Best 1st Shotgun?
 

Ok, I am finally going to be getting my first shotgun. I want to get a 12 guage, semi-auto, 26", using it mostly for pheasants and other upland birds. I am not looking to spend a bunch of money, but I am stuck, at first many people said to invest in a Remington 11-87, then I felt that gun vs. a Winchester X-2, both are about the same price, but the X-2 felt very smooth, but I have not heard much about the X-2 besides is can cycle shells extremely fast so which one is better? Or someone suggested I look at Stoeger 2000 or Mossberg? Benelli, Browning and Beretta aremore than likely outof the price range. Any suggestions would be much appreciated, thanks.

RE: Best 1st Shotgun?
 

I don't have an 11-87 butmy son has an 1100 (whichI believe is very similar to the 11-87)12 ga and I havea Winchester X-2 12 ga. Both with 26" barrels and wood stocks. I have shot both extensively and I personally like the X-2the best. Not to say the 1100 is a bad gun because it certainly isn't and it has been around for a long time with proven success and my son likes the 1100 a lot.ButtheX-2 isslightly lighter,feels like it operatesa little smoother,seems to cycle faster,and evenfeels like it kicks a little less.

The best thing would be to buy the one that fits you best or you personally feel the best about. Just my 2 cents worth.

RE: Best 1st Shotgun?
 

for semi auto i'd go with a Benelli, if you wanted a pump...Mossberg all the way

RE: Best 1st Shotgun?
 

The Stoeger is a great shotgun. I think you'd love it. Same design as a Benelli. Never gets dirty. When I try to clean mine it's a waste of time. Patches come back clean.

Tom

RE: Best 1st Shotgun?
 

If I was young and starting out I wouldn't buy a semi, just too expensive...

I'd buy either a new Remington 870 or a Browning BPS, in 3 inch, so I could shoot 3 inch or 2 3/4 shells, depending on usage...

RE: Best 1st Shotgun?
 

any shotgun now-a-days are pretty good as long as you clean it after every shooting.
me personally prefer mossberg pump
cheaper then a remington and just as good
with that extra money you can get ammo or a scope
go to walmart
they have the lowest prices on guns as far as i've seen

RE: Best 1st Shotgun?
 

khano...id go with a pump first...mossberg...remington....get afeel for racking that shell....when your arthritis sets in...get that semi-auto benelli

RE: Best 1st Shotgun?
 

It's the last shotgun........and it's usually an over/under and the least cost GOOD one is the SKB 505.....

Buy the one you'll wind up with in the beginning and it's the cheapest gun you'll ever buy!

RE: Best 1st Shotgun?
 

Of the semi's that you listed I would go with the X2. Very durable, easy to clean, soft shooting, faster pointing, and will cycle most anything. Might take a look at the X3 too.
Ifyou want to go with a pump take a look at the Browning BPS, or an Ithaca 37 (new ones are pricey, but worth it).

RE: Best 1st Shotgun?
 

I have the Rem 1100 G3 which is closer to the 11-87 than the old 1100. All of those are great guns.