Kmart sold these Brazilian double-trigger side-by-side shotguns for a little over $100 in the 1970s and early 80s, which even then was practically nothing. (Joe Genzel/) When my buddy first unveiled his prized Double Auto, he wouldn't stop rambling about how great shooting a shotgun it was. I tried endlessly to break it in with turkey loads, but it never cycled waterfowl shells or target loads worth a darn. Glock .45 GAP. If you purchase a firearm using the links in this story, we may earn commission. What a piece of junk; but what do you expect for that kind of money. Stoeger. If you want a well-rounded automatic shotgun thats quick to load and easy to operate, then this is the one for you. Wish I could afford one now. Is 16 guage still even made and why did it fall out of favor? Good to go, great shoty, solid company, safe buy. Recoil can throw off your aim, so when rapid fire comes in to play a beefier shotgun will help you to stay on point. Do you plan to do a review on magazine/drum-fed shotguns such as the Panzer AR12, Rock River Arms VR80, etc.? We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character. In 2009, hecofoundedthe defense and security blogJapan Security Watch. There are also two full camo versions available as well. You can follow him on Twitter:@KyleMizokami. And still others just never became popular, despite being great buys. MSRP: $559. But since the only thing left to hunt in Illinois besides whitetails are grays and foxtails, he now spends most of the fall and winter searching for oak and black walnut trees, and walking behind a crazy Russian squirrel dog named Vladimir. The 12-gauge, 3.5-inch gun is said to be hand-made, which I highly doubt, though it is a well-constructed gun. Since there is no demand competitively for 16ga, it makes ammo cost more and guns cost more since the market normally gravitates to what is good in competitions. One note: it can have problems cycling low-brass shells, so make sure youre using high-brass self-defense loads like these awesome Winchester Super-X or these Federal Power Shok. The ability to project a devastating pattern of lead or steel shot to short ranges is also valuable inurbanor jungle environments. Charging slide/handle doubles as retainer when folded. He had nothing but problems with it - jamming, hard to load. I agree with you but watch the flaming start. But the Stoeger in my hands today, and it's fairly light. 5.0. It is a smooth shooter for a 12 ga. Developed by the prolific American firearms designer John Moses Browning, theWinchester Model 1897pump-action shotgun was better known as the Trench Gun in World War I. I will never be able to afford ANY of these shotguns. A combination of bullpup meets semi-auto shotgun, this semi-auto, gas-powered shotgun kinda looks like its straight out of a sci-fi flick. Which boggles my mind, since hunters are always looking to get the best performance out of our gear for the least amount of cash. Well, because in capable hands its as deadly a bird gun as there is. We took photos of what we think is the worst looking unit. Missed my fav the Saiga 12 - kushnapup variety. The shotgun was quickly picked up for police and prison guard use in the United States and has seen limited service in foreign military forces. Don't forget the clunky Russian stuff - Baikal, etc. Its the only one that shows both running the same ammo. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. In the morning I saw him tree top the last mallard trying to escape our timber hole with a dose of Boss 2 3/4-inch No. (, We noticed that you have previously logged in with your, Check what do you get by creating an account, Bookmark and compare your favorite firearms, Best Semi-Automatic Shotgun [Buyer's Guide], Have you ever wanted to empty a half dozen rounds of 12-gauge in just a, Before we go into modern semi-automatic shotguns, lets have a look at the prototype, the grandpappy, the Godfather of all modern semi-automatic shotguns: the. Modern Semi-Autos Shotguns It wasn't that long ago that there was only a handful of reputable semi-auto shotguns on the market. Nambu: The Nambu is one of the worst pistols ever designed. Non-Member $1,799.99 Club Pricing Applied at Checkout! Put me off considering one, for sure. The improved gas system softens recoil and is supposed to run cleaner than previous versions. Browning upgraded the gun in 2020its only offered in 10-gaugewith a composite stock, Inflex recoil pad, and textured grips on the fore-end and stock. It might function flawlessly with those. Semi-automatic shotguns are great for competitions and tactical situations, especially for beginners who might struggle to keep their target engaged while cycling rounds with a pump. Theres only so many ways you can shave weight off that operating system. On incredibly small maps like Shipment, the Origin 12 can run a 25-round drum magazine to turn the weapon into a semi-automatic AA-12. Uplanders cherish the 16-gauge as the gun that carries like a 20 and hits like a 12. To live up to that potential, a 16-gauge needs to be built on its own frame, but manufacturers cutting costs often made 16s by sticking smaller barrels on 12-gauge frames. It wasnt that long ago that there was only a handful of reputable semi-auto shotguns on the market. The Versa Max is a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun that has significantly reduced felt recoil thanks to the Versaport system and the SuperCell Recoil Pad. The multi-caliber Circuit Judge, imported by Rossi USA, is unlike anything else you'll find on dealers' shelves. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. The Glock pistol is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Austrian weapons manufacturer Glock. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. My cousin Stumpy loves his. This gun also cycles via an inertia-driven system and is chambered for either 3 and 3-inch shells. June 20, 2012: James Eagan Holmes, 24, used an AR-15-style .223-caliber Smith and Wesson rifle with a 100-round magazine, a 12-gauge Remington shotgun and two .40-caliber Glock semi-automatic . The Browning golds have problems, the 1100s are good guns for the money. You omitted the new kid on the block. Its hard to beat the Tavor TS-12 with its bull pup design and 15 + 1 capacity for defense. TheBenellishotgun also features a pistol grip, and the manufacturer claims it features up to 48 percent less recoil than comparing shotguns. When it comes to making shotguns that are, It has an 18.5-inch barrel thats perfect for tactical-style shooting. Former Water Walker January 14, 2015 At 14:05. Got a 20 Silver. Semi-automatic shotguns have a higher likelihood of jamming than pump and break-action shotguns. Top 6 Best Bullpup Rifles and Shotguns for the Money in 2023 Reviews STEYR AUG A3 M1 - Best Tactical Bullpup Rifle Panzer BP-12 G2 Bullpup 12 Gauge Shotgun - Best Affordable Bullpup Shotgun Springfield Armory Hellion Bullpup - Best Bullpup Rifle for Left-Handed Shooters IWI Tavor TS12 - Best High-Capacity Bullpup Shotgun Grouse and pheasant numbers are way lower almost across the entire USA. Gas-powered shotguns take high-pressure gas released after firing and use it to cycle ammo, while recoil-operated shotguns utilize kinetic energy instead. 5.0 (1) Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 12-Gauge Semiautomatic Shotgun . Though not listed, I recently acquired the RIA VR80 and have been having a great time with it. They have a significantly slower rate of fire in inexperienced hands. The Nock Volley gun first appeared around 1780 and fired seven .50 caliber slugs at the same time. The Turks can fix their problems. Copyright 2023 Pew Pew Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Eventually, though, Browning ironed out the kinks, Demand rose, quality improved, and prices dropped. It was nicknamed the widow maker due to many unintentional discharges. anything extra and your Good article, good read. That said, its a really fun gun to run, and if you prefer style over functionality or just want something fun to shoot at the range, the IWI TS12 fits that bill. I believe it returned to the U.S. for a final run in 2011, and you could snag it for around $450 or less back then. Beretta claims itsBlink gas operating systemmakes the 1301 thirty 6 percent faster than competing shotguns, enabling it to empty its four-shot magazine in just one second. For gunsmiths, the early version of the 916 was the Rock of Sisyphus in shotgun form. Browning Double Auto. He shot rusty 3.5-inch lead No. Description. Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email. But the robins-egg-blue paint job didnt fly. The Glock pistol is one of the most dangerous because it's easy to hide and carry around. The thing is, it's not uncommon for shooters to be using guns from the 1960s, or earlier. I understand it's practically impossible to test every single manufacturer, but these two should have made the list, IMHO. You wont be disappointed, By Once its empty, the majority of semi-auto shotgun bolts will lock to the rear, giving even the most novice of shooters a clear visual, auditory, and tactile sign that their gun is empty. Action-shooting athletes in competitions like, You can even catch these semi-auto bad guy dispatchers in. The dig on Berettas is their weight and bulk, particularly in 12-gauge models. Best Semi-Automatic Shotguns Remington VERSA MAX Synthetic Semi-Auto Shotgun Stoeger M3500 Weatherby SA-08 Browning A5 Hunter Semi-Auto Shotgun Mossberg 930 Field Shotgun Escort SDX12 FN SLP Tactical Semi-Auto Shotgun Benelli M4 Benelli M2 Tavor TS12 Frequently Asked Questions Last Word Overview (or something similar) Inexpensive and absolutely bulletproof. Length of pull is an unusually long 14 3/8 inches to accommodate the users bulletproof vest. My vote goes for the current Stoeger OU that they sell at Dicks for $350. Then I had a gunsmith inspect the shotgun and he could not find any problems with the gun. For a detailed review the best out there is by James Reeves TFB TV for the 1301. The Model 75 had three inch twenty gauge chambers. Never paid more than $500 for any of them and have gotten some Great deals by shopping pawn shops. The best ice-fishing accessories often differs from person to person and setup to setup. After that, the gun will run itself until its empty. Savage-Stevens 320 Security Pump. Ashley Hlebinsky First of all this gun will Chamber Anything you put in it, No matter how Rough with this gun you are their no way to Break anything on this solid piece of metal. Popular Shotguns choices are the AK47 / Kalashnikov action shotguns like the Lynx 12 or Kalashnikov USA KS-12 Shotgun.They are rugged and reliable with magazines and drums redialy available. When fitted with ComforTech technology, shooters will experience nearly 50% less recoil, which can make competition shooting much more comfortable. When I was growing up the 50s and playing birddog for the pheasant-hunting clans on both my paternal and maternal side, here in Nebraska, the shotgun of choice was the Browning A5 "Sweet 16." While Benelli is known for inertia-based guns, the Benelli M4 uses an auto-regulating gas operating system. Contents hide. All is right with the world. And looking back at the . It was a perfect little gun to carry all day long in the uplands or a waterfowl walk-in unit. The Mossberg Silver Reserve should be under this bus too. i just like the original 12 gauge pump you all want the fancy shotguns just get a mossberg with a wooden pump and stock. A semi-automatic shotgun, on the other hand, does the same thing automatically and can cycle through cartridges in one of two ways: While both gas and recoil-powered systems use energy for the same function reloading the shotgun they go about it in different ways. So far my #1 choice is the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. 16ga is an amazing upland game gun, but a lot of those wetlands are gone. The man walked over, and walked back with a KSG. It was also Franchis only long-recoiling gun, which meant when you pulled the trigger and the shell fired, the barrel moved backwards into the receiver with the bolt, much like the Browning Auto-5 did. Where's the Circuit Judge? And most hunters probably would ask the same question I did. Gonna check out that Mossberg 930 now. A typical military grade 500 series shotgun has all-metal construction, an eight round internal magazine, a manual safety and bead sights. JavaScript is disabled. Inertia is basically using the recoil of the gun itself to power the system. Many cant reliably cycle low-powered ammo, like some low-brass birdshot. That is the M3. Homerun on your #1 rating on the M4. This figure is underreported though, as it excludes the multiple semi-automatic (and fully. Carrying bag with additional storage and Velcro straps. David E. Petzal and Phil Bourjaily Thinking about picking one up. Nevertheless, the notion that Turkish shotguns are inferior has proven to be more right than wrong. Was at my LGS the other week, and a couple of the employees were talking about how an older woman had recently came in asking for a 12 g shotgun with the lowest recoil possible. Great article. Just $1 per month . Want to pick the best semi-auto shotgun for yourself? The pump-action shotgun youre probably more familiar with works by having the user manually slide the forend where you cock the gun. Kmart Boito Double: The Blue Light Special I did not see Beretta 1301 Comp 12 gauge in your list. Franchi, which is under the Benelli banner, largely falls into that category. . Sold it and browning owes me $500 I lost on the trade! Ive shot some great rounds of sporting clays and skeet with this gun, but dont own one, which puts the SA-08 on my must-have list. The gas-operated Turkish imports usually come in under $900, some much cheaper. In 12 gauge. Mossberg added an extended elevator and removed the notch that always seems to catch our digits when loading. 12ga is better than 16ga in competition in every way possible, so that is what people use. The long slow death of the 16ga is a long story, but IMO it mostly comes down to three major things: Habitat loss, cost-cutting, and competitive shooting. The Weatherby SA-08 Semi-Auto Shotgun comes with a durable synthetic stock that is impervious to wet weather. I like them. It was feather light for a 12-gauge (7 pounds or under), which was good for my ol buddy, the weakling that he was. Check availability here. Once its empty, the majority of semi-auto shotgun bolts will lock to the rear, giving even the most novice of shooters a, of these shotguns can easily fill multiple roles, so be sure to give all of them a look before you decide on buying, Designed more for waterfowl, upland game birds, and turkey, with the. Like other shotguns barrel length varies quite a bit but the U.S. militarys shotgun barrels are likely 18.5 inches long. Good article, well written, but for me, I'll stick with my mag fed semi-auto 12ga. Want to learn more? Then the IWI TS12 is the gun that certainly fills that niche. Now that weve covered the basics of recoil and gas-operated shotguns, lets look at how semi-automatic shotguns measure up to more traditional shotguns. Seems like a pretty decent, "budget" waterfowling semi-auto. Check availability here. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The gas-operated Turkish imports usually come in under $900, some much cheaper. 5. Popular Posts. In the same area, Mossberg enlarged the loading port by beveling the edges. It turns out that having several rounds of 12-gauge buckshot on tap can be a really useful thing. When it comes to tactical shotguns, you know that Benelli is a name you can trust. 5. I don't know or know of anyone who has put a lot of rounds through one of the Elite Silvers, though. He has a background in the entertainment industry and currently works as one of our awesome writers in the field. Had one that wouldnt run. Below are the 8 Best Semi Auto Tactical Shotguns. $ 599. . Got one already and want to fully upgrade your M4? Then perhaps using that top end shotgun is alright. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. In the late '50s and early '60s, quail and grouse hunting was much more popular with American hunters. Touted as one of the fastest-cycling semi-autos on the market, the Pulse Piston gas system is simpler, easier to clean, and just plain reliable. Ive just always wondered why Weatherby didnt use the same operating system in the Element, because the SA-08 is such a proven bird gun. Check out our full video review below or head to our Beretta 1301 Tactical article to learn more! They havent been out of production long, so you can still find one, likely for under $500. It features a cylinder choke bore and an 18.5-inch barrel length. #1. There was a guy who brought a KSG, which I was considering at the time. That's good enough for me. I don't know the model but I was told by a truck driver of a pump shotgun that was hard to find because if you kept the trigger pulled, as you pumped, it would fire. $ 599.99 $ 529.99 Add to cart; Pointer Field Tek 4 12ga 3 Black Synthetic 28 Barrel Semi-Automatic Shotgun #KIRFT4-12 Sale! Im biased towards the 1301 coz i got one, my marine version has not had any single malfunction on any load i put in it, i mean really cheap loads. Just $1 per month , If you come across one of these autoloaders at a gun shop, buy it. But then I scored a 19 on a round of skeet with it out of the box and remembered why I love Tri-Star autoloadersthey fit well and shoot straight. The safety's right on the top of the gun where you can see it and use it real easy even lefties. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. EH THE VERSA MAX IS BASED ON BENELLIS BLUE PRINTS BUD! The story is told that S&W actually considered buying backnot recalling, but buying backevery 916 made. 8. At first glance, Japan's first semi-automatic pistol design. What Do You Feel? Eventually, though, Browning ironed out the kinks, and soon the public fell in love with it. A CNC-machined aircraft-grade alloy receiver . Before we go into modern semi-automatic shotguns, lets have a look at the prototype, the grandpappy, the Godfather of all modern semi-automatic shotguns: the Browning Auto-5. I cursed Tri-Star owner Gus Bader for making a .410 auto-loader a few years ago. Its a load that only belongs in gorgeous double guns and the Winchester Model 42 pump. I had the chance to shoot it on a chukar hunt once, and it lived up to its billing as one of the most accurate light (around 5.5 pounds) semi-autos ever made. I'm a proponent of semi-auto shotguns, but a good pump action will most assuredly get the job done. The Stoeger m3500 inertia-driven shotgun thats an all-around solid hunting system. You'll now receive newsletters of our best articles on techniques, It was good in repelling boarders in navel combat but its recoil could break the firer's shoulder. And Tri-Star backs its guns with a five-year limited warranty as well.