I am currently in the market for a budget semi-auto 12 gauge. I've been rocking the 870 for quite some time and I am interested in moving up to a semi this Dove season.

So far, I have my choices narrowed down to a Franchi Affinity, Beretta A300, or a Remington 11-87. The reviews on the 11-87 are all over the place, so that is probably last on my list.

I am looking to keep the purchase around $750-800. Wanted to get some opinions on the ones I listed and maybe suggestions on other options.

-Thanks

Bump your budget to 1000 max, and you will end up with a gun that will be as reliable as one twice its cost....

I have the Franchi Affinity. It is a great gun.

Since you mentioned suggestions for other options:

I just bought a Benelli Montefeltro and I absolutely love it. It has a different look than the rest of the Benelli shotguns which was a positive for me.

However, it does run a little north of your budget. I paid just under $1,000 for mine.

Winchester SX3, can be had for $750 right now at Academy plus there is a $75 mail in rebate.

Find a used Browning Silver Hunter for that budget or a new one is right around $1000

I got my son a Weaterby SA-08 in 20ga. ($499 from grabagun in Coppell) 3 weeks ago. It's been flawless the few times he shot it, but gets great reviews. Fit and finish is good, better than some of the other Turkish shotguns you see at Academy. Hard to pass up if budget is your driving concern.

CZ? I know they have some in the budget range but have personally never shot one

I just bought a Stoger M3500 on Monday. It was slightly over 600 after tax. Bagged my limit on dove the first trip out. Will never go back to a pump

Just bought a Beretta A300 from Gander Mountain this past weekend for $650 with a mail in $50 rebate. Been shooting the wingmaster all my life and finally upgraded. Love it so far.

Beretta a400 xcel

A300

Best budget semis are the Beretta A300 Outlander and the Weatherby SA-08.

My dad has a broad range of shotguns, but in that price range he has a Baikal MP153 he goosehunts with that he swears by. It's not the prettiest shotgun you'll ever find, but its a workhorse. He's got it cut down to an 18 inch barrel, camouflage paint, and removable chokes.

My dad was goose hunting with Craig Boddington one time who was shooting a nice Benelli. It was raining, and all the other hunters had stopped shooting (including Craig) as they kept jamming up from the rain and grit they had accumulated from the muddy goose pits they were laying in. My dad was the only one that hadn't had trouble that morning, and Major Boddington, after asking my dad what he was shooting, said something like "well, it ain't much on purty but it sure gets the job done."

I think you can probably find one for about $500-700, depending on the options.

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My dad has a broad range of shotguns, but in that price range he has a Baikal MP153 he goosehunts with that he swears by. It's not the prettiest shotgun you'll ever find, but its a workhorse. He's got it cut down to an 18 inch barrel, camouflage paint, and removable chokes.

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18" barrel + goose hunting does not compute

Anyways, I heard great things about that gun as well. It was imported by Remington under the Spartan name as the SPR453 for a period of time.

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18" barrel + goose hunting does not compute

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He probably did that before he started goose hunting with it. However, it would make it easier and faster to get it up and in action when the birds come in.

Just picked up the Franchi Affinity! Was down to the Franchi and the Beretta A300 and the Franchi felt better in my hands.

+1 for stoeger auto. Cheap, and sturdy so far (7 seasons.)

I won a Stoeger 2000 12ga in a raffle (lucky me!). Never had owned a semi, always used an O/U or pump. The Stoeger has been 100% reliable in function, and fits me very well. Third season using for doves, and it has seen 1, 1-1/8, and 1-1/4 oz loads, no hiccups. I assume it's a $500-ish value gun.

make "gas operated" your #1 priority.

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My dad has a broad range of shotguns, but in that price range he has a Baikal MP153 he goosehunts with that he swears by. It's not the prettiest shotgun you'll ever find, but its a workhorse. He's got it cut down to an 18 inch barrel, camouflage paint, and removable chokes.

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18" barrel + goose hunting does not compute

Anyways, I heard great things about that gun as well. It was imported by Remington under the Spartan name as the SPR453 for a period of time.

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i have it, it has never failed to cycle. it isnt pretty but it gets the job donr.

My son has been saving for a couple of years for a semi-auto and last week bought a CZ-912. It's a great gun. Very well made for $550 at Gander Mtn. I was able to get my guy to match an online price I found of $499. Great reviews too.

Enjoy the Franchi!

I've had a Franchi I-12 for about 10 years. The only problem I've had was the original charging handle got loose and came out while I was out hunting a few years ago. Called Franchi and they sent me a new one free.

I've not shot slugs, but I've shot everything from buckshot on up, both 2.75 and 3" shells, and killed everything from dove to hogs.