Shotgun Questions

[Irish Pennant]

I currently have a Remington 870 Express that I have put quite a few thousand rounds thru and she keeps on ticking yet recently I've been thinking about the autoloads and one that will shoot 3-1/2" rounds. Any of you own one that you have an opinion on especially if it cost less than $700.00. How about a pump that will handle the 3-1/2" mags.

[Headhunter]

IP,

Last year I bought a new 870 Express Super Magnum in synthetic and love it. It shoots 3 1/2 inch shells pretty well. I think the first box or so I was cycling the pump too quick and it would jam, but after it broke in, it has worked very well in all conditions. Not to mention I bought it new on sale at Sportsman’s with a rebate from Remington...total cost was like $180.00.

I know it's not an autoloader answer, but thought I would share. Others will chime in...


Jim

[jokester]

There's tons more people on here that have more experience than I do, but here's my anyway :grin:

If you're thinking about semi-auto's and getting the best (here goes...ready for it) bang for your buck check out the Beretta, Winchester Super X & Benelli Super Black Eagle. 3 of the top semi-auto shotguns on the market today IMO. All will handle 3 1/2" loads. If you're leaning toward a pump (obviously the less expensive method), check out the 870 Express Super Magnum, the Benelli Nova, and the Browning BPS. They will all handle the 3 1/2's too. I ended up getting the Nova and I haven't regretted it one bit. I got mine for around $300 at Sportsman's.

Every gun has it's pro's con's, but the thing is...get a gun that fits you and one that you're comfortable with. Go to GI JOES, Sportsman's, Fisherman's, etc and ask to see them. Pull up and shoulder them and find the one that feels most "natural" to you. It'll dramatically improve your odds at hitting what you're aiming at when it "feels" right when you shoulder your gun!

-jokester

[fishingls]

The 870 in 2 3/4" & 3" are really good guns. When Remington modified the 870 for 3 1/2" shells the reliability suffered. I once owned one and got rid of it because it would lock up after firing and would not allow the action cycle-I do know of other 3.5" 870s which also suffered the same symptons. Best pump in 3.5" for the money is the Nova. (I now own two and used to own three). Very durable and reliable. Only 3.5" autos I am familar with are Beretta and SBE-both of which exceed your $700 limit-however I do know of some occassional sales of used SBE which have been in your price range. My preference is for the SBE (I own two of them), although the Beretta is good gun and the new Winchester has had some good press. There are some knock off's of the SBE on the market (they are being made by companies owned by Benelli)-I am not up to speed as their pricing or as to how reliable they are.

Because I picked on Remington, I must leave my name. However, I still use lots of Remington products and think of them as a great company.

Len Burton

[Washington Hunter]

I don't think the 3 1/2 inch shells are necessary, but if I were to shoot them I'm not so sure I'd want to be shooting them out of a pump. You'll feel the recoil much less with an auto. A pump with a 3 1/2 inch chamber would be alright I guess if you're going to shoot 3 inch shells most of the time with only the occasional 3 1/2 inch shell for geese.
I just know how bad the recoil is in my 870 with a 3 inch mag, can't imagine how much it would hurt with the 3 1/2! :depressed:

[bullslayer]

I'm going to buy a Stoeger Semi-auto this fall and they only shoot up to 3' shells as far as I know. this gun sells for less than 500 bucks and was made by a man who used to work for Benelli. Very good ratings. Good luck, Kris.

[Meister Jaeger]

My personal choice is SBE; I know others who swear by their Super X2 (essentially the same as Browning Gold/Auto), Franchi, Beretta and Stoeger semis. (I forget if the Franchi and Stoeger will take 3.5"s, but they're essentially the same inertia-driven system as in the SBE ).

I think it was Jokester who said to go with something that fits and feels good. Hit the stores and get a feel, narrow it down to a couple potential choices, then hook up with guys that have the models you want to try and go bust some clays. It would surely be worth the time invested to try before you buy.

If you seek mountains of "from-the-marsh" opinions and feedback, search the archives ( for semi auto shotgun) here and you will find all that you need. If you still want more, try Waterfowler.com forums and their archives. That's where I got PAGES of feedback to help narrow my quest. If you wanna shoot a 4 yr old pre-loved SBE or have specific questions, drop me a PM.

MJ

[cwh]

I have been really happy with my Super X2. I have had some failures to cycle with the lightest trap loads, which Winchester said would happen.

With everything else, it has been rock solid. I'm not convinced of the need for 3 1/2 inch shells, but I like to be able to shoot them, and I like to stack the deck in my favor :smile: I do like the auto, although it takes some time to adjust to after shooting a pump your whole life. That gun was used, but just barely when I bought it. Ended up costing me about $550 by the time I paid for shipping. If you want to shoot it, send me a PM and we'll make it happen.

I was impressed with Huntn'Fish's Spartan Semi-Auto too, and I think they are still right at $400. I'm sure he will mention it when he sees this.

[gottafish]

Get a nova and kill birds LOL I love mine

[98ramtough]

The best value in a semi auto would be the Stoeger. Stoeger is owned by Benelli/Beretta. It does not shoot 3 1/2 inch shells.

[billc_sbio]

One thing to remember when buying/ordering one of the excellent SBEs is to order it with the barrel 2" SHORTER than what you prefer to shoot.

The receiver on the Benelli is that much LONGER that by going with the 2" shorter barrel, your gun's overall length will be about the same.

(I'm sticking with my 870s)

[cityfisher]

I've been shopping for a new scatter gun the last couple of weeks...great info. I've always had an 870 and loved them but this time around I'm looking at Auto's so this thread was terrific for me.

This site is great! Thanks everyone and Irish Pennant for starting the string.

[Swamp Puppy]

Hey IP. good luck on the shotgun hunt..i love shopping for new guns. i take forever visiting stores and picking them up and checking them out. it's great.

I don't shoot Autoloaders, but i know guys that do and almost all of them, at one point or another, have troubles with them in the marsh. mud, ice, sand, slime, water, etc.etc. can play hell with auto's. not tyring to discourage ya, just something i've noticed.

for the money, the Benelli SBE is probably the best autoloader on the market. but it, like most good autos, will exceed your 700 price range. that said..if you want an auto, spend the money and get a good one. stay away from "cheap" autoloaders like the Mossberg 935. in fact, stay away from Mossberg in general. lol.

in the world of Pump Guns...i'll echo what has been said a couple of times already. the Benelli Nova is hard to beat. if you don't like the feel of the Nova then the Browning BPS is a solid second choice.

I own a Nova (replaced my mossberg...lol) and have hunted ducks, grouse, quail, and pheasants with it over a couple of seasons and every condition imaginable. i've dropped it in mud, covered it with sand while i low crawled across an island, and generally beat the heck out of it and it has never ONCE misfed a round or not gone BANG when i pulled the trigger. (unless i forgot to pump the next round in of couse...lol)

good luck and have fun with the search. the bottom line is to try them all aout and find the one that feels right to you. no matter how good a gun is on paper, if you aren't comfortable with it you'll never be happy.

[ogrejager]

<--owns three 870s.


A 20 gauge, a 3" Wingmaster, and a 3.5" synthetic camo.

I guess you know my thoughts on shotguns.

[Threemuch]

Bargain basement new 3.5" capable autoloader would be the Remington Spartan SPR453, formerly Baikal MP 153. Not a pretty gun, but I put about 500 shells through mine so far, without incident. I paid less than 350.

Of course I shot a mossberg 500 for years without realizing what a *** that two hundred dollar gun was. I guess I never noticed how bad it really was since it always worked and shot what I was pointing at.

[Hunt'nFish]

It's all a question of dollars.
If ya got $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$'s: The SBE and Extrema are top picks.
If ya got $$$$$$: the Browning Gold and the new Rem Auto might work. (Don't know much about the new Rem, it hasn't gotten the field time in the marshes yet.)
If ya got $$: The Stoger 2000, Friachi, and the Spartan 3.5" are top picks. The Friachi and the Stoeger are only 3" I think though, but the guys on refuge forum think highly of them.

I too bought a SPARTAN... just for the heck of it. kinda as a gunsmith's experiment, what the heck I'm a sucker for a new gun!! After totally abusing it for a season I can say it has to be one of the best held secret's in the waterfowling world. I treated mine like crap just to see what it COULD take before it malfunctioned. Well it didn't. It shot every kind of load I put in it w/o needing adjustment. The only cleaning it got was a rag down the bore or propped upside down over a heater vent. I used it as a walking stick in the water on more than one occasion, crawled through the mud, Spartan in one hand 10ga BPS in the other, sneeking up on some big honkers. And it seemed to do everything my 10ga did at half the price for shells. And no short shucking it like the 10ga!!!!
Yep, I think a lot of it.

Do I still want a Super Black Eagle......you BET! But for a $350 boat gun the 3.5" Spartan Semi-Auto represents a good return on your investment.

For those who don't know me.....I'm big on reliability and less so on looks, that's why I STILL want an SBE, they are recoil operated like the old Browning Auto-5 and just shoot and shoot and shoot regardless of abuse. The Friachi is also a recoil operated design. Not sure on the Stoger but I suspect it too is a recoil design and not a true gas gun.
my
Hunt'nFish

[The_Duck_Master]

I'll add a vote for the SBE. Takes abuse and is reliable but the best thing about it is it fits me. Watch for a used one. They can be had for near your upper limit.

[Irish Pennant]

For everyone who has replied......THANKS. For those who want to reply.. thanks in advance.

[PullShootExplode]

After 13yrs with my trusty 870 pump, I broke down and bought an 11-87 in 12 ga for me and a 11-87 sportsman special in 20 ga for the wife. You can never have too many backups. My father in law picked up a Stoeger and loves it. Well in your price range. Another place to check would be the trusty pawn shops, you can find some good deals if your willing to look. Good luck.

[llama77]

Irish pennant,
For pumps, the only logical choice is the supernova. Why?
Because it will I believe shoot 3.5 " shells and comes with an adjustable stock. If you pick up an 870 and it "feels" really good in the store but wont put the pattern where you are looking, what will you do next.??

With the Supernova you can adjust the stock to change its POI.
Only about 40% of guns off the shelf will fit the average guy. Are you the average guy??

We have fitted 8 or more of our friends.Only one needed no changes.

check out wenig,com. They are one of the best fitters in the nation. check out their New american Stock. It is designed around the dimensions of what they have found wil fit most people.. Those dimensions are far different than what you will find off the rack.
Just because it feels good in the store doesnt mean it feels as good as it will if properly fitted.
The only wat to tell is shoot a pattern board.

You would be better off with a pump that jammed occaisionally that fits you than the highest priced gun that didnt fit and performed flawlessly..

Berreta now makes a youth gun with an adjustable comb, Its the way of the future. Soon youll see a fully adjustable synthetic stock.

I think you should see if your 870 fits you properly. If it does, spend your money on a Mec loader and reload 1 1/4 oz of Hevi shot in a 2 3/4 " shell and itll kill anything you want for waterfowl. Westerns ,cacklers , mallards etc....

[Swamp Puppy]

as an owner of the Nova pump gun i can say i was happy to see the new SuperNova with the comfortech stock. however, i was not happy with the new trigger guard set up. there is a huge ridge just in front of the safety button that is supposed to help guide your finger to the safety. however, having the safety recessed appears to make it all but inaccessible if you are wearing thick and/or neoprene gloves. i caution people to check this out BEFORE making the purchase. it kept me from buying it.

Ed Johnston

[HuntNFishAddict]

IP,
I'm no expert, but here goes. I have always been a Winchester fan. I hunted for the first couple years with a 1300. Then I got the bug for an auto after borrowing a friends SBE while he was in Hawaii for his honeymoon. I purchased the Winchester SX2.

It is a great gun and will give you great service as long as you keep it clean. During waterfowl season I will go a couple days at a time without doing proper maintenance (not good for the SX2. The other thing I notice is that it does not like to shoot 3.5" Heavishot. I am not sure what the deal is, but it does not extract them well.

Last year I stepped up to the plate on a closeout SBE and I can say that I have not shot a better autoloader. It did come at a price, but now I have a great SX2 as a loaner for friends getting into the sport.

Jason

[waterfowlin101]

IP....as you can see there are lots of guns out there that different folks like.

You will probably end up making your choice on

1. money
2. feel of the gun
3. durability

I shoot a Rem 870 and love it. It is heavier than some, but very durable. This being said, Rem pump shotguns are going downhill in quality....my next gun won't be an 870.

Jon