Best AutoLoading Shotgun?

Question

I'm looking for a 12 ga. autoloader. I mainly use 2 3/4" 7 1/2oz shells because i shoot clays and hunt dove and quail. I've been looking for a good autloader for under $900. I like the SX2/3 and the S&W 1020. But I dont know if the SX2/3 will cycle the 2 3/4. Please tell me if you can. Also, which would you prefer? Is there anything better in this price range that is all-purpose and isn't a Mossberg?

Answer 1

The Remington 1100 is a great choice for an autoloading 12 gauge.

Firstly, they offer several models, including a Trap, Skeet, Field, and Sporting - all of the modern ones have changeable chokes so you can use one for all uses anyway, by changing the choke constriction. The Trap model has a high-comb stock and 30" barrel, the Skeet a 26" barrel and field stock, and the Field/Sporting a choice of barrel length but a field stock (lots of drop at heel).

These are made to chamber and cycle 2 3/4 inch shells and will do fine with 2 3/4 dram eq. up to 3 1/4 dram eq. loads.

Eleven-hundreds have been popular for many, many years in clay-shooting circles and are a popular choice for Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays when an auto-loader is desired. They are very reliable, and if you do ever need a part you'll find parts everywhere - and they're easy to fix, even yourself. Simple operation and cleaning too.

I haven't followed pricing lately, but last I knew they were at, or below $1000 dollars - comparable to the Winchester and other auto's. For the money you're getting a great gun, made up in Ilion, NY...lots of "pluses" for the 1100.

I've never had a problem with one, but of course with heavy or lots of use parts wear out...but its normal with any gun and easily fixed on these. Keep it clean and it'll cycle - leave the outside of the magazine tube where the piston rides dry (no oil) and it won't gum up.

Can't think of any problems with them. Some people complain about them being "rattly junk", but thats more opinion than fact. Only other thing I can think of is invest in a shell catcher if you're shooting trap singles, or for skeet singles no matter what auto you have. Keeps you from having to pick up all your hulls and from hitting the guy on your right who may have an attitude over the hulls. There is a good shell catcher for the 1100 made by TS I think...it just snaps on the side of the receiver - easily removed and slipped in your pocket when you don't need it, snaps on when you do.

Answer 2

Beretta has several models which can be found new under $900 These can be found new for under $900 if you look. Here are a couple. http://www.gunsamerica.com/976965470/Guns/Shotguns/Beretta-Shotguns/Autoloaders/Hunting/BERETTA_3901_CITIZEN_12_28_BLUE_SYNTHETIC.htm
http://www.gunsamerica.com/976994284/Guns/Shotguns/Beretta-Shotguns/Autoloaders/Hunting/AL391_Urika_12ga.htm
I currently have a Browning Gold, which is basically the same gun as the Winchester (same company now). I have shot a Beretta, and if I had it to do all over would buy it. My Browning is 3.5" but shoots all 2 3/4" light loads perfectly except the very light, cheap stuff.

Answer 3

The Remington 1100, or the 11-87 are two of the best domestically produced shotguns around.

Answer 4

I'm not much for autoloading shotguns, but if I were going to buy one, I'd buy either a Browning A-5 or a Benelli Black Eagle.

Those are the two best in my opinion.

Doc

Answer 5

Several friends have Charles Daly, for the price i dont think there is a better one
next shotgun I buy will probably be one
my Son's Benelli is fantastic but of course a good deal more money and it looks so nice he is afraid to take it out afield.

Answer 6

Remington Model 1100..**

Answer 7

I got a model 1100 remington and it is a great shotgun. You get what you pay for.

Answer 8

i would say to get the 12GA Winchester