jtischauser
I'm addicted to kicking ass
Seems like the most frequently asked question from shooters looking to start 3 gun is what is a good entry level shotgun. In my opinion the Benelli M2 is still the king of reliability and overall performance. But most new shooters aren't ready for a $1200 gun that needs a minimum of $130 of add ons to get it 3 gun ready. Right now the cheapest "3 gun" shotgun is the Mossberg 930 JM Pro. I'm a big fan of the reliability that comes with an inertia driven gun like the Benelli M2. So I've been playing with the Stoeger M3000 after reading Patrick Kelley's article on getting the M3000 3-gun ready in the January 2014 copy of shooting Illustrated. Here is a breakdown comparing what I see as the two least expensive options for a semi auto shotgun to get you started.
Mossberg costs $650 if you can find one and you still need to weld the lifter for $50. Total $700
Stoeger costs $450, oversized safety $25, mag tube $80, mag tube clamp $30 , oversized bolt handle $30, hi viz front sight $30. Total $645
Both guns need the loading port opened up.
Stoeger doesn't need the lifter welded.
Stoeger's forearm shape doesn't interfere with quad loading as much.
Mossberg safety is ambi.
Stoeger safety isn't reversible.
Mossberg is gas operated.
Stoeger is inertia operated.
Both could benefit from a softer recoil pad.
Stoeger has more recoil than Mossberg.
Mossberg costs $650 if you can find one and you still need to weld the lifter for $50. Total $700
Stoeger costs $450, oversized safety $25, mag tube $80, mag tube clamp $30 , oversized bolt handle $30, hi viz front sight $30. Total $645
Both guns need the loading port opened up.
Stoeger doesn't need the lifter welded.
Stoeger's forearm shape doesn't interfere with quad loading as much.
Mossberg safety is ambi.
Stoeger safety isn't reversible.
Mossberg is gas operated.
Stoeger is inertia operated.
Both could benefit from a softer recoil pad.
Stoeger has more recoil than Mossberg.