Hey. Just got back from guns stores and found three shotguns I like. There was a Browning Gold Classic Hunter, a Franchi Model 612, and a Winchester Super X2 Field. These are all used guns and range from $300-400. I was wondering if anyone has experience with any of these guns. I really like the Browning the best, but the Winchester was the only left hand shooter out of all of them and I shoot left handed. I have shot a right handed Browning A5 auto before with no problem though. Just wanted to bounce some ideas.... lemme know... thanks

If it feels like it belongs in your hands, thats the one you pick. I'm a lefty and the firearms made for those 'other' guys have never bothered me. Oops! I should clarify that remark. I will never buy a firearm without a tang safety 'cause those cross bolt things always confused me.

you found a browning gold hunter for $400. what is the name of the store...i want another one!!!! i'd definitely go with the browning. great, reliable, well built all around shotgun. i agree with sawbill also...see how it swings and cheeks and then youll know what youre gonna kill birds with.

The Browing BPS is a great pump action for a left-handed shooter... It has bottom-ejection and a tang safety, so it works the same no matter how you shoot. Ithaca's model 37 also has bottom-ejection, and you are able to order it with a left-hand safety. Remington has the model 870 Express pump with a true southpaw action, but the quality doesn't really compare to the Browning or Ithaca, although it is still a good value. All three are available fairly cheap new-in-box, but if you are willing to spend a bit more, the Benelli M1 and Remington 11-87 are very nice auto-loaders. The links to all five models are listed below.

As for the used Winchester Super X2, that would also be an excellent choice if in good condition. Good luck!

http://www.browning.com/products/cat...asp?value=011B
http://www.ithacagun.com/products/catalog/
http://www.remington.com/firearms/le...d/870EXPLH.HTM
http://www.benelliusa.com/firearms/lefthand.tpl
http://www.remington.com/firearms/le...1187PRLCLH.HTM

Thanks for all your help guys... stupid Browning sold (of course)... in case you wanted to know it was at Carolina Sportsman though in South Carolina(around York). I was also wrong about the Winchester model... it is a 1400 mk II. I am going to go look at it again today, but i think i may just hold off. as for the pumps, i really want an auto loader, just a matter a preference... thanks again...

I have a lot of experince with two of the Three. My first choice would be the Browning. Too bad it's gone! The Gold Classic and Franchi 612 are very similar loooking and feeling. The Franchi is lighter and less expensive ($200-$300) than the Browning. I would describe the Franchi as being quicker and the Browning being smoother. They are both gas operated, hold 5 shells, and have magazine cut offs. Browning's is via a lever and the Franchi's is automatic. The Browning's are the only semi-auto shotguns that have the speed load feature. The Franchi gives up a little in quality and zero in realibality(so far) to the Browning. I have been very impressed thus far with the Franchi 612. The Franchi "612", Beretta "Pintal/ES100", Stoeger "2000", and Weatherby "SAS" are the best buys in semi-auto shotguns today. You get a lot for what you pay for them.
I would by the Winchester second if it were the Super X-2 but, it's not.