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.

RE: Best 1st Shotgun?
 

well i know very little about semi autos but remingtons are simple and my best friend and his dad are avid pheasant hunters and swear up and down they are the most bang for your buck...hope that helps


p.s. winchester is nothing special

RE: Best 1st Shotgun?
 

first off the x2 is no longer made. if a dealer has one it's a left over gun. if you were to order one i'd probably be the universal hunter, that's the model my wholesaler has bought up. so that leaves the x3, same as x2 but lighter (more recoil) and finally has stock shims. you didn't mention you budget. benelli would be my number 1 followed my beretta then the win x3. as far as pumps (which you didn't ask about) it'd be the rem 870 then benelli nova. no mossbergs. remington's fit me good and they have been around a long time which is good and bad. their gas system is more complex then the winchester.