Delwint Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Morning all, I'm in the market for a semi auto. I've never owned one and would like people's views on the best one to get. With opinions on reliability, make and barrel length, it will only be used for rough shooting and in the hide. Atb Delwint Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshAndy Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Any Beretta or Winchester SX3 / Browning maxus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 (edited) Hello, my vote is the Armsan if a gas auto, or a Franchi if a inertia system, 28 inch barrel and multi choke, the inertia requires less cleaning. my first was the Armsan after reading lots of info and advice from PW but i did go to a gun shop and try quite a few for fit and weight, that has gone to another PW member and i recently purchased a franchi off PW and very pleased with this one. Edited July 22, 2017 by oldypigeonpopper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ips Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Don't know much about autos but been happy with the Beretta outlander u recently bought for same reason as you. Black synthetic stock is ideal for rough shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stimo22 Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Like most things it comes down to the size of your wallet, mid price I would go for the Franchi Affinity at about £700 with 7 year warranty , top of the price bracket I would go for a Beretta or Benelli. But these cost as much as a reasonable OU so the decision for me would be cost Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.C Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 If you search this forum for semi auto you won't be short of reading and opinions. Armsan or Hatsan if new but I went with 2nd hand beretta. Stick to 70mm shells to avoid loading issues. (that last comment may be enough to cause an argument) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 If you search this forum for semi auto you won't be short of reading and opinions. Armsan or Hatsan if new but I went with 2nd hand beretta. Stick to 70mm shells to avoid loading issues. (that last comment may be enough to cause an argument) Hello, Arguments on PW Mr C what ever next !!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delwint Posted July 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Generally have a few slabs of 30/32g 6's in so load won't be a problem. Budgets not an issue but ideally £800-1000 I suppose, I could go higher if needed. But it doesn't have to be a mint gun just to then get knocked about in the hide. And I've put my tin hat on after your comment MrC hahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panoma1 Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 If this is your first venture into S/A I would go for mid range, value for money, reliability and resale value.......my Winchester SX3, so far ticks all those boxes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Given the numbers of good ones out there both new and used, it would be easier to list the ones to avoid ( of which there aren't that many ) but which I won't do for obvious reasons, but a quick search in here would serve you well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Twice you've mentioned a hide. My experience is limited to the Maxus which my step-son now has. By design they're longer than a two barrelled gun of equivalent length so as anything longer will not do what 26" can't, then that's worth considering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pigeon Shredder. Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 26" SX3, Hide,Walk Up, Clays sometimes, light and to the point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delwint Posted July 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 There seems to be a few votes for the SX3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
db135 Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Yer I've got one too sx3 excellent gun for the money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McCloggie Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 I've got an SX3 too and it's just the dogs' ! I won't ever part from it,that's for sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve d Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Cant really argue with any of the above, Browning, Beretta, Winchester, Benelli etc. People will recommend what they shoot with. I have a 391, its no better and no worse than any of the others but I only use it for in the hide or an occasional round of clays, because IMO semis are a PITA to walk around with. If im going for a wander around its the 25" barreled SxS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 If it is for pigeons only, I would consider a 2 3/4" chambered gun. It would be probably be cheaper than most. If the gun is required for wildfowling, I would go for a 3 1/2", possibly an Xtrema 2 or an SX3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krugerandsmith Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Morning all, I'm in the market for a semi auto. I've never owned one and would like people's views on the best one to get. With opinions on reliability, make and barrel length, it will only be used for rough shooting and in the hide. Atb Delwint I have a Benelli Super Sport and an Armsan 612 that I bought on special offer from Mcavoys for £275 new. Now I have to be truthful the trigger action on the Armsan is better than the Benelli and I just love it. Never once has it jammed no matter what cartridge I use.... Bonus too is that if you scratch the barrel a quick spray can using motorcycle manifold high temperature matt black paint and its back to new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delwint Posted July 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 It's only for pigeons, crows etc. I'll have to go and have a look at the gun shop, pick up a few of the ones that have been suggested to see how they feel in the shoulder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oowee Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Twice you've mentioned a hide. My experience is limited to the Maxus which my step-son now has. By design they're longer than a two barrelled gun of equivalent length so as anything longer will not do what 26" can't, then that's worth considering. 26" SX3, Hide,Walk Up, Clays sometimes, light and to the point. I have just renewed my 3yr old synthetic a300 28" for the same in 26". The shorter barrel so much quicker and easier to handle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
das Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Any Beretta or Winchester SX3 / Browning maxus. +1 maxus is a fine gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panoma1 Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 (edited) If it is for pigeons only, I would consider a 2 3/4" chambered gun. It would be probably be cheaper than most. If the gun is required for wildfowling, I would go for a 3 1/2", possibly an Xtrema 2 or an SX3.Had a couple of Xtrema 2's...cracking guns for fowling but a bit heavy and ponderous for snap shooting! Especially as I'm getting on a bit! And weight is now an issue!......That is why I now use the lighter, quicker SX3. The forerunner of the Maxus was the Gold, that was a good gun! It never missed a beat for me and in truth I always regretted selling it.............I believe the Maxus is from the same stable as the SX3 almost the same but with a different badge? Edited July 22, 2017 by panoma1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ollieollie Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 My SX3 has never let me down(in years), love it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 A good condition, used Beretta 303 (around £500 or less) spend the rest on cartridges. Probably the easiest of 'gas' auto's to clean, stick a 1/2 choke in the end and away yer go ! Most people that shoot mine seem to do very well with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bornfree Posted July 22, 2017 Report Share Posted July 22, 2017 Remmy 1100 or 1187 far from the most reliable but they do handle well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.