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.

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.

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

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

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...

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

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

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!

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).

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