I'm looking for an all-purpose 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun that I won't have to baby too much and won't cost an arm and a leg. I love the way Benelli's shoot, but won't pay that and want more of a brush gun.

I see good reviews of both the Stoeger 2000 and the Weatherby SA-08. The Stoeger is a bit less expensive. Any experience with these guns? Is there a better choice for under $600?

OK,now I'm thinking I might give up the semi-auto and go with the Benelli pump Nova or SuperNova model. They are in my price range.

I won a Stoeger 2000 12ga via a raffle. Never owned a semi, preferring O/U or pump. The Stoeger is fantastic. Points very well (for me), flawless in performance. Mine is the 24" version, black synthetic. A keeper.

Also, seeing some very good stuff on the CZ 712 model semi auto. It is reported to have very low recoil and can bring it home for under $400.

Reviews are all saying the Stoeger is a great gun with the same inertia-drive mechanism as the Benelli, but no one reports softer recoil. For softer recoil, it appears the choices are the Benelli SuperNova pump action or the CZ 712 semi.

Check out the winchester sx3

I have a Benelli Super Nova Tactical, Benelli Montefeltro (sp?), and a Remington 1100. The Remington is better on the recoil, but the gun is heavier. The Montefeltro is the best shooting and the Super Nova is a great gun because it doesn't matter if anything happens to it. It has a hard plastic covering over steel.

The Stoeger is ok, but just not as refined or smooth as the Benelli, and its made in Turkey vs Italy.

If the Stoeger and Super Nova are the same price, I'd go with the semi auto Stoeger.

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Check out the winchester sx3

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I have the SX3 and love it. But I think it's going to be out of your $600 budget. If you find one for less, I'd definitely pull the trigger on it.

I use a Benelli Super Nova pump for duck/dove hunting and skeet. I plan on having that gun for another 20 years at least. There are also a lot of interchangeable parts at decent prices if you want to convert it to a tactical/camo configuration.

I saw a sx3 at dicks on closeout for $799. A little over budget but a very good deal on a great shotgun. That's the cheapest I've seen them since I bought mine back in 07.

I have the stoeger, 12 gauge all black with 26" barrel and love it. I got a ported imp. Cyl choke tube and it does make a noticeable difference with recoil.

The CZ 712 is just looking hard to beat for $450 out the door. I mean for soft Benelli-like recoil, semi-auto, a very cool adjustable-length stock and all reviews are good.

Has anyone tried the new Beretta A300 outlander? I think you can pick up the synthetic for $650.00. It won't shoot 3.5's but it's a beretta.