Semi-Automatic 20 ga

I'm in the market for a new-to-me semi-auto 20 ga for my wife. She currently shoots a 1974 Citori 20 ga (26") with fixed chokes. The chokes don't really fit well with the hunting opportunities we get, so I'm looking to get her a semi-auto with changeable chokes.

I've been looking for used 11-87 Premier 20ga's and used Browning Silver Hunter 20 ga's. Does anyone have opinions on either or a recommendation for another gun?

My other option is to get screw-ins installed in the Citori, but that makes me kinda nervous.

Point me straight, guys...

My wife's Tristar is a lot better than I expected for the money. Light and very reliable.

Wife likes her Benelli Ultralight. I like it too.

Winchester 1400 is a sweet inexpensive auto . cant go wrong with a Rem 1100 !

I bought an 11-87 Premier Light Contour when I was 18 years old. It remains my favorite shotgun. I over oiled it once, but once I figured out that was the issue, I have never had any problems cycling everything from dove to duck loads with it. Very soft shooting shotgun, and it fits me perfectly.

I used to have a 12 ga 11-87 Premier LC that was an awesome gun. I'd love to find one in 20, but it's proving a challenge.

Out of the 2 you mentioned, Browning.

Winchester SX3 20ga is basically the same gun internally, just a cosmetic difference. It has speed load, light and nimble and can be found new for around $800. Is available with synthetic, the Silver is not, their camo version is camo over wood.

Don't overlook the Browning Gold 20ga either, no synthetic, but the same internally as the Silver or SX3.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that she would really prefer real wood. That's primarily why I mentioned the first two guns. Anyone know of somebody looking to sell either one or a Benelli ultralight?

I'm not real big on the 1100 for no good reason. Finding an 1100 LT 20 with changeable chokes doesn't really save me any money over the other three.

Also, don't overlook the Beretta 391/390 series, or even the 303.

IMO, the Benelli Cordoba 20ga is the best shotgun available for dove hunting. So smooth!!!

This would be my recommendation. I've seen more than 1 benelli 20 fail and would not buy one unless they fix the issues.

Been very pleased with my Franchi AL-48 .20ga.

Get her whatever shotgun fits her best. Make and model are secondary considerations compared to this. There are lots of good brands out there, and for the most part they all make a good gun. Then again, they all seem to have the occasional problem. My 391 is plain unreliable, my 11/87 jammed a few times, while my Benelli went full-auto on me.

Yep

I have had an 1100 that did not fit me well and always blew o rings. Sold it and got. 391 And never looked back. The gun fits me much better and I have never had an issue with it. Five, ducks, skeet. You name it, it'll shoot it down.

I also second the idea of making sure it fits her. As someone who tried to competitively shoot with a shotgun that did not fit right, I can attest to the importance of fit. Without the proper fit she will not shoot as well and will likely lose confidence in her abilities as a shotgunner.

Benelli Montefeltro

A400 with the kick off system. it has the lighest recoil on the market hands down.
tou can get 1 at abels ammo for 1375.00

They are soft recoiling but are very strange feeling. I personally was not fond of it at all.

+ 1 on the A400 and the soft recoil. It's a light weight gun and I really like the way it handles.

I hear you on the A400. I'm afraid that's more than I intend to spend this year. I'm probably looking at $800 and under. Unless I can find a screaming deal on a used one, it's probably off of my list.

Any other thoughts on the original two I was looking at - 11-87 Premier 20 or Silver Hunter 20?

I saw a used 11-87 Premier 20 gauge in a gun shop in Tucson for 600 a few months back. I almost bought it so I would have a 12 and 20.

+1, I traded for a Tristar last year and have shot over 700 shells through it with no malfunctions. It's pretty impressive for a $400ish gun. I also got a Franchi Affinity 20 gauge that will probably be my designated dove gun until either me or the doves go extinct.

Those a400 are sweet! I hope browning comes out with a new 20ga soon or I'm buying one

Is that Tristar the over under?

I like the way you think...

I personally would stay away from the 1100/1187. An A-5 20 is purely awesome. Call Briley and see how much it would be to thread the barrel for chokes. If they make a mistake they will make it right. If she already likes that shotgun and shoots it well, why change?

No, I have the Viper G2 Silver in 12 gauge. It's a pretty gun. It was definitely worth the trade I made to acquire it.

Man, I've been through that decision process plenty of times, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Briley is certainly the group to do it, too. Anyone had briley thread a barrel for chokes before? What is their typical turnaround time?

Steve Rose at Rose Action Sports or Mike Orlen are cheaper and just as good as Briley amd they will thread for Invector or Rem-Choke if you want.

Where is Rose Action located?

Have one and couldn't be happier with it. Light weight, light recoil and points really well. No failures in the 5 or 6 years I've had it.

Browning B80 are nice

Does your wife need a youth stock or a full size stock? My daughter has a a Compact SX3 with would furniture and a Weatherby Youth SA-08 with wood also that she loves. The newer Weatherby Youth models have synthetic stocks only but you might be able to get a set of wood stocks from them.

Yes.......if you can find one!