20 gauge semi-auto field gun

[Major Kong]

Anyone have a favorite mid-priced semi auto 20 gauge? Used mainly for busting skeet and dove hunting. From internet searching I like the Benelli M2 and the Beretta A400. Anyone have a preference between the two or something different I should look at in that price range or cheaper?

[LawVol]

Check out the Stoeger M3020.

Lots of guys are using the M3000, including myself, for 3 gun. It is a very reliable auto loader.

[Major Kong]

How about Franchi's? Anyone have experience with the Fenice or the 48AL?

[gregintenn]

My wife owns a Beretta AL391 Urika. I don't fancy semi autos, and am not an authority on them, but this is a really nice,light, and reliable shotgun. Definitely worth a look if it's in your price range.

[Hozzie]

Franchis' are made by Beretta. They are pretty decent. If I wanted to save a few bucks, I would not be afraid to buy a Franchi.

That being said, I prefer Beneli's personally. Edited September 17, 2015 by Hozzie

[platham]

The A400s are sweet,

That Being said, I've got a auto 20 gauge that I like a lot. The beretta Urika AL391. I haven't price checked them recently and they may be discontinued. I got mine 10 years ago. But hey are sweet shooting guns without a doubt

[shotgunshooter]

Still think the Remington 1100 is the best thing out the for you. Priced right and very reliable. Here's an example: The Model 1100 holds the record for the most shells fired out of an autoloading shotgun without malfunction, cleaning or parts breakage with a record of over 24,000 rounds. The record was set in 1978 with a Remington model 1100 LT-20. That's from Wikipedia. And Guns. com says the same thing: In fact, the 1100 set a record in 1978 for the most shells shot out of a semi-auto shotgun without any cleaning whatsoever and without any failures of any kind. That number is a staggering 24,000+ rounds.

[leroy]

I'll add to the chorus...

I dont think ya can go wrong with a Franchi or a Remington 1100... i like the recoil operated light weight Franchi a bunch... I've seen lots of powder burned thru them...

 

leroy

[deerslayer]

Wow, my two 1100s must be abnormal.  One is a 28" modified made 1966-69 and the other is a newer one set up for 3-gun.  Neither are totally reliable after 200 rounds without cleaning.  I would lean toward an inertia driven gun like the M2.  I've heard good things about the Stoeger M3000 and 3020, which are apparently Benelli-ish clones. 

[I am Groot!]

Franchis' are made by Beretta. They are pretty decent. If I wanted to save a few bucks, I would not be afraid to buy a Franchi.

That being said, I prefer Beneli's personally.

 

Franchi is actually made by Benelli.  My understanding is that it is made in the same factory and has the same recoil ejection system as the M2.  I Shoot an M2 and bought my son a Franchi Affinity.  Other than the comforteck stock, and the price tag, there is not much difference.  

[Hozzie]

Ah, for some reason I had in my mind Beretta. Thanks for the clarification.

[I am Groot!]

I wouldn't turn down a Beretta over under.

[chances R]

skeet and dove shooting are high volume shooting. As such, you will be much happier with a gas-operated gun which inherently reduces recoil.  The Remington 1100 or the Beretta 300/400 series guns will serve you well.  Don't buy the 'clones'.  If you can find a Beretta 390/391 those are exceptional guns as well.  Avoid the Franchi and Benelli  primarily due to their lite weight.  If you check around, Argentina dove outfitters generally use the Beretta due to the properties I pointed out with high volume shooting.  You will also have a quality gun to hand down or for resell.  

[gregintenn]

I wouldn't turn down a Beretta over under.

I firmly believe a shotgun should have two barrels, but the OP asked about a semi auto.

[Major Kong]

I firmly believe a shotgun should have two barrels, but the OP asked about a semi auto.

I have a nice O/U 20 gauge that I have no intentions of ever parting with. It's the high volume shooting previously mentioned that makes me want a semi-auto also.

Thanks for all the inputs everyone.

[gregintenn]

I have a nice O/U 20 gauge that I have no intentions of ever parting with. It's the high volume shooting previously mentioned that makes me want a semi-auto also.

Thanks for all the inputs everyone.

Yup. A good dove shoot leaves me bruised from elbow to jaw with my Citori Featherweight 20.

[1madss]

I had a 1100 LW from the mid 70's that we tried to see how long it would take to get a failure. We never found out. At 800 rounds without cleaning it got soaked in a rain storm and we had to clean it. Can't say that about the 2014 1100 Trap I had. Better clean that thing every 200 rounds at the most.

[Hozzie]

Not sure if you bought anything yet.  I was just perusing Whittaker's new arrivals and they have a Franchi 48AL 20 listed.  Have to call for price, but they usually are better than anywhere.