12ga Autoloader Shotguns: Any Recommendations?

[GusBreacher]

I'm looking to buy a 12ga, autoloader/semi-auto 12ga, and I'm needing some sage advice.

I've read that the US Military has used these. Beyond that, I know zip about shotguns, except that I have my Grandpa's 10ga, single barrel, cracked stock, which hasn't been fired in 50+ years. (A gunsmith is going to work that piece long before I ever do. It's a "mantle-hanger", for now.)

Can anyone offer me some firsthand experience, or opinions on some units to try/buy?

Price? I'd like to stay under $1,000 if possible, including sight, case, cleaning kit, 500rnds.

[GusBreacher]

Okay, make that 50 rounds. I’d rather have more shotgun than shells. Sorry.

[omega4179]

The brands to look at are Benelli, Beretta and Remington.

[SIDENET]

Can you get a Benelli for under a grand?

[do the dhue]

Check this out:

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=srVsZd9xe_E

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Find a Japanese made Browning A-5. They’re no longer in production but there are plenty of these “humpbacks” still in circulation.

[Mogwai]

Well, this one won’t have any snob appeal, but I like my Saiga (Russian) semi-auto 12 gauge. The feature of five-round detachable magazines is mighty useful. Also cheap and very reliable.

[Robbin]

Here is a link to winchester SX3 12 shots in 1.44 seconds. Amazing.
http://www.winchesterguns.com/services/press/detail.asp?id=45

[do the dhue]

The first link I sent is the a-12. check out the aa-12

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=hhstuvzMiB0&feature=channel_page

[Stevenc131]

Benelli makes some very fine autoloaders, as do Beretta and Browning. It’s important to get one that fits you, and that feels good to you. I’ll put in a recommendation for the Benelli Montefeltro, which I own. Very reliable, not too heavy, points well, just an all around fine gun.

[Milhous]

A Benelli M4 works for me. But dealers tell me that a recent run on tactical weapons left warehouses empty until about March.

M4

When the U.S. Marine Corps went shopping for a combat shotgun, they bought a Benelli. That’s because a combat shotgun has to function the first time, every time. The Benelli M4 does it for the U.S. military, and now can be the centerpiece of your own home defense plan.

[kbennkc]

I have not seen an auto loader I like better than my old Browning A-5 .

[omega4179]

Whats MSRP on that one.

[woofer2425]

Saiga-12....research it. Semi-auto, box magazine or 20-round drum fed. Check out the Tromix website or Saiga-12 com. It’s an AK -47 shot gun. Nothing better for home protection!

[piytar]

I understand the desire for a semi auto, but for practial application, a nice pump works just fine. You can get a decent one plus the extras for well under $300, and for less than a full scale military op, it will serve you just as well.

Bonus: That sound of loading a round is truly chilling to a perp. They will run away just from hearing it. Trust me on this, I’ve been there.

[hamburglar]

Kel tec RFB Carbine 308 bullpup

Mossberg 590A1 shotgun

Mossberg bullpup shotgun

and if you can find one :

Remington 300 Automatic Shotgun

[willgolfforfood]

Interesting video. It has a "logo" all over it that says "Law enforcement and military sales only".

I guess my question is that if you have bought and paid for a "full auto" license for a true auto fire weapon, would it allow the ownership of this type of shotgun as well?

Thanks.

[NVDave]

In a non-tactical shotgun, the Berette A390 or A391 is VERY difficult to beat. It is a gas-operated gun, but the gas system is pud-easy to clean. There are four parts, and they’re all big. Price should be $700 or thereabouts new. 3 shot mag, one in the pipe is plenty for most hunting purposes. They’re utterly reliable.

Benelli recoil-operated shotguns impress me, especially their most recent models. No gas system means that you can mount a mag extension tube on them. These are going to set you back about $1100 new, so look around pawnshops and gun dealers for used ones.

Both of these Italian scatterguns can take 3” magnum rounds. You don’t need 3.5” mags any more with the newer heavy non-lead shot when hunting.

Browning gas-operated semi’s have lots of fiddly little springs and valving balls in their gas system. Don’t like them.

I have several friends with Charles Daly guns; these are simply no reliable and they need a lot of TLC and cleaning. Give these a miss.

The older Remington and Winchester semi-autos are OK, and rather inexpensive, but they require more cleaning and TLC than the Italian guns.

[y6162]

I have a Winchester 1300, 8 shot pump. Pretty sweet. I think I paid 350 for it.

[driftdiver]

“I guess my question is that if you have bought and paid for a “full auto” license for a true auto fire weapon, would it allow the ownership of this type of shotgun as well? “

Only if it was made before 1986.