I want to buy a shotgun...

[RapidSnail]

I've been looking at Benelli's, Beretta's, Browning's, and so forth for the past few days, and I'm ready to buy. Unfortunately, I know not much about the subject matter. The gun will be my first, and I will be using it primarily for breaking clay, and maybe a little hunting here and there. I want a 12-gauge, 28 inch, semi-automatic shotgun, with interchangeable chokes, and I prefer to stick with well-known, quality brands such as the aforementioned. My budget is flexible, but is around 700-800 USD.

I've been told by the owner of a semi-local gun store whom I visited today that most of the higher priced guns are more or less geared toward enthusiasts who care about things like cryogenically treated barrels, and that these additions don't necessarily equate to more accuracy or proficiency. Basically, I do not want to spend unneeded dollars on features that I care little about, or whose benefits are negligible to performance.

Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

 

[ultimatebob]

For $700 to $800, you might be better off looking at Remington or Winchester shotguns. They aren't a high-end brand like a Beretta or a Browning, but they're reliable and you can afford them.

When I was younger, I had a 20 gauge Remington semi-auto that was accurate and rock solid reliable. Sure, it wasn't as nice as my Dad's 12 gauge Browning's, but it didn't cost $1,200 either.

 

[DrPizza]

A great 1st shotgun is a Remington 870 express. Around $300 - will save you some money. You can easily resell it for close to what you paid for it. Granted, it isnt (wtf, my apostrophe key is freaking out my computer) a semi-automatic; it is a pump action; but it should do the trick for what you want.

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
For $700 to $800, you might be better off looking at Remington or Winchester shotguns. They aren't a high-end brand like a Beretta or a Browning, but they're reliable and you can afford them.

It doesn't necessarily have to be high-end [read: expensive], but I want a quality product, which is what the brands I mentioned are known for.

 

[PAB]

Originally posted by: RapidSnail
Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

• 
  
  The M3 is one of a kind. I don't reccmend it. If you want a pump, get a Nova. If you want an auto, get an M1 or an M4.
  
  Remington 1100 fits your bill perfectly. You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow.

 

[DrPizza]

I have never heard of someone having trouble with the remington 870. IIRC, it was rated quite highly in field and stream's gun round-up this year (or one of those hunting magazines.) Like I pointed out, since it's your first gun, it's relatively inexpensive, and if you really get into the sport, then you can upgrade later on (and easily re-sell it for close to what you paid for it.)

 

[Damn Dirty Ape]

you'll put your eye out.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail
Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

• 
  
  The M3 is one of a kind. I don't reccmend it. If you want a pump, get a Nova. If you want an auto, get an M1 or an M4.
  
  Remington 1100 fits your bill perfectly. You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow.

• 
  
  tell that to the pro shotgun shooters

 

[Conky]

Originally posted by: RapidSnail

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
For $700 to $800, you might be better off looking at Remington or Winchester shotguns. They aren't a high-end brand like a Beretta or a Browning, but they're reliable and you can afford them.

It doesn't necessarily have to be high-end [read: expensive], but I want a quality product, which is what the brands I mentioned are known for.

Hard to beat a Remington 870 Express. Many police departments use the 870's so you know they are reliable.

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
I have never heard of someone having trouble with the remington 870. IIRC, it was rated quite highly in field and stream's gun round-up this year (or one of those hunting magazines.) Like I pointed out, since it's your first gun, it's relatively inexpensive, and if you really get into the sport, then you can upgrade later on (and easily re-sell it for close to what you paid for it.)

I just had a look at the 870, and I don't think that is what I'm looking for. I really want a semi, because I plan on shooting at more than one clay at a time and it is much easier to just pull the trigger rather than cocking before each shot. I also know that while this will be my first gun it is not just a passing interest, and that I will be in this for the long run and want to be sure that I'm getting a quality product as I do not plan on buying/selling a new shotgun every year or so. But I do appreciate your advice. Thank you .

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail
Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

• 
  
  The M3 is one of a kind. I don't reccmend it. If you want a pump, get a Nova. If you want an auto, get an M1 or an M4.
  
  Remington 1100 fits your bill perfectly. You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow.

• 
  
  The 1100 is a beautiful gun. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. It looks as if I'll be spending 1000-1200 USD for a nice semi, which is fine as I will be receiving a $200 cash gift for Christmas which I will have on top of my budget.
  
  Cheers!

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: RapidSnail

Originally posted by: DrPizza
I have never heard of someone having trouble with the remington 870. IIRC, it was rated quite highly in field and stream's gun round-up this year (or one of those hunting magazines.) Like I pointed out, since it's your first gun, it's relatively inexpensive, and if you really get into the sport, then you can upgrade later on (and easily re-sell it for close to what you paid for it.)

I just had a look at the 870, and I don't think that is what I'm looking for. I really want a semi, because I plan on shooting at more than one clay at a time and it is much easier to just pull the trigger rather than cocking before each shot. I also know that while this will be my first gun it is not just a passing interest, and that I will be in this for the long run and want to be sure that I'm getting a quality product as I do not plan on buying/selling a new shotgun every year or so. But I do appreciate your advice. Thank you .

OK.. How about a model 1100 then?

Edit: Oops, too slow

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Originally posted by: RapidSnail

Originally posted by: DrPizza
I have never heard of someone having trouble with the remington 870. IIRC, it was rated quite highly in field and stream's gun round-up this year (or one of those hunting magazines.) Like I pointed out, since it's your first gun, it's relatively inexpensive, and if you really get into the sport, then you can upgrade later on (and easily re-sell it for close to what you paid for it.)

I just had a look at the 870, and I don't think that is what I'm looking for. I really want a semi, because I plan on shooting at more than one clay at a time and it is much easier to just pull the trigger rather than cocking before each shot. I also know that while this will be my first gun it is not just a passing interest, and that I will be in this for the long run and want to be sure that I'm getting a quality product as I do not plan on buying/selling a new shotgun every year or so. But I do appreciate your advice. Thank you .

OK.. How about a model 1100 then?

Edit: Oops, too slow

I will try to hit Hoffman's tomorrow to check out the Remington and corresponding models from other brands. I can't wait!

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail
Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

• 
  
  The M3 is one of a kind. I don't reccmend it. If you want a pump, get a Nova. If you want an auto, get an M1 or an M4.
  
  Remington 1100 fits your bill perfectly. You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow.

• 
  
  tell that to the pro shotgun shooters

• 
  
  My dad likes double barreled over under shotguns for shooting skeet... To each their own, I guess.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
I have never heard of someone having trouble with the remington 870. IIRC, it was rated quite highly in field and stream's gun round-up this year (or one of those hunting magazines.) Like I pointed out, since it's your first gun, it's relatively inexpensive, and if you really get into the sport, then you can upgrade later on (and easily re-sell it for close to what you paid for it.)

Sell a gun? Blasphemy! Just add another to the collection! I'll be getting an 870 when I get back to the states.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail
Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

• 
  
  The M3 is one of a kind. I don't reccmend it. If you want a pump, get a Nova. If you want an auto, get an M1 or an M4.
  
  Remington 1100 fits your bill perfectly. You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow.

• 
  
  tell that to the pro shotgun shooters

• 
  
  My dad likes double barreled over under shotguns for shooting skeet... To each their own, I guess.

• 
  
  You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow
  
  that was what i was referring to.

 

[PAB]

Originally posted by: RapidSnail

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail
Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

• 
  
  The M3 is one of a kind. I don't reccmend it. If you want a pump, get a Nova. If you want an auto, get an M1 or an M4.
  
  Remington 1100 fits your bill perfectly. You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow.

• 
  
  The 1100 is a beautiful gun. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. It looks as if I'll be spending 1000-1200 USD for a nice semi, which is fine as I will be receiving a $200 cash gift for Christmas which I will have on top of my budget.
  
  Cheers!

• 
  
  
  Dude. You can get an 1100 for WAY less than $1100.
  
  I think they're 3-400 used.

 

[PAB]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail
Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

• 
  
  The M3 is one of a kind. I don't reccmend it. If you want a pump, get a Nova. If you want an auto, get an M1 or an M4.
  
  Remington 1100 fits your bill perfectly. You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow.

• 
  
  tell that to the pro shotgun shooters

• 
  
  My dad likes double barreled over under shotguns for shooting skeet... To each their own, I guess.

• 
  
  He can go O/U when he gets good. Till then, he's gonna have to learn how to break clay with an 1100.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail
Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

• 
  
  The M3 is one of a kind. I don't reccmend it. If you want a pump, get a Nova. If you want an auto, get an M1 or an M4.
  
  Remington 1100 fits your bill perfectly. You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow.

• 
  
  tell that to the pro shotgun shooters

• 
  
  My dad likes double barreled over under shotguns for shooting skeet... To each their own, I guess.

• 
  
  He can go O/U when he gets good. Till then, he's gonna have to learn how to break clay with an 1100.

• 
  
  now i'm really scared. its appears PAB owns guns...

 

[Orsorum]

I shot clay for a couple years in my teens and my pump was never too slow to catch a pair.

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail
Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

• 
  
  The M3 is one of a kind. I don't reccmend it. If you want a pump, get a Nova. If you want an auto, get an M1 or an M4.
  
  Remington 1100 fits your bill perfectly. You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow.

• 
  
  The 1100 is a beautiful gun. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. It looks as if I'll be spending 1000-1200 USD for a nice semi, which is fine as I will be receiving a $200 cash gift for Christmas which I will have on top of my budget.
  
  Cheers!

• 
  
  
  Dude. You can get an 1100 for WAY less than $1100.
  
  I think they're 3-400 used.

• 
  
  As I said, I'll be heading out to Hoffman's tomorrow to see what the have, used and new.
  
  

 

[Bozo Galora]

Remington is junk.
Just buy a Benelli and be done with it.
No buyers remorse

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: RapidSnail

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail
Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

• 
  
  The M3 is one of a kind. I don't reccmend it. If you want a pump, get a Nova. If you want an auto, get an M1 or an M4.
  
  Remington 1100 fits your bill perfectly. You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow.

• 
  
  The 1100 is a beautiful gun. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. It looks as if I'll be spending 1000-1200 USD for a nice semi, which is fine as I will be receiving a $200 cash gift for Christmas which I will have on top of my budget.
  
  Cheers!

• 
  
  
  Dude. You can get an 1100 for WAY less than $1100.
  
  I think they're 3-400 used.

• 
  
  As I said, I'll be heading out to Hoffman's tomorrow to see what the have, used and new.
  
  

• 
  
  The Hoffman's in Newington, CT? Make sure to ask for a T-Shirt... I got free one the last time they hosted a gun show there.

 

[Antisocial Virge]

Just bought this today. 870 Express. Sorry for the crappy pics
Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3
Nothing says Merry Christmas like a firearm under the tree.

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Originally posted by: RapidSnail

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: RapidSnail
Also, I hear that certain semi's have a feature that allows changing the action to pump, which I would love to have if possible. What guns, such as the Benelli M3, have this option?

Summary -

• First gun
• Skeet/rare hunting occasions
• Preferences - 12-gauge/28 inch barrel/semi-automatic/interchangeable chokes
• Only quality brands (Benelli, Beretta, Browning, Franchi, etc.)
• Budget - around 700-800 USD, but flexible
  
  By the way, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of semi-automatics shotguns over pump-action shotguns besides the ease of use, if any?

• 
  
  The M3 is one of a kind. I don't reccmend it. If you want a pump, get a Nova. If you want an auto, get an M1 or an M4.
  
  Remington 1100 fits your bill perfectly. You do NOT want to shoot clays with a pump gun. Its just too damn slow.

• 
  
  The 1100 is a beautiful gun. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. It looks as if I'll be spending 1000-1200 USD for a nice semi, which is fine as I will be receiving a $200 cash gift for Christmas which I will have on top of my budget.
  
  Cheers!

• 
  
  
  Dude. You can get an 1100 for WAY less than $1100.
  
  I think they're 3-400 used.

• 
  
  As I said, I'll be heading out to Hoffman's tomorrow to see what the have, used and new.
  
  

• 
  
  The Hoffman's in Newington, CT? Make sure to ask for a T-Shirt... I got free one the last time they hosted a gun show there.

• 
  
  They give away free T-shirts? Awesome! Where in CT are you from?