What semi-auto shotgun to get?

[vindog]

I'm in the mood to get a new shotgun but have no idea what to get. I mainly would use it for deer hunting so a rifled slug barrel is a must, but would also like to get into bird hunting alittle bit. I don't want to break the bank either. I saw a beretta 3901 at dicks the other day with a cantalever slug barrel on it for $650. Didn't seem to be a bad deal, but then i have to get a bird barrel yet and they seem to be around $350-$400. Also seems like when u start talking getting a extra barrel, it dang near makes sense to just get two guns instead, one for deer and then one for trap or bird hunting. They have stoeger 2000's everywhere for $500. So i'm confused, this will be my first semi-auto, and really just don't no where to start. Any advice would be great. Thanks

[Teach Deer]

Shotguns are very personal...and since how they fit and feel to each shooter greatly determines their preferences, you are liable to get a number of different opinions.

Here is one...

Several years ago, I decided to deer hunt at Fort Knox military base...shotgun or muzzleloader only. I also enjoy both turkey and duck hunting.

I purchased a "plain" Remington 1100 from Walmart (black synthetic stock, 28" rem choked barrel). I purchased a 20" fully rifled barrel (with rifle sights) from Cabelas, and several choke tubes. I made a couple of modifications (like tapping the receiver for a scope mount)...and there I have a do anything shotgun.

Of course the first thing I did with it was take on a skeet field to break it (really me) in...

Total costs (without the two scopes...one for turkey and one for deer) was about $650.

[BigBuck95]

Remington 12 guage 1100. You can get it in 20 or 12, and with a slug or birdshot barrel.
Hope this helps bud!
BigBuck95

[pnut]

I love my Browning A5.

[driftrider]

Don't let the $500 price tag fool you, the Stoeger 2000 is one heck of a shotgun for that price. With one small difference, it's the same Inertia system used in the (very expensive) Benelli's. The quality is very good and the reliability had been perfect. I love mine and wouldn't part with it. It's the best semi-auto shotgun you can get for under $1K.

Mike

[daddywpb]

Go to one of the big stores, Dicks, Bass Pro Shop, Gander Mountain, etc., and hold and feel as many different kinds as you can. Close your eyes, shoulder the gun comfortably, hold your head in a comfortable position, then open your eyes. You should be looking directly down the rib and see nothing but bead. If you're looking at the top of the rib, the gun doesn't fit. You should have an unobstructed view of the front bead, or if it has a center rib bead, they should be lined up and look like one. Price isn't everything. A shotgun must fit in order for you to shoot it well. Even shotguns of the same model that are stocked in synthetic and wood can "fit" differently. Try as many as you can, and don't buy something you won't be happy with later just to save a few bucks. If the one that "fits" costs a bit more, then save for it. You'll be glad you did.

[13pointjomc]

X2 Stoeger 2000!Best shotgun ive ever shot!

[Phil from Maine]

I bought a Remington 1100 magnum over 30 years ago and really enjoyed it. I also bought a couple of extra barrels to have for different ocassions.. It has done me well over the years..

[Sheridan]

# 1 choice $$$$

http://www.beretta.com/Long-guns/Fie...2&idv=1&id=894

#2 choice $$$

http://www.stoegerindustries.com/fir...model_2000.php

[Big Z]

Stoeger would have my eye