My new gun.

[BoxMN]

For the OP, there are also little things to check on the guns, after fit. I shoot Gold 12, and get to use SX2, Silver, Gold 10, 11-87, Benellis, a Franchi 20 ga, etc. I like them all - BUT - there is a huge difference in how you load the magazine in the diff models.

I can't get over how much I DON'T like the Bennellis or Franchi systems, with that little "Extra" button under them. I still can't figure out how to use that, maybe cause I don't shoot them enough. But for me that is a PITA.

The SX2 is much like the Gold, but not exactly. In my Gold, with the action open, I can simply push a shell into magazine and it quickly/automatically zips it into the chamber. I love that! No need to push a button, etc. Just push it in, shoot Not sure if the Silver does that, but pretty sure the others do not, I wish they did. Maybe I am wrong.

Also, the Gold, and Silvers to some extent, come up just like an 870, and that is one reason I love my Gold so much, coming from the 870 world. Just fits great. The SX2 fits almost the same, but the the synthetic stock seem swider where my hands grips the pistol area, and I like the narrower feel of the Gold or an 870ish feel.

The Franchi feels great and comes up great, but the little action level spits out occassionaly, another PITA!

Good luck, you sure have a good selection to choose from!

(oh yeah, on cleaning, you can tell when the gun is getting slow if dirty, but it isn't after every trip. I deep clean once before season, then also during trap season the next summer, that is it for deep cleaning. Prolly good to do more. I can tell the dirt from fields affects it more than mud or water from sloughs, and will clean more if in fields.)

[squeeb27]

First of all thanks to all of you for your input guys, second I wish I never would have asked it made it so much harder for me. I realized there are more things to know about semi-autos than I originally thought, as I have had pumps my whole life. Gas, inertia my head has been spinning for about 2 weeks lol. Seriously though thanks for all the input, when spending a grand you wanna know you made the right choice and know all the options that were available. I ended up going with the Browning Silver, camo stalk is a little wider than most which lines the sights up perfectly without having to adjust my melon too much. Thanks again guys.

[Gordie]

You made a great choice I hope it works well for you for many, many years

Now comes the hard part waiting until next season

[Scott M]

Great thread going on the topic of choosing guns and cleaning them.

When getting a good fit, don't just head to the big box store and pick up some guns, head to a real gun shop with a good gunsmith or fitter (I know most on here know this, it's for the amateur or lurker that needs to know). I'm 6'4" with a size 16 shoe...translation, I have gorilla arms. I needed a lot of pad added to get a good fit. When I do like squee and get a new gun (also gunning, pardon the pun, for a semi-auto), I'll be taking a good look at the guns mentioned...I've had my eye on a SBE for a while.

[HugoBox]

Congrats on the new piece. You'll be happy with- you would have been happy with any of the choices. Buying a new gun and not having to bring it home in an old case is a BIG PLUS!! Congrats on picking a good bride as well.

Not to hijack the thread but I'm wondering what he rest of you think I the new A-5 that should be out his spring. I'm also wondering if anyone has any experience with he VersaMax or Maxxus?

They all look darn nice but $1,500 is a lot to bite off!!

[Walleye Guy]

I bought a new Maxus this fall and have run about 6 boxes of various hunting loads through it and it has worked flawlessly. I love the gun. It's light weight, and the recoil is very light. I looked at ALL the semi-auto's out there. I also shot many of them. I picked the Browning because it fit me the best. I also factored where the safety is located on the gun as well. I want the safety on the top of the gun or behind the trigger.

[fishgutz77]

I too shoot a SX2 and love it. Always buy the gun that fits you best not the one that looks cool or your buddies have.

The only draw back on the S2 is the small trigger guard when wearing heavier gloves late season. the thick glove will not allow the trigger to reset somtimes. This has cost me birds and I will not buy another gun with a small guard. You have to ask yourself what kind of testing they did, certainly not late season MN hunting.

The Newer Benellis and Barretas have larger guards and I'm leaning that way.

Come on Winchester let's get it together.

[Mr.Outdoors]

Well another less known is the Tri Star. I have the 3 1/2" in camo and have had nothing but good luck with it. It was easier for me to get past my wife with the lower price on them but to me it shoots just as nice as my buddies Benelli M2. Maybe a touch heavier but thats about it. Now cant wait to get out my "newest" semi out in the spring! Just got that today from my father...