First Shotgun ?

Roderek · #1 10-17-2018, 01:03 PM

Hi All,

I am looking to get my first shotgun, I would like to be able to use it for trap and bird hunting eventually. I am looking for a gun that is easy on the shoulder, as I have some issues with my shoulder. From what I have read my best option is probably a semi automatic as they have perceived less felt recoil.
I don't have much experience with shotguns, I have shot a few pump actions but no semi auto's. When shooting pumps with target loads recoil seems ok I can shoot about 40 rounds before it starts to get uncomfortable, but not quite unbearable.

From what I have read, I don't think I need a 3 1/2" chamber, and most reviews I have done on Semi autos most of the negative feed back on 3 1/2" is target loads failure to fire. I think I want to stay in the 12g as that is what my buddies shoot, so it seems easier knowing they will usually have ammo I can shoot or vice versa if someone runs out or there is a cycling issue.(of course this only works if the chamber will take the length.)

I am looking for some feedback from you guys that have shot some different shotguns and what your preferences are, Recoil is felt different by everyone some people say they can barely feel it and the next says the same gun kicks like a mule, so I will take everyone's opinion with that in mind.

I would like to stay under $1500 in price but for the right gun I would spend more. My preference would be a wood stock, second would be black, 3rd Camo.

A few of the guns I have liked that I have looked at.
Beretta A300 Sporting
Stoeger M3500
Stoeger 3000
Winchester SX4
Beretta A400 Lite( I know this will add to recoil, just not sure how much I really like how this one shouldered and felt)
Beretta A400 Extreme (felt good but seemed heavy kinda felt it would be hard to use for extended periods)
Franchi Affinity
Browning A5 (A little more then I want to spend)

I haven't actually shouldered any Benelli semi autos as most are more then I was looking to spend, but if there is good feedback I would consider it and check them out.

I appreciate any and all feedback.

Ariu · #2 10-17-2018, 01:30 PM

Stoeger and Browning listed above are inertia type shotguns and they kick a bit more then gas operated semi's. I (have) own both and to me the kick difference is negligible compared to Beretta A400. However, this just me.

Justfishin73 · #3 10-17-2018, 01:52 PM

Beretta A400 Extreme --hands down. If I had to choose between this shotgun and my wife, I would be hard pressed!

gloszz · #4 10-17-2018, 01:58 PM

I just bought a cheap Turkish semi from a company that basically makes parts for Beretta and Benelli. The one they copied is the Benelli M2 which is interia. I got inertia because I don't like to clean my guns too often and I get into some messy waterfowl shoots. It was also good for my price point. Shipped to my house I paid $380 which I should cheap in my opinion. Has a great warranty and great reviews.

Gas will give you less recoil as my father in law has a Remington 1100 Sporting and the recoil for clays and target shooting was minimal.

I've shot super magnum 3" loads from the Turkish one and the recoil is not as bad as I would have expected. I shot my friends Stoeger M3500 and it killed me after shooting 3 1/2"

Justfishin73 · #5 10-17-2018, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gloszz

I just bought cheap Turkish semi from a company that basically makes parts for Beretta and Benelli. The one they copied is the Beretta M2 which is interia. I got inertia because I don't like to clean my guns too often and I get into some messy waterfowl shoots. It was also good for my price point. Shipped to my house I paid $380 which I should cheap in my opinion. Has a great warranty and great reviews.

Gas will give you less recoil as my father in law has a Remington 1100 Sporting and the recoil for clays and target shooting was minimal.

Cleaning gas semis every time you shoot is a myth---I do mine maybe every 1000 rounds/once a year, and I hunt waterfowl in terrible conditions, plus use her for trap. My Beretta has never jammed or let me down.

Savage Bacon · #6 10-17-2018, 02:17 PM

I bought a stoeger m3500 and I love it. Break in procedure was a few boxes of pretty heavy 3 1/2" that honestly beat me up quite a bit. But now it works great. After saying that, the stoeger m3000 might be perfect for you with your shoulder. My plan was budget minded and like I said I kinda love this shotgun. I may upgrade in a few years from now or maybe not. Hope this helps.

Adrenaline101 · #7 10-17-2018, 02:28 PM

Any Beretta A400 with the Kickoff system if you are looking to reduce felt recoil in pretty much any situation. I have owned 2 now and can't thank them enough for making waterfowling enjoyable to me again. I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome which causes my arms to go numb , especially when taking a beating from work or shooting. With the kickoff I can shoot 3 1/2's all day.

elkhunter11 · #8 10-17-2018, 02:36 PM

Since this will be your first shotgun, you probably are not aware of the importance of fit. Since you don't aim shotgun , like you aim a rifle, it is very important that a shotgun fits you, so it is pointed, where you are looking. The Browning /Winchester shotguns fit much different than the Beretta shotguns, so if one fits, the other won't. Gas operated shotguns do recoil less than recoil operated guns, but do require cleaning more often, although not as often as some people would have you believe. I only own one semi auto shotgun, and I don't use 3-1/2" loads, even though the gun will handle them, because they just aren't required. I owned an A400, a SE2, and an SX-3, and I kept the SX-3, because it fit me best, all three are reliable shotguns that will last a lifetime.

wwbirds · #9 10-17-2018, 02:25 PM

Get someone that knows what they are doing to fit you for a shotgun and base your decision on fit first. Buy the best you can afford as no one has ever been disappointed by excellent quality (and holding resale value)
You already sound sensitive to recoil and that could be from poor stance or poor fit or bad habits you have acquired. I have seen some hold the shotgun like it was going to kick them and that actually makes it more likely to kick you. Lean into the shotgun so it is firmly planted in the right spot and feels like an extension of yourself. It is just a tool to help you do a job.
Many of us shoot sub gauges just as well or often even better than a 12 gauge. 20 gauge is only slightly more expensive, slightly more difficult to find shells and considerably less recoil if you stay away from 3 inch magnums.
I have a gun that shoots 3.5 and have 2 boxes of shells. Probably shot 5 or 6 shells out of one box over past 5-6 years. Dont need it. For geese 3 inch work fine if in range and you are practiced shooter. 2 3/4 in 12 or 20 work just fine for ducks if you do your part.
Semi's load themselves after every shot so if you are new to shotguns I would stay away for safety reasons. Pumps work great for waterfowl and of course break action (o/u and Sxs) are highly regarded by upland hunters with dogs.
Fit is still the most important factor to consider. I find high end guns have better fit finish and balance and the cheap ones often require more effort on your part as shortcuts in design fit and finish make you work harder to shoot them as well. Also won a cheap semi (entrance level) at a DU banquet and sold it right away as it kicked like a mule.
Did I mention fit?

Roderek · #10 10-17-2018, 03:12 PM

I started out with the idea of I want an over under, but the more I read and handled, I actually don't prefer them. That said I didn't handle any that were over 3k, I am not willing to spend that much.

I guess the recoil sensitivity could be from a poor stance but I don't think so, I believe it has to do with the shoulder issues I have. My shoulder hurts whether I am shooting or not, so shooting just aggravates it.

All of the guns I listed below seemed to shoulder well the A300 sporting felt the best off the shelf. The A5 was probably second, but I am not sure if it fit well or it had an ivory colored mid bead and red fiber optic sight and it really seamed to help pick up the sight right away.

I know fit is probably the most important thing, but the majority of these guns come with shim kits to adjust the drop and length of pull. Maybe I am wrong but my belief is if it feels good or close to good, I should be able to get it there with the proper adjustments.

Thanks for all the feedback so far guys keep it coming, so far comments on the A400 are similar to what I have been reading, I just read a couple comments that people said the A400 felt weird to shoot with the moving parts in the stock, any truth to that?

Flight01 · #11 10-17-2018, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gloszz

I just bought a cheap Turkish semi from a company that basically makes parts for Beretta and Benelli. The one they copied is the Benelli M2 which is interia. I got inertia because I don't like to clean my guns too often and I get into some messy waterfowl shoots. It was also good for my price point. Shipped to my house I paid $380 which I should cheap in my opinion. Has a great warranty and great reviews.

Gas will give you less recoil as my father in law has a Remington 1100 Sporting and the recoil for clays and target shooting was minimal.

I've shot super magnum 3" loads from the Turkish one and the recoil is not as bad as I would have expected. I shot my friends Stoeger M3500 and it killed me after shooting 3 1/2"

I bought one too. Just for giggles. Turns out it’s not that bad
No FTF or FTE on just over 200 shells.

Roderek · #12 10-17-2018, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flight01

I bought one too. Just for giggles. Turns out it’s not that bad
No FTF or FTE on just over 200 shells.

Do you guys have a link?

Flight01 · #13 10-17-2018, 05:00 PM

Mine was from Corwin Arms

gloszz · #14 10-17-2018, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roderek

Do you guys have a link?

https://www.northernelitefirearms.ca...mag-syn-stock/

I have an agreement with the fellow that my YouTube viewers get free shipping if the use my code.

I was going to make a video but it is still in the process but the code is Gloszzship. Use that code by emailing the store. Also if you use EMS there is a discount.