American Made Autoloading Shotguns

[RLJ676]

I'm in the market for a new shotgun. I know we have some great gun guys here, and have seen lots of good posts on handguns, AR's, etc. I haven't seen too much shotgun talk, but have a feeling there's plenty of knowledge here.

I am looking for a built in the US shotgun, and want an autoloader. My research tells me there are only 3 real options: Remington 1100' (and 11-87), Mossberg 930, and the Beretta 3901 (which is the formerly Italian made 390 equipment now in the US).

I want this just for general use, maybe some upland bird hunting, maybe waterfowl, and busting clays in various games. I want a 12g, 3", 28" barrel with wood furniture, no tacticool shotguns or random camo. I'm vain I guess, as I want one that looks good too.

I haven't found a mossy 930 anywhere, and haven't read a bunch on them either. It seems they may only be available in synthetic, and they're still pretty new. Price is definitely right, but then you get Mossberg fit and finish.

I've been getting out and trying to handle all of them, but still haven't gotten my hands on a 3901 like I'd like, only a 24" slug gun synthetic. Everything I've read says the 390/3901 and newer 391 Berattas are some of the best guns you can buy. I'm not sold on the 3901's stock's finish or that it's really an Italian company.

I have picked up one 1100 at a Bass Pro that had a loose forend and some other cosmetic issues . Also, the regular 1100's are only 2 3/4. However, I did handle a 1100 G3 at Gander today, and really liked it. Fit right, looks great, and takes a 3" shell! However, it is a heavier gun than I'd want for bird hunting, and is more $ than ideal. I haven't read a ton of good feedback about the G3 really though, doesn't seem it's been real popular. Seems its a little different than the standard 1100. The reg 1100 seems to have 2 camps, those who've sworn by them for 40+ years, and those who say they're outdated.

So am I missing some options, and what's the opinions on these guns?

[Trim'd Up]

I think you have them all as far as autos. The Beretta isn't even in the same league as the others you have mentioned. I have had a 390 for years and love it, but it is an italian version. I am not sure how the US made guns compare but it is a solid design.11-87's are good guns but they are heavy compared to the newer stuff. I also have an old 1100 that is a safe queen. IT is a beautiful gun but it isn't a reliable all around gun. Works fine most of the time if it is warm and dry (upland, clays, etc.). Not worth a damn in the goose pit.

[RLJ676]

You have summed up basically everything I've read I think.

The 3901 is supposed to be basically identical to the 390, and with similar quality fit and finish. I just wish I could check out a wood stock one.

I believe the 1100 G3 has some updates to be more reliable, but I'm not sure if it has the O ring problems the 1100's are known for? It's definitely great looking though.

I don't think I'll be shooting a ton, and will keep it clean, so don't know how worried I am about reliability as most any modern built firearm like these is fairly reliable.

[insanity]

Personally I have been trying to find an old Remington 1100 Trap in good shape but have yet to do so. I think the old ones look better than the new ones, not a fan of the fake looking plastic wood. I have an 11-87 Express that has had more shells through it than I can count and I have never had a problem with it, it is more reliable than my 870's. I just keep a sack of o-rings around, and when one starts looking bad replace it.

Been looking at a few Beretta's but haven't found one yet I like.

I was dead-set on another Remington until I really started looking at other manufacturers a couple years ago, and decided to give the Benelli a try. Bought a SBE II a couple years ago with a 28" barrel and the full camo, never had a problem with it. Shoots great, will shoot 3.5" shells, shoots clean because it isn't gas opperated and its light but...it is expensive. Managed to find a slug barrel but it was black and didn't match so I picked up a black SBE II a couple months ago Already have my eye on the next one, SuperSport trying to decide on the 28 or the 30 inch barrel...

[Izmar21]

I know i dont post much but I have been hunting with the same 1100 for many years now and have never had to do anything to the gun but clean it after every season. It has never let me down.

[jet]

Beretta AL 391 has never let me down and handles low brass loads without any problems

[Tony]

Its hard to beat the 1100.

[skaterdave]

i dont have one but have handled mossberg 930, rem 1100 and benelli auto.

everyone i talk too gives the mossberg thumbs up. heres a link;

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/58489

[RLJ676]

Personally I have been trying to find an old Remington 1100 Trap in good shape but have yet to do so. I think the old ones look better than the new ones, not a fan of the fake looking plastic wood. I have an 11-87 Express that has had more shells through it than I can count and I have never had a problem with it, it is more reliable than my 870's. I just keep a sack of o-rings around, and when one starts looking bad replace it.

Been looking at a few Beretta's but haven't found one yet I like.

I was dead-set on another Remington until I really started looking at other manufacturers a couple years ago, and decided to give the Benelli a try. Bought a SBE II a couple years ago with a 28" barrel and the full camo, never had a problem with it. Shoots great, will shoot 3.5" shells, shoots clean because it isn't gas opperated and its light but...it is expensive. Managed to find a slug barrel but it was black and didn't match so I picked up a black SBE II a couple months ago Already have my eye on the next one, SuperSport trying to decide on the 28 or the 30 inch barrel...

I like the wood on the sporting 1100's and G3's better than the old ones, a darker walnut look.

Benelli's are nice, but a bit too pricey. If you like the action I'd buy a Franchi and save a little cash. As they're as Italian as it gets, they're off my list unfortunately.

I know i dont post much but I have been hunting with the same 1100 for many years now and have never had to do anything to the gun but clean it after every season. It has never let me down.

You fall into camp one it seems, 1100's been around forever because it works.

Beretta AL 391 has never let me down and handles low brass loads without any problems

I think the 391 and 390 are similar, and haven't heard anything bad about either.

Its hard to beat the 1100.

Not according to those B guys (Baretta, Benelli, Browning)

i dont have one but have handled mossberg 930, rem 1100 and benelli auto.

everyone i talk too gives the mossberg thumbs up. heres a link;

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/58489

I've read some good stuff on the 930 as well, but haven't found a nice wood and blue one. Only tactical, like that one. I want a nice looking gun for my all arounder for now.

[jet]

I have a Franchi as well but I like the Baretta better 2c

[hotjava66]

i have had a beretta 391 technys for a while, i have had good luck with it, mostly used for hunting which has been not much the last few years but has had no problems. i have owned most of the other ones out there and i like this one as well or better. mine is a little older and has the wood looking synthetic stock but it is pretty nice looking. the new ones i think have real wood on the higher end ones. i would possibly sell it if you are interested, im switching to a 20guage for pheasant/quail.

[RLJ676]

i have had a beretta 391 technys for a while, i have had good luck with it, mostly used for hunting which has been not much the last few years but has had no problems. i have owned most of the other ones out there and i like this one as well or better. mine is a little older and has the wood looking synthetic stock but it is pretty nice looking. the new ones i think have real wood on the higher end ones. i would possibly sell it if you are interested, im switching to a 20guage for pheasant/quail.

Really trying to get an American built one on principle.

Thanks though.

[hotjava66]

no prob, i do the same as much as possible

[hotjava66]

if you want a true american made and assembled semi auto, remington is the only one. i believe mossberg parts are made in mexico and assembled here, have been for a while, and the beretta has a lot of foriegn content too. i like the 1100 rem with the stainless reciever, nice looking gun, and im pretty sure they have the earlier kinks worked out of them now

[RLJ676]

if you want a true american made and assembled semi auto, remington is the only one. i believe mossberg parts are made in mexico and assembled here, have been for a while, and the beretta has a lot of foriegn content too. i like the 1100 rem with the stainless reciever, nice looking gun, and im pretty sure they have the earlier kinks worked out of them now

I think that's the case, but I'm willing to settle for just assembled too (Beretta's an Italian company of course).

I think I'm leaning towards the 1100 G3 that accepts 3" shells, looks great, and should have some nice improvements over the 11-87 and 1100 from what I can tell. Just need to find a used 12 for a good price, or closeout new one.

I really was just wanting to make sure I wasn't missing any options. Pretty sad when 3's it. These aren't cheap products, and it's not like Italy has some low cost labor. A shame really.

[Hilltop Kyle]

I've shot A LOT of rounds through my 11-87 and never had any issues. Keep an O ring handy. I've switched to Benelli for waterfowl but the Remington is a great gun!!!

[Knot 4 Me]

Personally I have been trying to find an old Remington 1100 Trap in good shape but have yet to do so. I think the old ones look better than the new ones, not a fan of the fake looking plastic wood.

I have an older 1100 TB Trap. Late '70's vintage I believe. Beautiful gun.

[insanity]

I have an older 1100 TB Trap. Late '70's vintage I believe. Beautiful gun.

For sale ... ? I haven't come across one yet that hasn't been beat to hell.

[hotjava66]

looked at a G3 tonight at the shop before my smallbore league, pretty nice but i was a little shocked at the sticker.

[RLJ676]

looked at a G3 tonight at the shop before my smallbore league, pretty nice but i was a little shocked at the sticker.

How much?

I've seen a range of prices. If I find a nice one in 12 under $800 I'm on it. I have found a 20 for 699, but I want 12.

Local Gouger Mountain had one for $1100, but 10% off! The thing was discontinued in 08.