goldeneye243 Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 I am in the process of getting my SGC (should be with me by the end of the month). I am looking into getting a semi-auto and I was thinking about which one to go for. It is tempting to start off with a Hatsan, as it is cheap and comes with a generally good reputation (that I am sure is covered elsewhere well enough..) What I was wondering is which other guns are good value and a step up from the Hatsan? I am getting a bit bewildered by the range of guns, but have been looking at - Winchester SX3 Benelli M2 Beretta AL391 There is quite a big price difference... I would ideally want a gun that is suitable for pigeons, could be used on clays and could be used for wildfowling. Am I also right in saying that all 3 1/2" semi autos are not suitable for a SGC and need an FAC? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickmep Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 you can have a 3 shot (2+1) 3.5" chambered on sgc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 A good step up from a Hatsan is probably a piece of drainpipe... I'd avoid one if possible. I hated mine and was glad to see the back of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrighty112 Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 (edited) Yeah u can own a 2+1 3.5" chamber just need FAC if u wanted more than 2 in the mag i.e. 5+1.... I had a second hand baikal mp153 which is 3.5" chamber. Worked ok at first but wouldn't cycle propperly anVhad lots of stoppages an ruined a few good shoots. After the gun smith said nothing wrong as long as I use only 3"-3.5" carts I desided to trade it in for an escort... Personally 3 of my mates have them an now I do. No gas parts too mess around with (yes is has gas parts just no heavy an low settings) it's just an squeeze an bang :-). Not failed me yet an I've fired around 300. Carts through with no problems. Edited April 9, 2010 by Wrighty112 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shuck. Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 (edited) you couldn't really shoot clays with a 3.5 magnum on your budget, I think I'm right saying that there are 3.5s with an additional recoil spring that you switch over for low power loads (i.e everything under 32g?) ..but they are in the higher price range if I remember correct. a cheaper 3.5 mag won't cycle clay loads think you need to decide between clays or wildfowling unless you find a good deal somewhere Edited April 9, 2010 by Shuck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gixer1 Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 think you need to decide between clays or wildfowling unless you find a good deal somewhere Or just buy a 3" mag, you can still put a 52gram 2 through it which is way big enough for geese ect and you can put a 28gram load through them too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shuck. Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 Or just buy a 3" mag, you can still put a 52gram 2 through it which is way big enough for geese ect and you can put a 28gram load through them too... good point was going to say that but not sure about wildfowl distances he was shooting at. to the O.P the Escort is a nice gun and comes in a variety of flavours from the synthetic black to the nice easy on the eye Luxano with 3" chambers for ammo up to 57g! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldeneye243 Posted April 9, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 good point was going to say that but not sure about wildfowl distances he was shooting at. to the O.P the Escort is a nice gun and comes in a variety of flavours from the synthetic black to the nice easy on the eye Luxano with 3" chambers for ammo up to 57g! True, I am just thinking that it might be worth buying a slightly better gun and not changing it in 6 months time as I am prone to doing... I think a 3" sounds like the way forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniel Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 I have an escort 3" chambers which i use for Pigeon and wildfowling I have had this for a couple of years and no probs to date, but i have purchased some O rings just in case. I think the 3.5" chambers have problems because they are built for the larger cartridges and there seem to be issues with these when these cartridges are not being used.. Escorts yep cheap and cheerful and you get what you pay for For clays and Pheasants i have a Beretta SP3 O/U lovely gun fits me well but price wise Escort £300, Beretta £1200 My escort is in camo but i was looking at the black synthetic ones as my thoughts were that there would be less shine off these, but only my thoughts Best thing i would suggest is stick to a price range and then go to as many shops as possible see what they have on offer and try to see which gun feels the best for you, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shuck. Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 True, I am just thinking that it might be worth buying a slightly better gun and not changing it in 6 months time as I am prone to doing... I think a 3" sounds like the way forward. If you get bored easily with the Escort you'll get bored just as easily with any other semi in that price range, if it was me I'd be happier spending a few £££ less because all the guns in that price range really aren't anything special! If you buy new you even get a 3 year warranty so if my choice was between the Escort and a second hand Beretta, I'd go for the Escort every time! If you can find a Benelli for that price from a silly silly person then go ahead mind . When I bought my Escort I tested out a Beretta (I think it was a 391 not too sure but a nice wood stock on it) and to be honest the Beretta felt a little easier on the shoulder but couldn't really justify the extra 100 so I got the Escort! Shoot just as well as I would have if I got the Beretta and I have twice as much fun with it as I don't worry too much about the scratches and don't bother with an expensive case either so it's always saving me money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delbert Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 Which ever you choose try one before the rush of blood to the wallet takes over. I'm very satisfied with my old Beretta 302 I bought it used and it has been trouble free for about 10 years just cleaned never overhauled. Its not fussy about cartridges I have yet to find a brand that it doesn't cycle correctly. Can't really expect much more of a gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 Goldeneye , I assume from your post that this will be your first gun . I will try and give you some simple advice . First ,dont go for a self loader as a first gun . They are more a specialist gun for a more experianced shooter . They can be a pig to strip and clean and are more likely to give you trouble than a side by side or an over and under . You would do well to buy a multi choke over and under gun . It will suit for shooting game and clays . If you get into game shooting then you will have to buy another gun if you buy a self loader as self loaders are not generally accepted on game shoots . Secondly , dont buy a hatsan , it will break your heart . Harnser . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 (edited) Goldeneye , I assume from your post that this will be your first gun . I will try and give you some simple advice . First ,dont go for a self loader as a first gun . They are more a specialist gun for a more experianced shooter . They can be a pig to strip and clean and are more likely to give you trouble than a side by side or an over and under . You would do well to buy a multi choke over and under gun . It will suit for shooting game and clays . If you get into game shooting then you will have to buy another gun if you buy a self loader as self loaders are not generally accepted on game shoots . Secondly , dont buy a hatsan , it will break your heart . Harnser . Couldn't agree more. If you have very little experience using a shotgun, you will find a self loader a real hassle. Especially if you're a bit careless where you point a gun. (Not saying you're a danger or anything, but some new shooters are just completely oblivious to where they're pointing a gun, even after being told 100 times) I have had a fair few arguments with people who can't hold a semi auto correctly, after I've had one pointed at me. A nice o/u will do you good. Edited April 9, 2010 by harfordwmj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldeneye243 Posted April 9, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 Goldeneye , I assume from your post that this will be your first gun . I will try and give you some simple advice . First ,dont go for a self loader as a first gun . They are more a specialist gun for a more experianced shooter . They can be a pig to strip and clean and are more likely to give you trouble than a side by side or an over and under . You would do well to buy a multi choke over and under gun . It will suit for shooting game and clays . If you get into game shooting then you will have to buy another gun if you buy a self loader as self loaders are not generally accepted on game shoots . Secondly , dont buy a hatsan , it will break your heart . Harnser . I have actually arranged to buy an over and under lanber once my certificate arrives. I fancy a semi-auto for pigeons. I'm not too concerned about the cleaning as I am pretty good with mechanical stuff... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 I have actually arranged to buy an over and under lanber once my certificate arrives. I fancy a semi-auto for pigeons. I'm not too concerned about the cleaning as I am pretty good with mechanical stuff... I too fancied a S/A for pigeons and I was also looking at a FAC S/A. I wish I'd not bought the S/A, as the only reason I'd use the 3rd shot, is if I missed the first two You will rarely need all three shots when pigeon shooting, unless you're very hot on your decoying skills. Just have fun with your o/u and if you end up with continual hot barrels and missed birds because you were reloading, then get the S/A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 I have actually arranged to buy an over and under lanber once my certificate arrives. I fancy a semi-auto for pigeons. I'm not too concerned about the cleaning as I am pretty good with mechanical stuff... The Lanber is a good choice . But my advice is stay away from a self loader for a little while , they are a compleatly different animal . Best of luck . Harnser . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 If you get bored easily with the Escort you'll get bored just as easily with any other semi in that price range, if it was me I'd be happier spending a few £££ less because all the guns in that price range really aren't anything special!If you buy new you even get a 3 year warranty so if my choice was between the Escort and a second hand Beretta, I'd go for the Escort every time! If you can find a Benelli for that price from a silly silly person then go ahead mind . When I bought my Escort I tested out a Beretta (I think it was a 391 not too sure but a nice wood stock on it) and to be honest the Beretta felt a little easier on the shoulder but couldn't really justify the extra 100 so I got the Escort! Shoot just as well as I would have if I got the Beretta and I have twice as much fun with it as I don't worry too much about the scratches and don't bother with an expensive case either so it's always saving me money! It's what forums are all about... The variety of responses already here is incredible, and opinions, I couldn't dissagree more with your highlighted statement above...the Beretta wins by a mile in my book... ATB!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSS Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 It's what forums are all about...The variety of responses already here is incredible, and opinions, I couldn't dissagree more with your highlighted statement above...the Beretta wins by a mile in my book... ATB!!! +1 Build quality, and general feel of the better quality guns says it all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 It's what forums are all about...The variety of responses already here is incredible, and opinions, I couldn't dissagree more with your highlighted statement above...the Beretta wins by a mile in my book... ATB!!! I mean, if you want a gun that has loads of problems. Get a Hatsan. I am with Dekers on this one. Beretta all the way. The recoil is better handled and feels reliably excellent. You can actually feel the mechanism working when you fire each shot, unlike the Hatsan. Which just goes *clunk*! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 (edited) I am in the process of getting my SGC (should be with me by the end of the month). I am looking into getting a semi-auto and I was thinking about which one to go for. It is tempting to start off with a Hatsan, as it is cheap and comes with a generally good reputation (that I am sure is covered elsewhere well enough..) What I was wondering is which other guns are good value and a step up from the Hatsan? I am getting a bit bewildered by the range of guns, but have been looking at - Winchester SX3 Benelli M2 Beretta AL391 There is quite a big price difference... I would ideally want a gun that is suitable for pigeons, could be used on clays and could be used for wildfowling. Am I also right in saying that all 3 1/2" semi autos are not suitable for a SGC and need an FAC? 1 Beretta 2 Benelli 3 Winchester ........ and none of them are a step up from the Hatsan, they are all a Giant leap better!! 31/2" available with normal 2+1 on SGC as others have said. Be careful with this size though, ammo is still silly money and most don't like the shorter (normal) length cartridges. A 3" Chamber may be better depending just what you do want to do with it, the carts will certainly be cheaper, and offer more variety. Generalisation Wildfowlers have got by with 3" (or shorter) for many years, 31/2" are arguably being introduced to deal with the lead ban all round when it comes!! Edited April 9, 2010 by Dekers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlight32 Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 (edited) 1 Beretta2 Benelli 3 Winchester ........ and none of them are a step up from the Hatsan, they are all a Giant leap better!! 31/2" available with normal 2+1 on SGC as others have said. Be careful with this size though, ammo is still silly money and most don't like the shorter (normal) length cartridges. A 3" Chamber may be better depending just what you do want to do with it, the carts will certainly be cheaper, and offer more variety. Generalisation Wildfowlers have got by with 3" (or shorter) for many years, 31/2" are arguably being introduced to deal with the lead ban when it comes!! The 3 1/2" chamber has been around fro quite a while-It was brought in specifically for coping with the requirement of the additional space required for steel shot in a case. A 3" cartridge typically holds 36g (1 1/4 oz) of steel where as a 3 1/2" can hold comfortably 46g (1 5/8 oz) One or two cartridge manufacturers have managed a little more but typically this is the norm. Edited April 9, 2010 by starlight32 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 The 3 1/2" chamber has been around fro quite a while-It was brought in specifically for coping with the requirement of the additional space required for steel shot in a case. A 3" cartridge typically holds 36g (1 1/4 oz) of steel where as a 3 1/2" can hold comfortably 46g (1 5/8 oz) One or two cartridge manufacturers have managed a little more but typically this is the norm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 I have actually arranged to buy an over and under lanber once my certificate arrives. I fancy a semi-auto for pigeons. I'm not too concerned about the cleaning as I am pretty good with mechanical stuff... Only just noticed this..forget 31/2" then ..problem solved Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeon chasser Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 good words of advice. i've recently got my sgc but been shooting for over a year now using mates guns out wild fowling but mostly pigeon shooting. the first gun i used was a o/u lanber skeet gun ans used it most off the time but i never really got on with. went out with my mates 3.5inch mag escort which was complete toilet jamming/mis-firing and back firing on 28grm and 32 grm loads nearly all the time and a lanber sporting delux 30" multi choke which was a little heavy but was spot on till he sold it for a benelli m2 ... So light fitted nice and easy to shoot and get the hang of reloading. Before i got my licence i was like you asked everyone what they thought of this and that. People said if your gunna buy an esscort get the 3" there much more reliable but if you can afford it buy a second hand beretta 303 or a sx3 winchester and them type of guns if i wanted to semi auto but stick to what i know was good if i wanted to go o/u(which was the lanber sporting delux as i'd used it and got on with it) But i dont really go clay shooting so didn't care about the fround apon semi auto's. So semi auto was my decision as i'd had a fair bit of experiance and learn't how to be safe with a gun. Then it was back to what auto to buy and being mechinicaly minded like you i hated the idea of gas operated autos because there a lot more hassle to clean and maintain. So the choice was clear. BENELLI. Although a fair bit more expensive than most i kept looking about and managed to find a Benelli M2 comfortec Max 4 camo just like my mates for 600quid still with warranty. Best choice ever. had it a while now and don't regret it one bit. Do some reaserch and swing a few guns about before you buy the first thing you come across Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniel Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 Its true you are going to get plenty of advise plus different decisions on what is good and what is not. all yu can do is keep to your budget and get the best you can for the money, try a few guns and see what feels better for you. I used a beretta semi a while back and it was terriable, sort of put me off semi autos as the cartridge was getting stuck in the chamber and it scared me to be playing around with a live cartridge, but you get wiser (must be an age thing). The escort works for me for pigeon and wildfowling, not everyones cup of tea, but you can only remark on your personnal experiances.....so they are fine in my book so far, Daft thing is that some times i only put 2 shells in the gun anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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