Semi Auto Shotgun?
 

If you had $1500.00 to buy a semi auto shotgun what would you buy?

Most importantly, I would buy one that fits me. At $1500 max, I would try the SX-4, and the Maxus.

The SX4 is a good gun, but I think the sx3 is a bit better. I think they cheapened up the 4. I’ve shot the 4 and it’s pretty nice. But I found a smokin deal on a Maxus and man, you can’t beat it. I also own an A5, and it’s a bit more enjoyable to shoot.
I also think the weatherby semi are pretty good guns as I’ve had lots of luck with mine

It doesn’t come in at $1500 but I wouldn’t count out the Remington V3 either. I like it and thing it works better than the Weatherby SA08’s because of the gas valve set up, not having to swap them out on the V3.

Of course fit comes in to play and should be the number one concern. If it doesn’t fit you, they’re all junk. But it could be the $500 pump that fits the best and you will shoot better with it because of that.

I hear the new winchester is good.

$1500 will likely get you a used Benelli SBE2 or Beretta A400 in addition to those good choices already mentioned.

You can find either used in excellent condition for under $1500 If you shop around. If you buy used, make sure that the seller includes the shims that allow you to fine tune the fit. Fit wise, if Browning/Winchester fits you, Beretta likely won't , and even though the shims help, some guns just son't fit some people. The gas operated guns produce less felt recoil if that is a consideration, and you can usually get a better deal on a 3" gun, vs a 3-1/2" gun. Personally, I don't bother with 3-1/2" loads, as they just aren't required, but if you like to pay more for more recoil, then you might want to shoot 3-1/2" loads.:)

I just bought a Browning A5 stalker 3-1/2" chamber 28" at wholesale last week. 10% off it was $1,600.00. Liking it so far.

The 3" is a couple hundred less. I will never shoot 3-1/2" but it is important for 3gun. The auto load feature is also nice for 3gun.

Only a couple hundred rounds but it is working well. Right now it will not cycle 2-3/4" 1-1/8 oz 1140 FPS shells but it will cycle the same at 1200 perfectly. May change once broken in. Win AA super sport sporting clays (1300 FPS) work great :)

Good luck

Bashaw Sports has a good deal on SX3 and still had a couple on the shelf yesterday. Less than a thou all in leaves a lot of room to buy ammo. Shims etc with it as well.

x2. Did that myself.

Guns an Ammo voted the Winchester SX4 semi auto shotgun of the year if that means anything to you.

What add ran on the next page? Not knockin' just sayin'.

Colin

Did you considered trowing in few extra dollars and getting Extrema

Browning Silver/Winchester SX3

The wife and I love our Browning Silvers, the Maxus is a beautiful gun also.

I liked my sx3 black shadow in 20g so much i also got a 12g field sx3. If the sx4 is anything like them you cant go wrong. They are light, reliable, pretty easy to clean.

Had to check. Not a Winchester ad.

X2 on the Silver hunter - it feels better to me than a lot of shotguns that cost another $1000. But fit is so important.

I know a clay shooter who owns a bunch of fancy guns and he loves the Weatherby SA-08 a lot. It would leave you about $500 to spend on shells and gas!

used
 

Beretta 303A

Lots of good choices from guys who use them on a regular bases. Have not handled any yet so have no idea how any model feels like. Will see what's available in Red Deer on Saturday. Weatherby and Winchester come in at my price point but only want to buy once.

Love my Versamax

semis
 

I have a Benelli Vinci that I absolutely love and is sometimes on sale for around that mark

Weatherby
 

Weatherby brought out a semi auto based on a Baretta action, made in Turkey.

This gun is very solid and cycles well. Weatherby is not known for shot guns, but this latest one is worth a look.

Or look for a used Benelli Super Black Eagle 2. Hard to find used, but a very good shotty.

Drewski

A Browning Auto 5 made between mid 50s and 1975. Belgan with the highest grade wood I can get for that price. In fact I just bought one, watching the can post tracking number in anticipation.

I also have an sa-08 that probably has 2700-3000 rounds through it and it is flawless. Just keep it clean.

Cabelas has the Weatherby on sale for a good price. The Franchi Affinity gets excellent reviews as well and are owned by Benelli.

I have been using the Maxus for a couple of years and really like it. I would buy it again or an SX Winchester if I needed another.

Wolverine has the Versamax on for a good price. I found it heavy over all and extremely barrel heavy to a point of near awkward. Lots of folks seem to like them though.

The Versamax is not only barrel heavy, the fore end is huge.

That’s part of the reason for the V3. Restricting it to a 3” will be the killer in some people’s eyes. This is my second season with mine and it does the extra light Winchester target loads all the way up to the 1550fps BB loads with ease.

Went to The Sportsmen's Den and they had both of these in stock. Both apparently made at the Browning factory. Dura Touch stock on the Browning seamed nice and is $100 cheaper than the Winchester SX3.