Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Best Semi Auto Shotgun around 1K

I am interested to hear your opinions on what Makes and Models of semi auto shotguns I should consider for around $1,000. I don’t shoot all that often but I would like one that is functional and that will last long enough that I can hand it down to one of my boys. I always like to get the most bang for my buck. I am hoping to get a few consensus guns that I can research and then get hands on for fit and feel.

Thank you in advance.

Intended use?

Used Benelli m2

Random stuff. I like to hunt but with 3 small boys don't have as much time to do so as I would like. I usually do a couple of charity clay shoots each year and feel a little silly pulling out my “cheap” Camo Mossberg Pump at those so, as embarrassing as it is to say, I want something that has an elegant look to it in addition to being functional. I do a little bit of turkey hunting but would like to get into duck, quail, and dove hunting as the boys get older. As far as shotguns go I have an old double barrel that was handed down to me and the Mossberg Pump (Model 500 I believe) so I am looking to add a nice semi auto. Not sure if that helps much.

For a little less than that a used browning A-5. My Dad will hand his over to his grandson in a few years. He has used it to shoot thousands of quail since he bought it new in the late 70's and it still functions as intended I have never seen it jam in the field.

For a little more a Benelli sbe II. My son is huge into waterfowl and shoots hundreds of shells through the one I bought him every year, hasn't had one problem yet. It is really cool that it can handle everything from 3.5 inch to 2 3/4 inch shells no problem with out having to mess with rings or anything.

I have an old Beretta 390 that just keeps on running.


Can't say the same for my 11-87. At least once a year the bolt tab goes flying off!

Browning A-5 Light twelve or Sweet sixteen !

Old model Remington 1100, I've had mine for about 30 years, shot thousands of rounds of trap and never had a failure with this gun, it just "fits" me like no other.

Just in case you don't know, The reason I say old model is because Remington discontinued this gun and after much biching they brought it back with a few changes and I haven't heard much good about the newer ones.

Another vote for the Humpback. Your grandson's son will pass it on.

Used Benelli Super Blackeagle or M-1 Super 90...

Lots to like about the recent Franchi . Usually a little less money than Benellis but performs essentially the same. At least in my hands.

The Browning A5 is OK in 20ga but is a clunky heavyweight in 12. Even more so in 12mag.

Winchester SX3, Beretta A300 or a used Beretta 390. You can find used 390s in the $500.00 range and they seem to run forever.

There is a reason that the shotguns they use in Argentina and other South American countries for dove hunting, shooting in the hundreds of thousands of rounds annually, are Benellis.

They shoot and clean and shoot them in the harshest conditions and they keep on working. If there was something better, they would be using it...

I bought one of those about 30 years ago, guy had left it next to a baseboard heater and burnt the stock. Paid 150bucks for it. I put a fiberglass replacement stock on it, and shot it so much there is no bluing left on the reciever. I have seen them completely jacked up from improper or no cleaning where you couldn't hardly get the bolt back. Knock the pins out and the firecontrol group drops out to clean all the gook out.
Only thing i have had to do is a couple of times replace the rubber O ring. They aren't the most expensive but they sure are durable, just like the old 870 pump.

Beretta A300 if buying new. Beretta 390 if buying used.

Beretta followed by a Winchester SuperX3

Used Benelli.

An A5 Browning is virtually indestructible and you will never lose money on one unless you beat it all to hell.

For under 1000 I do not think you can beat the Winchester SX3. It is one of, if not the best, gas autoloaders on the market. I owned one, and though it did not fit me well, I was truly amazed at how well it functioned day in and day out.

For recoil operated shotuns under 1000 you should look at the Franchi Affinity. It is every bit the shotgun that the Benelli is (in fact it is made by Benelli) but is half the price....you would never know the difference.

I have a Remingtion Versa Max that is the softest shooting shotgun I have ever shot. It will shoot anything from very light field loads to 3.5 inch magnums and has never jammed. They are a little heavy, but you can find the Sportsman model for around 800 bucks.

I spent $400 each on a pair Browning B80s. I shoot 75 shells at trap each week plus hunt with them and still expect them to outlast me.

Harshest conditions in Argentina...really? Not sure Im on board with that. I could be wrong. Either way benellis are great. Look at a benelli M2 or beretta uplander. Both excellent. At a gun shop near me I was showed the records of auto shotgun service. Meaning repairs. Berettas had smallest rate of return, benelli second and on down the line with others.