I am looking to buy a new shotgun as a graduation present (for myself). I feel like it's a justified purchase for graduating in four years from Texas A&M. Currently, I already own a 1974 Remington 1100 12 gauge. I like it but it does jam sometimes (even after breaking down and cleaning).

The primary usage would be for dove, clays, quail, and occasionally turkey. I prefer light weight shotguns, I am a lefty, and I like the 20 gauge round. Also, I love the O/U's but I was going to wait till I've got enough money to drop on a Silver Pigeon or Citori.

My list (as of now):

20 gau. Benelli M-2 Field
20 gau. Beretta A400 Xplor Unico
20 gau. Browning Silver Hunter

Are there any shotguns yall would suggest?

I have a browning silver hunter 20 that I bought last year, hands down the best gun for the money that I shot.

only one I liked better was the benelli montefeltro but it was almost double the price

Checkout the benelli ultralight as well. I've got one of those and it's really nice. That said I'd just pony up for the silver montefeltro. Doesn't get much nicer in a field semi auto.

My good buddy, and life long hunting partner has the Silver Hunter, and swears by it. Told me he has cleaned it twice, and it never jams or gives him any problems. Pretty good looking gun too. Ive shot it and liked it, swung lovely.

Thanks guys.

Yall think 20 gauge is the best for doves and clays?

Doves and casual clays, yes. If you want to get serious about clays, most of them shoot a 12 gauge.

As to what shotgun, one word...beretta.

I use a 12 for pretty much everything but I have the 20 so my wife has something comfortable to shoot. It's really just about as good for most thing buts I feel like a 12 is more versatile.

I have a CZ upland(er?) it was back when huglu was producing their shotguns, but I think they still make it. It is a great gun for dove and quail and for shooting a few clays, but that sucker has some kick (its 12ga) it only weights like 6.5 lbs, but man its great for walking around all day. Its chambered for 3.5 if I remember correctly but I have never even thought about putting anything bigger than 2.75" it would probably pop my fillings out.

As stated, Beretta!!!
12 gauge Beretta. They have very little recoil and are reliable shotguns. The only downside is that they are a pain to clean

Yep, but good thing you don't have to clean them very often.

I'd probably go with the Beretta.

Coming back to you 1100, if you're still having trouble with it jamming after cleaning get a gunsmith to work it over. Replace the springs, etc. That way you'd have two working shotguns.

true

The Beretta A300 and A400 are easier to clean than an 1100/11-87...

If you can, scrape up the extra $$ and go get yourself the Citori now. Can't tell you how much I like mine. I can grab one of two Browning A-5 12s anytime I want but I prefer my Citori 20. It's great for birds and clays and I can pretty much go head to head against my friends shooting 12s.

As for the 1100 I agree with Strongbad, get it to a gunsmith, and don't use cheap shells.

Definitely!

Not too bad to clean once you get used to it.

If you go with a 12 be sure to look at the maxus.

Thanks everyone for all of your help. I am now considering the Benelli Ethos more and more. I went and held it the other day in the store. I think that is the most ideal shot gun and might be worth a couple extra dollars to get.

There are only two brands to consider.... Beretta and Benelli. I personally am a Beretta guy, but woul be nothing but proud to own a Benelli. Benelli is the only one out of the two that makes a left handed auto.

Also, I think you'd be happier in the long run with a 12. More versatile.

I have shot both a 20 and a 12 for many years and believe that for dove and quail a semi-auto 20 gauge is the best. for casual sporting clays its fine for that.

I shoot ducks over decoys with my 20 gauge too, but for a dedicated duck gun, I would go with a 12 gauge auto. for turkeys a 20 gauge is fine unless your ranges are getting extreme.

You could sell the 1100 and add the money to the money you already have saved up and get you a citori 20 guage

I've had the chance to shoot almost ever shotgun on the market being a trap, skeet, sporting, five-stand, international trap and skeet instructor. Out of the choices youve limited it down to i would recomend the beretta. Everyone praises tyhe benelli shotguns but they will kick the piss out of you compared to the beretta.

I bought myself a Beretta Outlander for my graduation gift last year. It is currently my favorite gun, killed doves, ducks, and will take a turkey with it this year.

I looked around for a long time because it was my first firearm purchase in that price range. I liked the Browning Silver a lot and the Maxus. I felt a few Benellis but wasn't crazy about them or the price. Looked at the Remington Versa Max and hated it, so gritty and didn't like the stock. I really, really, liked the new Browning A5 and was hard set on it. That was, until I picked up the Beretta Outlander. I didn't read anything about it, just saw it on the shelf and asked to handle it, as soon as I shouldered it I thought "yup, I found it." The rifle just fits me like a glove; safety is where I want it, bolt lock is where I want it, and super smooth.

Handle all the guns before you buy 1, never know which shotgun will be "the one."