The only shotgun I have is a Franchi i12. I like it, but the recoil beats up my face. It doesn't bother my shoulder at all, but after a day of shooting it feels like I have a bruise on my cheekbone for the next couple days!! This is what got me thinking on looking at other shotguns...
What I'm looking for is advice mostly. I'm only interested in semi-auto 12ga guns. There is a used Winchester Super x3 at the gun shop (NWTF edition) for $970. I liked the look of this gun and it felt nice. Is that a good price? It looks brand new.
I have had some people tell me I am better off looking for a used Beretta. I don't want the inertia system, gas is fine. I kind of like the 3.5" option but its not real important. What's important is that I don't break my face, the gun fits, and it can have a SLING! My franchi has a wood stock so no sling..a pain when you have to walk 3/4 of a mile to your spot, carrying decoys and blinds and whatever else. I like the camo guns better than black synthetic.
So far I'm considering getting that Win SX3, or looking at Beretta Xtrema 1 (2 is probably out of my price range), or Beretta Urika Optima. I want it for turkeys, ducks, and geese. Not deer, and probably not clays or pheasants.
Advice?
Edit: I like the camo finishes with that "grippy" feeling, so that is a factor too.
__________________ Pink Mission Menace
50lbs, 26"
125g Slick Trick Magnum
If a 3" is already leaving some marks on your face, I don't think you would want to go with the 3.5" (unless you're planning on going waterfowling with it--steel kicks a lot less). I have had some issues with bruises under my eye, but that had more to do with my shooting style than the gun. When I changed where I was putting my hand on the grip and how far forward my face was on the comb, the problem went away, so you may not need a new gun. But if you feel like your current shotgun needs company, the winchester SX3 is a fine weapon, but would also suggest you take a look at the browning silver.
__________________
Vegetarian? Thank a hunter for protecting your food!
I'm 5'6"; so I've removed all the "shims" in order to shorten the LOP.
I use it for all the same game/shooting you've mentioned with 3" & 3.5" loads.
Works like a champ !!!
Never noticed the recoil, while I'm smiling at those downed birds.
__________________
Silence is Acceptance. "To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards out of men." ~ Abraham Lincoln ~ Stand Up and Be Counted !
The X3 is a great gun that is pretty easy to get good patterns out of, but that price does seem a bit steep.
The face slap you are getting from the Franchi is due to gun fit or poor form, either of which are fixable.
__________________
Fight organized crime, re elect no one.
I thought maybe it was just my form or something too. However, I had my fiance, his dad, and another friend all shoot it and they agreed they all had sore faces afterward. I'll research more about it.
__________________ Pink Mission Menace
50lbs, 26"
125g Slick Trick Magnum
You may have seen my previous post - I use my Beretta Extrema for a turkey & waterfowl gun !
__________________
Silence is Acceptance. "To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards out of men." ~ Abraham Lincoln ~ Stand Up and Be Counted !
I have a Super X3 and I really like it. In fact I just got it patterned today. The "Dura Touch" is a feature that I like as well. It grips good in your hands but it does not allow the stock to "slide" across your face as a wooden stock would. The SX3 should come with a set of shims that will help you get a better fit but there is nothing like having a professional get you set up correctly if the problem is that bad. I'd work on the price just a little too!!!
Made the mistake of going to the gun store...
