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Old March 31, 2011, 09:37 AM   #1
MotoPhotog
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Least expensive Semi Auto Shotgun?

Anyone have a model/store for a lead on this?

At this point I shoot pistols and SA rifles only, and figure its time to add a shotgun to the mix. I've heard the advice "first shotgun, snag a good pump shotgun for the same price as a cheap semi auto one." And I hear you on that. I'm sure I'll have more than one, at some point...

Locally theres a store here in Washington selling H&R ‘PARDNER’ 12-GAUGE 6-SHOT PUMP SHOTGUN on sale for $199.99. Not sure if thats a good deal or not.

Anyway I'd love a semi-auto. I should note I'm no hunter. I'm strictly a professional paper plate shredder.

Thanks in advance.
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Old March 31, 2011, 09:56 AM   #2
Will Beararms
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The cheapest semi-auto I would look at would be the the Remington SPR453-----they are made by Baikail (SP) in Russia and can still be had for prices in the sub $400 range.

Otherwise, I would find a used Beretta, Benelli or Browning that is owned by someone on a financial bind needing to get rid of it. I would pay no more than $500.00. $500 is well below value but cash talks when the cupboard is empty or the car note is over due.

Otherwise, you are gambling with ticking time bombs. I am a voracious duck hunter and call for other hunters. I have seen them all and some of the brands that will be mentioned in replies where are iffy at best. You will hear many extol the virtues of the less expensive Turkish semi's. I say run one like we run a shotgun and get back to me.

Think what I am telling you is not possible? I picked up a pristine Browning Gold for $540 all total. The shotgun retailed at meglomart sports emporiums for $799.00 it it's day. The gun must be cleaned every other trip to function properly but other than that, it is flawless. (FYI, Browning Golds get a lot of bad press and rightly so but it is because they must be cleaned frequently to hold up to frequent use in a duck blind.)
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Old March 31, 2011, 09:59 AM   #3
jmortimer
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A better question is what is the least expensive semi-auto shotgun worth spending $$$ on. For me it would be the Mossberg 930 for around $500.00 or so and the good news is that it is as reliable as a semi-auto gets. Best deal for the $$$.
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Old March 31, 2011, 10:23 AM   #4
Smitty in CT
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Base model Mossberg 930 can be had for $450 @ Bud's with free shipping:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/14639
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Old March 31, 2011, 10:28 AM   #5
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Thanks you two, appreciate that. Jmortimer, i hear you on that!

I was spoiled this last weekend and held a 8 shot Benelli with the pistol grip... *drool* was such a nice sg.

$450, thanks Smitty!
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Old March 31, 2011, 11:03 AM   #6
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Cabelas is advertising at their stores (I think the closest one to you is in Lacey) the CZ 712 Semi Auto for $399.00 which is a decent price. CZ makes a nice gun.

Check out their current ad. Takes a second to load. http://content.yudu.com/A1r34o/Cabel...rces/index.htm
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Old March 31, 2011, 11:58 AM   #7
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Stiofan, thanks for posting that up! great deal!
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Old March 31, 2011, 09:03 PM   #8
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If you like the benelli but don't want to spend the money, check out the Stoeger 2000. Stoeger is owned by Benelli and has the Benelli bolt in it. Stoeger shotguns are made in Turkey and, having 4 of them in our family, I have been very impressed with them. Most of the time they run around $500.00
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Old March 31, 2011, 09:23 PM   #9
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Remington Model 11s in 12 gauge can be had for less than 300.

Remington 11-48s can be had for even less yet.

They may not be new but you can bet they will be good. These are the best quality for your dollar out there in semi autos BAR NONE.
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Old March 31, 2011, 09:43 PM   #10
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I love used guns. I would take a serious look at your local pawn shops, you can generally find some good deals on shotguns.
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Old March 31, 2011, 10:02 PM   #11
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Mossberg 930 is in my very near future. Friend has one, LOVE the way that thing shoots!!
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Old March 31, 2011, 10:48 PM   #12
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Take a look at some used Remington 11-87's. Going off of Gunbroker averages you'll hit around $600, but you won't be disappointed. No matter what your game or intention, you will find an 11-87 to match it, or you'll find the aftermarket parts to make it match what you want to do with it.
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Old April 2, 2011, 02:57 AM   #13
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check out Cascade Loan and Sporting goods in Auburn. He has several auto's on the wall at a descent price. From Covington take 18 to Auburn way turn north its 2 blocks on the right straight across from Safeway. Also for new try Sportco in Fife. Just off I-5 I believe it is at the intersection of 20th and Frank Albert road.
Kind of specific but your practicly my neighbor
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Old April 2, 2011, 03:03 AM   #14
.300 Weatherby Mag
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Check out the Beretta 3901 Standard... Around $600...
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Old April 2, 2011, 01:15 PM   #15
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The least expensive auto I have experience with and would recommend is the Stoeger 2000.

I've heard the Mossberg 930 is good, but have not fooled with one. I had bad experiences with several Mossberg 500's and the older 9200, so I have a hard time recommending Mossberg.

Buying used is always a good option. My personal preference is the Benelli. I have 2 M-1's I bought used at much better prices than they are asking for the newer M-2. You will probably get the most used gun for the money with an 11-87.
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Old April 3, 2011, 10:17 PM   #16
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A semi-auto shotgun is not the place to go cheap.
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Old April 4, 2011, 09:42 PM   #17
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A friend of mine recently bought a Weatherby semi-auto in 20 guage. It came with 3 screw in choke tubes and seems to be a good gun. He paid less than $400.
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Old April 11, 2011, 07:52 PM   #18
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Motophog:

Sent you an email, but let me know if you are still in the market for a low cost auto-loader. I can beat most prices, as well as tell you what all is out there.

Thanks.
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Old May 3, 2011, 03:33 PM   #19
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Cheap semi-auto shotguns

You usually get what you pay for.
Couple of years ago I found a very nice and clean little 20ga semi-auto on-line at one of the auction sites for less than $200. I found out why it was there. Three yrs later, and having sent it in for repair twice to a reputable accessory dealer (machinist) I'm still having problems with getting it to shoot where I point it. I'm now into it for about $350 - $400 and still need to work on it. This time, I'll be doing the work. At least then I'll know it will be checked and certified as a straight shooter when I'm done.
I bought it to hunt with. I don't mind if the stock gets scratched but I'd still like it if it were to shoot straight. I guess you end up paying one way or another.
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Old May 27, 2011, 09:06 PM   #20
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I snagged a Savage 726 (three-shot Auto-5 clone) for $150 two Christmases ago. Not really ideal (3" and steel shot are out), but I've always loved the Auto-5 look and couldn't pass it up.
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Old May 28, 2011, 05:20 AM   #21
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Mossberg 930, Beretta 390/3901, Weatherby SA-08, or a lightly used Remington 1100. I would opt for a new Mossy 930 myself...
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Old May 28, 2011, 06:35 AM   #22
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Buy new for sure, do not buy a used gun as you never know just what your getting. That said Mossberg 930 is around 500 and is a very nice handling gun for the price, CZ also makes some very nice ones around that price range. Other than that they start getting expensive other than the H and R semi thats actually 400 bucks but I know nothing about it
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Old May 28, 2011, 08:15 AM   #23
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Weatherby...
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