Need advice picking a 12 gauge shotgun

[22savage]

I have narrowed my choice down to three guns, Remington 1100 12 gauge semi, Benelli Nova 3 1/2" 12 gauge pump, and stoeger Model 2000 12 gauge semi. Can anyone tell me anything good or bad about these guns?

[Big Paulie]

I may be wrong, but I think the Benelli is  a recoil operated action, instead of a gas operated action.  This makes the system much cleaner and easier to maintain, but I have also heard that it may be finicky about reliably cycling light load shells (such as light skeet loads).  If you shoot skeet, you may want to think about this.  Also, because it is recoil operated, the butt of the gun must be firmly in your shoulder when the gun is fired for the recoil system to operate properly and cycle the shells.  If the gun is just held in your hands, it may jam.

[mjbgalt]

in this same general price range you may want to consider the Browning Gold hunter and Winchester sx-2.

they are similar shotguns but both are roughly the same price and i think they are as nice or nice than the ones you suggest.

if you are completely sure you want the ones you named then i think the 1100 would do well for you. i dont know anyone who has one who doesnt love it.

-Matt

[BuckTrucker]

I have narrowed my choice down to three guns, Remington 1100 12 gauge semi, Benelli Nova 3 1/2" 12 gauge pump, and stoeger Model 2000 12 gauge semi. Can anyone tell me anything good or bad about these guns?

I have an 1100 that I've had for 30+years and it still works great. I have cared for it well and cleaned it after every outing which is important for this gas operated semi. Only minor repairs have ever been needed and those in the last 4 years.

I hunt birds with a couple of guys that use Benelli's and they are a fine gun. They use the semi's, not the Nova, and if I were buying today I would get the Benelli semi. They have earned a reputation for reliability and staying much cleaner and less finickier than the gas operated semi's. Don't know about the light load shell issue, never heard of anyone having that problem. Can't see why you would need the 3 1/2" though unless goose hunting was going to be a very regular hunt for you.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

BT

[dukkillr]

nova is the best gun you've listed there.  Autos always fail eventually.

[jh45gun]

Just my two cents as there are a lot of guns out there that are good but I have seen Remington 870's on the trap range that have shot so many shells ( In the tens of thousands )   they rattle like a cheap baby rattle when shook but still shoot excellent. ( just because of the vast amount of use most guns never get close to that amount of shooting or use) The 870 will last a life time of normal shooting and then some. Now I am talking the 870 not the cheaper 870 express. Pay a bit more and get the origional. If you want a semi and can afford it the Browning is really a nice gun. Otherwise nothing wrong with the 1100/87 Remingtons either.

[varmit_master]

Hi i am with mjbgalt on this one look at the browning or Win. or Remington. I just traded off a few months back a New M1 Super 90 camo 21 inch barrel . It sent more time at Benilli tring to get it fix than me having it at my house. And to top it all off they wouldnt stand behinde it and fix it . If you think i am blowing smoke about Benelli's wan. e mail GB and ask him . He told me that they would keep my gun a few months and not fix it. Man did he hit the nail on the head then he call that. Go with a Mossberg 835 ultra mag over the nova. The Nova is too light and they kick harder than the Mossberg . Plus the Mossberg will out pattern  the Nova. VM

[dukkillr]

If we're expanding the choices I'd vote for the 870 and the Browning BPS.  I'm a huge BPS fan because they are ambidexterous and I shoot left handed.  I also prefer the bottom ejection and the magazine loading that eliminates jams.  That being said, either would be a good gun.