luck, Mike __________________ "Freedom is not free" Visit TheRallyPoint.org TheRallyPoint at LRGC- Saturday August 26th IF YOU LIVE IN PA AND DID NOT VOTE, YOU DESERVE TO LOSE YOUR GUNS!

September 25, 2005, 01:37 PM	#5
IrvJr Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2004 Posts: 199	Remington 1100 I like the Remington 1100 in 12ga. A couple of years ago I was also debating on which semi-auto shotgun to get (Remington, Beretta, Benelli, etc.). I ultimately went with the Remington 1100 and I'm very happy with it. It's very reliable (gas operated), soft shooting, durable, and fairly affordable (although the retail price has gone up a lot since I bought one a couple of years ago). I use it mostly for clay use and it works well, even with light target loads. It patterns well and also fits me pretty well. For my needs, it is a good all-purpose semi-auto. Also, although I don't take such great care of it (I don't really clean it too often) it still keeps on cycling reliably. My 1100 came with a 28" barrel. However, I also picked up an extra 22" barrel that has a fiber optic front bead and a metal mid bead for fun. It's actually the same barrel that is sold on the Remington Competition Master 1100 http://www.remington.com/firearms/sh...on_master.htm). The only drawback with the 1100 is that if you want to shoot 3" Magnum shells out of it, you're probably better of getting an 11-87 or some other gun. I believe that most of the 12 ga 1100's are configured for 2-3/4" shells, although I seem to recall there is one version of the 1100 that accepts the 3" long shells. I prefer the 1100, because it more reliably cycles the lighter target loads that I use than a 3" gun. Definitely check the 1100 out. You can probably find a good deal on a used one in your area.

September 25, 2005, 01:41 PM	#6
9mmMike Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2000 Location: SE PA Posts: 1,049	My 1100 is a 3" magnum but I run a 2 3/4" barrel on it. Never fired a 3"er. Mine also has the 21"/22" barrel with the mid bead & +3 factory extension w/clamp. It is a real hoot. Mike __________________ "Freedom is not free" Visit TheRallyPoint.org TheRallyPoint at LRGC- Saturday August 26th IF YOU LIVE IN PA AND DID NOT VOTE, YOU DESERVE TO LOSE YOUR GUNS!

September 25, 2005, 09:47 PM	#7
exoduster16 Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 148	I have an 11-87 and have not been disappointed. I have kept real clean and have taken good care of it since I got it about 8 years ago. It has a 2 3/4 in. or 3 in. capability and I have put 1000+ rounds through it and it functions flawlessly still to this day. I've put slugs, all kinds of buckshot, 3 in. magnum shells, just everything and it has NEVER JAMMED. Not once. Not even a hiccup. I love this gun. __________________ Mine: Weatherby Vanguard in 7mm Rem Mag Remington Model 572 Pumpmaster Remington Model 11-87 12 guage Remington Model 870 Express 12 Gauge w/18.5 in. barrel And plenty of ammo for all of them

September 28, 2005, 07:46 AM	#8
Jrm5204 Junior Member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Delaware Co., PA Posts: 3	Saiga 12 if you can get one. The only thing bad about it is spare mags are expensive and hard to find.

September 28, 2005, 12:35 PM	#9
Ruger4570 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2005 Location: Rochester, New York Posts: 2,136	I would say pretty much what has been posted.. I have Rem 1100's 1187's and a Berreta 390.. All have been fired thousands of time and with a minimum of care. Any of these are good guns and you really won't go wrong.

September 30, 2005, 03:27 PM	#11
CorpseEater Member Join Date: January 3, 2005 Location: East of the gators, west of the sharks Posts: 32	Hey Ignition, I don't know if you've heard yet or not, but a new importer picked up the saiga line, and from what I've heard theyll be stocking the 5 rounders. 8 and 10 rounders will still be expensive and hard to get ahold of until some US manufacturers start.

October 3, 2005, 10:25 PM	#13
Mr.XD9mm Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 199	Hmmm sounds good The shotgun would be for self defense and the occasional squirel outing. What kind of prices on those listed on this section? Have only seen the Saia in magazines but no prices guess I would have to go to the Gun Show to pick up some of the harder to find.

October 3, 2005, 10:56 PM	#14
expeditionx Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2004 Posts: 330	EAA was never bought out by Remington. What happened is EAA lost their association with the company that used to export arms from Russia "IZHMASH". EAA is still open for business. Remington gained a contract to distribute a certain "IZHMASH" brand of shotgun. Remington never bought out anyone. The new importer is RAA in the United States heres the website http://www.raacfirearms.com/test/index.htm The ATF wont allow RAA to import magazines larger than 5 rounds for the shotgun or they will declare the saiga shotguns as Destructive Devices and that would screw up everyones day. Its a direct ATF threat to RAA. Apparently the ATF is out to make a case against anyone that is not authorized to have a semiauto shotgun with a detachable magazine over 5 rounds. If they declare the saiga shotguns destructive devices registration is the next step. Some states wont allow DD's for civilians. Mags over 5 rounds for the saiga shotguns are likely to screw up alot of peoples saiga ownership.