Best Autoloader

[simplicity]

Just wanted to throw a question out there as to every ones opinion on which of the company's have the best semi auto shotgun? IE Winchester sx2 or sx3, Remington 11-87, 1100g3, cti, Benelli, even the Smith and Wesson's. Just wondering how they all really stacked up. Sometimes I have a hard time believing some writers nowadays.

[Questor]

I believe the 11-87 is the best value for the money. "Best" is a bit subjective, though. I handled the Benelli black eagle and it felt the best, but overall I didn't think it was worth the big bucks. Another good option is a used Beretta 390 series shotgun. They can be had at a reasonable price.

[mjbgalt]

browning gold and silver are available for just a few bucks more than the remington, and to me they have been the better gun...

-Matt

[Graybeard]

My vote would go to the Remington 1100/11-87. I'm aware of none with a longer record of success and in all the competition games I've seen around my part of the country it is the hands down choice of folks who chose an auto loader for competition.

I've heard many good comments about the Benilli guns but on the forums on their own website the owners/users of them talk regular of how poor their customer service is and how often they have problems with them they have to figure out how to repair on their own as the factory won't fix them for the owners.

I like Browning O/Us but for an auto loader I'll stick with Remington.

[simplicity]

Thanks for the replies, I just bought a thumb hole stocked 870 turkey gun, and I have a excellent condition Winchester 101 Field and I much prefer the 101 for trap but even with trap loads it beats you up pretty bad. ( I'm used to stuff that kicks read my other posts through out the forums) I've thought about putting a bag of shot in the stock  or a slip on recoil pad but it's in such good condition I don't wanna alter it. The 870 thumb hole is great for stationary but I 've not been able to shoot trap with it well yet so I was thinking about getting a auto loader to shoot trap and maybe ducks. I wanted to know others opinion on the different models out there. My first thought was to go with a 11-87 hence I wouldn't have to buy new chokes for it. and for price it seems the definite way to go. Thanks again for the replies.

[blackpowderbill]

In terms of mechanical reliability and durability i would vote unhesitatingly for the Browning Auto 5.  I have had to replace very few worn our or broken parts on them and have seen them continue to function with incredible amounts of crud inside the workings. Over the years I have also seen many Rem. "automatic shotguns" (predating the m-11 and a Browning design) that still functioned as designed.

[Hairtrigger]

I have had no issues with the Browning Gold.
After shooting it 2 of my friends purchased the same and are happy as well

[dukkillr]

I'm not an auto fan, but in my experience the Benelli SBE II is the best auto available.  I have not encountered the new SX3 though.  I will note that when people go to Argentina and shoot 40 CASES of shells in a few days, they shoot benellis.  That's the only recommendation I would need.

[Dixie Dude]

I have had a Browning Auto 5, Browning Gold, Remington 11-97, Beretta 391, and a Benelli SBE.  You can buy a used Benelli SBE for $600 at a gun show in good condition.  From a pragmatic point of view, the Benelli SBE is the best shotgun hands down.  Light, very easy to take down and clean, shoots anything from light 2-3/4" 1 oz loads to 3-1/2" magnum loads.  From and asthetics point of view, I like the old Browning Auto 5.  From a value point of view, I like the Remington, and it points good.  I have also had a Mossburg, but it was slow operating and jammed often, especially with light loads.  The only drawback to the Benelli SBE is the kick.  A Limbsaver recoil pad and a mercury recoil suppressor in the stock solved that problem.  The Benelli SBE II had the Comfortech stock, but it also uses more expensive chokes.  The Beretta is the lightest kicker, but the hardest to clean and it only holds 3 rounds. 

[Graybeard]

I've really never liked thumbhole stocks very much. I can live with one for bench shooting but they are HORRIBLE to tote afield and I cannot even imagine trying to use it on a shotgun for wingshooting.

[dukkillr]

The only drawback to the Benelli SBE is the kick.  A Limbsaver recoil pad and a mercury recoil suppressor in the stock solved that problem.  The Benelli SBE II had the Comfortech stock, but it also uses more expensive chokes.

I have both the SBE and SBEII.  I was skeptical of the comfortech or whatever they call that stock on the SBEII but, it works.  The difference in felt recoil between the two guns is noticeable.  The cheek piece also softens the blows from those big 3 1/2" turkey loads firing out of an incredibly light gun. 

Both my Benellis came with all the chokes I needed except for a turkey choke?

[Dixie Dude]

I bought a used one (Ducks Unlimited model) and it didn't come with all the chokes, so I bought some Brileys chokes.  I shoot sporting clays with mine, but like to turkey and goose hunt also.  So, I have cylinder, improved cylinder, skeet, light mod, mod, improved mod, full, and xtra full for turkey.  The only choke I haven't bought is a rifled tube for shooting slugs.  I rifle hunt for deer.