Defensive Semiauto Shotgun

[Djay3]

Anyone have first hand experiences with the 12 gauge semiauto defensive style shotguns? The common consensus has often been use a pump but the newer breed semi's seem to have taken a niche in the civilian market.

One that has caught my eye is the Mossberg 930 SPX. Early quality and reliability web reports were very mixed during the first few years of its' release. But more recent reviews are more positive in terms of build quality and reliability. The Fn SLP and the Benellis seem to be the top choices when budget is not an issue but $$$! The Mossberg is around $600 versus $1200 (Fn) and $1700 (Benelli M4)!!!

Any first hand experience with these and other semi's? Thanks

[gjohnsoniv]

Can't go wrong with a Benelli, I own several and can't count the number of rounds I've put through them with no issues.

[Djay3]

Can't go wrong with a Benelli, I own several and can't count the number of rounds I've put through them with no issues.

Well, I suppose springing for a defensive setup Benelli would likely buy me assured reliability, pride of ownership and good back end resale value! All are pretty good reasons to pay up front and only cry once.

[dcloudy777]

By the time you get an autoloading shotgun reliable to count on for defense, you can get a very decent AR, which is much, much better for defense. 

 

If you're really set on the shotgun, the SLP and the Benelli are your best bets. 

[Jonnin]

I have a rem 1100 and so long as you do not try to use the cheapest, weakest ammo on the shelf, it works 100%.  Every single issue ever was from trying to be too frugal at the ammo store.    An inexpensive gun with a ton of aftermarket goodies like high cap tubes and more.  Mine is simple, extended mag, recoil pad, and a better loading system were all I did to it. 

 

There are a lot of what I call "a5 clones" like the 1100 that are "roughly" similar (if not identical) in design to the classic browning model.   I only have the rem and the original (a browning), so I can't say a lot about other brands.  The browning of course is excellent, but mine is old so dunno about the current ones nor the likely hefty price tag.  

 

 

There are merits to both.  Its rare at 3-gun to see the pump gun beat any auto for speed runs.  As in, it maybe happened once.   However, it is also rare for the pumps to mess up, which happened often enough (various brands of guns, ammo, and modifications... hard to point any fingers). 

Edited January 13, 2014 by Jonnin

[Smith]

Saiga 12.

[RED333]

Saiga 12.

Times 20, the number of rounds the drum carries.

[URL=http://s896.photobucket.com/user/redintn/media/firearms/S12415122.jpg.html][/URL]

[Djay3]

Thanks for the various replys.

Not turning my back on my AR for home defense purposes. But I remain interested in gaining some facility in handling a defensive setup semi shotgun. As much of an interest as a need. Edited January 14, 2014 by Djay3

[Hozzie]

I have a Benelli M2 tactical and have no complaints. I am not one who would ever purposely use an AR for home defense, but I know some do. 8 rnds of 12 ga and 17 in the pistol I hope covers me if truly needed. I am not stalking anyone in my house, they will have to come to me.

[MacGyver]

Just make sure that you don't shoot a Benelli first if you plan on purchasing something else.

[Djay3]

Just make sure that you don't shoot a Benelli first if you plan on purchasing something else.

I can understand that! Just merely handling an M4 recently showed me it oozes quality and fine fitment. It is probably a good thing I was only able to handle it. It is a shame that as equipped (as imported) they are unable to sport a 7 round tube.

[MacGyver]

I can understand that! Just merely handling an M4 recently showed me it oozes quality and fine fitment. It is probably a good thing I was only able to handle it. It is a shame that as equipped (as imported) they are unable to sport a 7 round tube.

Agreed.  That said, there are a lot of American made aftermarket tubes.  With one in the pipe, one on the elevator and 7 in the tube, that's 9 rounds of 12 gauge goodness. :)

[mikegideon]

Saiga 12.

 

THIS Saiga 12  :up:

 

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/74867-converted-saiga-12/

[wareagle]

Love my 930spx.

[Djay3]

Love my 930spx.

wareagle, how was your 930 SPX when you first function tested it? Any pointers on breaking it in?