Hunting & Fishing Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

[Jeff in TX]

Ok, after 33 years I'm ready to retire my Rem 1100 12 ga. I need some suggestions.

My hunting requirements are pretty simple, doves in the fall and turkeys in spring and fall.

I will admit having not bought a shotgun in over 3 decades I was a bit sticker shocked at the prices...but thats ok. BTW I paid $230.00 for my 1100 at JC Pennys in 1979. Remember when JC Penny's and Sears sold guns?

Anyhow, I'm considering the Benelli M2 with 28" barrel. I really like this model as they offer a left-handed version
or Berreta A391 or 400
Remington Versa
or Rem 1187

All of these models except the 1187 retail right around $1500.00 or so with the 1187 right around a grand.

Looking for your recommendations and pros and cons for each shotgun.

As always thanks!

 

[jd138]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I can say I love my Benelli M2. I typically shoot the Federal $4.99/25 box and it has never jammed.

Cycles pretty quick and easy to load - once you have the lifter welded, so I guess that is the only con. This keeps your thumb from getting torn up if you are loading quickly. I just bought a welded one and switched it out myself. I think it was about $75.

Different autos have different recoil. Hopefully you are in a situation where you can shoot a couple to get an idea of the nuances. For instance, my father has always shot an 1187, he shot my M2 and did not care for it. Mine has a 21" barrel and the comfort tech system, not sure if that made a difference.

With all that said, as long as this rain holds off, I think I will take it out for a drive in the morning! If you get in the Tulsa area, I would happy to let you put a box of shells through it.

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

Benelli Super Black Eagle. 2 3/4"-3 1/2" shells. Simply the best all purpose shotgun for 20 years.

 

[Jeepocabra]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Benelli Super Black Eagle. 2 3/4"-3 1/2" shells. Simply the best all purpose shotgun for 20 years. </div></div>

I love my SBE, runs unbelievably clean with the inertia system. My only gripe is the grip angle on the stock, which it looks like they brought up to be a bit more vertical on the II series as well as thickening up the grip. Honestly though I never notice the grip unless shooting allot of clays.

 

[bbear]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

Of the one's you've listed I would go with the m2. I've got a buddy that only shoots benelli and he sold his SBE ll and bought an m2 after one of his hunters let him shoot his. One shotgun i'd recommend you look at is the Winchester x3. I've put a couple hundred rounds down a super black eagle and I would say the x3 is at least it's equal for a couple hundred bucks less. If money isn't an issue get the m2 3- gun.

 

[The_Duke]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I'm not sure if its available in left handed models, but I would look at benelli's american versions. Comes with a non-comfortech stock, 3 choke tubes vs 5, and no plastic carry case. Upside is I've seen them on gunbroker for as low as 800 for an M2 and slightly over 900 for a SBEII.

 

[Fisky]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

Shotguns are like bows IMO. All the higher end semis are reliable enough, and it should come down to what feels best in your hands and shoulder. For me, I can't stand the feel of any Benellis.

It's not on your list, but you may want to shoulder and swing a Browning Maxus once. I sold my Beretta Xtrema (A391) for the Maxus two years ago and love the thing. The second day after receiving the shotgun I did a goose hunt in the morning and shot some doves in the afternoon. Running the light dove loads through it was a breeze, and recoil was nonexistant. Browning has a pretty dang nice gas/piston system in that gun to increase reliability with the lighter loads, as well as greatly reduce recoil. If you do a lot of dove hunting, you may want to take that into consideration.

From early season light load dove hunting all the way into late, cold season waterfowl my Maxus has been far more reliable than the A391 Extrema I had. My experiences only!

 

[InsidetheStorm]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

My old man uses a Beretta A391 Xtrema2 with Kick Off, and he loves it. He says the 3 1/2 inch mags for turkey dont punish anymore. I have used the 391 without the Kick Off, and I never had any complaints. Nice shotguns, run around 1300 to 1500, but if Pops is right, (and he always is), the KO makes it well worth it. I want a chance to shoot one of the new Xplor guns, might be a little nicer.

 

[drmarc]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I have Benelli camo M2's in 12g and 20g. Just got the 20 so this will be my first year with it but you can't go wrong with them. Very lightweight, will eat anything you feed them and simple to service.

Money well spent in my book.

 

[smcfarland]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I've been extremely happy with my extrema2 for the last two years. Works flawlessly and with the kickoff recoils less than my 20 gauge auto. A pleasure to shoot in the dove fields.

 

[Ark. Trapper]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

Of the guns you have listed I'd pick the M2. It's a great gun. If you're open to other options I'd choose the Benelli SBE2. It's the most durable semi auto shotgun made. We work on hundreds of shotguns every year and the Benelli's are hard to beat in all aspects. They are extremely reliable, shoot nice consistent even patterns and are easier to keep clean than any gas gun ever will be. If you decide you want a gas operated gun then the Browning Maxus is as good as it gets, followed closely by the Winchester SX3. The bigger .740 bore on the Maxus and SX3 will pattern a bit better than the smaller .723 bore of the Benelli. They're also a softer shooting gun. If you pick any of these guns you will be very satisfied.

 

[Tumbleweed77]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I have also been an 1100 guy since I got mine at 18yo. I haven't had a chance to shoot any Benellis. I have an Xtrema2 waiting for me at home that I haven't even seen yet. I hope to get to shoot it next month. The best advice I've ever gotten concerning "What is the best "..."" gun is: The one that fits you best. I say shoulder as many as you can and see how they feel.

 

[Kodiak61]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I am an Benelli fan, have been since before I could afford one.

I have owned and gone hunting with :

M2,M3,M4,SBE and Vinci.

I love the M4 but sold it because it was just too heavy. Liked the the idea of the M3 but found the M2 suited my needs and with the weight reduction I was a happy camper.

M2 was my go to until I picked up a SBE.

Love this scatter gun, still do.

Picked up a Vinci and by far is the lightest, fastest shot gun I have owned. I have read where many have had problems, I however have experienced none of this.

I hunt ducks, doves, coyotes and turkey via shotgun and either the SBE or Vinci get the call depending on what I'm after that day.

Good luck any which way you go.

 

[RHutch]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

Benelli M2 gets the nod for me.
I've owned the original SBE and now have a pair of M1 Super 90's, in 12 and 20.
Never had the need for a 3.5" shell (though I shot some of them out of a feeling of obligation), especially with the technology improvements in waterfowl and turkey loads.

If I were to start all over, I'd get a pair of M2's for GP auto shotguns.

 

[RHutch]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

Cant speak for the newest Berettas but I do have a 390 Gold Sport and a 391. Both are great shotguns. Softer shooting than the IR Benellis.

 

[4ester]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

Benelli SBE II, M2, or M4.

 

[LeviSS]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I love my M2. I use it for everything. I went for 26" to be a little better turkey hunting. Most people end up shooting 3" shells out of their SBE2s because they usually pattern better, so that made me lean towards the M2, plus the safety is where I like it on the M2.

 

[razor100]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I'll offer a dissenting opinion check out the Benelli Montefeltro! i own a SBE (version 1), M1 super 90 and a Montefeltro, have shot an m2 and the Montefeltro points way better than all of those.

last i checked they offered a left handed montefeltro also,

 

[Conrad]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

Love my M2....

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

my 1187 hasnt let me down.

 

[bobo]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

Benelli sbe 2. However i have heard the rem versa max is real deal. Anxious to see.

 

[Graycliff]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I've put approx. 3100 rounds through my LH Benelli Montefeltro without one single malfunction or FTF. The gun balances, swings and points very well.
Everything from heavy deer loads to light skeet loads. You name it, the Benelli will cycle it.

 

[Briggs]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I really like my beretta 391. I haven't shot a lot of Benellis to compare it to.

 

[Judd]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LeviSS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I love my M2. I use it for everything. I went for 26" to be a little better turkey hunting. Most people end up shooting 3" shells out of their SBE2s because they usually pattern better, so that made me lean towards the M2, plus the safety is where I like it on the M2. </div></div>

What I find is the majority of the guys don't pattern them they just go shoot. But the ones that do typically are surprised by the 3.5 vs 3 and do end up shooting the 3's. So for that reason there isn't a reason, in my opinion, to own a 3.5" chambered gun. I shoot a 391 and my blindmate shoots a M2. All depends on what you want.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RHutch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cant speak for the newest Berettas but I do have a 390 Gold Sport and a 391. Both are great shotguns. Softer shooting than the IR Benellis. </div></div>

Agree...I like my 391's a ton.

Stick with the 3 B's [Benelli, Beretta and Browning/Winchester) and you will be fine. After the whole Cti series Remington put out I wouldn't buy one of their shotguns...the versamax is getting some great reviews but it is going to have to be a few more seasons before I could put my hard earned money on one.

 

[teamr2]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

Bunch of good info here. I'm not much into the "look" of the new shotguns so I went and bought an original SBE and a M1 Field. They are both earlier generations of the shotguns made today but are still perfectly functioning and serviceable. They can also be had for a lot less $$.

 

[ggmanning]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I do everyting with an M1 Super 90 24" and an SBE I 26" both 10+ yrs old. Both beat to hell and used for everthing from doves to turkeys to sporting clays. They have held up very well and are the only auto shotguns I have used that work after being dunked in the swamp or getting totally wet below freezing. Just keep the wad fowling out of the chamber and they eat anything. That said the Berettas are the smoothest shooting autos I have ever held. I prefer the simplicity of recoil operation without gas for my use though.

 

[Retterath]

Re: Looking for a new top quality semi-auto shotgun

I have had a Benelli super black eagle 2 for 8 years now and has never once failed me, super great gun, light and pulls up awesome.