Which Semi????

[JD140]

Hi,

 

I'm thinking of buying a semi automatic (which I have no experience of at all) and was looking for some advice. In the past I have always shot O/U's and Side by side's, I currently use a Beretta 687 game gun which I love and intend to keep, just like the look of semi automatics. I would be using it for clays and pigeon shooting, if anyone can help with the following I'd appreciate it.

 

I generally need a 15" LOP and have noticed most semi's seem to have shorter stocks, could someone explain why this is, are they easily extended etc?

 

What make would you recommend, I like the look of the Beretta's?

 

What barrel length? I usually go for 28" but have fancied trying a longer barrel to try and slow my swing a little.

 

Are semi automatics less reliable as they appear a more complicated design?

 

 

 

[Scully]

Oh heck, now you've started something! There are hundreds out there, from very very good old ones to carp new ones. Try as many as possible before you decide....and no, the good ones are not unreliable.

I have owned a Browning 2000, a Winchester 1500 XTR ( still have it ) a clunky old Breda, a Remington 11-87, a Franchi 720 and have used a Beretta 301/303. I can't fault any of them. There is a very nice looking S&W 1000 for sale by wabbitbosher on this very forum. The world's your cockle as far as autos go.

[oowee]

I shoot one most days of the week and rate them for their simplicity and lack of recoil. My last one Hatsan lasted 7000 shells, i think 10 months or so and the bolt carriage snapped. The A300 i have now, i bought new for £700 last year. So far its good as it does not need much cleaning (every 500 shells or so), is simple and well balanced.

Pay attention to the balance especially if its plastic. Will it need much cleaning and if so is it easy to do?

You pay your money and take your choice.

A mate of mine a shooting coach advised, if you use one a lot to chop it in each year for a new one. It would likely only loose a few quid and keeps it smart and upto date.

Edited November 6, 2016 by oowee

[Highlandladdie]

I can only comment on semis I have used. Winchester SX3 (current gun) good value, reliable, I have found mine hard wearing. Chambered for 3.5 it's versatile.

 

Browning Maxus the same as above, minus the value. I didn't get on completely with the super slim foreend. Nice gun though.

 

Beretta Outlander. OK, felt a bit cheap next to other 'budget' guns. Only 3" chamber (not necessarily a bad thing). No jams.

 

28" is like a 30" OU. more or less.

 

I dare say there would be spacers to get the desired LOP. Very easy to adjust, even i could do it.

 

Semis are reliable, keep them clean,and not sopping with oil and grease. Keep the barrel bleed holes clean. Basic stuff. I like keeping my guns clean, so not a chore.

Edited November 6, 2016 by Highlandladdie

[JD140]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

 

I am leaning toward the Beratta A400 exel Kick Off, looks good, gets good reviews and I like the idea of the recoil reducer. Does anyone have any opinions?

[Highlandladdie]

I personally wouldn't bother with the kick off. Gas semis shoot really softly, no point in it.

 

I'd say, see if you can try one out. Get a feel for how they shoot. Weird feeling the first time, mechanical, but I don't notice it now.

[Exudate]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

 

I am leaning toward the Beratta A400 exel Kick Off, looks good, gets good reviews and I like the idea of the recoil reducer. Does anyone have any opinions?

I have an A400 Xcel with a kick-off. I like it a lot, but then again I also like my Benelli M2, which is inertia driven with no kick-off. In practical terms, I can't honestly say that I perceive the Beretta with kick-off to recoil less than the M2, even though in theory the kick-off should reduce recoil. Just something to bear in mind.

[BerettaSV10]

Benelli supersport or most of the Benelli's are good guns along with the Winchester SX3 which was my last one and was in 3 1/2" chamber never missed a beat.

[oldypigeonpopper]

hello, i looked and tried quite a few in the gun shop and reviews on google and contacting importers so decided on an ARMSAN in camo, so far has been very good, but i would say being a gas operated the cleaning is important, a FRANCHI would have been my other choice.

[sishyplops]

One of the most important questions is budget??

 

£300 go for beretta 302/3

 

£600 SX3

 

£1k + unico

 

In my humble opinion

[steveshoots]

Browning Maxus you can alter the length of pull to suit with the butt spacers (provided) a very good gun indeed I love mine.

[Cawdor118]

Benelli M2

[oldypigeonpopper]

Hi,

 

I'm thinking of buying a semi automatic (which I have no experience of at all) and was looking for some advice. In the past I have always shot O/U's and Side by side's, I currently use a Beretta 687 game gun which I love and intend to keep, just like the look of semi automatics. I would be using it for clays and pigeon shooting, if anyone can help with the following I'd appreciate it.

 

I generally need a 15" LOP and have noticed most semi's seem to have shorter stocks, could someone explain why this is, are they easily extended etc?

 

What make would you recommend, I like the look of the Beretta's?

 

What barrel length? I usually go for 28" but have fancied trying a longer barrel to try and slow my swing a little.

 

Are semi automatics less reliable as they appear a more complicated design?

 

 

 

hello, a 303 has just gone on here for sale ?

[bullet1747]

I've had the beretta 303 sporter couldn't get on with it , I use a hatsan camo one love it to bits every one will have different tales and views , me I can't see the point in spending a small fortune when a cheap one does just as much

[old'un]

I have just purchased a second hand Beretta AL391 Urika 12g field/game gun, never used one before but must say I am impressed with this gun, the build quality is very good and from what I have read they seem to go on for years.

 

The stock as you say tends to-be a little on the short side 14"-14 1/2" you can get shims to lower the drop and cast and Berretta recoil pads to increase the LOP, I put a 1" on mine bringing it up to 15" LOP.

 

An article from last year which might help....http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/reviews/shotgun/secondhand-beretta-semi-autos-review

[Gordon R]

I have owned a fair number of makes. Remington - Beretta, Franchi, Fabarm, KFC, Browning, Smith and Wesson, Nikko, Baikal, Hatsan and also shot a lot more makes.

 

Best handling - Remington 1100.

 

Best build quality - Fabarm - everything fit properly - no rattling or loose forends etc.

 

Best value for money Winchester SX3 - no jamming.

[AOK]

I have only been shooting for about 2 years,and before buying my gun tried quite a few different O/U and Semi's.I decided on a Semi and narrowed it down to a Beretta A400 Xcel and a Benelli.I settled on a Benelli Comfort Sport and have no regrets.Great gun,little recoil and easy to clean and maintain.

[B25Modelman]

Gas or spring operation should also be taken into account.

 

If you want a 15" stock you will have to try before you buy.

 

Generally most Benelli dealers stock the mid range LOP 14.25" so you will have to get the extended pad.

Edited November 8, 2016 by B25Modelman

[jonny thomas]

I've got a hatsan escort which is OK I had a Remington 1100 in my younger years which was a dream my boy has a franchi rapter which is a very nice gun and pretty too

[JD140]

Again thanks for all the replies.

 

Does anyone have any negatives about the Beretta A400 exel, or for that matter any positives? I really like the look of the gun and whilst I have handled one I haven't yet fired one, my local Gun dealer is lending me a used one to try. Having read up on this model a fair bit the only negative I can find (other than the action colour) is that some people feel the trigger weight is a bit much?

 

Once again any light that van be shed would be very welcome!

[oowee]

Do you need a 400 rather than the 300?

[JD140]

No, to be honest I don't 'need' a 400. After shooting 150 clays on Friday my shoulder and cheek have taken a bit of a bashing, I'm after something reliable, with less recoil and to be honest fancy a change, like a semi (which I've never had).

 

I'm completely open to suggestions but like the look, reviews and KO on the 400.

[JD140]

Again thanks for all the replies.

 

Does anyone have any negatives about the Beretta A400 exel, or for that matter any positives? I really like the look of the gun and whilst I have handled one I haven't yet fired one, my local Gun dealer is lending me a used one to try. Having read up on this model a fair bit the only negative I can find (other than the action colour) is that some people feel the trigger weight is a bit much?

 

Once again any light that van be shed would be very welcome!

[Exudate]

Again thanks for all the replies.

 

Does anyone have any negatives about the Beretta A400 exel, or for that matter any positives? I really like the look of the gun and whilst I have handled one I haven't yet fired one, my local Gun dealer is lending me a used one to try. Having read up on this model a fair bit the only negative I can find (other than the action colour) is that some people feel the trigger weight is a bit much?

 

Once again any light that van be shed would be very welcome!

The only negative I have about the A400 Xcel is the same one I have with other gas-operated semi-autos, and that is, compared to my inertia driven Benelli M2, it takes much longer to clean. Then again, I have a self-imposed rule of cleaning my guns fully every time I use them. This is almost certainly unnecessary, but I like to do it. Don't get me wrong, I love my A400 and it's an excellent gun, BUT, if I could only own 1 gun, it would have to be the Benelli.

[bostonmick]

I have two 400s I am not a massive fan of semi autos but have them for a couple of competitions I do each year.never use them any other time.all I can say is they have never failed me.they cycle all I have put through them.never used 21 gram but 24 to 36.