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Need a reccomandation for a 3-Gun semi auto shotgun

3812 Views 21 Replies 1 Participant Last post by  ShotgunPro
HEy all,
As the title says i am looking into 3-gun competition now after having done pistol for a while. I have my rifle (M&P 15) and my pistol (Sig P226) selected and ready to go. My issue now is that i know almost nothing about shotguns, the only shotguns i have ever fired are my friends SPAS-12 and single shot 20ga.
From what i understand in looking for a 3-gun shotgun i should be looking at an inertia driven semi auto. I have looked at inertia driven shotguns (or tried to) and all i ever seem to come up with is a Benelli M2 with reference to 3-gun. Now while i would LOVE to have one of those i really cant afford one. So what i would like is some input from you guys on some reliable shotguns for 3-gun that aren't in the Bellini price range.
As always, thanks in advance.
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just a suggestion - you don't have to go with a semi. You can use a pump, it will be in "riot gun" class (so you won't be competing against times for semis). Now obviously semi is faster, but I enjoy doing multi gun with pump - maybe for same reasons I like single stack - I like all the extra actions and thinking. I have just been using what I have - Mossberg 500 with 18 inch barrel - couple years ago I bought a combo pack with 18 and 28 barrels at Big5.
Hey, unfortunately to get into the pump gun division i have to be running a .308 rifle.
Here is a link to the rules for the diferent divisions:
Rules
I have no complaints out of my Winchester SX3, it's probably my favorite shotgun. Shoots like a dream.

A cheap semi auto that is also excellent (my wife has one) if a H&R EXcell auto. I bought it for $300 at Wally World. It's super light as well and shoots great!!

Would be cheap to see if you like it......
Hey, unfortunately to get into the pump gun division i have to be running a .308 rifle.
Here is a link to the rules for the diferent divisions: Rules
not sure how you see that - every division in your link except one lists "Shotgun - 12 Gauge or 20 Gauge Pump Action or Semi-Auto". Only heavy metal is unique and it says "12 Gauge Pump Action only". So pump is fine in any division.

Different clubs list them differently but all are based on same. I don't have a carbine (yet, thinking of doing an AR kit), so I shoot pistol "single stack" with my pump in "riot limited". Your link calls that "Pistol Only" with "Shotgun (optional) - 12 Gauge or 20 Gauge Pump Action or Semi-Auto".
930 JM Pro. A lot of shotgun for the money. Ready to go for 3 gun.
What class are you going to shoot in?

Tac Irons/ Tac Optics:
Most common shotgun you see in 3 gun is Benelli M2 because they are tanks. @ $1,000

Remington Versa Max is what Daniel Horner #1 uses. I really like this gun with the gas system design but it isn't as proven as the M2. @ $1,000

The Jerry Miculek 930 SPX is a great value but it isn't ready out of the box. You still need to get a filled lifter and it helps to have it drilled out and polished so you dont cut your hand up. You will need to do these things with most any gun out of the box. @ $600

Open:

Siaga (they are famous for not working)

MKA 1919 Pretty new to the game but Firebird precision is making some awesome ones for under $2,500 finished.

Any of the guns above with x-rail system.


I spent a day shooting a 930 SPX JM and didn't have a single problem but the more expensive M2 might be the best bet. Try to get a used one for cheaper its better then buying a shotgun then regretting it.
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Also I just make friends with rich 3 gunners and you will be surprised how much stuff they will share. I got a deal with a neighbor that he can you my rifle I can use his M2 both are build for competition.
not sure how you see that - every division in your link except one lists "Shotgun - 12 Gauge or 20 Gauge Pump Action or Semi-Auto"..
Sorry, I was meaning if i went pump i would not be competitive. Sorry for the confusion. I've talked to the guys running the events and apparently no one outside of the heavy metal uses pumps.

billdogg - That is an interesting shotgun, i'm gonna have to look closer at that thanks for the info.

BradXDM45c - I had looked at the SX3 but heard bad things about the gas system under hard use at 3-gun shoots.

TCS_XDM - Thanks for the great rundown on equipment. Could you explain thish though as like i said, i dont know much about the shotgun world. Just starting to look at it.
"You still need to get a filled lifter and it helps to have it drilled out and polished "
I'd recommend saving your money and buying correctly from the start. Try to find a used M2. To keep from going into open class, keep the magazine to 8 rounds. Whatever you buy out of the box will need an extended magazine to be competitive. The main issue with the shotgun in 3-gun isn't marksmanship as much as the ability to reload quickly. The less you have to reload, the better. The faster you can reload, the better.
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Easier to show in a picture then explain. Here is a 3 Gun Shotgun so you can load fast without skinning your thumb.


Here is a lifter that hasn't been filled and welded. and notice it also hasnt been ground out and polished.



Sorry 1 photo is huge and 1 is tiny. That lift gate will grab the skin on your thumb and if your trying to load fast which is where a lot of time is made up in 3 gun you can skin your thumb really quickly.
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What class are you going to shoot in?
The Jerry Miculek 930 SPX is a great value but it isn't ready out of the box. You still need to get a filled lifter and it helps to have it drilled out and polished so you dont cut your hand up. You will need to do these things with most any gun out of the box. @ $600

I spent a day shooting a 930 SPX JM and didn't have a single problem but the more expensive M2 might be the best bet. Try to get a used one for cheaper its better then buying a shotgun then regretting it.
Just want to add that the SPX and JM series are 2 separate shotguns. The SPX is more HD while the JM is more competition. I just want to make sure OP doesn't get confused when researching the 930.
Just want to add that the SPX and JM series are 2 separate shotguns. The SPX is more HD while the JM is more competition. I just want to make sure OP doesn't get confused when researching the 930.
Your right my bad. I always thought the the base model was 930 SPX and JM was the specific edition.
930 JM Pro. A lot of shotgun for the money. Ready to go for 3 gun.
I want one of these for to start 3 gun myself, I was thinking of the 9 shot should qualify in the limited class.
I want one of these for to start 3 gun myself, I was thinking of the 9 shot should qualify in the limited class.
As per official rules, the magazine can only hold a maximum of 8 rounds, so the best you can do is 8 in the mag and 1 in the pipe. Anymore than 8 in the magazine and you're bumped up to open class.
As per official rules, the magazine can only hold a maximum of 8 rounds, so the best you can do is 8 in the mag and 1 in the pipe. Anymore than 8 in the magazine and you're bumped up to open class.
OP's link for his club shows Tactical Class at 10 +1, all others are 8+1, except Open as you said.

I'm down 3 with my pump, 5+1. Have thought about loading my own shells at about 1/4 inch shorter, that would let me add one more for 6+1.
I think Tactical Class is 10 +1, all others are 8+1, except Open as you said.
Your club may do things differently, but as per USPSA rules, only open division can have more than 8 in the magazine.

Read the USPSA rules and scroll down to Appendix A where it is spelled out for each division for each weapon:

uspsa.org/rules/2011_Multigun_Rules 12_15_2010.pdf
Your club may do things differently, but as per USPSA rules, only open division can have more than 8 in the magazine.

Read the USPSA rules and scroll down to Appendix A where it is spelled out for each division for each weapon:

uspsa.org/rules/2011_Multigun_Rules 12_15_2010.pdf
opps, I was not clear - was referencing OP's club rules in my last post. Now edited to be better. Anyway, no worries here - my club follows USPSA to the letter. As I wrote, I am low rounds no matter what rules with a pump - but it is always fun :)
That's where shotgun rules get confusing. It all depends on what rule set your match director is using. USPSA, outlaw 3 gun, etc. Generally 8+1 will keep you out of open.
Some info on the JM series 930 for OP. Comes in either 22" 8+1 or 24" 9+1. Nordic extension with Nordic clamp and spring. Fiber optic front sight. Beveled loading port. 4lb trigger with overtravel stop. Chromed gas system, hammer, and sear. Oversized bolt handle and release button. Also comes with shims to adjust the stock, and 3 total chokes. One thing that should be done is welding the lifter. I haven't had mine bite me yet though.

I broke it in with 100 rounds of high brass shot and slugs. During the break in, I had 1 light primer hit.

I paid $580 and $6 shipping from grabagun.com

The M2 is a great gun also, but you're almost paying twice as much if you're on a budget. Just wondering if the M2 needs anything added. Does it come with as extended mag tube? Other than the 3 gun edition (which is $$$), I've only seen the standard 5 shot M2 online.
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