I haven't been in the shotgun market for a long time but I've been a big Remington fan for the last almost 40 years. I am a very avid turkey hunter and have been using a 12ga 11-87 Super Magnum (camo Special Purpose) since the 1990's. Unfortunately, production of this gun and its parts was discontinued around 2020 plus the bankruptcy. I know there were issues with some of these, especially with repeated 3.5" shell use. I actually had some issues of my own with one last year that I was lucky enough to be able to find parts for but it's just going to get harder and harder to find parts. I have not kept up with all the latest and greatest offerings from shotgun manufacturers over the last 2 decades but I'm starting to think about getting something new for my turkey gun. I have always been a dedicated green blooded Remington fan tried and true, but would consider something different if the quality and dependability was proven. I haven't purchased a new shotgun in over 20 years. In today's market, what would be the top recommended camo 12ga 3.5" auto-loading models? I don't want to discuss 12ga vs. 20ga or 3.5" vs. 3", I already know I want a 12ga 3.5" auto-loader. I want something dependable, good quality, not too heavy, and common enough I can find parts for if needed. What should I be looking at? Thanks for any feedback.
Benelli super black eagle 3
Mossy 935. It will put up GREAT numbers at 40 with the Back bored barrel and plenty of chokes available.
Depends on your budget. If you want absolute best and most reliable Beretta A400 Extreme in a gas gun. Benelli SBE 3 in inertia gun.
If you want best value Winchester SX4 in gas gun, Franchi Affinity 3.5 in inertia.
Having said that, in my experience the Remington Versamax was incredibly reliable with none of the issues that plagued the 1187 SuperMags.
I have had or shot most mentioned.
My favorite overall is my Browning Maxus 2.
Light and soft shooting.
I dont think you could go wrong with the SBE3, A400, or A5. All are awesome guns.
Also read great things about the Mossberg 940.
Quote from: highball on December 23, 2025, 03:16:31 PMBenelli super black eagle 3
X2, most reliable action on the market. Never had a misfire/jam with the Benelli Montefeltro bolt action system. Super smooth for sure. Good luck, you'll get a lot of great advice on this one....
Shot a Winchester X-2 for years and never had an issue with it.
Browning Maxus 2 is what I have. I've shot waterfowl, doves and plenty of turkeys. I really liked the way the gun shouldered which was the reason I bought it. It's been reliable and eats all kinds of loads.
ANY of the Winchester gas guns. They're all bulletproof.
Super X2
Super X3
Super X4
Another vote for the Winchester SX line. I have 4 of them
Franchi affinity3.
All of them listed are very good. I would go to store pick them up hold them see what one fits you the best. That will make a world of difference.
Thank you for all the great advice!! I've never held a versamax or most of the others mentioned here. I'm on a budget but don't mind paying for quality. Heck, I blow a lot of cash chasing birds all season already. Would there be any preference in a turkey gun as far as gas vs. recoil operated action?
And do all of these manufactures offer a shorter 21-23" turkey barrel option over the standard 26 or 28"?
Thanks!!
Winchester SX4. I've used a lot of different make and model and for myself it's the best package.
I have a versamax that has digested everything, EXCEPT some 2.75" Federal "upland high velocity" that my hunting buddy was trying for pheasants. They were loaded to like 1500fps for 1.25oz or something nuts. They were too hot with all of the gas ports exposed in my V-max. If you ever plan to shoot 2.75" TSS, it may or may not work for you. I would also not describe it as fitting the "not too heavy" category. I bought mine as my primary waterfowl gun so weight was appreciated. I've shot light 12ga dove loads to 3.5 waterfowl loads without a hiccup except for the day I tried the "hot 6s".
Quote from: Full_Fan on December 30, 2025, 02:19:37 PMThank you for all the great advice!! I've never held a versamax or most of the others mentioned here. I'm on a budget but don't mind paying for quality. Heck, I blow a lot of cash chasing birds all season already. Would there be any preference in a turkey gun as far as gas vs. recoil operated action?
And do all of these manufactures offer a shorter 21-23" turkey barrel option over the standard 26 or 28"?
Thanks!!
I like the suggestion someone made about the franchi affinity . A good choice for a good quality-price. But for a shorter barrel, I think mossberg will be the ones offering the most options for short barrels.
Quote from: Full_Fan on December 30, 2025, 02:19:37 PMThank you for all the great advice!! I've never held a versamax or most of the others mentioned here. I'm on a budget but don't mind paying for quality. Heck, I blow a lot of cash chasing birds all season already. Would there be any preference in a turkey gun as far as gas vs. recoil operated action?
And do all of these manufactures offer a shorter 21-23" turkey barrel option over the standard 26 or 28"?
Thanks!!
Winchester makes a 24" barrel model of the SX4
Benelli m2 20 gauge all day
Benelli super black eagle 2
SX4. I picked up one a couple seasons ago and love it. I did have an issue when I first got it with loading 3.5 shells into the mag tube, it was really tight. Sent it back to Winchester and they fixed it for free and was a quick turn around. Shoots dead on with the bead and patterns great. 100% reliable so far. Would buy again, but would have got one already factory drilled and tapped. Good luck in your quest!