Autoloader Shotgun Options and Opinions

Howski

Well-known member
Oct 19, 2009
1,483
209
Alabama
It's about time for me to purchase my own shotgun after borrowing my father in law's Remington 1100 for the past year or so. Primary use will be sporting clays and likely dove hunts in the future. An autoloader seems to be the trick as a decent O/U is more than I'm wanting to spend. The 1100 has been but I'd like to explore some other 12 ga. options in my search. The newer autoloader options I've considered are the Remington V3 or Beretta A300/A400. Ive shot an A300 multiple times and while it was more crisp I was caught off guard by the complete lack of kick. Based on what I've read I could expect modern gas operated guns to feel this way. Should I consider an older recoil operated gun or am I a fool for considering this? Open to suggestions, whether new or used, around the $1000 or under price range
 

SGaynor

Well-known member
Dec 6, 2006
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Bristol, TN
IMO, theres no finer autoloader than the Bennelli. Pricey, yes, but well worth it.

Keep borrowing the other shotgun, and save up the $1700 for one. Or look for used ones.
 

Howski

Well-known member
Oct 19, 2009
1,483
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Alabama
Stu, know it's not apples to apples between a 12 and 16 but how does the recoil operated feel versus a gas operated? From what I've read I like that the recoil operated don't seem to get as dirty

Scott, if I were to spend that kind of coin I'd rather get an O/U like the Silver Pigeon (which I've shot and is great).
 

1920SF

Well-known member
Jan 6, 2007
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NoVA
Ironically I've half considered an 1100 b/c that's what my dad had as I grew up-there are certainly better guns out there but there is a lot to be said for familiarity, comfort, and the intangibles.
 

SGaynor

Well-known member
Dec 6, 2006
7,148
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Bristol, TN
Scott, if I were to spend that kind of coin I'd rather get an O/U like the Silver Pigeon (which I've shot and is great).

Well, that leads me to ask: What are you using it for?

Clays? Upland? Waterfowl?

For clays and upland, I'm a double fan - I grew up with SxS and O/U. I love them, especially when humping up and down ridges going after grouse - the weight savings is worth it's weight in gold. Not to mention that you save 4-5" without the action - in dense grouse cover a 26" SxS is WAY shorter than any 26" pump/auto, and it makes life a lot easier.

For waterfowl, where you're (mostly) stationary, the weight doesn't play a real role, and the ability to use 3" and 3 1/2" shells is a real plus. And that's where the BBE shines. I used one a couple of times (borrowed) when I lived on the TX gulf coast, and it was a dream to shoot.

I know some people that are avid clay shooters and they insist a auto is easier on the shoulder; I also know those that use doubles and say it's a wash.

But I mostly hunt grouse when I'm bird hunting, so I've just got my two doubles. I do toy with the idea of buying a Bennelli from time to time though (that tactical semi-auto shotgun they have (USMC approved) is interesting)
 

Howski

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Oct 19, 2009
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209
Alabama
Clays and upland. I have no desire to wake up at the crack of dawn to sit in a cold, wet duck blind
 

Maximumwarp

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Mar 22, 2015
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Fairburn GA
There's a few decent O/U's around $1k. CZ Redhead Deluxe, Mossberg Silver Reserve ii. I wouldn't want to take a $3k Citori into the field, but it would look very nice at the clay range.
 

Howski

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Oct 19, 2009
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Alabama
There's a few decent O/U's around $1k. CZ Redhead Deluxe, Mossberg Silver Reserve ii. I wouldn't want to take a $3k Citori into the field, but it would look very nice at the clay range.

Would definitely consider an O/U just hadn't thought I could find a quality one in my price range. Any experience with the Mossberg? Seem to be mixed reviews but those seem to have been earlier after they were just released. I've read mixed reviews on guns produced in Turkey but wonder how much water that really holds
 

stu454

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Dec 15, 2004
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Atlanta, GA
The A5 is more of a clunk-clunk; I kinda like the feeling but I'm a weirdo.

You can find Citoris for less than $1500.
 

Maximumwarp

Well-known member
Mar 22, 2015
836
26
Fairburn GA
Would definitely consider an O/U just hadn't thought I could find a quality one in my price range. Any experience with the Mossberg? Seem to be mixed reviews but those seem to have been earlier after they were just released. I've read mixed reviews on guns produced in Turkey but wonder how much water that really holds

I've never shot a CZ shotgun, but their handguns are nice. An old roomate had a polished CZ-75 that was a dream to shoot.
 

wjsj69

Active member
Oct 11, 2017
26
8
Delaware Co. PA
Love my Rem 11-87 workhorse. A little on the heavy side, but all kinds of options, reliable, parts available, and unlike the 1100, it will take 2-3/4, or 3" magnums without changing anything.
 

Howski

Well-known member
Oct 19, 2009
1,483
209
Alabama
Appreciate all the input. I'll visit some of the local gun shops and see what they might have on their shelves
 
Jan 3, 2005
11,745
70
On Kennith's private island
Forget the 16ga. Shells are too hard to find, and when you do find shells they're typically only 7.5 shot. I'm not saying the 16ga is not a great gun, but should not be your first and only shotgun. A 20ga or 12ga are much more versatile.

Go with a 20ga or a 12ga. Nothing wrong with the 1100. Also consider Benelli.
 

SGaynor

Well-known member
Dec 6, 2006
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Bristol, TN
Dan is full of shit. But you already knew that.

While I normally default to this conclusion...in this case he's not.

Unless you are getting a Parker double in 16ga, and are going to reload, the benefits of the 16ga (weight savings) are lost on anything other than a double.
 
Jan 3, 2005
11,745
70
On Kennith's private island
Dan is full of shit. But you already knew that.

Yeah. Unless you like going on a scavenger hunt for ammo. You're not going to find much of a selection of 16ga ammo at Wal-Mart or your local hardware store. If you're lucky you'll find some bird shot.

Looking online at Cabela's, they have 18 search results for 16ga ammo compared to 163 search results for 12ga ammo. You can also find 12ga ammo in every co-op in every podunk town across America. But sure, I'm full of shit.