I just bought an 1187 camo supermag. I got a turkey with it 2 days later. Nice gun, it shoots all size shells. The 3 1/2" turkey loads pack a good punch, not only to the target, but to the shooter as well.

I have a Franchi 712 which I like a lot and is pretty light for a 12 gauge.. I would go with the i-12 or the gold whichever fits you best. I know that one of the reasons Beretta purchased Franchi was to copy their gas system. My 712 is a snap to clean and is a very gentle recoiling shotgun..it has the rotary bolt system as well

Franchi=OK Remmington 11-87=good BROWNING= enough said

If money is an object check out the CZ model 712, My cousin just purchased one last week, we shot it about a dozen or so times it worked without a hitch.
I know thats not enouph really to go on but the price was $329.
It balances well, it has a matte finish, its lacking in the recoil pad department. It comes with three choke tubes and wrench.
Good luck!!!

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Tex, go with the Rem. 11-87.

I have been thinking about this topic today while sitting in church (the sermon was a little slow). Since money is an object, have you considered a "used" gun? You might be able to find a "higher quality" gun for less money. What is the maximum amount that you are wanting to spend?

Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt your worship. LOL

I have been keeping my eye out for used guns. Dove season is still a ways off, so I have plenty of time. One of the local gunshops always has a large selection of used shotguns. Usually some Brownings, Winchesters, Remingtons, Franchis, etc., at sometimes some decent discounts.

New, I can getthe Franchi for around $700, and that's about the upper end of my price range.

Thats correct. It's been so long since I have hunted with mine cuz of my Nova, but that action would never close all the way in the Iowa cold. I tried everything, drylube, oil, hoppes #9, and always kept it clean but it never seemed to work right on really cold days. Like I said earlier....my vote goes to the Bennelli SBE or 1187. Spend the extra and get the SBE, and like it was stated earlier, a good pump is far better than a cheap auto loader.

Personally, I would skip over the SBEor the SBE 2 unless you really feel like you need to shoot 3.5" shells. In my opinion thats just more action that has to cycle, which leads to more failures. You can get a Benelli M1 Super 90 for real reasonable.