Been looking at several semi-autos. I want an all around solid shotgun I can use for clays, doves, ducks, etc. Models I have in mind are the Beretta A300, browning A5 and Remington Versa Max. Would like to keep it between 800-1000. Appreciate the responses!

I like the new (and old) A5, although I haven't shot the new ones. I do like the VM... a lot.

There is (or was) a Beretta Urika 2 in the classifieds for around your price. I have one in a 20 gauge and love it.

Beretta A300 Outlander is a good buy, and it is under your price range.

Thanks for the feedback. Anyone else?

I'm not a shotgunner by any stretch but I have a friend who loves them like I love rifles. I put a lot of stock in what he tells me, and he thinks the Winchester Super-X 2s and 3s are top drawer. If I ever go shopping for a self-loading scattergun, I think that will be the one.

My buddy has a Remington 105 CTi...I can't say a thing about its function or reliability but I sure like the way it feels and handles.

Winchester sx3 has been a really dependable gun for me.

Steer WAYYYY clear of the Remington 105CTi. There is a reason they are no longer being made. I could not get rid of mine fast enough. Fantastic shotgun if you like to shoot once disassemble to unjam over and over and over.

I have read the Winchester SX3 is made in the same facility as the Browning Maxus(very nice gun) but I am not sure that is true.

Beretta, nuff said!

For a few more bucks the NEW A5 is awesome. You wont be sorry.

I your price range, love the Versa Max for an all around semi. They will cycle the lightest loads you can find and the baddest 3.5" on the market. Remington claims the gun is "self cleaning", I shot one with 5,000 rounds through it without cleaning and it cycled my 3/4 oz reloads without any problems.

Are they good? I really like how they feel, but haven't shot one.

Stand Dan - Thats impressive feedback!! Any particular model of the Versa Max?

I have shot the Sportsman and the Synthetic models. The Synthetic has a few more features, but it cost about $300 more.

By synthetic you mean the waterfowl version correct? Would you recommend 26" or 28" barrel?

They are popular in 3 gun as well.

The Versa Max?

Yes

This should have all you need to know:

Versa Max website

I like the 28", but it really does not change the performance of the gun, just how it feels and swings for "you".

I have heard good things about he SX3, and the Franchi Affinity is awesome. The Franchi Intensity is the 3.5" version.

I highly recomend the beretta a300 outlander. Awesome gun flawless performance, easy to clean.

I won't shoot anything other than a Belgium a5.

Don't shoot many 3" shells?

Funny the jap a5's are out pricing the Belgium a5 now for that reason

Beretta

I own four SX3's and highly recommend them. My Maxus is also great and so are my two Affinity's. Don't overlook the Weatherby SA-08. Browning and Winchester parts are manufactured in Belgium and assembled in Portugal. The new A5 has a reputation for harsh recoil. I would purchase an Outlander or a VersaMax if I needed another shotgun. The VersaMax, Maxus and SX3/Silvers are known for light recoil.