Looking for a light use hunting 3” auto 12 ga. V3, A300, 930, m3000, SA-08, 712 or ?

[Dust]

I have been looking for a shotgun for a while, know that I need 3” capability, 2+1 capacity (KY law for shotgun hunting anything), 20-26” barrel, and would prefer nice trigger, camo and ability to add speed bead or pic. rail in the future. Will be used for plinking, predators, and possibly upland. Target/dove loads for plinking and dove/quail, high brass pheasant or turkey loads for raccoons and pheasants, and 2.75 or 3” BB or #4 buck for dogs and cats. Price range tops at $800.

The four listed have been my focus, but mainly the 930 and m3000, as that is the main discussion on this type forum, with alot of 3-gunners. Any suggestions, stories, horror or otherwise are welcome.

[CRAMBONE]

I would get the Beretta.

[bullitt]

I have a 930 that I've had since 2010. I use it for trap, ducks, grouse, and 3-gun. It's not as smooth and pretty as higher end guns, but if you don't want to break the bank it's a great option I think. My friends with Benellis give me a bad time but it kills ducks just as dead as a gun that is 3x the price.

Also, I know everyone loves to hate on Mossberg, but their customer service has been unbeatable. I knocked my front sight off and lost it while duck hunting and they quickly sent me a new one for free. I also needed a new screw for the top of the receiver and they sent me a bunch. Both things were totally my fault and they fixed me up for free.


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[Dust]

I would get the Beretta.

Why do you recommend the A300?

There is a turkey version semi-locally for $620 plus tax, but only comes with full choke, so add $60-100 for M, IC, turkey/predator chokes.

[GH41]

Only one choice of those 4... A300. For your purpose I would do a 28" barrel. The 26 would be better if all you did is pheasants. IMO the 20 would be worthless even if you could find one.

[CRAMBONE]

Why do you recommend the A300?

There is a turkey version semi-locally for $620 plus tax, but only comes with full choke, so add $60-100 for M, IC, turkey/predator chokes.

Duck season before last I shot a Beretta, Winchester, Benelli and Browning one after the other with the same 3-1/2" duck load. The Beretta had the least recoil and handled the best to me. The A400 I want is expensive but the A300 he mentioned in the OP has the same technology as the newest A400 but is substantial cheaper for a person only looking for a 3". And to me Beretta just seems to make the best shotgun out there. I don't even own yet and I am recommending them. That is how good they are.

[GH41]

Why do you recommend the A300?

There is a turkey version semi-locally for $620 plus tax, but only comes with full choke, so add $60-100 for M, IC, turkey/predator chokes.

You don't need 4 choke tubes! An IC or light mod and the turkey tube that comes in the gun will suit you fine. You can do the rest by varying shot size.

[Dust]

Only one choice of those 4... A300. For your purpose I would do a 28" barrel. The 26 would be better if all you did is pheasants. IMO the 20 would be worthless even if you could find one.

If it was anything at $800 or less, what auto would you recommend, and why?

[GH41]

If it was anything at $800 or less, what auto would you recommend, and why?

Same as I said before... A300. High $600-$800 depending on the model. I shot 6-8,000 rounds a year + tournaments for years with Beretta gas guns. I never had a problem with factory ammo. You can find low round 391s for 450-500 bucks.

[Dust]

Edited to add an SA-08, and 712 just in case.