I'm needing/itching for a new shotgun. This will be my go to dove gun because my Beretta does not cycle light loads. 3 inch chamber is fine but no 3.5's.

Here my list of must haves:
12ga
Semi auto
Wood stocks(satin finish or high gloss doesn't matter)
26 inch barrel
Under $1000

So far I've fondled a Benelli Montefeltro and Franchi, both felt great but the Benelli shouldered a little easier.
It's been so long since Ive bought a shotty that I don't really know what's what anymore. Are the Ithaca's any good?

May be you find this interesting
https://www.reddit.com/r/Shotguns/comments/25c4as/benelli_super_black_eagle_ii_vs_stoeger_m3500/
http://forums.benelliusa.com/archive/index.php/t-27895.html
I have Stoeger, after removing some burs and breaking in have no problems shooting skeet with light or any heavy loads.

Do they have to be auto's?

Yes. I have 6 pumps.



I'll read those today, I looked at Stoegers, seemed to fit very well, just don't know anybody that has one.

I was where you are now about a month ago. I hadn't bought a shotgun in 20yrs. I had 3 Benelli's, 2-20s & an SBE1 so I just never needed anything else. I wanted to get a gas operated gun for my daughter to duck hunt with. I looked at & handled just about everything out there and decided that I liked the feel of the Win SX3 best. I ask around and got a lot of good reviews, so I sold a 20ga Montefeltro and bought a 12ga. SX3 camo w/26"bbl. After shooting several rounds of skeet and changing out the shims I am very happy the way the gun shoots. Looking forward to trying it out on some doves soon.

Steve

SX3 is the best in that price range. I know bc I have one

Lol, so helpful

I might come pop some rounds out of yours. Your neighbors won't mind?

In that price range, Benelli Montefeltro every time.

Shot most of my dove last year out of the shop doorway. It's getting cerakoted right now but you're more than welcome once it's back

I bought a Stoeger for my Dad and he decided to go to a 20 ga so I kept it for a lend out gun and have been surprised by the performance. I have only shot crows with it but after a case of shells not one malfunction.

I have a Winchester SX3 that I love!
It is in synthetic stock though.

A buddy has one of the franchi's and it seems like a really nice semi. I've shot it a few times and it felt good and shot well for me.

The ONLY thing I didn't like was plate you push up to load new shells (not sure of the name) was a thumb grabbing mo-dinker.

Gonna agree with this.

Yildiz guns are considerably cheaper and good shooters as well.

What Beretta do you have? For an inexpensive auto, I have been very happy with my Beretta A300 Outlander.

Beretta Urika Extrema

Yes. I have 6 pumps.

If you get an auto and are use to shooting pumps you will end up ripping the fore stock of the gun trying to cycle the action. It would be fun to watch you shoot.

I shot pumps for 15 years before I got an auto. I never tried to pump it once

With at least one semi auto and 6 pumps, it sounds like you need a nice little 2-holer for the dove patch.
Yildiz in 28 guage! (Yes, I totally ignored your "Must haves")

P_102

If you like the way that fits you and handles, give the Outlander a look... not pretty, but is 12 gauge, has a wood stock available, 3" chamber, and is well under your budget. I think it is only available with a 28" barrel though.

The Benelli Montefeltro is nice too though.

I run a Stoeger M3000 as my dove gun and my duck gun. I haven't had any issue at all. It cycles light target loads just as good as the duck loads. I like the inertia system it has compared to the piston systems of the equally priced autos.

Ive considered a O/U, just never have pulled the trigger on buying one.

why is this so tough?

Ive looked at
Weatherby Deluxe
Benelli Montefeltro
Beretta A300 & A400
Older Beretta Teknys
Stoeger M3000
Franchi
Winchester SX3(used)
Browning A5(used)

I really like the SX3 and the Browning Maxus. Have you considered the latest Remington? I've not handled one but have heard good things about them.

Pickup a clean used Remington 1100 for around $450 and call it a day. Get a couple barrels with the extra dough if need be. There is a reason the 1100 holds the record of over 24,000 consecutive rounds fired with no jams lol.

I use an 870 at work everyday, and sold off all my Remingtin shottys, just not a fan of them

I've got a Stoeger M3500 and it's a great shooting gun. Mainly use it to duck hunt with, but it cycles light loads just fine as well. I mainly run a Weatherby SA-08 - it is light and a great dove gun. Never a malfunction.

Dad has a Franchi - I'd trade both of my guns for his. Never had an issue with it and I just like the overall fit and finish vs my two guns.