Saiga 12. Mine run like a Swiss watch.
Saiga 12. Mine run like a Swiss watch.
original configuration or has it been "tuned" ?
Tuned. BCG was done professionally, and the conversion from sporter to traditional AK layout, trigger group, and much more, I handled personally.
Mine has been flawless in it's crappy sporter form... I keep meaning to do all the fun things to it, but I keep putting git off.
If you are willing to spend over 2,000.00 the I would say a Benelli M4 no questions asked. However, I chose the Mossberg http://www.mossberg.com/category/series/930/930-jm-pro-series/
If you just want a regular semi-auto shotgun, I recommend the Browning Auto-5 or the less expensive Remington Model 11 (or one of the Savage-made copies). They are mechanical works of art, made from solid billets of steel, solid walnut, and high quality spring steel. They will outlast you, your children, and your children's children. I have a 1927 Model 11 that my grandfather got used in the 1940's. He used it until he traded it to my dad sometime in the 70's, and then traded back when he didn't like the Ithaca 37 he bought. He then used it until his passing in 1980's. My dad then used it until he retired it in the 1990's. I now have it and it's fully functional after at least tens of thousands of rounds through it. Shoots a slug like a rifle with a Full choke, to boot.
I also resurrected a 1923 Remington Model 11 that was in a basement for an undetermined amount of time. I originally wanted it for parts, but I found the bore to be excellent. However, the exterior of the barrel and receiver was completely covered in pitting and it was DIRTY inside. I also found that carrier spring was broken, probably the reason is was banished to a basement for decades. I bought a replacement spring on Sarco, installed it, performed a light cleaning of the action, and shot a slug through it. First shot: fired but the action jammed open (barrel and bolt). I got it closed and lubed with military LSA oil. Second shot and each one since, it has worked flawlessly.
IMO, the Auto-5 design is probably the most reliable semi-auto shotgun ever made. I would not want one if you want something tactical, but for just a semi-auto shotgun, you can't really go wrong if you understand how they work.
I am looking to get a new semi-auto for waterfowl hunting next year and will probably be going with a Beretta A300 Outlander in camo.
Browning Maxus and Winchester SX
I don’t hunt. Do most of my shotguns are geared towards defensive purposes .
I’m partial to semi-automatic combat shotguns.
My list:
Benelli M4
Benelli m2
Beretta 1301 tactical
Remington versamax
FN SLp
Vepr or Saiga 12