I need a fudd gun.

[centrarchidae]

Looking for a semiauto for turning birds into lunch. Pheasants in cornfields as much as anything, with some chance of waterfowl or turkey.

I don't want a pretty finish. Parked, wood, Realtree/Mossy Oak, whatever...there's at least some chance of my painting it anyway, so engraved dogs and chickens and beautiful bluing are not value-added.

Not interested in using it for 3-gun. I wouldn't sneeze at a multi-role gun, but it's not worth a premium to me.

Is the Versamax worth the extra squeeze over an 11-87 or an old 1100? Should I avoid one model or another? Or does anybody else make anything decent in the $5-700 neighborhood?

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

SBE 2

/thread

I know it's out of the 5-700 range but you can find them for around 900-1000 on sale.

[MarkCO]

Looking for a semiauto for turning birds into lunch. Pheasants in cornfields as much as anything, with some chance of waterfowl or turkey.

I don't want a pretty finish. Parked, wood, Realtree/Mossy Oak, whatever...there's at least some chance of my painting it anyway, so engraved dogs and chickens and beautiful bluing are not value-added.

Not interested in using it for 3-gun. I wouldn't sneeze at a multi-role gun, but it's not worth a premium to me.

Is the Versamax worth the extra squeeze over an 11-87 or an old 1100? Should I avoid one model or another? Or does anybody else make anything decent in the $5-700 neighborhood?

The VersaMax is THE best operating system on the market. Granted, Remington's implementation of the design (they bought a patent) is not exceptional. Put a 4 round VersaTube on a Sportsman or Waterfowl model, replace the hammer with a Benelli M2 hammer and then go shoot the heck out of it. It is a much better shotgun than the 11-87 or an 1100 could ever be, especially in harsh conditions and with variable loads. The only thing is does not like is short magnums. Meaning, don't put magnum 2 3/4" shells in it, and you will both be happy. If you need extra punch or payload, step up to the 3 or 3.5" shells. It is the softest shooting and takes no back seat to any other shotgun in the reliability department.

If $1000 is a bit much for you, then in the range you asked, look at the Stoeger M3500. It is basically an M2 design (inertia) system that recoils less than the M2 with the recoil system around the magazine tube instead of in the buttstock. They are very reliable. I have been playing with a new M3000 (3") which, if 3.5" is not something you want, would be a very good choice as well.

This is coming from a guy who has an 11-87 3" Magnum for sale, and used those and 1100s for 20+ years...look right past them to a better system.

[denverco]

Anybody have any experience with the new A5? Specifically the 3.5''? I'm looking for a new semi-auto 12 gauge as well.

[fitz19d]

I've wondered myself instead of upgrading 930spx with the new urbino stock whether I'd be better off selling for a versamax.

Ended up hating the tactical somewhat since non choked 18 inch barrel. (That and the iron peep sites are great for slugs, but suck for fast small targets.) Restricts me from doing much utility work. (but comical watching me try to do clays.)

[CO-Exprs]

I have to agree with MarkCo. The two best values on the market right now are the Versamax Sportsman and the Stoeger M3000/3500. The Versamax will cost a little more, but will shoot a wider variety of shells. Stoeger is now owned by Benelli, which is owned by Beretta, which is owned by... I can't remember. 3gun competition sort of separates the good from the bad. We are really tough on our equipment and anything that won't hold up for the long haul gets sold. Pretty much the hot ticket in competition these days are... Versamax, M3000, M2, SBE2 and lately there has been some increasing interest in the new Browning A5. If you are a buy once, cry once kind of person, then just get one of the Benelli models. If you want something a little more versatile and are willing to give up a little fit and finish quality then the Versamax is the way to go. If you are on a teacher's budget, then grab a 26" stoeger, do a little polishing of the internals, break it in and go have fun.

[Hoser]

For killing things out in the fields and blinds, get a SBE.

[sportbikeco]

used 11-87.

Id rather have an older one than a newer production low grade one with the plastic trigger group anyway.

[DeadElephant]

For a hunting rig your really don't need to spend a lot. The used marked has good deals. Absolutely nothing wrong with an 1100, 11-87 have a preference for the older ones as well but really haven't had any trouble with the new ones either. I shoot at dog trials and shoot 100's of birds a year. The average hunter just doesn't shoot that many rounds a year, even with a South Dakota trip. Sold a Browning Gold Hunter not long ago that would have been good, I just wasn't using it. Since you want to shoot waterfowl you probably want something that will handle 3". If you were just shooting small ducks 2 3/4 work just fine. I'll use a 20 ga on early season teal.

I've used the Versamax a bit and its fine but I personally would not pay a premium for a hunting rig. If you were going to 3gun sure.
Have Mark give you a great deal on that pos 11-87 he has, should be worth $200.