Best waterfowl semi-auto for 1000?

[lucky1]

Hi guys, I'm planning to get into hunting for waterfowl this year, just wondering what semi-auto shotgun you would buy for close to $1000?

[steelslinger]

IMO, a pump. In my experience a 'cheap' semi isn't worth having. Might be guys on here with different experiences with newer shotguns so take it for what its worth.

[SPEYMAN]

It is called an over and under. More shells wasted on a third shot.

[XPEIer]

Yep, get an over an under!!

[Firstblood]

Even though I love my Berettas I'd have to agree with the above posts, pump or O/U or SxS are better options for ducks. The third shot is more often than not wasted, sometimes you know your gunna miss but you pull the trigger anyways because it so easy to go pop, pop, pop. Anyways, a semi is expensive and feeding the beauty gets even worse, even when shooting clays the trigger just pulls itself. A pump has that third shot for cripples and what not and is more reliable than a semi but still not as reliable as the break actions. I leave the beretta at home if I'm going to the swamps and take out my 10 gauge SxS or 20 OU. It also changes your mindset, more focused on the first shot and not worried about the two follow ups, one shot, look around follow up instead of worrying about getting multiple shots off.

[hardnocks]

I bought a franchi inffinity last summer . used it a lot last fall and spring... laying in the mud,water and snow . i never had any issues ...sure liked it when i was using 3 in. mags

[RiverOtter]

If you do end up considering something other than a semi, I'd highly recommend the Benelli Super Nova. A lot of shotgun for the money.

[ActionJackson017]

^^ Yup. Love my 12 ga. Super Nova. Would recommend.

[Drillbit]

If the 3rd shot is a waste, then why is there a limit???

To me, if there's a limit on the amount of game, why is there a limit on shells in a gun?? Doesn't make sense


To the OP, a good semi is expensive. And totally worth it.

If you want to keep the price down, buy a really good pump gun. it'll be well under 1k

[f350ps]

If it were me I'd buy a Winchester SX3 Black Shadow, I say that that for two reasons, I love mine and I need all the bullets I can get! Anybody that thinks two shots is all you need are misguided, decoy birds into the hole and you'll wish you had four! K

[ACB]

It is called an over and under. More shells wasted on a third shot.
The third can be a follow up on a cripple that you don't get when you only got two.

[lucky1]

I was looking at the Franchi today. It seemed very nice. I also had a friend who recommended the mossberg 935, he's very experienced with shotguns and said it worked great for the price. Some of you have said that a good over-under or pump is a better option. I'm definitely going to take that advice into account. I agree that the third shot probably won't be useful very often. I will check out the super nova. What is a good o/u for $1000 or less?

[john.b]

Imo you will have a much easier time finding a good auto loader for under 1k than you will for an o/u.
keep your eyes open for good deals I got a beretta for close to your price point. A good new auto loader will run you upwards of 2k on the top end a decent new o/u will run you 2k on the bottom end. I paid 2800 for my citori

[albravo2]

I need 3 shots, too early, clean miss and too late.

I've shouldered the SX3 and really like it. Love the Benelli Vinci pumps too.

[Omenator]

I was looking for a Benelli M2 then took a real close look at the Franchi Affinity. They both are made in the same factory, and share many parts. For the $ saved over the M2, the Franchi Affinity is a great shotgun. I just found Eagle Hunting Supplies had a recent sale for the camo Affinity $999, they may still do it for you.
You will be better off getting a semi for about $1k than trying to find a good O/U for the same. Plus the semis can come with corrosion resistant coatings, which you don't often see on the O/U.

See this post for some sound recommendations:
http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/the-gun-nuts/ask-phil-the-best-guns-and-loads-for-north-american-wingshooting

[MichelD]

[QUOTE=albravo2;1787009]I need 3 shots, too early, clean miss and too late."

Me too, but it's first shot to miss, 2nd shot in anger and 3rd shot in frustration.

I have a Browning Gold Hunter I bought used for $550. I understand the Winchester X2 was basically the same gun without the speed load function.

I love shooting that shotgun but the fact is that I hit more consistently with my 870.

[spaghetti]

spend the extra cash and get a Beretta. You wont be sorry. I have both a Browning and a Beretta and the Beretta is twice the gun.

[northof49]

Definitely want 3 shots especially if you plan to chase some geese in future too. Go with good pump to save some money and 30" barrel. I have used my old wingmaster for years and it still rocks.....many many 3 for 3s.

[theoutdoorsman]

I have a franchi affinity 20ga and it is a sweet shooter, 100% reliable so far and easy to clean.

[cootersnake]

SX3 all the way,it a little over 1000 but well worth it

[kamloopshunter25]

I use a mossberg 930 and for $700 it keeps up with the best of them. A little heavier but does the job

[Beachcomber]

Hi guys, I'm planning to get into hunting for waterfowl this year, just wondering what semi-auto shotgun you would buy for close to $1000?

Just curious why you want to start with an auto? You can buy a good 870 for a lot less than $1000 and can't imagine you will bag fewer birds. You could use the balance saved for all sorts of gear that would enhance your day more than owning an auto would. Not dissing your choice - to each their own and this thread has offered all sorts of good options - but personally don't much of an advantage in this choice.

[lucky1]

Just curious why you want to start with an auto? You can buy a good 870 for a lot less than $1000 and can't imagine you will bag fewer birds. You could use the balance saved for all sorts of gear that would enhance your day more than owning an auto would. Not dissing your choice - to each their own and this thread has offered all sorts of good options - but personally don't much of an advantage in this choice.

It's the action that my friends who duck hunt use.

[sed8ed]

I use and love my Stoeger M3500. Under $1000, clone of the SBE2 made in Turkey... I did change the recoil spring to one out of an SBE2 but other that that she is still going strong after 3 heavy hunting seasons (probably over 1500-2000 shells through her including trap shooting)

On a different note though... get a cheap 870 for your first gun, set it up properly for your shooting style and spend the rest of the money on a GOOD set of waders, jacket and marsh bag. You will be much happier that way.

[boxhitch]

Why buy new when used will do ? (sounds like a commercial jingle ?)
Test drive something and if it doesn't fit , move it out. way less depreciation and no tax
I bought a clean 11-87 for $500 and it seems to do everything just fine so far

Autos don't have to be loaded with three so if wasting the third is a tendency , don't put it in.:roll:

[257stew]

I like my Weatherby semi auto. They are (I believe) under a $1000 and a hell of a nice gun for the money. Never had a problem with mine.

[bandit]

Used beretta 390 or 391. Have seen them as low as 800 and even a moderately well used one will outlast a cheap new weatherby etc. Plus they are gas operated which will be a little easier on the shoulder if you are shooting more than a few rounds in a session.

I didnt think I needed 3 shots till I started taking out the over under. As soon as I switched back I regularly killed ducks with the 3rd shot!

[SPEYMAN]

That is very common when you miss with the first and second.

[kamloopshunter25]

I use and love my Stoeger M3500. Under $1000, clone of the SBE2 made in Turkey... I did change the recoil spring to one out of an SBE2 but other that that she is still going strong after 3 heavy hunting seasons (probably over 1500-2000 shells through her including trap shooting)

On a different note though... get a cheap 870 for your first gun, set it up properly for your shooting style and spend the rest of the money on a GOOD set of waders, jacket and marsh bag. You will be much happier that way.

I agree, a good set of waders is a must! especially if you become serious about waterfowl hunting

[selvir]

Got mine Benelli black Eagle 2, 12 gauge 30" barrel in Sitka Optifade Camo form Canadian tire for $1900 including tax and $200 store credit, now same about $2500 after taxes
so ill say buy once cry once...

[PressurePoint]

Browning Cyngery in the synthetic stock and stainless steel barrel.... Last u forever in salt water.... Sandy Fraser River.... Muddy sloughs.... Amazing!