Best Semi-Autoshotgun: Scatterguns for the Field and Defense (2023).

Updated: 6/08/23There is probably a great semi auto shotgun for you. It’s important to know how they work, and which one is best for you. The turn of the century must have been a wonderful time to live. Electric light, moving images, the internal combustion motor, and of course the semi-auto shotgun, were all introduced at the turn of the 20th century. The technological advances are mind-blowing. The smoothbore was particularly impressive. Five shots with just the push of a button? You say the devil! Before 1905, shotguns were only single barrel or side by side affairs, with externally cocked hammers. Not exactly the best for rapid-fire. It was like going from an ox-and cart to a GTO. No wonder the semi-auto-shotgun dominated the past century. You can JUMP Ahead to our picks for best semi-autos. There are a few logical reasons why you should consider this type. The two most important are firepower and ease-of-use. The first is self-explanatory; in most cases, semi-auto shotguns can deliver more shot downrange than anything else. This is why semi-auto shotguns, such as the Remington Versa Max Competition Pro, dominate 3-Gun matches. This advantage can be used for any purpose where you need to quickly and efficiently fire a large number of pellets at a target, whether it’s to knock down white wings or to protect your home and hearth. Once you’ve mastered the loading and chambering of a semi-auto, you only have to worry about aiming and pulling the trigger. This takes a lot of the mental and muscle memory load off your shoulders, allowing you to concentrate on what is important: hitting the target. The semi-auto shotgun, compared to its cousins the double-barrel and pump-action shotguns, is not a simpler device. It’s true that its operation systems, such as recoil (inertia), or gas, which we’ll discuss in a moment, are not beyond the reach of a well seasoned novice. They do require a little more knowledge to troubleshoot. This means that you need to be dedicated to learning what’s going on under the hood. Recoil-operated semi-autos were the ones mentioned at the beginning, which got their start around the same time that light bulbs became a thing. It was John M. Browning’s Auto-5 that dominated semi-auto sales in the first 60 years. Benelli’s Super Black Eagle, a long-recoil shotgun, is considered by many to be one of the best hunting semi-autos. Browning’s “Humpback”, so-named because of the prominent rear end of its action, became renowned for its reliability after it worked out the bugs. The long-recoiling semi-auto was replaced by a system which uses the same force, but in a slightly altered manner. In the inertia-operated semi-auto shotgun the bolt carrier and an inertia-spring float freely within the receiver. The shotgun recoils backwards when fired. These components remain in an inertia state. The spring is compressed by the difference in motion. The spring decompressing force unlocks the bolt, throws back the carrier and cycles the gun. It doesn’t get any simpler than this. Inertia drive from a Franchi Shotgun. The only moving parts in the action are the bolt head, carrier and spring (inside carrier). While the system gained popularity after Bruno Civolani, a Benelli engineer, improved the system in the late 1960s. Civolani’s design is genius because of its simplicity. Sjogren’s design required a separate mass, while Civolani made the bolt carrier into the weight. A small detail, but one that gives inertia semi-auto shotguns one of their most favorable attributes–simplicity.The Benelli proudly boasts its modern inertia operated shotguns only have three moving parts–bolt head, inertia spring and bolt carrier. They are also easy to maintain, and can withstand a good licking. They are popular with waterfowlers, as they can withstand all the marshy abuse while still filling a bag. Inertia weapons are also lightweight, which could be good or bad, depending on your perspective. It’s a good thing if you want a lightweight, nimble piece of equipment that you don’t have to carry all day. The bad news is that light means thump. The guns produce more felt recoil, which can be problematic for recoil-sensitive and high-volume shooting. Gas Operated Semi-Auto ShotgunHigh Standard, a company that was sold by Sears under the J.C. Higgins label, was the first manufacturer to create a semi-automatic gas-operated shotgun. The development of the system, especially as we know it now, was largely a Remington affair. While it had a few other models, such as the Model 58, Big Green’s Model 1100 was the one that set the standard for what would become the dominant style of autoloader in the second half of the 20th Century. The 1100’s reliability, which was a problem up until that point and its shootability are what made it so popular with shooters. Remington Model 1100 in 12 gauge. It was a popular upland shotgun in the 1960s and 70s, despite its weight of 7-1/2 pounds. Gas-operated shotguns, which are lighter at 6-1/2 pounds, continue to be popular upland guns. The gas drives pistons that reward the action bars, which then operate the bolt. The old is out, the new is in, the hammer is cocked, and you are ready to start over. Gas-operated semi auto shotguns are heavier because of this. It is a system that is slightly more complex and has more components. This is actually a positive aspect for many people, as the heavier firearms absorb more recoil and are easier to shoot. Gas guns are popular with trap shooters, and other enthusiasts. In addition, compared to inertia weapons, they are dirty. Gas-operated semi auto shotguns need to be cleaned regularly, even if they are not the AR rifles that eat poop. Shells with fewer vents allow more gas to escape. Shells with more vents allow less gas to escape. The shotguns will cycle regardless of what is fed. This style of semi-auto has in the past been difficult to reliably run a variety of shells. While many will throw out high brass like it’s a late bar tab, low-grade brass is often not powerful enough to cycle. In recent years, this has changed with Remington’s Versa Max & V3 and Savage’s Renagauge. No gas adjustment is required for either, regardless of the load. Remington achieves this by using Savage values and numerous ports. Gas Vs Inertia – Which Wins? The correct answer is both. If you buy a good brand, and there are plenty of them available today, you will get a semi auto shotgun that runs like a champ. You have to decide which operating system is best for you, based on the strengths and weaknesses. If you shoot a lot of clays and want to be sharp from the first shot to the last, a gas-operated semi auto might be the right choice. Inertia is the best option if you are going to be duck hunting in the deepest parts of the flooded woods and you need a gun which will work even if it gets dropped into a mudhole. Benelli M4, the right gun for me? If you’re looking for a tactical gun with a manageable recoil, it could be a good choice. Both gas- and inertia operated shotguns can be used as defensive weapons. There are many examples of both with a tactical focus, including Stoeger’s M3000 series, Mossberg’s 930 Tactical gas-operated options, and many others. Hunting Semi-Auto ShotgunsBerettaA400Beretta’s semi auto shotguns, used by many competition shooters and hunters alike, are highly respected. The A400 series offers more than just reliability. Each A400 is equipped with Beretta’s Kick Off hydraulic dampener recoil-reduction system and the Blink Gas Operating System. It is also fast cycling and easy on the shoulders. This makes it easy to take follow-up shots on the field. Beretta offers several A400 models with different barrel lengths, gauges and stock styles. Each model is geared towards a particular shooting discipline. There’s a Beretta model that will suit your needs, whether you’re shooting deer, clays or birds. MSRP: Starting at $1,949, beretta.comCZ USA 1012The CZ-USA shotgun line’s most appealing feature is its gasless inertia system. It makes for a very reliable firearm. The system allows for reliable cycling of many different shells, from low-power birdshots to hot 3-inch Magnums. It also increases the durability and eliminates the requirement for regular cleaning. CZ-USA tested a 1012 for 5,000 rounds without maintenance. They experienced no malfunctions or broken parts. CZ USA 1012 is a shotgun that will perform well for most users, regardless of how often they clean or oil it. It comes with a beautiful walnut finish and a black finish on the barrels. The barrels are available in 28-inch, 26-inch, and two different colors for the metal finish. There are also camouflage-finished synthetic stock models. MSRP: Starting at $679 // www.cz-usa.comBenelli Super Black Eagle 3. The shotguns of Benelli are renowned for their quality, no matter what the application. The Super Black Eagle 3 is the best shotgun for waterfowl hunts. Benelli shotguns are said to have fired over 500,000 rounds without malfunctioning. They use a gasless Inertia Driven System, similar to that of the CZ 1012. This system is also reliable with weak target loads and 3.5-inch magnums. Available in both left- and right-handed configurations the Super Black Eagle 3 features several features to aid with ergonomics and usability. The Comfort Tech 3 stock features shock-absorbing inserts that reduce felt recoil. The controls are oversized to make reloading faster and easier. It’s available in 12-, 20- and 28-gauge configurations with varying chamber sizes, with a 24-, 26- or 28-inch barrel and with several finish colors and patterns.MSRP: Starts at $1,899 // benelliusa.comBrowning A5The Browning A5 is the OG semi-auto shotgun, and it will never go out of style. Its features may not be as impressive as some of the more modern options, but just like Browning’s 1911, its design is still good enough to remain functional 100 years after it was invented. An A5 will serve well whether you choose an older model by Browning, FN, or a newer production Browning with the new Kinematic Drive System. We’ll focus on the new production models, which have some improvements. They come with fiber optic front sights and synthetic stocks in different camo patterns. The new Browning A5s feature the Kinematic Drive System, which Browning claims is extremely reliable, fast-cycling, and soft-shooting. Browning’s confidence in the system is backed by a 100,00-round/five-year warranty. There are several models available with different barrel and chamber lengths, materials, and finishes. MSRP: Starting at $1,539.99. // browning.comTactical semi-auto shotgunsBenelli M4Benelli is back on this list, but this time it’s for the tactical side. Since its introduction in the late 90s, the Benelli M4 is considered the gold standard for tactical semi-auto shots. The Benelli M4 was designed to meet U.S. Army specifications and has been in service in the military around the world ever since. The system is much cleaner than other gas-operated guns, increasing reliability in all environments. It also increases the number of rounds that can be fired between cleanings. These guns are known to have been run in harsh conditions for long periods of time. Benelli offers a few different options for the M4, including stock, sight, and finish. All come with a 18.5-inch barrel, and 12-gauge chambering. The Kalashnikov System has been a great fit for semi auto shotguns since it was first introduced in Russia as the Saiga-12 in the 1990s. Saigas and VEPRs were imported in large numbers into the U.S. until they were banned. But during that time, they proved to be a reliable and excellent semi-auto shotgun. The KS-12 by Kalashnikov USA stands out as the best choice. The KS-12 is available with black synthetic furniture. However, models with tactical rails and side-folding stocks are also available. All barrels can accept 12-gauge muzzle breaks and are compatible with Saiga-pattern accessories. The KS-12’s ability to feed from a detachable magazine is arguably its most tactical feature. It makes it stand apart from other models in this list. The KS-12 comes with a 5-round magazine as standard. However, KUSA also makes 10-rounders and aftermarket Saiga Drums are available. When it comes to fast reloads and having a lot of ammunition on deck, the KS-12 wins.MSRP: $856.80 // kalashnikov-usa.comIWI TS12Like the KS-12, the IWI TS12 is another model that excels at on-board ammunition capacity, but it comes at the cost of reload times and bulk. The TS12 is a bullpup 12-gauge semi-auto shotgun that holds 15+1 rounds between three rotating tube mags. However, reloading these tubes in a hurry can be more difficult than swapping out box magazines. The 28-inch overall size makes it surprisingly compact. The handguard is equipped with M-LOK rails, which are a great benefit for tactical shooters. It is available in three different finishes. MSRP: $1399 // iwi.usMossberg SPX Pistol GripWhile Mossberg’s pump-action shotguns are its most popular, their tactical semi-autos are also worth a look. The 930 series. Based on a dual gas-vent system, Mossberg promises the 930 to be reliable, durable and smooth-cycling.Mossberg has a more traditional Slugster model available as well, but the 930 SPX Pistol Grip comes with black synthetic furniture with a pistol grip, an 18.5-inch barrel, ghost ring/fiber optic iron sights and a Picatinny rail for optics. It has a 7+1 capacity and a 3-inch barrel. It also has an ambidextrous safe, as well as a button to quickly unload the tube. It comes in either a tan or black finish. MSRP: $1191 // mossberg.comBeretta 13001 TacticalAnother excellent semi-auto shotgun from Italy, the Beretta 13001 Tac is a more tactical cousin of A400, featured in the hunting section. The 1301 also features Beretta’s BLINK system, which allows for a 36 percent faster cyclic rate compared to similar designs. This system is reliable with a variety shell types. Other tactical features include a 7.+1 capacity with 2.75-inch rounds (though it also works with 3-inch rounds), ghost ring sight with a Picatinny Rail for optics, and enlarged highly textured controls. It also has provisions to mount a laser or light on the forend. The two models, one with pistol grips and one with traditional stocks, both have an 18.5-inch barrel, and both feature black synthetic furniture. The target grids and bullseyes are measured in MOA. Subscribe to the Gun Digest newsletter and we will send you your print-at home target pack immediately. Enter your email below.