I want to buy a basic, but nice, gas operated shotgun. I want to keep it under $1,000. I want to use if for clays at my gun club, shotgun plinking, and possibly some hunting in the future. I used to own a Beretta 390 and it was a good gun: light and cycled everything I put through it. So, is the newer A300 as good? Does anyone own one that can comment? Thanks.

Edit: I changed the title since I've expanded my questions to other guns

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Micropterus,

I have an A300 in Max 5 camo. It’s been flawless and I love the feel. Not high end compared to the X400 though it motivates recoil fine and the fit and finish is excellent as expected for a Beretta. I won mine at a NRA event though it was an $800 shotgun at the time. I have seen them lately though as low as $600, which is a great price IMHO.

Thanks.

I've been debating whether or not to increase my budget and consider the A400, or even an inertia gun like the Benelli M2 Field. But I have a hard time justifying doubling my budget for a gun that won't perform any better, and with light loads may not perform as a well (Benelli).

My Beretta 391 ran flawlessly. Another gun I am sorry to have sold. I am leaning more and more to the A300.

I have an A300 and A400, as well as 20g and 12g Benelli's( Legacy and Ethos). The A300 is the best from a value perspective. Altenaltively if you want a value based inertia gun, I bought my son a Franchi in 20g and have been very happy with it.

I don't have one, I have a 400. but I see plenty of them at events and they seem completely fine.

I have the A300 Outlander synthetic that I use for sporting clays and I love it. So far it has shot any 12 gauge round I've put in it. I love it so much I bought the Beretta 1301 for tactical shotgun classes.

I’m a big Beretta fan. Just picked up nice Vittoria for my wife.

However, on the A300 you buy the Beretta name But get outsourced parts to bring it down to a competitive price point.

IMHO, you can easily get better value and quality at that grade.

Remington V3 fills that bill easily.

I've been researching the Remington Versa Max, too. Seems to get pretty good reviews, USA made, 3 1/2" chamber, and comes in just under $1000.

Anyone have one?

quote:

Originally posted by Micropterus:
I've been researching the Remington Versa Max, too. Seems to get pretty good reviews, USA made, 3 1/2" chamber, and comes in just under $1000.

Anyone have one?

Randy Wakeman on YouTube is a fan of the V3...which is essentially the next generation Versamax. Unless you shoot 3 1/2 often I would go with the V3 personally.

quote:

Originally posted by Micropterus:
I've been researching the Remington Versa Max, too. Seems to get pretty good reviews, USA made, 3 1/2" chamber

I have shot a couple of them over the years. Decent, serviceable shotguns.

I highly recommend avoiding a 3.5" chamber if you will be shooting clays. Clays loads tend to be low-powered, as it makes no sense to pound both your shoulder and the fragile clays with monster loads. The 3.5" chamber guns are notorious for poor cycling with light 2.75" clays loads.

Modern 3" loads work quite well in hunting. You should seriously consider if a 3.5" chamber is necessary for the game you intend to hunt.

I need to go play with a V3 at Bass Pro. I've been reading about it and it looks like a good prospect.

BTW, I really want a gun I can run the hell out of and not worry that I spent a fortune on it.

How are today's 11-87s? Still good guns? I know you can get them pretty cheap these days.

Also a friend swears by his Mossberg 930. Inexpensive and seem to get good reviews. Thoughts on this gun?

quote:

Modern 3" loads work quite well in hunting. You should seriously consider if a 3.5" chamber is necessary for the game you intend to hunt.

I dont need that ability in the gun I'm looking for. I have two Benelli Super Novas that can take 3.5 inch shells.

quote:

Originally posted by Micropterus:
I need to go play with a V3 at Bass Pro. I've been reading about it and it looks like a good prospect.

BTW, I really want a gun I can run the hell out of and not worry that I spent a fortune on it.

How are today's 11-87s? Still good guns? I know you can get them pretty cheap these days.

Also a friend swears by his Mossberg 930. Inexpensive and seem to get good reviews. Thoughts on this gun?

Looking at Basspro is fine but also consider Buds Online for competitive pricing. If you have an old 870 it will feel a lot like that on your shoulder and weighted perfectly amidships.

I have a LGS that gets my business. But it doesnt stock everything I want. So I check them out other places then order from my LGS. I know Bass Pro carries the V3.

I have been using a Winchester SX3 for the last couple years and love it. It has been flawless since day one and has fed everything.

I'm not the tallest guy and this shotgun fits me perfectly. I tried a friends A300 and it shot nice, but didn't fit me as well.

I picked up a CZ 712 and it's been a good gun. 28" barrel and 3" chamber. Bought it used for I think $350, taken it hunting a couple times now. It likes a little heavier load I think. I've only put like 5 different kinds of shells through it, everything was fine but the Fiocchi 1oz 2 3/4 #7 steel "dove" shells. It could not cycle those reliably at all, but they were really weak. My buddy even made fun of me saying how everyone's shotgun went boom but mine, it just went pfft... He ended up giving me some of his Winchester ammo and it was much better dove hunt from there on.

Maybe look at the Benelli Montefeltro. A great shotgun and value, imho.

Take a look at the CZ 712. I have the "Utility" model and love it. Even came with a hard case!

Most of my autos are beretta and benelli. A300, 391, m2.

Cast a wide net. Once narrowed down look to see what Armslist & even Gunbroker have to offer.

I helped a buddy find a SBE2 on Armslist, about $400 below the store price. A few 100 rounds with most is hardly broken in.

In this age of tacti-cool, shotguns often get little attention. Can hardly give away that old pump at a gun show.

After Christmas is my favorite time to gun shop.