Seeking shotgun buying advice

[Vermin93]

I know hardly anything when it comes to bird/waterfowl hunting and shotgun sport shooting. I am being presented with opportunities to do these activities and would like to get into them. Also, several of my work clients are into shotgun sport shooting and I would like to start participating.

I'm looking for recommendations on a quality shotgun for bird/waterfowl hunting and sport shooting. My budget could be around $2000 if it makes sense. Any suggestions?

 

[Dover_Mike]

Here is my advice for what it's worth. Go shoulder a Super Black Eagle 2, Beretta Unicoi, Winchester SX3, Browning A5 and Maxxus, and see which one fits and feels the best. Any of those are great guns. I have put a dump truck load of shells through a sx3, sbe2, and I just got a new A5. Just depends on what fits, and feels good to you and you're wallet. You are welcome to shoot mine if you are in the area. Good luck

 

[BobTail]

We shoot skeet on a regular basis, and my son shoots competitively. That said, you can't beat a O/U for clays shooting at any level. They just "work". Browning Citori is the best bang for the buck in that category. Immaculate used versions can be had for 1200-1300. There are also many great shooters who use the time-tested Remington 1100. It will shoot 100,000's of rounds with very little attention except for a regular cleaning and a $3 o-ring replaced from time to time. For a do-it-all gun for everything from skeet to ducks, the Beretta autoloaders are hard to beat. That being said, with the ammunition that is available today you can kill a ton of ducks with 2.75" shells. And if that suits you, the 1100 comes to mind again. A good used 11/87 is also a great alternative and will shoot both 2.75" and 3" shells.

Just stay away from Franchi, Stoeger, CZ, and Yildiz if you want a quality gun that will last a lifetime. These ain't one of them. Yeah ...... I'll get a bunch of protests over that statement, but I challenge anyone to run 10,000 rounds through one of them and tell me it was trouble free. And I know there are owners who swear by them. But there are far more who swear at them. I refuse to go into the field with a gun that is questionable or has a proven failure rate.

In the firearms world the statement "You get what you pay for" rings extremely true. Cry once ... not twice.

 

[rukiddin]

We shoot skeet on a regular basis, and my son shoots competitively. That said, you can't beat a O/U for clays shooting at any level. They just "work". Browning Citori is the best bang for the buck in that category. Immaculate used versions can be had for 1200-1300. There are also many great shooters who use the time-tested Remington 1100. It will shoot 100,000's of rounds with very little attention except for a regular cleaning and a $3 o-ring replaced from time to time. For a do-it-all gun for everything from skeet to ducks, the Beretta autoloaders are hard to beat. That being said, with the ammunition that is available today you can kill a ton of ducks with 2.75" shells. And if that suits you, the 1100 comes to mind again. A good used 11/87 is also a great alternative and will shoot both 2.75" and 3" shells.

Just stay away from Franchi, Stoeger, CZ, and Yildiz if you want a quality gun that will last a lifetime. These ain't one of them. Yeah ...... I'll get a bunch of protests over that statement, but I challenge anyone to run 10,000 rounds through one of them and tell me it was trouble free. And I know there are owners who swear by them. But there are far more who swear at them. I refuse to go into the field with a gun that is questionable or has a proven failure rate.

In the firearms world the statement "You get what you pay for" rings extremely true. Cry once ... not twice.

That's very good advice. I used to do a fair bit of competitive skeet and sporting clays and I've seen about every make and model put through its paces. It's one thing to shoot a couple cases of target loads and a few boxes of steel shot a year, but if you want to separate the "men from the boys", start shooting on a weekly basis and you'll see why quality shotguns are so expensive. Like it or not, some shotguns are just not cut out to handle high volume shooting.
As far as O/U's are considered, browning and beretta are what most start out with. I had a 725 sporting and loved it but the 725 fits slightly differently than the 325-625 models. The 725 has a lower profile. I liked it but could see how someone used to a 525 or 625 wouldn't like it. You cannot go wrong with any Citori. I also have a browning Cynergy that I hunt with when using my 12. I've got close to 15k rounds through it and it's just as tight as it was the day I bought it.
As far as autos are concerned, I'm gonna probably be unpopular saying this but if it's not a Beretta,a browning Maxus or Winchester SX3, I wouldn't want it. With the only exception being the older model Rem 1100 skeet or sporting models. I say that based on personal use and observations waTching every tom Richard and Harry bring every shotgun made to a skeet field. I'm partial to the A400 in beretta but the 390 and 391 are great guns as well. The A400 and Maxus are the only auto loaders I ever saw that would eject my light reloads without any issues. I have a A400 in 28gauge but since last year my go to gun for hunting anything flying is my SX3 20 gauge. Smooth fast and reliable.

 

[Jon54]

I've got a Browning Citori and as someone else said, it just works. On a dove hunt a few yrs ago, I shot 25 doves with less than two boxes of shells.

 

[Vermin93]

Thanks for the advice, guys. Much appreciated.

I have some coworkers telling me to only consider a Benelli. Now that I've seen all these non-Benelli suggestions, I'm wondering if my coworkers may have watched too many Duck Commander videos back in the day.

 

[BobTail]

Thanks for the advice, guys. Much appreciated.

I have some coworkers telling me to only consider a Benelli. Now that I've seen all these non-Benelli suggestions, I'm wondering if my coworkers may have watched too many Duck Commander videos back in the day.

Benellis are strange critters. You either love them or hate them. I can't comment either way because I have never fired one enough to give an opinion that would carry any weight.

If someone says "Buy XXXX Brand", ask them if THEY own one and how much it has been shot. You'll likely find that most recommendations you get come from someone who has a brother-in-law who had a cousin that had a neighbor who fired a million shells through it. Or they read a review in a gun magazine. Pay attention to the people who use these guns on a daily basis. Not the ones who use them 6 days a year ... or know someone who does.

I hope this is OK to do here ............

There is a TON of information from seasoned shooters at www.shotgunworld.com as well as common sense opinions and gun reviews. You would be well served to go there and browse for a few days before making a purchase.

 

[Roost 1]

My uncle and his son-in-law travel the country shooting sporting clays competitively they shoot Beretta's. I would put my original SBE against any other but I don't think the SBE2s are quite as good. You should decide if recoil is gonna be an issue, if so you don't want an inertia driven gun.

 

[Hardwoodmaterials]

Go handle all the shotguns you can BEFORE you buy one! Shotguns are not like rifles at all. If a shotgun doesn't fit and feel right to you it doesn't matter what brand name is on it you might as well be throwing the shells by hand. I have had a few different ones right now my favorite is a Remington VersaMax but you may handle one and hate it. If your close to me your more than welcome to come run a few shells thru it. Also don't get too caught up in online reviews. I swear 90% of the people that write them have never shot, handled or even seen the guns they are writing about and the magazines will praise a polished turd if they are given enough incentive!

 

[BobTail]

Since it was brought up, I'll add to the "handle it" statement.

Shotguns are not like rifles or even pistols. There is no rear sight. Your EYE is the rear sight. If the stock doesn't fit correctly, the gun won't shoot where you think you have it pointed. (Yes, you don't "aim" a vent rib) I could go on forever about the in's and out's of stock cast, comb height, and eye dominance. But that information is readily available with a quick Google search. And FWIW, most factory shotguns have neutral stock cast. But that isn't necessarily the best thing. As an example, my son shoots lefty. His gun is cast for a left handed shooter and the comb is adjusted to fit his face. I can't hit a pig with it at 10 yards. Fit also has a HUGE influence on felt recoil.

 

[Vermin93]

Great info, thanks!

 

[BobTail]

If and when you buy a gun, if you want it to fit you properly take it to Craig at Montlake Clays. He can alter the stock to fit you and isn't at all expensive. He has done many fittings and knows what he is doing. There are others who do this work, but he is the best that I know of in the immediate area.

If you are considering a good used QUALITY clays gun, when you decide what you want take a 2.5 hour drive to Mark's Outdoors in Birmingham. They have literally hundreds of used firearms and almost always have a few Citoris and other nice clays guns in stock. Their posted prices are kinda scary, but they always are willing to stand at the counter and bargain on a used gun. We have made several purchases from them over the years. They can be beat on new prices, but their used inventory is mind boggling.

 

[Remington742]

Like others have said go pick up all of them and see what feels best to you. When I was searching for a new shotgun that is what I did and it came down between two guns I finally decided on the versa max because I had shot one and read that it would cycle light loads and heavy 3.5 loads. Verses the other gun not being able to cycle the light loads every time like it said it should. Finding the right gun really comes down to what different scenario's you will be using it for and how it feels to you.

 

[rukiddin]

Thanks for the advice, guys. Much appreciated.

I have some coworkers telling me to only consider a Benelli. Now that I've seen all these non-Benelli suggestions, I'm wondering if my coworkers may have watched too many Duck Commander videos back in the day.

I've owned benelli's. I've never picked up a single one that didn't fit me perfectly and handle like a dream. Problem with every one of'em was the actual performance of the gun. If I pay $1500+ for a auto loader, it dam well better shoot every single type of ammo I feed it. Not seen one yet that didn't have trouble with light target loads. It may take 4-5 boxes before they start giving trouble, but eventually they will. Mine were all junk that I honestly felt bad about selling to the person but all were told up front the issues.
Me personally, I'd rather have a gas autoloader over inertia. All the inertia guns I've ever been around or owned simply could not keep up with a gas gun. From performance to cycle times. Gas all the way.

 

[BobTail]

The Benelli "inertia" action is basically a recoil action, although with a few minor differences. When fired, the entire gun moves rearward (unlike the 1100 & other gas guns) and like the Browning A-5, it requires a firm shoulder mount to recoil against. Like limp-wristing an automatic pistol, the lack of a firm mount can cause problems. For this reason alone it is not a good candidate for younger shooters, many women, and even smaller framed men. Not saying this was the problem in your instance, but it is sometimes the reason that these guns don't handle lighter loads consistently. They require a firm hold and a good shoulder weld to operate properly. Some get along with them just fine ... others not so much. Personally I don't want a gun that is that "finicky". Especially when there are gas operated options out there that have faster lock times and are more versatile and more reliable. Even the "old" Browning A-5 design had a faster lock time than the new Benellis. And it is far softer recoiling and dead nuts dependable IF set up properly.

 

[rukiddin]

The Benelli "inertia" action is basically a recoil action, although with a few minor differences. When fired, the entire gun moves rearward (unlike the 1100 & other gas guns) and like the Browning A-5, it requires a firm shoulder mount to recoil against. Like limp-wristing an automatic pistol, the lack of a firm mount can cause problems. For this reason alone it is not a good candidate for younger shooters, many women, and even smaller framed men. Not saying this was the problem in your instance, but it is sometimes the reason that these guns don't handle lighter loads consistently. They require a firm hold and a good shoulder weld to operate properly. Some get along with them just fine ... others not so much. Personally I don't want a gun that is that "finicky". Especially when there are gas operated options out there that have faster lock times and are more versatile and more reliable. Even the "old" Browning A-5 design had a faster lock time than the new Benellis. And it is far softer recoiling and dead nuts dependable IF set up properly.

I've seen instances where that was the case. I might not be able to do a lot of things right, but holding and handling a shotgun is not one of'em.

 

[BobTail]

The Benelli "inertia" action is basically a recoil action, although with a few minor differences. When fired, the entire gun moves rearward (unlike the 1100 & other gas guns) and like the Browning A-5, it requires a firm shoulder mount to recoil against. Like limp-wristing an automatic pistol, the lack of a firm mount can cause problems. For this reason alone it is not a good candidate for younger shooters, many women, and even smaller framed men. Not saying this was the problem in your instance, but it is sometimes the reason that these guns don't handle lighter loads consistently. They require a firm hold and a good shoulder weld to operate properly. Some get along with them just fine ... others not so much. Personally I don't want a gun that is that "finicky". Especially when there are gas operated options out there that have faster lock times and are more versatile and more reliable. Even the "old" Browning A-5 design had a faster lock time than the new Benellis. And it is far softer recoiling and dead nuts dependable IF set up properly.

I've seen instances where that was the case. I might not be able to do a lot of things right, but holding and handling a shotgun is not one of'em.

That's why I worded it as I did. Never had a doubt about your ability. :tu:

 

[rukiddin]

The Benelli "inertia" action is basically a recoil action, although with a few minor differences. When fired, the entire gun moves rearward (unlike the 1100 & other gas guns) and like the Browning A-5, it requires a firm shoulder mount to recoil against. Like limp-wristing an automatic pistol, the lack of a firm mount can cause problems. For this reason alone it is not a good candidate for younger shooters, many women, and even smaller framed men. Not saying this was the problem in your instance, but it is sometimes the reason that these guns don't handle lighter loads consistently. They require a firm hold and a good shoulder weld to operate properly. Some get along with them just fine ... others not so much. Personally I don't want a gun that is that "finicky". Especially when there are gas operated options out there that have faster lock times and are more versatile and more reliable. Even the "old" Browning A-5 design had a faster lock time than the new Benellis. And it is far softer recoiling and dead nuts dependable IF set up properly.

I've seen instances where that was the case. I might not be able to do a lot of things right, but holding and handling a shotgun is not one of'em.

That's why I worded it as I did. Never had a doubt about your ability. :tu:

Glad you didn't doubt it cause there's been days when I have. Hahahahaha