12 GA Shotguns - Bang for you buck

[BW23]

Hey Folks,

What manufacturers and models would you recommend for decent 12 GA shotgun for clays and skeet?

Used or new doesn't matter to me. My limit would be $500.

Looking for 12 GA that's a semi-auto or over/under. Weight is no issue. Standard barrel length for clays & skeet.

Prices are all over the place so I'm looking for some guidance. Obviously I'd like to get something American made.

Thanks!
BW

 

[Marcus5aurelius]

I use a Remington 1100. It's cheap and it works.

 

[RealQuick]

Hooked!

 

[Carnea]

I use a Remington 1100. It's cheap and it works.

This woud be a good choice for your budget. A Remington 870 would also work, but it is a pump (little more challenging for doubles).

 

[vellnueve]

Find a Beretta 3901 or 390, you should be able to find one used for around $500 if you look hard enough. The 1100s have gone way down in quality, and frankly I've seen too many of them become jam-o-matics.

 

[Takis48]

Stoeger makes an inexpensive 12 gauge over/under. I think for a few extra dollars you can get a Franchi or Savage.

 

[el duderino]

I use a Remington 1100. It's cheap and it works.

Same, think I spent between 3-400$ for it.

 

[CdP]

I bought a used Franchi o/u for ~400-500... took me a bit of searching and luck, but used might be the way to go

 

[BW23]

you guys with the Remington 1100...have you had any issues with it? If so, what was it and how did you get it fixed?

I like Savage shotguns but they aren't as easy to find as i thought.

How about Weatherby SA-08? Saw this on Basspro. Never really heard of Weatherby. Is it junk?

 

[icyclefar]

Do yourself a favor, save a few more bucks, and take time trying what others bring to the field.

You get what you pay for in a clays gun.

Beretta semi's (391's, or 390's) tend to out number the rest on most fields, and for good reason.

Browning O/U's tend to appear in high numbers too!

Invest in the right gun and you'll keep it forever, and probably never lose a dime.

 

[Marcus5aurelius]

you guys with the Remington 1100...have you had any issues with it? If so, what was it and how did you get it fixed?

I like Savage shotguns but they aren't as easy to find as i thought.

How about Weatherby SA-08? Saw this on Basspro. Never really heard of Weatherby. Is it junk?

You have minor parts replacements here and there. When I first bought it (well used) I had some issues with the gas ring/barrel seals that were beat to hell from previous use. Those were easy and cheap to swap out and I replaced the O-ring for good measure.

Recently the "link" (piece that looks like a tuning fork) sheared and I needed to replace that for around $20 but overall nothing too significant. My uncle shoots trap and skeet competitively and has some really high end expensive shotguns that are really well balanced. I've used them when I go out with him and miss more than with my Mossberg 500 or Remington 1100. I'm not by any stretch of the imagination saying that they are not better quality (which they clearly are). I'm just saying when you get used to a gun (cheap or high end) you get used to the feel of that particular gun so it doesn't make a huge difference IMO. If you're comfortable with it, go for it.

 

[richc]

Clean, lube, new o-ring, and make sure the little gas hole in the barrel is poked out clean.

Great, reliable gun that will give you years of enjoyment.

 

[ARV]

11-87 when Dicks runs a special. I think mine was $350-400 new.

 

[BW23]

Good stuff! I'll have to keep an eye out on the classifieds and at Dicks.