There has been much debate recently ( and likely it's going to intensify as we get closer to hunting season openers), about the merits and issues surrounding the crop of budget conscious semi-auto shotguns on the market.
Well, while this conversation is much better suited for the apres-hunt, or round of skeet, with much friendly banter present, Let me weigh in with a few points for consideration, and a few models of note for review.
In the past 10-15 years, there are several manufacturers who have come on the shotgun scene, who make an exceptional product. Many of these are not made in North America, nor are they made in such noted shotgun manufacturing countries like Italy. You may very well hold a nice gun bearing the name Mossberg, or Weatherby, North American names to be sure, yet both manufactured in Turkey.
Here is a roundup of current semi-auto shotguns that fall within the "Budget" category ( Under $850CDN).
Mossberg 935
Weatherby SA-08
Stoeger M3500
Remington 11-87
Mossberg SA-20
Hatsan Escort / Legacy
Mossberg 935
Based on Mossbergs made in the USA, and already successful 930 platform, the 935 doesn't disappoint. Weighing in at a stout 7.8lbs, the weight of the gun greatly assists in mitigating felt recoil at the shoulder end.
As many expect there to be minor fit and finish issues with economy grade guns, the Mossberg has none of note. While some have made claims that the 935 has difficulty cycling lighter loads in the 2 3/4" range, most agree that proper break in and cleaning seems to eliminate any of that issue.
Coming with 3 choke tubes, with lots of aftermarket bits and pieces available, it presents decent value for the dollar. Typically being offered in black synthetic, or Camo. Average price: $690CDN
Weatherby SA-08
Weatherby however certainly has done their homework, and has decidedly not compromised on built quality in the SA-08. The 12 gauge comes with 3 choke tubes ( Browning Invector / Winchoke type), which thread effortlessly into the 28 barrel. The 20 gauge comes with 26" barrel, and mobilchoke tubes. Also available is a 28 gauge version.
Recognizing that not all loads are created equal, Weatherby has dispensed with gas restrictors / valve systems which tend to be included with most semis to allow range of loads from 2 3/4"-3.5", instead opting to ship its shotguns with two distinct gas pistons, one for light, one for heavy. The change out of these pistons, really takes a matter of seconds, and is quite easy to do.
As far as handling and shooting goes, the lesser weight of the Weatherby is quite noticeable. It comes to shoulder easily, and swings nicely. For some, the lower weight may take some getting used to, but after a day afield, it may be a welcome change.
Being offered in several finish options - High gloss walnut and bluing on the Deluxe version, black synthetic and camo available as well. It remains one of the best values in the economy semi-auto shotgun class. Average price $620CDN ( black synthetic) to $830CDN ( Deluxe walnut).
Stoeger M3500
Stoeger, a storied gunmaker, which had fallen on hard times post WWII, became known as a "budget gun" in the 1970s and 1980s. So much so, that people almost hated showing up to shoots with one, being subject to ridicule. They didn't do much better when they marketed the M3500s predecessor the M2000. It was crude, and cycled loads horribly.
Under Beretta / Benelli, the newer M3500 was designed. Mainly around the already proven Benelli "Inertia Action", using the recoil of the shot round to cycle the action, instead of gas operation like most semis. Manufactured in Turkey, is ships with 5 choke tubes and a 28" barrel.
The M3500 proves in all ways to be the cute step-sister to it's much more expensive, sleeker family members.
The Stoeger website claims 1 1/8oz loads to be the minimum. Out of the box, with cleaning, the gun cycles everything that gets put in it. It comes with a "recoil reducer" which effectively increases its weight from just over 7lbs to over 8. Unless shooting 3.5" I don't see how this merits being installed.
Available in black synthetic, and camo synthetic models, the M3500 may just be the sleeper of the economy shotgun crowd. Average price $830CDN
Remington 11-87
One of the older guns in the round up. The 11-87 as it's name implies was introduced in 1987. It was intended to be a more budget friendly 1100, and was essentially based on the same platform.
Available in "Supermag" models, which effectively shoot 3.5", they come with an attachment known as a "barrel seal activator" which enables the gas system to cycle lighter loads. The 11-87 12 gauge in standard configuration comes with 28" barrel, and one screw in choke ( Mod). It is also available in 20 gauge, with 26" barrel, and compact ( youth) model with 21" barrel.
Weighing in at 8lbs, the 11-87 is one of the lightest felt recoil guns of the group, although a day of shooting 3.5" through any gun will result in some soreness.
The 11-87 has seemingly weathered the years with few changes, and because of this, has also escaped the recent series of recalls Remington Arms has issued for other guns it manufactures.
The 11-87 would of course be better value for the dollar if it was sold with more chokes, and perhaps had more stock options than wood or black synthetic, but it is still a viable gun. Average price $840 CDN
Mossberg SA-20
Added into this little discussion is another gun offered in a sub-gauge. The Mossberg SA-20. While bearing the Mossberg name, it is actually the sister gun to the Weatherby SA-08. Manufactured by Armsan in Turkey, the little SA-20 presents a very good case for a sub-gauge semi. Available only in 20 gauge, and offered with 26" barrel, and 5 mobilchoke tubes, the SA-20 is a gem of a gun.
The SA-20 is light, for those hunting upland, the 6lb weight, and short barrel make for a very good combination going into the field.
The smaller wrist and grip are an excellent choice for smaller statures, yet the gun is full sized. It is offered in a "Bantam" version for those that might want a shorter cast gun.
As far as value for the dollar, if you're a fan of sub gauge guns, the SA-20 presents very good value. Average price $630 CDN
Hatsan Escort / Legacy
Another offering from Turkey. The Hatsan Escort - Legacy. Offered in both 12 and 20 gauge. These gas operated guns are short on frills, but seemingly long on value.
Manufactured in a number of different configurations and finishes, a shotgunner would have difficulty not finding something that appealed to them. These guns are typically offered with 26"-28" barrels, and 5 choke tubes. The only downside is that 12 gauge models are not offered with a 3.5" chamber option. They are offered however with a multitude of finishes including black synthetic, walnut and high gloss, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades, Mossy Oak Break Up, etc. Hatsan also includes multiple spacers to adjust drop and cast to get a tailored fit for the shooter.
As they are limited to 3" chamber cycling all loads from light to heavy is not an issue, and all models do so flawlessly.
Given the relative price of the Hatsan offerings, they present very good value for the dollar, starting at as low as $449CDN and going up to around $650CDN for deluxe models, the value is there.
As the reader can see from the "Economy" shotguns presented, there are more than enough choices for the beginner shotgunner, and at some of the prices, there should be enough left over for a flat or two of ammo as well.
Enough reading.....go shooting....
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