I need shotgun advice

[Sheltowee]

Merkel or Sauer 12 gauge side by side. Simple as pie. 6.5 lbs and elegant, tough, dependable. Everything you want in a do-it-all gun. Used market under $1k.

Figured you'd be showing off a vintage LC Smith double sidehammer, Brent.

 

[ismith]

Avoid the Turkish guns.

 

[BrentD]

Figured you'd be showing off a vintage LC Smith double sidehammer, Brent.

Actually, I do not have an American double. Just has not worked out that way.

English guns are a better value and German guns can be even better values yet. At the moment, I have only one hammer double - Cashmore/Birmingham. I shoot it very well, but I would not recommend it for an all around gun. It would be a tad slow on ruffed and spruce grouse in cover over a flusher. Pheasants, ducks, turkeys, it handles well, however. I also prefer hammerless guns when it is really cold.

 

[BrentD]

Avoid the Turkish guns.

I'm not sure that I agree with with such a blanket statement, but then I like to say things like, "Avoid the new and recent manufacture guns" which would include all the Turks and many more.

 

[Ringbill27]

Winchester SX4 is the only auto I’d buy for waterfowl. Well…. Until a SX5 comes out.

 

[scub300]

I'd recommend a Berettta A400. I have a 10 year old Xplor that has been nothing but excellent. It's my everything shotgun at this point -just switch out choke tubes. At least 10k rounds through it with zero failures! (I shoot a lot of trap and sporting clays).

I second the Beretta. I have several, dead nuts reliable and probably the softest shooting semi auto out there.

 

[Zemamvi]

If you're looking for a solid option to test out a few models before committing, the Burnsville MN gun store has a good selection and knowledgeable staff who can help narrow things down. I've had good experiences there checking out different shotguns, and they usually have a variety of new and used options. Fit and feel are huge, so handling a few in person can make a big difference.

 

[Sask hunter]

Took @Nick87 advice on the Carlson choke tube. This gun patterned decent with the pattern master but this LR cremator blows it out of the water. If any geese get away it’s on me. Was aiming where the pen is jabbed through the paper

 

[Nick87]

Took @Nick87 advice on the Carlson choke tube. This gun patterned decent with the pattern master but this LR cremator blows it out of the water. If any geese get away it’s on me. Was aiming where the pen is jabbed through the paper
View attachment 364582

I hope it serves you well!!