I was looking at getting a friend a starter-type semi-auto shotgun. I've looked used, but decided I would prefer to go with a new one (so don't lecture me on how much better off he would be if I would buy him a good used gun - but feel free to LMK if you do have a super deal on a nice used one). I've heard on other boards that this gun - a new semi made by Yildiz - has made its way into some Academys, but the one by me has never heard of them. Anyone else seen them?

Never seen one but have experience with the O/U. Probably the best bang for the buck on an entry level O/U for HUNTING. They will not hold up as a target shooting gun with heavy use.

Gee Dewey, you shouldn't have....

I haven't seen the semi-auto Yildiz either, just wanted to rib you a little. CDNN has some Lanber semi-autos for good price - I don't know anything about the brand, but it's probably as good as the Yildiz.

Oh and, I know a guy that can take you and your friend for an upland hunt to try out that new gun....

thanks scattergun. That's what I was thinking too, but he'll probably shoot 4 - 8 boxes/year through it, so I thought it would be a good entry level.

thank you too Brian - I think we might just take you up on that!

I havent seen one, but I sure like the Stoegers for a starter Semi-Auto. My dad bought one because it was a lot lighter than the three 1100s he has, doubt he has really cleaned it in the 4 years he had it, and its never misfired. Benelli owned. I know Dicks carries them.

I've heard the Yildiz semi-auto isn't as good as the over/unders. I have owned one of their over/unders for close to 5 years now. I am hard on guns as i don't clean them as often as i should, and that over/under keeps performing without ANY problems. My brother has one and so does a buddy of mine that is on the THF here. both of them love it.

I know you asked about the semi-auto, but i just have a hard time going with a semi-auto anymore after having the o/u. It gets that second shot out there just as quick, and i'm not sure anyone REALLY needs more than 3 shots.

I've just been really impressed with how i can go to a clay shoot or a dove hunt and knock down more targets/birds with my extremely inexpensive o/u than my friends can with their semi-autos and expensive o/u shotguns.

Good luck to you, whichever route you take!