Trust an auto for HD/Duty use?

[Dos Cylindros]

I have the funds for a nice new shotgun and have my sights set on a Benelli M4 or an FN SLP. Primary use will be for HD for me & the wife. Some don't trust autos , what say you guys?

[DMR]

As a nobody I recommend a quality auto, with good ammunition for general HD shotgun duty. I would not feel bad at all using my 11-87 or 930 for social duty or the pricier Benellis. For police duty unless I have a need for less lethals and breaching ammo I would feel the same(although I am not LE so take it for what it's worth)

If I was going to live in the woods for months on end and have to feed my shotgun just any old crap I could find I'll go with a pump. Sort of like playing Army

Auto's take many of the man in the loop problems out of using your shotgun, short stroking ect. They are not perfect and a well trained shotgunner can run a pump day in and day out. That said the number of manipulations required to run a pump well make it a better tool for someone willing to spend the time to master it.

For those that don't train alot on the shotgun get a semi

[Nevermiss]

I have shot my FN SLP Mk1 for two years in 3 Gun competitions with "0" malfunctions. I have it available as one of my home defense options.

[lt211]

I have shot my FN SLP Mk1 for two years in 3 Gun competitions with "0" malfunctions. I have it available as one of my home defense options.

Nevermiss why did you go with the FN SLP Mk1 instead of the 18 Inch, 6+1rd with Ghost ring sights? Was it availability issues or preference. I handled the Mk1 at the gun store and really liked the platform and sights but they didn't have the 18" to handle. little longer but 1 more round, or shorter with one less round and ghost ring sight?Tough decision, anyone can assist I would appreciate it. I have an early Benelli H&K M1 and I am thinking of selling it for funding to put towards the FN SLP.

[jhurt]

2 of mine are autos. A mossberg 930 and a Browning Auto-5 light twenty. I've never had a single malfunction out of either. I'd say after about 1,000 rounds (all types and brands) from the 930 i trust it. The Browning- nary a malfunction either (probably 300 or so rounds, all dove hunting or clay pigeon). I guess I'd trust it if I had to...but it only comes out on special occasions once every few years.

[travistheone]

For the first time today, I had my 930 fail to fire. Pin didn't even ding the primer. Multiple times on various ammuntions with a clean(ish) gun.

I only trusted my 870 before today, and will continue to keep it next to my bed.

[Dos Cylindros]

Thanks for the replies so far, I am interested to keep up the debate. I am really leaning toward the FN SLP from all the great reports I have read, and it does not hurt that it is significantly less than the Benelli M4.

[ChicagoTex]

Nevermiss why did you go with the FN SLP Mk1 instead of the 18 Inch, 6+1rd with Ghost ring sights? Was it availability issues or preference.

He's a 3-gunner, he did it for the extra 2 rounds worth of magazine tube.

Pretty much all 3 gunners are running shotguns with at least 8 round tubes (it saves them time on reloading). Unless you want the mag tube sticking out further than the barrel, that means going with a 20-22" barrel.

Also many three-gunners prefer a simple bead to a ghost-ring sight arrangement, which is somewhat slower at close range (where most three-gun and HD shotguns are employed).

If you do elect to buy a new M4 today note that recent 922r restrictions have them shipping with 4-round magazine tubes (the rest of the length is just dead tube) and to convert it back to it's original, full 7+1 capacity will require that you replace several parts with aftermarket american made equivalents, including a brand new mag tube. So after you've already dropped $1600 for the shotgun, you're in for about another hundred to de-castrate it.

ETA: note also that there are no factory semi-auto shotguns being sold right now with a method to mount a tactical light from the factory. This is absolutely A #1 essential in an HD gun, so be sure to look into aftermarket methods for mounting on whichever gun you choose and consider that as part of the cost of the gun before you buy. You don't want to send the rough equivalent of 9 9mms at a time downrange without knowing for DAMN SURE what you're shooting at.

[genegoesfast]

I'm not sure about over all reliability but a saiga is a very adaptable option.

[Dos Cylindros]

ETA: note also that there are no factory semi-auto shotguns being sold right now with a method to mount a tactical light from the factory. This is absolutely A #1 essential in an HD gun, so be sure to look into aftermarket methods for mounting on whichever gun you choose and consider that as part of the cost of the gun before you buy. You don't want to send the rough equivalent of 9 9mms at a time downrange without knowing for DAMN SURE what you're shooting at.

The FN SLP has a tri rail mount that you can purchase to mount a light. About $123 which still makes it significantly cheaper than a Benelli M4.