Semi-Auto.....Options
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Warren County NJ USA
Posts: 3,899
Semi-Auto.....Options
So for awhile I've been wanting to add a semi-auto for turkey to my gun collection. I own two 11-87 in 12 & 20ga but for deer/bear hunting.
For turkey I want the semi-auto in 12ga., 3.5", camo. Now I know most if not all of the gun makers make it, and as of now I'm leaning towards the 11-87 mag. cause I have two of them, but also looking at the Browning and in many ways the same gun Winchester SX3, but the price tag is expensive for a gun I will use once in a while for a few weeks in spring.
So with the three I named: 11-87, Browning, and Winchester, which others would you add to the list of good, reliable decent price semi-autos? I was looking at the Mossberg 935, but read on-line owners having problems with theirs, I have no problem with Mossberg pumps.
Thanks for your help !!!
For turkey I want the semi-auto in 12ga., 3.5", camo. Now I know most if not all of the gun makers make it, and as of now I'm leaning towards the 11-87 mag. cause I have two of them, but also looking at the Browning and in many ways the same gun Winchester SX3, but the price tag is expensive for a gun I will use once in a while for a few weeks in spring.
So with the three I named: 11-87, Browning, and Winchester, which others would you add to the list of good, reliable decent price semi-autos? I was looking at the Mossberg 935, but read on-line owners having problems with theirs, I have no problem with Mossberg pumps.
Thanks for your help !!!
#2
Spike
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Albany, NY
Posts: 47
I personally have an SX3 in 3 1/2" with a 26" barrel and I do love it. I've had good luck with it and its very lightweight. Haven't shot the others in your list, so I can't really say. But you are correct, all the autos are pricey! Do some googling in general and I bet you find a bunch of opinions. In a perfect world I'd say get a benelli, but the price tag is tough to swallow.
#3
Few questions why 3.5" round - really not needed stick with 3 inch
Why new gun - have you thought about buying a second 11-87 barrel. I did - bought a cantelever 20" for my 11-87 and topped it off with a Nikon Mondarch Turkey Pro scope.
Barrel came with a rifled choke tube to which I just added Hastings Extra Full 0.665 to it and was done.
Just an idea.
JW
Why new gun - have you thought about buying a second 11-87 barrel. I did - bought a cantelever 20" for my 11-87 and topped it off with a Nikon Mondarch Turkey Pro scope.
Barrel came with a rifled choke tube to which I just added Hastings Extra Full 0.665 to it and was done.
Just an idea.
JW
#6
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Warren County NJ USA
Posts: 3,899
I like the fact I have a range of options with the 3.5" chamber. I love my Mossberg 835 it's my goto turkey gun, but always wanted a semi-auto for these birds. As far as another barrel for my 12ga. 11-87 is one way I can go, but those are my deer guns and I tack them way more serious then turkey guns.
#7
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 270
I also would suggest dropping the 3.5, not necessary,
Excessive recoil, and in many cases there appears to
Be little or no improvement in pattern over a 3".
I really like my Benelli m2 3" with a short 21 inch
Barrel. Perfect for the turkey woods. Set up with
An Indian Creek choke and Nitro shells--- very
Happy with the pattern out to 50 yards.
Good luck with whatever you decide on.
Excessive recoil, and in many cases there appears to
Be little or no improvement in pattern over a 3".
I really like my Benelli m2 3" with a short 21 inch
Barrel. Perfect for the turkey woods. Set up with
An Indian Creek choke and Nitro shells--- very
Happy with the pattern out to 50 yards.
Good luck with whatever you decide on.
#8
Spike
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Albany, NY
Posts: 47
If you can get a gun that shoots 2 3/4", 3" and 3 1/2"...then why not? You may not need the 3 1/2, but why not have the option? If its more expensive to get a 3 1/2" and you are sticking to a scrict budget, then I get it. Or if you fall in love with a specific gun that doesn't come in 3 1/2", then that seems fine too. I guess in my mind I just like having the option of any size shell. Please feel free to disagree!! :-)
#9
Fork Horn
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 342
Benelli Super Black Eagle, I know they are expensive but I bought a used, 1st generation model years ago with a 26 inch barrel, best semi auto I have ever owned. I have a Leupold scope on it, xx Comp-n-Choke and have killed several turkeys from 15 to 58 yards with it, it has never let me down.