Hi Capacity Semis ...

[Polchraine]

I am planning to buy a new semi-auto in the near future - probably with an 8 or 10 shot capacity.

First step is to ask you all for comments on which to consider, which to avoid and WHY.

Second step is to spend 1/2 day at the CLA Game Fair next month looking and trying the various suggestions - and need a short list to avoid wasting time. The other 1/2 day will be looking for a new Salmon Rod.

Then I'll be looking for the best deal around.

Intention is to get back into Practical Shotgun so any comments would be appreciated.

[Mikaveli]

Everything depends on your budget, and whether or not you'll be prepared to buy second-hand.

Also, PSG has a few classes - buying something like a Saiga or VEPR-12 will put you in the top category.

In the 'normal' categories, the Benelli M2 (£1100+ new) is the tool of choice - but the ones to avoid would be any model with the long mag tube, as it's fixed to a 7/8 shot capacity. Instead, most people want the model with a screw-on end-cap to add an extension.

As a cheap new option, the Hatsan MPA does the (basic) job for around £400. But there are much better guns for PSG out there.

Really, you don't need a 'tactical' looking shotgun for PSG. A plain Remington will serve you very well.

[froggy]

Salut,

I have very litle experience of shooting with cal 12 so I am by no means an expert. I had the chance to play with a SPAS 15 ytday. Nothing serious. Kinda "red-neck fun", alternating pushing empty plastics bottles around to shooting at standing targets on the move.
My first impression is that the gun is big. Then the charging handle brought back "Famas memories". First time using it , not used to it so I found it slighly cumbersome in comparaison of a classic pump. However it is stable and very confortable to shoot with. If you combine that with nice proper sights the 15 enables easy fast follow shot

After less than 70 rounds of very fast rapid fire /speed reload rotating on semi-auto mode with two 6x box-mags we started to experience ejection probs. 10 more rounds and the fun was over ...

While it was functioning it was highly entertaining. I'd probably stick to a pump.

[Mikaveli]

I wouldn't recommend a SPAS 15 for PSG. Other than not being the most reliable semi (especially for lighter loads), you'll struggle to find the magazines.

If you're intending to compete in the modified class, you'd want a total mag capacity of 40 - 50 cartridges. Ideally holding 8+ each, so a minimum of 5 magazines. If you can find them, they're very expensive.

If you just shoot PSG for fun, the SPAS 15 should provide that at least. :)

[Primer]

Touchwood I've not had any issues with my 2nd hand Benelli M2, the new Browning A5 looks a nice gun but seem too new for any proper reviews within the psg fraternity but as they are inertia reload they can be sensitive to recoil sensitive owners, Beretta has a new model coming into the country anytime now and that's a gas operated reload so a bit softer to operate. There's a real mix of guns in the group I shoot with, a few own the M2, then a couple have Remingtons and one has a Beretta, probably best to get down to a psg club on a competition day and see what people are shooting and if any have any problems.

[saddler]

I'd give the NEW A-5 a very wide berth...not had very good reports from actual users (as opposed to the "glowing reviews" that the impartial shooting press gives to ANY new product)

Want a gun that will outlast you? Get an original A-5, FAC examples average about £150
Add a Nordic extension tube...even a RamLine stock set if you have a black plastic fetish - as some on here do
Any A-5 made post-1954 will be fitted with the SpeedLoad feature (action locked open after last cartridge fired, feed a fresh cartridge into the magazine = the action instanlty takes the cartridge from the mag to the chamber...and I do mean instantly. No extra buttons to press, or fumbling dropping ammo directly into the action, etc.)

You'd still be lucky to get past the £250 barrier with it all tricked out....or, you could of course spend 4 to 5 times that for an Italian gun

[ovenpaa]

I do agree an earlier A-5 would be a good start however they are not exactly run of the mill these days and I have not seen one for GBP150 for a long while.

[Chuck]

Polchraine: how about one that FITS you - or are you one of those lucky gits that has big long arms and can shoot any shotgun.

Lots of questions about what's a good gun, very few seem to ask about proper fit which can count for a lot when it comes to accuracy.

[Polchraine]

Polchraine: how about one that FITS you - or are you one of those lucky gits that has big long arms and can shoot any shotgun.

Lots of questions about what's a good gun, very few seem to ask about proper fit which can count for a lot when it comes to accuracy.

A decent, comfortable fit is really a given - but having long arms does mean it is easier to adjust.

It is the type of comments coming through that I want to hear ... avoid brand X because of, brand Y is dodgy in this area, brand Z is a reliable make &c. At least then I will not waste time trying out ones with a bad reputation.

[Sim G]

Benelli M2, Remy 1100, Hatsan. Out of the three I own, I'd recommend the Benelli.