Time for a new shotgun

[jbeaumont21]

Well its time for a new waterfowl shotgun.  My mossberg 835 pump that I purchased back in '91 is starting to show its wear and tear and not always functioning as it should.  I'm kinda partial to Mossberg's because of the thumb safety so considering stepping up to a semi auto 930 or 935.  Anyone have experience good/bad with these?  Was also considering a Franchi until one of my hunting partners experienced some jamming with his brand new one.  Also open to other suggestions if anyone wants to throw some out there.  Don't think I can break the bank with a Benelli so anything around a grand or less would be ideal. Thanks for your input!

[vandeman17]

I shoot a Winchester SX3 and have been really happy with it. I do a light clean after 2-3 trips out and a heavy clean when season is over. I see them go for sale and are less expensive now that the SX4 is out

[woodswalker]

I have a Winchester SX3 that i dearly love. Due to a busted foot it got little use this year, but it got used last year hard.  I am thinking of getting another as a spare now that the prices are down a bit with the SX4 out. (if you find something you like, get a lifetime supply, it will go out of production as soon as you get yours.)

Seriously, I would look at the SX3.

[jbeaumont21]

Thanks guys, I'll have to take a look at these.  Can you tell me if the safety is in front or behind the trigger?

[vandeman17]

Thanks guys, I'll have to take a look at these.  Can you tell me if the safety is in front or behind the trigger?

Behind trigger guard

[KP-Skagit]

I used to get real hung up on the safety location. I started with a Benelli Nova, safety in front of the trigger. Felt that was the way to go and could click it off and pull the trigger in almost one motion. Then I wore that one out and went to a used SBE which has it behind the trigger. A couple trips out and I was adapted.

Before buying my SBE I was looking at new Stoeger semis, friends had them and loved them. They didn't come up right for me though. Ended up buying probably a 30 year old safe queen.

[Stein]

I'm happy with my M3500, they are going for about $700 which would leave you with money for a couple of cases of ammo to break it in.  There are better guns, but at the $700 price point it's hard to beat.

[KopperBuck]

Love my SX3. Have handled a couple SX4s, and I really like they way they pull up for me. They're a little slimmer, but I really like them.

[Guzman]

I own a few semis. Always liked my benelli. I got a stoeger for turkey hunting. I don’t like it for waterfowl. If it jams I have to disassemble the gun some of the time to get it cleared.

I just got a Beretta A400 I think is model. I am really loving it. Extremely smooth. No recoil and has been very reliable so far.

[Smokepole]

Knowing how waterfowl guns take a beating, I wouldn't break the bank on a new one.  Duck guns are constantly getting wet, muddy, and rusted - especially if you hunt the salt chuck.  I'd give my vote to the Remington 870 Express Magnum with choke tubes and synthetic stock.  They take a beating.  Easy to get parts and fix.  Easy to break down.  Cheap, too.

Then I'd take a few grand and go buy me a nice upland gun, so I'd have something real nice to enjoy.    

[RobinHoodlum]

Before the current gun shortage/buying craze, the Benelli M2 American could be found for around $1,000. I have one in 12 gauge and it is solid and reliable. Have been using it for ducks in field and salt hunts for the past 10 years (30 - 50 hunts/year) with minimal issues. Had to replace the inertia spring and that's about it.

I also have a Franchi Affinity 20 gauge and it's a great gun too. Same inertia system as Benelli, but with the spring system in the forend where it is easier to access and clean. A little bit cheaper too. I have had an issue with occasional cycling (sticky shell lifter), but that seems to be resolved.

I'm a big advocate for camo finish on waterfowl guns. The birds don't care, but reduces the opportunity for rust to get a foothold.

[grousetracker]

I have a mossberg 935 waterfowl and it functions flawless, the only problem is if you shoot 2 3/4'' shells. the shell will lock the gun up and may have to send back to mossberg to unlock. if you want a great gun Browning Maxus it will shoot even the lighted loaded shells safety behind trigger.

[jbeaumont21]

I have a mossberg 935 waterfowl and it functions flawless, the only problem is if you shoot 2 3/4'' shells. the shell will lock the gun up and may have to send back to mossberg to unlock. if you want a great gun Browning Maxus it will shoot even the lighted loaded shells safety behind trigger.

Thanks for the info, I had heard this as well.  Do you know if the 930 will shoot 2 3/4 without locking up?

[grousetracker]

the 930 shot the high base 2 3/4 shells fine, the waterfowl model is stiff and just wants the high power shells.

[gadwall]

If you are set on an auto, I would go with a Stoeger.  They are proven and can't beat the price.  They are inertia driven instead of gas operated which is a big plus for me.

Order ASAP cause its going to take a while.

[konradcountry]

I own a 930 and a few other shotguns. It has taken a beating and has been more reliable than an Italian shotgun I won't name.

I do like the tang safety for waterfowl when wearing gloves. When predator hunting I can feel the safety position in the dark without getting near the trigger.

It's about a half pound more than the high end shotguns but that also helps with recoil. Fine for waterfowl but I wouldn't want to hike around with one.

The 935 is really about the overbored barrel for 3.5 shells. A bit stout but you won't notice coming from the 835. Definitely the way to go for Canada goose.

The problem is that 930s are popular with 3 gun, LE and of course hunters. You can't just go buy one like you used to. 

So I would probably hold off on a 930 unless you find a good deal. They are bit overpriced right now and it could be hard finding a camo version. I'd look at a Franchi Affinity 3. Check sportsmans warehouse.

[jbeaumont21]

Thanks guys for all the great info.  I think I can get through the rest of this season with my 835 so not in a huge hurry.  Just want to do my research now before buying one for next fall. Hopefully stores are stocking more shotguns by then.