If you were to buy a new semi-automatic shotgun...

[Gordon]

What would get, and why?

[h2ofwlr]

One that actually fits the person.

A $200 gun that fits you well, you can shoot well, where as a $2000 gun that does not fit you well you will shoot poorly.

[Gordon]

One that actually fits the person.

A $200 gun that fits you well, you can shoot well, where as a $2000 gun that does not fit you well you will shoot poorly.

I've shot the same Benelli Nova since 2004. This summer I've had the opportunity to shoot sporting clays a handful of times with a group of guys and I have been able to try a few guns out. I've shot a SBE II, Maxus, and a new A5. They all shoot like a dream compared to the Nova. But what I'm looking for is as much reliability in the field as possible. The guns I used were in new condition, and we were shooting in 70-80 degree temperatures with no rain. See what I'm sayin'?

[tornadochaser]

Semi autos are as reliable as you need them to be, if you know how to properly clean them. Otherwise any of them can fail for a variety of reasons. Seen plenty of $1500 guns jam because the owner didn't clean the packing oil out of the gun before heading off on a hunt or round of clays.

[emptymag]

Benelli, Franchi, Stoeger. I've had a few gas guns. When the temp drops, they all slowed or stopped. Don't get rid of that pump either, it'll come in handy someday.

[get-n-birdy]

M2

[get-n-birdy]

Simply and feels like a heater should. They just work.

[h2ofwlr]

SBE II, most swear by them, some swear at them. I know guy that spent over 8 hrs working on his new SBEII in a weeks time while we were in CAN. Nothing but a royal headache for him. Yet most others it works great for them.

[cstemig]

First, find one that fits you or that allows for adjustment for your shooting preference. Next, determine if you really need a semi-auto capable of 3 1/2 " shells. A semi-auto capable of shooting 3" shells should be sufficient for most waterfowl applications.

If you are in no hurry to purchase, try a few out before you buy. Reed's Sporting goods in Little Falls usually has a fall gun show where you can try them out before you buy. Alhman's Shooter's Round-Up in Morristown is another opportunity.

Also do some research in Shotgun World.com or other gun websites on the guns that you like.

IMO, the Beretta 300 series is a great buy at $650.00.

[browningguy18]

I just got rid of my SBEII. Great gun but I wish I would have spent the extra $100 on the camo finish. I had the matte black and the gun was a rust magnet. I was constantly battling trying to keep rust off of it and I tried a ton of different things. I kind of wanted to get it dipped but what I sold it for I could use the money I saved for not getting it dipped and buy a new gun. The one thing I was not the biggest fan of is having that much money invested in something that takes the beating of going duck hunting sometimes. I am looking at buying a new shotgun here soon too. I am really looking hard at the Franchi Affinity or maybe a Stoeger. Also in consideration is a Beretta 3901. Those are the three that I have narrowed it down to for now.