New to Shotguns, seeking opinion on which to buy

But the model 12 still doesn't have the " cool " factor ..... / not criticizing, just saying ... and I don't get many chances to be " cool " these days, so have to take them where I can .....
 
But is there an ATI folding paratrooper/swat/green beret/navy seal style stock for the model 12:D And the requisite Barret .50 cal brake for the end?;):rolleyes:
Brent
 
My advice, and you should listen because I am a government trained chairborn ranger, buy a mossberg 500 and then send it here and have it industrial hard chromed. What can this shotgun NOT do? WHat punishment can it not take that another gun could?
Pick up a remington 870 at the store and mess with its ergonomics also, whichever one feels better is the choice, I just prefer the 500.
oops. I read your whole post. Well, if you are buying it for situations which will not require you to shoot more than 250 rounds semi-auto(clay singles you load one at a time), then the 11-87 and hardchrome it.

If you want to shoot it all weekend without pouring remoil in it then go with the Browning A5. My 11-87 gets clogged up after about ten rounds of clays.

I would at least look at the pumps seriously before you buy. Maybe your buddies own pumps and you already have, but if not...
 
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BigJimP -- wow, that Benelli SuperSport is a real beauty. I think you've made a sale. It's a little on the high end, though. Any idea what price is good on these, relative to MSRP? (I'm used to 10% under MSRP on $1000+ handguns)
 
Come On!!!!

I'd like it to be the following:
(1) 12 gauge (this is 'the' standard, no?)
(2) semi-auto
(3) generally black or neutral in color (i.e. not camo)
(4) I'm only likely to buy ONE of these anytime in the near future, so spending $700-$1400 is not a problem
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Some have posted with replies recommending pump shotguns. The OP wants a semi-auto. Maybe us semi-auto types need to start typing a lot slower. I think the pump guys are getting confused. This borders on a childlike obsession.
 
jjg001

Judging from members' reports, there are some good deals to be had in today's economy. Ferreting out the best price is just part of the new gun experience. BigJimP (Mr. Benelli) is up to speed on gun prices, hopefully he'll have some good news for you.

I'm sure the other members will agree, now that you've decided on the Super Sport, don't cough any up cash until you've actually fired the Benelli and another gun on your short list. Different gun models have different feels -- just like Fords and Chevys have different ride qualities. It's not a matter of one being better than the other, they're just different. Only you can determine which feels right.

We look forward to reading your review after you've run a few hundred rounds through your new gun.

Good luck and good shooting
Pete
 
I should point out, I only buy new guns; so keep that in mind when figuring a price. I'll probably check in with the (only) two gun shops remotely nearby and see what price they come up with. I've just come too close to getting burned by both of them before, so I like to have an idea going in what is respectable.
 
FOLLOW-UP QUESTION:
Assume I buy the Benelli Super Sport (not that that exactly matters for the question)... what SHOT/SHELLS would you recommend for:

(1) simple range practice (provide Cabelas or MidwayUSA link if possible so that there's no misunderstanding)

(2) potential home defense

(3) maximum firepower (up to the gun's limits; I usually like to try out a bit of this, even if I don't shoot it regularly -- kind of like my S&W 500; the 350gr stuff kicks plenty, I don't need to shoot 500gr+, but I do like to have some of it)

I'm most interested in #1 above, since that is what I'd be buying in BULK. All the various shot/shell combos are a little overwhelming to a newb. Thanks.
 
I have not seen the Vinci - so I can't comment - but I think its set up more to compete with their hunting guns.
But I guess I don't see the use of a gun that breaks down modularly as something I would ever need.

Super Sport in my area is selling new for around $ 1,850 ( I think list is around $2,100 ).

My Super Sport will cycle any shell that is at least 1200 fps ( or around 3 dram equivalent) - even down to 7/8 oz of shot. It is chambered for 3" shells.
 
(1) simple range practice (provide Cabelas or MidwayUSA link if possible so that there's no misunderstanding)
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I suggest you start out with standard target grade (Remington STSs or Winchester AAs) trap and skeet loads. Stay away from off brands and promotional loads. For basic trap and skeet the only difference will be the shot size. After you gain some experience, then you can experiment with light and heavy loads. The boxes should say:
Trap, 3 dram equivalent 1-1/8 oz of # 7-1/2 shot, or
Skeet, 3 dram equivalent 1-1/8 oz of # 9 shot
Both of these loads deliver at 1,200 fps.

Sorry...
When I checked Cabela's site search for "skeet ammunition" and "trap ammunition" there were no hits for standard Winchester and Remington target ammo. The closest they came was some AA hulls. If you don't reload, save your hulls, they're worth almost a dime each!
Lately, I've noticed the MidwayUSA site has been slowing down. Today, it was overwhelmed and my search simply returned server too busy.

For home defense and maximum loads, any recommendation will do nothing more than generate controversy. There are typically several active threads devoted to this subject.
 
For home defense and maximum loads, any recommendation will do nothing more than generate controversy. There are typically several active threads devoted to this subject.
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That's okay... I'm not sure a 4 foot+ gun is too practical for my home setup anyway. I have a nice selection of handguns (with lasergrips) to pick from for that task anyway.
 
Trap, 3 dram equivalent 1-1/8 oz of # 7-1/2 shot, or
Skeet, 3 dram equivalent 1-1/8 oz of # 9 shot
Both of these loads deliver at 1,200 fps.
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So, it would seem the shells listed in the middle of the pack off of this link:
http://tinyurl.com/CabelasWinSuperXHG
...would meet that requirement, no?

I am correct in assuming that the Benelli SuperSport can shoot either 2 3/4 or 3" shells just fine? [Esp. since it seems like most of the common shells are 2 3/4"]
 
NO! Those are hunting loads w/ 3-1/4 drams eq, they are hotter than target loads.

YES! The SuperSport does 2-3/4 and 3-inch shells.
 
That's okay... I'm not sure a 4 foot+ gun is too practical for my home setup anyway. I have a nice selection of handguns (with lasergrips) to pick from for that task anyway.
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I don't think you'll get any arguments about selecting a handgun that you're proficient with over a new shotgun for HD.
 
You can also buy Win and Rem target loads at wally world, or any of the usual big box sporting goods stores

Personally, I also like Remington's Gun Club loads in 2-3/4 dram, even softer shooting than the 3 DE shells and will break any target out there, as will the wally world Federal packs, Rio's, Estates, Kemen, B&P, Nobel, Fiocchi, etc., etc., etc......
 
Zippy, did you forget that you have to aim a hand gun but can just shoot one round from a shotgun and clear the whole room...:rolleyes:
No aim needed... the pellets leave the barrel and look both ways and head right to every "Bravo Golf" in the room...:D
Brent
 
If you don't mind going up to $1400 the Beretta is the best choice for a gas gun. Remington is better than many claim but it is not quite up to the Beretta, although it is cheaper. Have heard good things about Browning and Winchester, but have no personal experience.

In that price range I prefer the Inertia action Benelli. Both Beretta and Benelli will be equally reliable. The Benelli will require a little less cleaning and may function a little better when dirty. The Beretta is heavier and being gas operated will recoil less.

For me if I were primarily hunting with it I wouold prefer the Benelli. For a gun to shoot a lot of clays I would prefer the lighter recoiling Beretta.
 
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