Which shotgun for sporting clays?

swaffclays

I am trying to decide on an autoloader for sporting clays. I have been shooting for a year or so, and recently shooting about once every two weeks. I have a Stoeger 12g but don't think it is going to be able to endure much more of this 100+ shots a time. I have shot the Beretta 391 Urika and like it. I have shot the Rem 1100 and like it as well. I haven't been able to test the Browning Gold or the Winchester Super X2. Does anyone have any advice on these or other autoloaders for moderate to heavy use?
Thanks!

Clair

I use a Rem 1100.
I had the barrel cut down and screw in chokes installed. I can easily change the chokes between stations if needed. It has held up well for me.

swaffclays

Thanks for the input Clair. Maybe I have food in my teeth or something. I'm not asking for the solutions of the worlds problems here, just interested in other peoples experience. I guess I wasn't supposed to ask a question here.
Oh well, we will just keep on shooting.

allechalley

Personally, I like my Browning O/U Ultra, but at the range here, you'll see everything from model 12's and 870 express ( a younger
fella here, you'd swear it was an auto, as fast as he cycles AND hits), but it's definately what feels good and points where you shoot it. A buddy of mine owns 2 Browning Gold Clays. He has shot them a lot(I mean a lot!) He did have one firing pin break and replaced it with a titanium pin. No problems since. The Beretta is possibly a little trimmer, but might be in the eye of the beholder. Also, the Beretta has adjustment shims to adjust stock cant and somewhat for length.

Depending if you also use for hunting, some clays guns are bored for 3", some are not. The Browning Gold CLAYS edition is 2 3/4" only ( or maybe was).

warcrob

On our Sporting clays coarse at Zumbro Valley Rifle Club I've seen autos, pumps, over/unders and side by sides. I think what it boils down to is finding something that fits.

If you ain't got a sense of humor you got no business bein here!

orca44mag

The proprietor of the local range loaned me the use of a winchester supreme sporting o/u the other day. I could get used to a gun like that.
-orca

chuck

Auto's are all right, but high maintance I shoot trap with a winchester super x1, I shoot 50 rounds a week and once a Mo I take it down and do the maintance on it, cleaning the Action and the Gas system takes about an Hr. to do it right, It's a dirty Job but some one has to do it, wife wont.[:D][:D][:D]

rsnyder55

When I got heavy into the shotgun shooting sports, I went to an O/U just so I could keep the hulls and reload. Have to save money someplace.

I use my auto or pump after the shells have been reloaded 3 or 4 times as by then I don't want to reload the hulls anymore.

This way I get to shoot all my shotguns.

redwood

I sell the Beretta (we are an authorized Beretta / Sako dealer) Xtreama. Is a great all around gun & built like a tank. Could also use for duckin'... Call me if interested - 800-399-4116.
Ernie Shipman
Renaissance Firearms, LLC

only winchesters

I shot a 1100 for years, a magnum, until I finally wore it out. bought a standard barrel for it so I could shoot 2 3/4 in loads out of it. Standard has 2 gas ports Mag. only has one, wouldn't eject light loads. It was a fine gun. I replaced it with the Browning Gold, it just fit me better than the 1100 ever did. I've put 100 rounds a day through it shooting at doves no problems, I've put 30-40 rounds of magnum loads through it shooting at ducks, Yes I do hit something once in a while! It's the first gun I have ever been able to get doubles on when shooting ducks. Don't know how the Sporting Clays Golddiffers from the field model. The gold isn't as tempermental about keeping it clean like the 1100 was. Good Luck

swaffclays

Thanks everyone for your help. I think I really need to shoot a few more guns before I decide. I want to make the best decision I can, and I realize that it isn't cheap to support my addiction... just want to get the most gun for the buck!