New Semi Auto 12 gauge

[SCHUNTER73]

I find myself in a need/want situation for an upcoming trip to Saskatchewan for ducks and geese in October. I have an old REM 1100 that is great for dove and quail, but I want a new gun. I’m looking primarily at the A300 and Win sx4. I plan to head to my LGS to shoulder them for fit and feel, but was looking for real world experience for owners of both. Interweb reviews and YouTube calls it a toss up for the most part. Talk to me. I haven’t bought a new shotgun since 1995.

 

[RockAndSage]

Those are both great guns, but I personally went with a Franchi Affinity, and couldn't be happier with it. It's been extremely reliable, but 95% of my satisfaction with it is just how well it shoots for me - and that's definitely an individual fitment thing. Definitely lift as many of the quality guns as you can, and see how well any given one points for you naturally.

 

[TNHighlands]

Franchi Affinity or Benelli m2 and sbe3

 

[Jack321]

Franchi Affinity or Benelli m2 and sbe3

This.

 

[Blcktail56]

I love my a300 outlander I’ve had for about 10 years. But it is definitely starting to breakdown now after years of hard hunting in saltwater and sand on the coast.

 

[Blueman75]

Take a look at the Browning Maxus II….love that gun.

 

[NuclearGrave]

Out of those two, a300. If looking at others beretta a400, benelli m2 and franchi affinity in that order. Haven’t shot a sbe3 or new browning.

 

[Darren_8167]

I have shot different Beretta’s thru the years and shoot an A350 as my main duck / goose gun and I love it. I have looked hard at that Franchi Affinity. I think I may pick one of those up in 20ga.

 

[ethanbillingsley]

A300 outlander has never let me down

 

[270-300]

I love my a300 outlander I’ve had for about 10 years. But it is definitely starting to breakdown now after years of hard hunting in saltwater and sand on the coast.

Anything will.

 

[Timplant]

A300!!!!!

 

[TNHighlands]

I have shot different Beretta’s thru the years and shoot an A350 as my main duck / goose gun and I love it. I have looked hard at that Franchi Affinity. I think I may pick one of those up in 20ga.

The affinity and M2 are made in same factory (beretta) and virtually indistinguishable. I just bought a browning a5 in 20ga and have thought of selling it for an affinity as it doesn't point as naturally to me and shoots more 70/30 patterns. I prefer 50/50.

Have the affinity waterfowl 3.5 in 12ga and it's a beast. I prefer it over the sbe3 for the same reason. Benellis shoot high and it doesn't match my shooting style.

 

[Jbehredt]

Came down to the same guns the last time I was shopping. Ended up with a new A300. Really preferred the trigger on the Winchester but every other metric went to the beretta.

 

[Halligan]

Another vote for the Franchi, but would also add, don’t sleep on the moss berg 940. Have shot a few of them, and have been very happy with the patterning and cycling speed.

 

[Stinky Coyote]

I got a mossberg 940 and happy with it. Surprising light and good trigger, good controls, fast, 1500 round cleaning interval recommendation. But more budget friendly but still in the top bracket for speed and low maintenance. Add to research list, as said above it’s not one to sleep on.

 

[SCHUNTER73]

Thanks gents. I. Intended to include the Franchi in my first post. I also made the mistake of going down the gas v. inertia rabbit hole. I enjoy the research but get googled down in it sometimes.

 

[RockAndSage]

I enjoy the research but get googled down in it sometimes.

So say we all...

 

[180ls1]

Thanks gents. I. Intended to include the Franchi in my first post. I also made the mistake of going down the gas v. inertia rabbit hole. I enjoy the research but get googled down in it sometimes.

Love my Franchi.

On a different note, while long barrels are less handy, they sure do point nice.

 

[Outdoor365]

I’ll go with SX4 very easy to take down and clean, also have very nice recoil pad……but if u change your mind u can’t go wrong with Benelli M2 or SBE

 

[Undrcoverrednek]

The A300 and SX4 are both good quality guns that will be reliable for you (unless you get a lemon, which can and does happen but it's unlikely). HOWEVER, those guns fit quite a bit different (check stock dimensions) and have different balance to them. The Beretta has shims for cast, while the SX4 is neutral.

Handle, swing, and shoot both if you can. One will feel just right or close to it and the other will be obviously less good feeling. Get the one they feels right and don't give it another thought.