Top 7 Semi-Automatic (Autoloading) Shotguns
By Russ Chastain, About.com
Semi-automatic shotguns have been around for many years now, and have become favored by many shooters. Though not as reliable as pump or slide-action shotguns, they are still very reliable, and the reduced recoil of semi-auto scatterguns can help smaller folks handle a shotgun's recoil better than other actions. There are many choices when it comes to autoloading shotguns. Here we will look at seven of today's most popular auto shotgun makers, in alphabetical order.
1. Benelli
Benelli autoloaders use an inertia system, rather than gas, to operate the action. Their Super Black Eagle handles shells from 2-3/4" up to 3-1/2", and there are no gas ports to keep clean. Benellis have a good reputation and a unique style that blends angles with curves for a shotgun like no other. Crossbolt safety located behind the trigger.2. Beretta 391
Beretta's gas operated semi-automatic shotguns are all based on the same action, the 391. Built in a variety of variations, including one that handles the blonky 12 gauge 3.5" magnum shells, this action is obviously quite versatile. Add to that the good looks and reliability that Beretta shotguns are known for, and it sounds like a winning combination. Crossbolt safety is in front of the trigger in the trigger guard, a better location (easier to use) than behind the trigger.3. Browning Gold
Browning has long had an excellent reputation for fine guns, and their gas-operated semi-auto Gold shotgun should be no exception. Self-regulating so it can handle both light and heavy loads without adjustment, the Gold is also good-looking, which doesn't hurt its reputation a bit. Also available in a 3.5" version that will shoot lighter loads as well. Has a magazine cutoff, which can be handy. Safety is a crossbolt behind the trigger.4. Franchi
Franchi's 612 and 620 semi-autos use a user-adjustable gas system, so the same gun handles hot loads as well as lighter ones. Aluminum receivers mean light weight. Magazine cutoff. Crossbolt safety located in front of the trigger. Their 712 & 720 are similar, but have non-adjustable gas systems. The 912 is their non-adjustable 3.5" magnum version of this action. They also make the Model 48, a long-recoil-action reminiscent of early Browning autos, which has a crossbolt safety behind the trigger.5. Mossberg 935
Mossberg's 935 is chambered for the whopping 3-1/2" 12 gauge magnum, and uses a self-regulating gas system. This gun was developed for use with 3" and 3.5" shells, so don't expect it to function with dove loads. This gun is only available in synthetic-stocked versions. The safety is just exactly where it belongs - centered on the rear of the receiver for ambidextrous thumb operation, where shotgun safeties should all live.6. Remington
Remington's 1100 has been around for ages, and it's going strong. I'm not sure why, since their 11-87 is an improvement on it. The 1100's main disadvantage is that you must only use the shells it's designed for (2-3/4" or 3"). A 3"-chambered 11-87, on the other hand, can handle lighter loads along with 3" magnums. Both are gas-operated and come in a variety of sub-models. Crossbolt safety behind the trigger.Their newer gas-operated 105CTi is an interesting gun that may or may not be around for the long haul. Its lightweight receiver contains carbon fiber (new(ish) to guns and not particularly attractive to shooters). 3" chamber. The whopping MSRP of $1548 (in 2008) means that it probably won't become a mainstream gun anytime soon.
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