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New to hunting, shotgun recommendations?

1,253 Views | 15 Replies | Last: 4 mo ago by AgDad121619
aph7649
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12:43p, 9/21/25
AG
I am mostly new to hunting - have been on a trip here and there over the years but now getting the opportunity to go more often with some friends. I have an old pump 12 ga but interested in a better shotgun, semi-auto. For dove, duck, and quail…would like something good multi-use. Decent quality, but doesn't need to be anything super fancy, heirloom type piece.

Any recs appreciated. Thanks!
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SGrem
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1:08p, 9/21/25
Beretta A300
CZ Drake
Www.gowithgrem.com
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AgDad121619
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3:04p, 9/21/25
AG
Depends on what you want to spend and there have been lots of shotgun threads recently

Less than $1000
Winchester SX4
Beretta A300

Less than $1500:
Franchi Affinity (inertia)
Benelli M2

$2000k:
Beretta A400
Benelli SBE


And I'm sure I left out some really good one

The inertia guns tend to kick a little more and weigh less. Also require less cleaning

The gas guns have less kick and tend to weigh a little more.

If you can try a few of each to see which one feels best - I also think people tend to talk about kick too much. - you may Notice it when practicing or patterning your gun, but you will never notice when shooting at live game. Added a couple of really good threads with great recommendations / discussions


https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3553890/replies
https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3552255/replies
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DargelSkout
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3:30p, 9/21/25
AG
I'm a fan of the Browning Citori line. It's on the higher end of shotguns for field use, but they fit me better than other models mentioned. Definitely need to shoulder multiple guns and see what fits you. There are some brands that I can't get my face low enough to not see the top of the rib.
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fullback44
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11:52p, 9/21/25
AG
I have a new A400 - really nice shotgun.
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SanAntoneAg
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In reply to aph7649 • 12:04a, 9/22/25
AG
What is the "old pump 12 gauge?"
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Missouri Boat Ride
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In reply to SanAntoneAg • 8:40a, 9/22/25
AG
SanAntoneAg said:
What is the "old pump 12 gauge?"

The correct answer should be Remington 870 express magnum.
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aph7649
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In reply to SanAntoneAg • 10:00a, 9/22/25
AG
It's nothing special - Springfield 67H. From what I've read, more commonly used as a home defense option than for the field. It'll still get a bird, but interested in something more.

Thanks all for the input
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ttha_aggie_09
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10:25a, 9/22/25
AG
Beretta A300 will shoot smoother than the inertia guns and is priced pretty dang reasonably. They're really hard to beat in the sub $1k price range.

I don't think you need anything that shoots 3.5" shells based on your stated use, but I'm not one to tell someone not to go big or go home. If you do want 3.5", go with the A400.

Good luck!
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hondotex03
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10:39a, 9/22/25
AG
"Buy once, cry once"

The right gun will last you a life time. If you focus on "value buy" you will end up wondering what could've been.

All the clay sports people I know advise gas over inertia 10 out of 10 times.

Beretta A400 is the way to go.
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AgDad121619
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In reply to hondotex03 • 11:54a, 9/22/25
AG
hondotex03 said:
"Buy once, cry once"

The right gun will last you a life time. If you focus on "value buy" you will end up wondering what could've been.

All the clay sports people I know advise gas over inertia 10 out of 10 times.

Beretta A400 is the way to go.
great discussion point on gas versus inertia - shooting clays you are aren't carting a heavy gun around in brush so weight doesn't matter.(or hunting from a stationary duck blind )


After carrying my A400 miles and miles chasing pheasants and sharp tails in SD and son having a M2 that weighed about a pound less, I ordered an inertia 20 gauge as soon as I got back.

What you are going to use it for should be part of your decision process.
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hondotex03
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In reply to AgDad121619 • 1:42p, 9/22/25
AG
Great point.

Checking the specs. All with 28' barrels.


A400 Xplor - 12 ga - 6.7lbs ; 20 ga - 5.6 lbs

Benelli Super Black Eagle - 12 ga - 6.9 lbs ; 20 ga - 5.9 lbs

Benelli M2 - 12 ga - 6.8 lbs ; 20ga - 5.9 lbs


If you go with the A400 Xtreme they do go above 7 lbs. I believe the Xtreme is more of a clay gun.
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AgDad121619
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3:14p, 9/22/25
AG
I have the Extreme and love it for dove shoots and duck hunting - but man holding it at ready walking up the pheasants made for a long day.
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aph7649
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4:16p, 9/22/25
AG
Great thoughts, appreciate all the input. The other threads were helpful too, thank you.

I was already aware of the a300 and was probably leaning that way, but reading up on the franchi affinity is giving me second thoughts. Doesn't seem like I could go wrong with either and I should head to the store to get my hands on both.
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nillbors likensoaxe
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5:23p, 9/22/25
AG
A400 Extreme. My preference is 20 gauge because of reference to dove and quail. The 12 is pretty much a waterfowl only gun.
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AgDad121619
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In reply to aph7649 • 5:55p, 9/22/25
AG
aph7649 said:
Great thoughts, appreciate all the input. The other threads were helpful too, thank you.

I was already aware of the a300 and was probably leaning that way, but reading up on the franchi affinity is giving me second thoughts. Doesn't seem like I could go wrong with either and I should head to the store to get my hands on both.
that's what I purchased for upland after my hunt last year. 20 ga Franchi Affinity Elite. About to find out if I'm really good enough wing shooting with a 20 ga this weekend - all my other guns have 12 gauge up to this point.
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