[bachman44]

I'm not as interested in shotguns as I am pistols and rifles, but it is time for one. I've had the same 20ga since I was 10 yrs old and when my buddies wanna shoot clays that's what I use. I don't know much about shotguns but I know I want a 12ga semiauto and I wanna keep it under or right around $600 (if even possible). It will be used for clays, pheasants, and just destroying stuff. I about said screw it and bought a ksg I saw for $800 but that's only good for one of the three things on my list. What should I look for while shopping for a practical yet ****** shotgun for my needs? Thanks.

 

[Yoopermike]

Semi auto?? Why not go pump and get a moss 500 or rem 870?? I shoot clays with a pump all the time. And you don't have to chase your empty hulls around like you do with a semi auto.

 

[bachman44]

My 20ga is pump and I just want something different.

 

[Yoopermike]

My 20ga is pump and I just want something different.

You could go mossberg 935/930 that would be the closer in your range than say a remington/ you could even go with a mossberg sa-20 and stay 20ga. Other than that I had an escort shotgun that I liked but I think their a bit higher price than what your looking for.
www.galleryofguns.com - Buy guns online, top brands, best price, best service, best warranty; all types of firearms: revolvers, rifles, pistols and shotguns. this site will help you out alot.

 

[ironmike1378]

Look into the Moss 930 JM


Semiauto and has the bells and whistles and under $600

MOSSBERG® JM PRO SERIES? 930?

 

[ta2dave76]

Weatherby SA08 Deluxe 12g 28" MC3

I'm a big fan of the Weatherby. More consistant on clays with one of these over my 870.

 

[bachman44]

Thanks guys. That does help. I know picking out a gun just because its something different isn't always the practical route but for me that's half the fun. Now when I say I don't know much about shotguns its more like I know nothing about them. Does a shotgun used for birdshot have any rifling or is that just a slug thing, and also does barrel length matter much? I should have gotten one years ago but its hard for me to say no to a new 1911.

 

[Yoopermike]

Thanks guys. That does help. I know picking out a gun just because its something different isn't always the practical route but for me that's half the fun. Now when I say I don't know much about shotguns its more like I know nothing about them. Does a shotgun used for birdshot have any rifling or is that just a slug thing, and also does barrel length matter much? I should have gotten one years ago but its hard for me to say no to a new 1911.

Only slug barrels have rifling. Bird and buckshot you want a smooth bore. Also make sure the gun fits you. Nothing worse than using a gun that doesn’t fit you and expect to be any good at busting clays. You would likely develop bad habits for the guns poor fit/shortcomings.

 

[ironmike1378]

Thanks guys. That does help. I know picking out a gun just because its something different isn't always the practical route but for me that's half the fun. Now when I say I don't know much about shotguns its more like I know nothing about them. Does a shotgun used for birdshot have any rifling or is that just a slug thing, and also does barrel length matter much? I should have gotten one years ago but its hard for me to say no to a new 1911.

Smooth bore = birdshot or Buck or slugs


Rifled bore = sabot slugs




The longer the barrel the longer the lead will stay in a tight grouping. So for clays and birds you want a 26"+ barrel




I hear that shotgunworld is the place to go for shotgun info. I usually just search the old google machine and put things together from there.

 

[DevJames]

Thanks guys. That does help. I know picking out a gun just because its something different isn't always the practical route but for me that's half the fun. Now when I say I don't know much about shotguns its more like I know nothing about them. Does a shotgun used for birdshot have any rifling or is that just a slug thing, and also does barrel length matter much? I should have gotten one years ago but its hard for me to say no to a new 1911.

Bah. My favorite guns are impractical for a lot of things. I wouldn't have them any other way.

 

[bachman44]

Alright I'm finally ready to do this. After looking around and doing some research I've decided I'm gonna fork over a bit more greenbacks and go with Franchi. In town, I can get a black Affinity for $700, or camo for $800. I can get an Intensity in black for $900 or camo for $1000. Tomorrow, I'm planning on going in and getting the black Affinity 26". I held a Stoeger 3500 in black that was $600, but the Franchi is lighter, and feels better balanced. It just feels right- lol sorry I had to. I've searched for mag extensions, I want the +3 but only found the +4 or 6 for around $150 bucks. Do you guys know where I can order the +3s? And also do the prices for the guns seem in the ballpark. They seemed reasonable after looking at gunbroker in the shop, I wonder if that really pisses the store owners off? lol

 

[CopNa454Sierra]

A guy on the forum posted this link a while back and I've been using it religiously when looking for firearms or parts. It's excellent.

http://www.gunwatcher.com/

I'd say if you can get a Franchi Affinity (black) for $600 OTD that's a great LGS price. The best price online according to the site listed above is pretty close to the same and you'd have to pay shipping and FFL transfer. Also keep in mind, that's only one site which I've never heard of before. Every other site has their price for any variation of Affinity at or near $700+ before shipping and FFL.

 

[ironmike1378]

Alright I'm finally ready to do this. After looking around and doing some research I've decided I'm gonna fork over a bit more greenbacks and go with Franchi. In town, I can get a black Affinity for $700, or camo for $800. I can get an Intensity in black for $900 or camo for $1000. Tomorrow, I'm planning on going in and getting the black Affinity 26". I held a Stoeger 3500 in black that was $600, but the Franchi is lighter, and feels better balanced. It just feels right- lol sorry I had to. I've searched for mag extensions, I want the +3 but only found the +4 or 6 for around $150 bucks. Do you guys know where I can order the +3s? And also do the prices for the guns seem in the ballpark. They seemed reasonable after looking at gunbroker in the shop, I wonder if that really pisses the store owners off? lol

NEW! Nordic Components ?MXT? Shotgun Extension Kit, 12ga. | Nordic Components Retail
^For the extensions and other parts Nordic Comp.

 

[Cuda66]

Look for a used Benelli M1.

 

[CarlWinslo]

I am a fan of my franchi affinity.

 

[ZanderMan]

NEW! Nordic Components ?MXT? Shotgun Extension Kit, 12ga. | Nordic Components Retail
^For the extensions and other parts Nordic Comp.

Nordic makes good stuff...

 

[bachman44]

Great links thanks guys. As for the Benelli, are they that much better than Franchi to justify getting a used one? Also, I see the extensions are all the same price for the most part so I may get a longer one just cuz. On a 26" barrel, would the +4 or +5 make the mag the same length as the barrel? I see the +4 adds approx. 10.5 inches but that doesn't really tell me anything since I don't have gun in hand. Thanks again.

 

[TheLastViking]

Just get a double barrel shotgun that you can shoot through the door.

 

[CarlWinslo]

The franchi affinity and benelli m2 are the same gun made in the same factory by the same people. The only differences are the inertia spring location, capacity, and one being half the price.

 

[bachman44]

I got it. Got it home and fondled/cleaned and I took the mag rod out. With the rod out, is the spring retaining cap still necessary? Its a pain in the ass cuz I don't have a set of snap ring pliers. I can buy a pair, but if its not needed then I'll leave it out and just put the mag cap back on.