I've decided to pick up a shotgun over a 22 rifle.

I'm thinking rem 870, but they're pumps. I'd prefer a semi auto. Thoughts?

edit:
Bought one 10/23/09
https://www.f150online.com/forums/3938313-post24.html

 

used remington 1100 unless you wanna get expernsive and go for a benelli or beretta

 

what are you shooting at?

a .22 and a 12ga are two different animals are you just wanting to pick something up to have?

semi auto shotguns are pricey and to heavy for me. the mossberg 500 or remington 870 are two of the best 12ga you can get for the money.

what made you decide to go with a 12ga? if you just want to shoot get a ruger 10/22 and shoot all day for what one round of skeet/trap will cost.

 

do i really have to answer this thread twice?

 

remington 870

 

well i own a remington 870 express supermag and i love that gun it is only 350 and you can take it anywhere and do anything to it and it will still shoot, 2 years ago i bought a beretta extrema 2 and i love that gun to death it cost 1200 dollars though but i mean i go waterfowl hunting about 2-3 times a week and shoot 50 shots a week also, if you are just wanting a shotgun for a shotgun then go for the remington it is cheper and will last forever but if you are a hunter like me and needs a semi auto/ really wants one then go for the beretta it really all depends on what you are going to use it for, and besides if you get the pump then you can buy a 10/22 also as long as the queen bee dont find out then you will be good to go...

 

What are you gonna use it for?

 

If you just HAVE to make it a semiauto, make it a Benelli or nothing. I just took a Remington 1100 Special back to the shop because it won't cycle and it has yet to shoot a full box of ammo....meaning less than 20 rounds. It's not it's first trip back either. While they can be a neat gun( I have other 1100's), they are also finicky about what they shoot and the conditions. The Remmy won't shoot if it's dirty. The Benelli will shoot as long as it has ammo in it. FWIW, the Gov't trappers in Texas use a Benelli after testing every known shotgun known to man. It's the only one that held up. Yeah, they cost a lot but you'll only have to spend the money once. Otherwise, the 870 or the Mossberg 500 series are pretty tough and fine shooting guns but they are pumps.

 

I'm a big Benelli fan, but Gawd the Beretta AL391 is a wonderful feeling and shooting shotgun.

 

Tactical, even.

 

I have a rem 1187 premiere trap that hasen't missed a load yet unless it was becuase of a primer that thats probley 2-3 out of 15,000 rounds. I love it!

 

I have a Winchester super x and love it, I have yet to have any problems out of it and it has had lots and lots of rounds fired through it. The Remington 1100 is a good gun also, Browning makes a good semi auto also, you can even buy a the gold model it is semi auto 10 gauge. The Mossberg 930 is also nice.

 

Remington 870. Auto loaders are finicky (sp?) For the gun that shoots every time, go with a 870 or the Moss 500.

 

Pump guns fail too.

 

Not all auto loaders are finicky. I have a Beretta 390 in 20 ga. that I have well over 3000 rounds through. I've shot everything from sporting clays loads (1300 f.p.s.) to very light hand loaded skeet loads. It cycles them all. They do require you to clean the gun more frequently, but if your not cleaning it until it won't cycle, you shouldn't be thinking about a semi-auto. My Beretta is not heavy at all. It has a synth stock and is gas operated.

Now with that out of the way...I don't think you should be talking brands until you talk about fit. Beretta, Winchester, Benelli, Mossberg, Browning, Remington, Franchi, their all fine guns, but none of them are worth a damn if they don't fit you properly. I can shoot a round of skeet and not miss a target with my Beretta 390. If I pick up a Remington 1100 and try it, I'm lucky to hit 15/25. That isn't a problem with Remingtons, it's simply that out of the box, the Beretta fits me, the Remington doesn't.
Go to a store that has a good selection. Try a few different reputable brands for fit(no cheap Charles Daly's or Kahr's). With the safety on,the gun pointed in a safe direction and your finger OUT of the trigger guard, close your eyes, shoulder the gun and place your head in shooting position. Now open your eyes. Did you have to move your head to get a good sight picture, or was your line of sight perfectly down the barrel with the bead in the center? If you had to adjust your head, the gun doesn't fit. It may take a few different brands to find the right gun for you. I wouldn't spend the money having a gun custom fitted unless you are going to spend some serious money and shoot competitively. If that's the case, you still want to start with a gun that fits relatively well.