Hello,
I’m looking to buy a new shotgun to use both for small game and deer hunting. In the past, I’ve been using a S&W 1000 with an interchangeable rifled slug barrel and would like something capable of doing the same job.
I’ve been doing a little research, and it looks like I can choose between a few models but I’m not sure what would give me the best bang for my buck. Any suggestions?
Thank you,
Dave
I’m a big fan of the Remington 1100. I have the 12 gauge and the 20 gauge and to be honest I like the 20 for a slug gun better than the 12. I’ve used that gun for everything from deer to ducks and rabbits and it’s held up extremely well.
Budget?
That really determines everything. I’m not aware of any major brand autoloader that doesn’t have a slug barrel. It all depends on what you want to spend.
Another key decision will be recoil actuated vs gas.
Grouse.
Hi Grouse,
Very good point. I’m looking to spend around $1,500 max.
As for recoil actuated vs gas, I don’t really have a preference.
Dave
PM Sent
If you decide on a Winchester SX3 pm me. I know someone with a barely used one for sale. 
If the 1500 budget is to cover both barrels, it might get a little tricky. Here are some options that I think are worth looking at. I’m reasonably confident that these could be had reasonably close to your budget range, but I didn’t look any of these up to be sure.
In gas operated models like these, the chief advatage is the recoil reduction. Slugs pack a pretty good punch, so IMO recoil reduction is terrific if you can get it.
– Remington 1100 or 11-87 – Two very tried and true designs. Very difficult to go wrong. There will probably still be people shooting 1100s in the year 2115.
– Beretta 300 or 400 – Again, tried/true design even at the low end of the Beretta price spectrum. I’ve put a lot of rounds through Berettas shotguns.
– Winchester Super X3 – With all the changes at Winchester, this good design doesn’t get talked about much. One of the better deals in the gas auto loader space.
The recoil operted guns have the advantage of being very simple in terms of moving parts and maintainance. They are not, however, “more reliable” than a gas operated gun. Unfortunately, the recoil space is a bit thin when it comes to guns in your price range.
– Stoeger M3000 or 3500 – Benelli style inertia-driven action at a very nice price point. I have been using a Stoeger M2000 for years now as a bad weather gun and for coyotes. Very durable and it’s always gone bang when called on.
Hopefully this gives you some options.
Grouse
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Benelli has a M2 slug gun, if you only need 3″ shells. about $1300 + $500 for barrel. A tad over budget but a heck of a combo.
Benelli has a M2 slug gun, if you only need 3″ shells. about $1300 + $500 for barrel. A tad over budget but a heck of a combo.
I would agree, if the budget could be extended. The grass is always greener when more green is available.
Extending the budget also would bring in higher-end Berettas and Brownings as well as the Benelli.
Franchi might also be worth a look, but my sense is that they, too, are over the stated budget.
Grouse
This is a tough one that I have kicked around for a while now. To add a slug barrel the cost would be $300-$450 to one of the nice autoloader guns mentioned. Personally I’m in the Beretta/Benelli camp because that’s what I own. It would cost me around $400 to add a barrel to either a Montefeltro or AL390.
If I were in your shoes I’d spend $950-$1000 on a good gun such as a Benelli Montelfeltro or comparable Beretta. With the remaining cash I’d buy a Remington 870 with a slug barrel. I think you’d come in under $1500 for both weapons. Again, this is just my opinion.
This is a tough one that I have kicked around for a while now. To add a slug barrel the cost would be $300-$450 to one of the nice autoloader guns mentioned. Personally I’m in the Beretta/Benelli camp because that’s what I own. It would cost me around $400 to add a barrel to either a Montefeltro or AL390.
If I were in your shoes I’d spend $950-$1000 on a good gun such as a Benelli Montelfeltro or comparable Beretta. With the remaining cash I’d buy a Remington 870 with a slug barrel. I think you’d come in under $1500 for both weapons. Again, this is just my opinion.
This approach makes a lot of sense to me. I totally agree, the slug barrels for some primo autoloaders can nudge up against the $500 line. Yikes!
Also, I have mixed feelings to say the least about ripping high-test slugs out of a beautiful autoloader. The dedicated slug sneezer approach is worth thinking about. Lots of nice pre-fab slug setups out there in the pump gun category, both new and used.
Grouse
I got a regular 870 slug with rifled barrel w/open sights. If I were to do it again, I would find a older used 870 wingmaster with adjustable iron sights and smooth barrel. My new 870 is junk compared to the older ones. If the front sight even comes slightly in contact with anything, it will move and then have to re sight before using it again. I don’t think you see the true benefit out of a sabot with iron sights anyway. I’m only comfortable to about 60 yards with iron sights, regardless if it’s a sabot or rifled slug. This is all assuming your going to be using iron sights, if your going to get set up with a scope, completely different conversation.
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