I am looking at autoloading shotguns and would like some opinions on affordable options. Would like to shoot 3 1/2" mags with the gun.

Beretta 390 Synthetic or the Beretta 3901 Citizen..

Try several on for size, fit overall...

Franchi, Benelli....

New or Used (LNIB)

Stoger Model 2000, but it only shoots 3 inch shells. I had an SBE that would shoot 3.5s and the Beretta Extrema that shoots 3.5s and could get neither to cycle shells well when shooting 2.75s. I do all my hunting with the same shotgun so I sold the SBE and bought a Stoger 2000 at academy for like 400 bucks and bought a rifle with the left over cash I really like my Stoger and have found that they make so many good shotgun shells in 3 inch now that I never used the 3.5s. I guess if you want to shoot some big geese that are way high it might be nice to have but I havent had any probs with shooting 3 inch shells. Ive shot some sandhills that were pretty high and most of them folded up dead and them critters are pretty tough birds. Just my opinion and didnt know how dead set you are on having the option to shoot 3.5s. Thanks
DannyG

Thank you that is the what i had in mind after hearing stoeger and benelli are owned by beretta and interchange certain parts to keep cost down. I heard it is the same action as benalli for half the price. I am in see alot of geese flying over me when I am in my deer blind some are probably 60 feet so I just figured a 3 1/2 would be better but i have heard great things about black cloud loads in 3 inch so think that that would definately work.

Mossberg, best buck for the price, or remmy 1100

Im surprised nobody's mentioned the Baikal. Marketed by Remington and built in Russia, this gun has proven itself to be tough as nails and reliable as any gas shotgun on the market at any price, takes up to 3 1/2 inch shells, reduces reciol like mad, and only costs around $400.

I bought mine about 2-3 years ago and would take this thing over my buddy's $1500 Benelli any day of the week for everything but skeet shooting.

The ONLY 2 downsides to this gun are, #1, usually, they do need to be loaded with loads of 1 1/8 oz or greater due to the durable system. I have heard of Baikals that, after the break in period, could handle any load fed it, no matter how light it was so who knows, maybe I got one of the stronger recoil springs or something. IDK and IDC, lol. I don't shoot much skeet anymore and love the huge recoil reduction. #2 downside is the lack of aftermarket and replacement parts availability. I've never needed either so I don't have much experience with the parts issue but from what I've seen, they take some time to get.

On the upside, again, it's very, very close in design to the Mossberg 935 with the very important exception of having a steel recoil buffer as opposed to a nylon or plastic buffer in the Mossberg, unless Mossberg's changed that part to a steel part since I bought mine, that is. If the Mossberg did have the steel buffer, I would've bought that one out of Mossbergs great reputation and my own prejudice for the company. My first shotgun was a Mossberg and all other since then have been the same. I love Mossberg's products. If the Baikal wasn't superior IMO, I wouldn't have risked my hard earned cash on it. Thankfully, this thing has proven to be the best gun out of all the autos for my purposes which are duck hunting and home defense so I'm in heaven with it.

I doubt you'll be terribly disappointed in any guns anybody listed here so have fun with and good luck.

remmington 1100

1187 Remington

I really like the 11-87 and the 1100 alot too! But he will have to buy used to get in his price range and they dont even make 1100s anymore. I love both of my 1100s and also my 11-87 but I dont consider them entry level shot guns. If you can find you a nice used 11-87 for sure dont hesitate on it!
Danny

Weatherby SA-08 is worth looking at. My 20ga is a nice little gun.