Coworker wants to get a 12ga semi, budget around $500.
$600 max OTD.

Preferably new, 26+bbl, no preference for wood or synthetic/patterned.

Pros/cons for gas vs inertia action?

Shotguns are far from my forte. I've got my Browning & am happy with it, so haven't kept up/know about others as much.

He sent me this one for my opinion, told him I'd come here, since I don't know the brand
https://www.academy.com/p/tris...shotgun?sku=12-gauge

That is a tough budget. I would look for a good used Remington 1100

Stoeger M3000

https://www.budsgunshop.com/se....php/q/stoeger+m3000

That’s as cheap a semi auto as I’d recommend. Or a used Franchi Affinity or Remington 1100 or 11/87

Pass on the TriStar.

For the price range he is looking at I'd be looking for a used rem 1100 or used franchise affinity. Basically will come down to gas vs inertia meaning heavy and softer shooting vs lighter weight and more recoil. The other upside to inertia is they run clean.

If the main purpose was sporting clays then I'd say gas. If it's hunting then inertia.

https://www.tristararms.com/se...orting-synthetic-red

I've got a TriStar Viper 12GA in Red & Black. Just wanted something to smash some clays at the club on a budget. I've probably got 2K rounds through it with zero problems and zero cleanings. It just works. For the money it's been a really good gun.

~$600 should be just enough to get him into a new Beretta A300 Outlander if you shop around online, which is what I go for if he's wanting something new with that tight budget.

Otherwise, like others have suggested, I'd be looking at used.

Thanks gents.
He's eyeing this one currently, Academy prices on the Beretta are more than he's wanting to spend right now.
https://www.academy.com/p/stoe...9327008?sku=12-gauge

Of the various guns that may be for sale, used mostly, many shotguns garner lower attention. This is compared to handguns and ‘tactical’ rifles.

The used market could be ads, local listings, or even a gun show. As long as the gun wasn’t abused, a few 100 rounds is essentially the same as new. It’s still the ‘off season’ for a hunting shotgun.

My very favorite is a Benelli M2, shorter barrel, lightweight. Forgive me for going above your price point.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
~$600 should be just enough to get him into a new Beretta A300 Outlander if you shop around online, which is what I go for if he's wanting something new with that tight budget.

Otherwise, like others have suggested, I'd be looking at used.

This is the only new gun I’d buy around that price point. But I much prefer quality used shotguns.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
Thanks gents.
He's eyeing this one currently, Academy prices on the Beretta are more than he's wanting to spend right now.
https://www.academy.com/p/stoe...9327008?sku=12-gauge

One bump for opinions on this Stoeger, before he pulls the trigger.
Thanks gents.

I am just going to re-interate my post and direct you (him) to sourdough's post. A quality used semi can be had in his budget and that would be a way better choice than a new Turkey made one. Just say'in.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
Thanks gents.
He's eyeing this one currently, Academy prices on the Beretta are more than he's wanting to spend right now.
https://www.academy.com/p/stoe...9327008?sku=12-gauge

One bump for opinions on this Stoeger, before he pulls the trigger.
Thanks gents.

The M3K has a pretty good reputation and has been on the market for over a decade. IMO it's not in the same category as the recent spate of Turkish crap.

https://www.americanrifleman.o...e-semi-auto-shotgun/

Read this in particular (clean off the packing grease, use light lube, and don't use ultra-light loads)
https://www.outdoorlife.com/gu...eview-stoeger-m3000/

Thanks 1k, that's some positive encouragement