Wise Choice for Three-Gun Shotguns?

Gnash.Hyena

Gnash.Hyena

Hyena with a Gun! Oh no!
Benefactor
Life Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2017
Messages
3,007
Location
Orange County, NC
Rating - 100%
190   0   0
Hey guys! One of the major staples somehow still missing in my collection is a good pump or semiauto shotgun. As soon as I take care of some other things going on in my life, I intend to correct that. In the meantime, I have a very nice trap 12ga for that purpose, and a handmedown H&R 20ga I got from dad if I ever needed to hunt with a shotgun.

I'm asking y'all for advice. What would be a good choice for a reasonably-priced, competitively capable shotgun for Three Gun? I promise I looked, but I didn't see any similar threads in this section of the board. Before I spend any money on another gun, I wanted to hear what y'all run, or at least what you did run when you were first starting and hadn't spent thousands of dollars per shotgun yet.

I start off assuming a decent Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 Express will do the job, but if there are better choices for not much more, then by all means let me hear it. Also, I'm not a recoil junkie, so any models that seem to reduce felt recoil better are appreciated. Not necessary, just appreciated.

As always, I'll put in the practice with any gun I get, regardless of brand. :D
 
Last edited:
I’m no expert but my opinion:

The modern trend for 3gun:
semi auto that is around 22”-26”.

It need to be easy to do quad loading, and have the bones that accept port mods well.

On the low end:
Mossberg JM Pro
Stoeger m3000 or M3k
Franchi Affinity

On the higher end:
Benelli M2
Remington Versamax Tactical or competition
Beretta 1301 comp
Browning A5
Fn SLP.

It seems I’ve seen mostly Benelli, Beretta, Versa the most. The Beretta in 24” is what I would get if money were no object. It’s awesome.
On the low end, the Stoeger and Franchi would both do well. It seems with the mossberg, you either get a good one or you get a bad one.

So depends on your budget. You are going to need another 2-300$ of work on top of the price, although if you are handy you can do a lot of it yourself.
 
Thanks, all three of you. :)

That's a great price on that 870, Bailey! If you were closer to me and I wasn't dealing with financial issues, I would absolutely nab that gun up for home defense if nothing else.

I'm really liking the look of the Stoeger, Butter. Thank you. Admittedly, old assumptions die hard, and since I always associate the name Stoeger with antiquated double-barrels, I wasn't expecting much until I saw one. They seem to be designed specifically for Three Gun, and at $600-ish, it's a good mid-tier model that comes set up with all the bells and whistles from the factory. I appreciate that its loading port is already set up for quick loading, preventing me from having to pay the extra for the work. I hope I get to try one out someday, as it looks like a hell of a performer.

Thank you for the comprehensive list, NKD. I like the sound of the Mossberg JM Pro. I didn't know what Jerry Miculek competed with for shotguns, so seeing a model that he was willing to put his name on impresses me initially. The dual gas system for recoil reduction is especially attractive to me, and I like that it comes pre-equipped with a 9+1 capacity.

The others sound like fantastic guns, but are either more expensive or not quite as specialized as the Stoeger and Mossberg. All right, so I can expect to spend a bit under $700 after taxes, but then I'd have a Three Gun shotgun that was baaaaaasically ready to go right out of the box, and that's good. That seems doable. I'll see if I can't find one of those two models to check out somewhere! :D
 
I've seen some M2s going for around $1K. I'd get one of them and run the hell out if it. I had an M2 and loved it. I could not outrun the gun no matter how hard I tried.
 
I had a JM Pro. So did 3 other guys on a squad at a match a while back. By the 3rd stage, we were all sharing a gun because 3/4 of them took a shit. I fought with that gun to make it run for a year's worth of matches.

I now run a Beretta 1301 Comp and couldn't be happier.
Another buddy dumped the Jam Pro for an M3K and is happy.
 
Gnash.Hyena said:
Admittedly, old assumptions die hard, and since I always associate the name Stoeger with antiquated double-barrels, I wasn't expecting much until I saw one.
Click to expand...
It's funny how our assumptions affect us.
I bought my first bolt gun in @ '97, a Sako Model 75 , and my only semi-auto scattergun is a Bennelli M1 Super 90, both stamped/imported by Stoeger. I see them as the good stuff, and their shotgun looks to be identical to a Benelli..
Just saw Stoeger is a division of Benneli https://www.stoegerindustries.com/about
 
Last edited:
I’ll go off the board here, I’ve got a CZ 712 that’s ran 100% for me. I believe they make a “tactical” version now that’s comes with a couple bells and whistles.
 
I think the Stoeger is made by Benelli in Turkey.
I believe the Franchi is made by Benelli in Italy. Both guns are very similar.

Also worth checking out the shotgun technical section on Eno's forum, as there are a lot of guys who run their guns hard there.
 
I picked up a Franch Affinity for 500$, so I jumped on that. Haven't shot it yet, but this weekend I plan on shooting the crap out of it.

The same guy I got this from is selling Benelli American M2's for 699$ which is a crazy deal, although they are camo. BU an awesome price you won't see very often!

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/776672601

Here's the Franchi:

IMG_3019.JPG

IMG_3020.JPG

IMG_3017.JPG
 
NKD said:
The same guy I got this from is selling Benelli American M2's for 699$ which is a crazy deal, although they are camo. BU an awesome price you won't see very often!

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/776672601
Click to expand...


Holy Smokes that's a killer deal. Only difference between the M2 Field (what most use for 3 gun) and the American is a couple fewer chokes, and a solid stock. Same mechanism and guts. Screaming hot deal right there.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NKD
Tim said:
Holy Smokes that's a killer deal. Only difference between the M2 Field (what most use for 3 gun) and the American is a couple fewer chokes, and a solid stock. Same mechanism and guts. Screaming hot deal right there.
Click to expand...

Man, I almost snagged one. I may live with regret the rest of my life, depending upon how the Franchi performs, haha!
 
I picked up an M3K and it has been 1o0% solid, it came with a 7 rnd tube, I may switch it up to an 8. It's stock except for the tube, the stock was cut down a bit and a matchsaver added. I end up loaning it out to others whose guns fail, and it works for them as well as it does for me. I've only shot a few 3gun matches, but I believe it is a definite keeper!

One thing I do plan to do is to cut down the tube spring a bit to make it easier to load and I may take it to the same guy NKD took his Franchi to for a full port opening.
 
NKD said:
I picked up a Franch Affinity for 500$, so I jumped on that. Haven't shot it yet, but this weekend I plan on shooting the crap out of it.
Click to expand...

Got about 200 thru it now. Shoots great. Second shell through it was a malf, but it has ran everything since. And, I bought everything I could find power wise.

But after trying some hi velocity slugs through it I have christened it:

Ole Muley.

Pretty happy with it, although she does have some snap!
 
NKD said:
Got about 200 thru it now. Shoots great. Second shell through it was a malf, but it has ran everything since. And, I bought everything I could find power wise.

But after trying some hi velocity slugs through it I have christened it:

Ole Muley.

Pretty happy with it, although she does have some snap!
Click to expand...
Not sure if they already fixed it on the M3k but on my M3000, one of the recommended mods to help ensure reliable functioning with lighter loads was to polish the mag tube under the handguard where the recoil spring rides.
It took 20min and allows me to run lighter 1 oz bird shot if I want. I’m quite impressed with the gun for the price tag.

Edit: sorry @NKD , meant to quote @OldSchool
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: NKD
Last edited:
That’s great to hear! I couldn’t pass up on the price considering 3 gun is not what I normally do and wanted a “multipurpose” shotgun.
 
Last edited:
Heatstroke18 said:
That’s great to hear! I couldn’t pass up on the price considering 3 gun is not what I normally do and wanted a “multipurpose” shotgun.
Click to expand...

So you bought one? I think it will work well for you.
 
I bought one earlier this year to go hunting with and has served that purpose well. I was thinking of working it into a 3 gun shotgun
 
  • Like
Reactions: NKD
I'm now doing research on 3gun shotguns as id like to participate in some matches this year. Why is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus not discussed much when talking about 3gun shotguns? Other than needing an extended tube, it looks ready to run out of the box. Even has a full lifter (or whatever you call that thing) and an opening up loading port.
Thoughts?
Also, I see Mossberg is bringing a new JM 940 model to the market. Looks pretty good from initial reports.
 
Asadurum said:
I'm now doing research on 3gun shotguns as id like to participate in some matches this year. Why is the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus not discussed much when talking about 3gun shotguns? Other than needing an extended tube, it looks ready to run out of the box. Even has a full lifter (or whatever you call that thing) and an opening up loading port.
Thoughts?
Also, I see Mossberg is bringing a new JM 940 model to the market. Looks pretty good from initial reports.
Click to expand...

If you are planning on shooting the "open" division, the new Rock River VR80's seem to be the new hotness. AR-ish frame and controls in a mag fed 12 gauge.

Aside from that, all of the above advice from last year is still relevant.

Personally, after my experience with the original JM Pro, you couldn't pay me to run one of the new ones until it's been on the market and seen action for at least a year.
 
With the JM Pro's, they benefit greatly from some polish and finish or particular areas. There's a good thread on Eno's in the shotgun/multigun section.
That forum is a great resource for any multigun info.

My guess with the beretta is this: it will still need some work for quadloads, as well as sights, controls, etc. So, with the price point starting so high it's pretty expensive out of the gate. But that's a guess as I have never shot one or seen one at a 3gun match. The Beretta 1301 is quite popular though.

Honestly, if I had a 1600+ budget: I'd go straight to a 24-26" Benelli M2. They are the most proven shotgun in 3gun by a fair margin I would say.

This for Practical Division (most popular division by far).

Indeed, the Rock Island VR-80 is great for Unlimited Div for the price. I am likely going to sell my Franchi and buy one of these. I've went to a red dot on my pistol and this bumps me to Unlimited Division, so I have to go magfed shotgun now. These seem to run well so far!
 
NKD said:
My guess with the beretta is this: it will still need some work for quadloads, as well as sights, controls, etc. So, with the price point starting so high it's pretty expensive out of the gate. But that's a guess as I have never shot one or seen one at a 3gun match. The Beretta 1301 is quite popular though.
Click to expand...

I've run a 1301 Comp for ~6 years in 3 gun now. Not a single failure of any type. Mine is stock with the exception of a mag tube and a shield surrounding the bolt release. Stock 'sights' put slugs on target inside 50 yards every time, but I grew up with shotguns that had nothing more than a bead front sight.

Regarding Dual and Quad Loads, it could probably use some work on opening up the port, but it's not been a limiting factor for me.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: NKD
Tim said:
I've run a 1301 Comp for ~6 years in 3 gun now. Not a single failure of any type. Mine is stock with the exception of a mag tube and a shield surrounding the bolt release. Stock 'sights' put slugs on target inside 50 yards every time, but I grew up with shotguns that had nothing more than a bead front sight.

Regarding Dual and Quad Loads, it could probably use some work on opening up the port, but it's not been a limiting factor for me.
Click to expand...

I love those 1301's. I think they are my favorite to shoot of all the shotguns I have tried. I really like they way they feel and point. Hard to describe but less clunky than a Benelli. The first part of my post in quote I was referring to the A300, but your point stands for either gun: many are perfectly happy with the bead and controls it has stock. And, many don't open their ports as some guns are fairly open stock.
I will say I have seen slug targets well beyond 50 that had me thankful for sights, but they are rare. If they were all inside 50 I wouldn't have even considered sights.

IMO, if budget is high enough to consider an 1600$ gun, I would encourage part of that budget for port work, as quads and even duals is so much easier with a properly opened port, and can help with less bumbled reloads which seem to be a common occurrence for me personally. And shotgun loading is super critical in 3gun.
 
I think for now, the M3K may be the direction I go. Seems like for the money, you get a lot of shotgun. Especially considering I’m a long way from needing a high speed rig, I think it will work well enough to get me going. Besides, I like tinkering with stuff.

NKD said:
My guess with the beretta is this: it will still need some work for quadloads, as well as sights, controls, etc. So, with the price point starting so high it's pretty expensive out of the gate. But that's a guess as I have never shot one or seen one at a 3gun match. The Beretta 1301 is quite popular though.
Click to expand...

As for the A400 Xtreme plus. My draw to it was that they offer a left handed model, which I can appreciate, and that it seems machined/has extended controls but it’s not something I have to have. He are a couple pictures I took of the controls and action last night at work. Maybe next year I’ll invest in it and see how it does.

3fad9113eaa15456bee8300d3f525b5b.jpg


71ae2e2eb5558bab5dd6ba18636e72a5.jpg
 
And here I am using an ithaca m37 riot or m500 riot or m590.

Guess I need to get one of those fancy autoloaders lol..
 
Asadurum said:
I think for now, the M3K may be the direction I go. Seems like for the money, you get a lot of shotgun. Especially considering I’m a long way from needing a high speed rig, I think it will work well enough to get me going. Besides, I like tinkering with stuff.

As for the A400 Xtreme plus. My draw to it was that they offer a left handed model, which I can appreciate, and that it seems machined/has extended controls but it’s not something I have to have. He are a couple pictures I took of the controls and action last night at work. Maybe next year I’ll invest in it and see how it does.

3fad9113eaa15456bee8300d3f525b5b.jpg


71ae2e2eb5558bab5dd6ba18636e72a5.jpg
Click to expand...

Just be very sure it will take, for example, extended tubes. I know there was a few A400 (maybe xplor?) that the gas system wouldn't allow for easy tube modifications/extensions. But Briley does have tubes for the "Extreme Unico".
Not sure exactly which ones work, as there seems to be quite a few different styles of the A400. Thoroughly check first!
 
Asadurum said:
As for the A400 Xtreme plus. My draw to it was that they offer a left handed model, which I can appreciate
Click to expand...

I'm a lefty and have done a fair amount of 3-Gun. I would NOT recommend a 'left handed' version. I think we lefties actually have an advantage in this regard.
- Match Saver reloads are done with the support hand
- We can see into the ejection port more easily for clearing jams

I DO reverse the safety for LH use, and I always make sure to tell the stage RO that fact when I walk up. I was stage DQ'd (overturned) once for not setting the safety 'cause the RO wasn't aware.
 
Last edited:
Asadurum said:
I think for now, the M3K may be the direction I go. Seems like for the money, you get a lot of shotgun. Especially considering I’m a long way from needing a high speed rig, I think it will work well enough to get me going. Besides, I like tinkering with stuff.



As for the A400 Xtreme plus. My draw to it was that they offer a left handed model, which I can appreciate, and that it seems machined/has extended controls but it’s not something I have to have. He are a couple pictures I took of the controls and action last night at work. Maybe next year I’ll invest in it and see how it does.
Click to expand...

Find the manufacturer number or spec number or whatever for the model you want and put it in gun.deals. Then check Beretta's website for rebates. You might be able to get the price close to the M3K.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom