I've shot a Remington 1100 as my dove and duck gun for the last 30 years and it's beginning to wear out. I like the gas operated system. I am looking at a Hatsan 12 gauge. Anyone have any experience with these guns? I like the Maxus and the versamax but they are not very reasonable on a teacher/coach's salary.

Why quit on a gun that apparently hasn't yet quit on you? Replace the worn parts and keep shooting.

Get a Beretta 3901 or used 390 Silver Mallard. It was the precursor to the 391 and current Beretta lineup. Should fit your budget and give you the quality of a "B" gun

I've got one of the Hatsan Escort home defense models. Its a pump, but it has been a great shotgun, and it had a ton of features for the price I paid (around $350 new). Speedfeed style stock with overmolded pistol grip, fiber-optic M-4 style sights, top rail for optics and bottom forearm rail for a light or VFG, heat shield, and a "flash suppressor". Smooth, short action and very reliable. I've heard nothing but good things about the other Hatsans, but this is the only one I'm familiar with.

[This message has been edited by maverick2076 (edited 6/15/2012 2:21p).]

Coach, I'm with Todd. I have an old 1100 been shooting for years. Had a couple of issues so took it to a smith. He staked a couple of parts, made some adjustments. The old dog barks ever time I pull the trigger.

Same boat as Todd.. I've been looking around for a Beretta.

I would love to keep shooting my 1100. I've put thousands (maybe tens of thousands) of shells through it. Whatever that part is called that the rings and o-ring sits on (definitely not a gunsmith here) is becoming more and more pitted. This is allowing gas to escape and it will not cycle light loads anymore. I really love the gun. My dad bought it for me at a pawn shop 30 years ago. I had to replace a couple of parts on it the last several years and I'm just afraid I'm going to be in the middle of duck season when it finally gives up the ghost.

Get a newer 1100

Coach, which part/s are you referring to?

I think its part #74. That's the part the rings slide onto right?

That part is called a Piston Seal. You should be able to get a new one from Remington for around $25.00 Check with your local gunsmith to see how much he would charge to get you one. Also, he might just have a good used one in his parts bins that will work better then the one you have. One other thing BEFORE you spend money for another one. Make sure the gas ports are clean/clear. They can get clogged over time and will give the problems you describe.

I would not quit on the 1100. I had one in 20 ga but I wanted a O/U so I traded the 1100. My son got his for Christmas 1975 and he hunts dove and quail every year and it shoots very well. In my opinion, Remingtons break the least and are the easiest to repair when they do.

Coach, a couple of things to think about:

1. Your Dad bought it for you. It's Father's Day.
and
2. A quote from Captain Augustus Mcrae to Jake Spoon after Jake made fun of Josh Deets's old worn out kepi (cap):

"Well, you know Deets, he ain't one to quit on a garment just 'cause it's gotta a little age on it."

I'm betting the feed problem is an easy fix. Fix it and keep blastin'. But that's just me, product of depression era parent who never quit on anything till it fell apart.

Fix it AND get a new one. I'd reccomend the Browning Silver over a beretta though. Just personal preference.

quote:

---

2. A quote from Captain Augustus Mcrae to Jake Spoon after Jake made fun of Josh Deets's old worn out kepi (cap):

"Well, you know Deets, he ain't one to quit on a garment just 'cause it's gotta a little age on it."

---

There was only one better Texan than Captain Augustus McRae, and that was Audie Murphy. Listen to the wisdom of those two.

Just replace the piston seal - that's the one part that is most likely to go, and keep shooting.

Coach, If you would like to call me I'd be glad to give you my phone number. I discussed the problem with the Master Gunsmith at Beretta Galary, Scott Mays and we came up with several things that can cause it. All these can be fixed yourself if you are a little bit mechanically inclined and without buying anything but maybe the barrel seal, AKE O-ring..