Semi-auto shotgun

Always had the itch for a nicer shotgun and have some cash free. Looking for your opinions on what models/features to look for. Would like to use it for busting clays. Requirements are <$800 (preferably $500-$600), interchangeable chokes, reliable with cheap loads (and without constant cleaning), wood stock, I'm sure there's more...

Only two shotguns I have right now are an old Sears 20 gauge SxS with fixed modified/full chokes and an old Springfield 12 gauge with a fixed full choke. So I'd like to have something with cyl and/or imp as an option.

I know a good bit about handguns and rifles but have very little knowledge in the shotgun world. So I'll take whatever advice I can get. Might be willing to consider an O/U also if one fits all the above requirements.

I have Beretta 390 and 391 shotguns; I'm very impressed with both.

They come in wood stock in my price range? I've heard good things about those.

Beretta A300


Remington 11-87


Weatherby SA-08

Those are hyberlinks to the 3 shotguns in your price range that I am personally familiar. My niece has an A300 and it shoots very well and every time. I personally have shot clays and doves with it and I like it. I have 4 Remington 11-87s in 20 gauge and they are my go to for Pheasant, Quail, Chukar, Dove and Teal. I really really like my 11-87s. If you were looking for a 20 gauge Semi Auto I would highly recommend one. My uncle has a Weatherby SA-08 and he really likes it. I have shot clays with it and it is a reliable gun but does not quite fit me.

With all guns you need to see what fits you. That will make a huge difference in your decision. If you extend your budget a little you can look at Browning A5, Browning Maximus, Benelli and Beretta A400. They all are about $1250 and up...

Great guns!

Here are some links from Buds Gun Shop for way cheaper prices than what was previously linked.

Here is a wood Berretta A300 for $705 from Buds

LINK

Here is a wood Remington 11-87 for $622 from Buds

LINK

Here is a wood Weatherby SA08 for $609 from Buds

LINK

Also another you might look at is the CZ 912, it has really good reviews any only $473 on Buds.

LINK

Sharp looking gun.

Stoeger M3000 just came out in a wood stock. $600 at Cabela's.
That would be my first choice in your price range, but I'm partial to inertia guns.

Did not know this. I use a Stoeger M3000 in MAX4 camo for water fowl and love it. I looked on Buds to see if Stoeger had any wood guns but didn't see any, only reason I didn't list it.

I looked at a Stoeger before I bought my Weatherby SA-08. If they'd had a wood stock then I might have gone that direction. I handled about 10-12 different shotguns and the SA-08 fit me the best. I really like it, but I know a lot of people that swear by the Berettas. My advice is look at as many as you can and see which ones fit you the best and are still good quality and pick from that group.

Stoeger M3000 or Mossberg 930.

You should check out all local walmarts in your area that sell guns. They've been clearing it all their Remington versamax shotguns. They had one at my Walmart for 449 yesterday.

Sorry just saw that wood stock was a must.

I chose a browning silver hunter. Great shotgun

Almost the same thing as the franchi a-48 which is also a great gun

Just bought my gf a SA-08 and it's nice, but not as nice as the browning silver hunter

I can't say enough good things about the A300. I have a camno synthetic stock, but it fits, swings, and handles great. I have put 4 flats through it out of the box since June with not one issue. Haven't even cleaned it yet!

Also have a synthetic SA-08 which shoots fine but just doesn't "feel" right.

Another vote for the A300. The gun will do everything you want and more. If you want to spend a bit more, buy the A400.

The Beretta looks like a good option. What is the difference between 300, 390, 391, 400, and 3901? So many different models...

Two other questions:

- if I end up looking at some fixed choke guns, what is the best for general clay target shooting? (I don't even know the difference between skeet and trap - it will mostly just be me and some buds throwing targets out on some land)
- what are the differences between gas, recoil, or inertia operated?

If you're going single choke (not sure why you would, this is 2015?), go improved cylinder or modified. I have an 1100 20ga from the 70s that is improved cylinder and it's done just about everything I've ever asked of it. My SA-08 came with the modified in it and I've shot pheasant and dove with it and it seems to do fine. I can swap in the full for waterfowl or cylinder for skeet or quail if I get the chance.

Thanks for the input. I only mentioned a fixed choke because a bunch of the used ones I've looked at have that.

I figured that's where you were headed. Before you buy used you might check with a gunsmith or the Internet about the option of your new purchase having a choke system added or swapping to a barrel that has a choke system, if you think you may need it for future hunts. Good luck!

My advice would be one of the three "Bs" Browning, Beretta or Benelli. For your budget you could find a nice used Super 90, SBE, A5, or one of the previously mentioned. If you go fixed choke, I'd spring for a modified.

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Thanks MisFire, and for all the other replies.

After the responses here, I'm really leaning towards a Beretta. However, I'm an engineer which means I am obligated to do hundreds of hours of research before I make any decision. And for the life of me, I can't figure out what the differences are between the 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 390, 391, 400, and 3901 are. Lots of options and not sure which is the best fit.

I'll keep doing research and hopefully can figure it out, but I would be grateful if anyone could post a summary of what each model is.

Look around, you might find a good used Benelli Montifeltro for a good price, they are great guns. I currently have two M2's in 12 & 20 , wouldn't part with them.