Best auto-loader for the money.
 

I'm looking at buying a new semi-auto shotgun. Budget is a bit tight (I'm trying to keep it under $700). I've heard mixed reviews about the Stoeger M2000. I know it is a Turkey made version of the Binellis. Not sure if I'm better off buying that gun new or a nice used Remington 11-87 or Beretta AL391. Seems like I can find those used for around $700 or so. I'm also open to other suggestions. Any thoughts from the field?

Thanks,
Tom

If I were starting all over, I'd go with a Remington 870 or a Browning BPS and learn to pump...Reliable autos have gotten too expensive...

You can get a nice Browning or Remington for $400-500...

In an auto, I'd go with a Remington 11-87 (but they are a bit heavy) or a Browning Silver or Gold...

Benelli, Benelli, Benelli, Benelli.....and if you can't find a good used one, I'd save until you can buy anew one. I've owned them all and the Benelli is by far the best.

My Stoeger 2000 eats everything I've fed it with 100% reliability, and it cost around $425 I think (I'd have to ask my wife, because she bought it for me for my birthday last year on her own... which was her very first solo gun purchase, BTW). The Stoeger is the best value semi-auto out there IMO. You won't go wrong with one. I wouldn't trade mine for any Rem 870 Express ever made.

Mike

The Stoeger Model 2000 semi-auto shotgun is the most reliable semi-auto in its price range 400 $ to 500 $

ASK

My Stoeger 2000 has never jammed or misfired,I'v shot 100+ shells through mine,3'' 00 buck,3''turkey loads and high and low brass 6 shot(shells mentioned all together).It patterned great with all of them.I'd reccommend this gun to anybody.

For under $700, I'd be patient and start looking for a used gun. You'll be able to find just about any autoloader, in great shape, used for that price.

I prefer the AL391, 390, or 3901 because they FIT me the best. They have a longer Length of Pull than most other autoloaders, and have an adjustable shim system.

At the end of the day, fit is more important than brand. In fact, FIT is the most important thing - period. So if you want a particular gun and it does not fit, find a good gunsmith to adjust the stock for you. That's what I have to do with 870's. No sense in having any gun that you cannot shoot well -- it will just lead to frustration.

I have a Stoeger 2000 that runs like a swiss watch, so I bought another one and it was jamomatic w/ a rough safety, so I think its a crap shoot. I think for 700$ you could buy a browning gold, beretta 3901 or franchi 12 or mabye even a benelli m1 for a few bucks more, cant go wrong w/ any of those.

I'm not a really big shotgunner, I hunt geese every year with a model 935 3.5 inch mossberg auto and this gun of mine has been a dandy, however I cant say the same about my buddies his jams often. I have a rem 870 that has never given me any trouble and a rem 1100 that works great as long as kept very clean. Last year I got to dove hunt with a benelli M2 and I can say that this shotgun was by far the best that I have every fired. The load time was unbelievable, never jamed once in 2 cases of shells fired through it. The next time I invest in a shotgun it will be a Benelli.

I have a Charles Daly and put hundreds of rounds through it over about a years time. It has ate everything and performed flawless for me in the duck blind. I actually have it for sale just because I want to go back to a pump gun. I also like Charles Daly because the have a transferable lifetime warranty on all their guns.